By Matthew Jones
May 24 2003

Sir Bobby Robson is confident over the signing of Lee Bowyer. "I intend giving Lee Bowyer a second chance", Said Robson, "Surely everybody deserves that". Sir Bobby Robson is convinced that Lee Bowyer can only get better - "his best years are ahead of him."

Newcastle United yesterday secured Bowyer on a free transfer from relegated West Ham United and Robson said, "I intend giving Lee Bowyer a second chance. Surely everybody deserves that. With our guidance, we will keep him right.

"I met him and his girlfriend on Thursday and I have to say I was very impressed by him.

"He seems a very quiet lad and, from what I have learned, what has happened in the past has been out of character.

"I believe we are giving him the chance of a fresh start and one we are confident he will grasp with both feet.

"With our guidance, the support of his team-mates and his friends, we are confident he will be a huge asset to our football club."

Bowyer said: "I am really looking forward to joining Newcastle and playing under Sir Bobby Robson in a very good team in front of great supporters.

"Last season I fulfilled a boyhood dream of playing for West Ham but was left frustrated when injury kept me sidelined for the final few weeks of the season.

"I was disappointed West Ham fans didn't see the best of me, but I hope they bounce back straight away into the Premier League."

Bowyer signed for Newcastle after Newcastle staff fought off Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Robson said: "I was amazed at the speed in which the chairman turned this around, it even caught me on the hop!

"Lee Bowyer is a very good player, no doubt about it. He has a touch of the Rob Lee about him.

"I watched him many, many times for Leeds and more often than not he was outstanding.

"He is not the biggest lad but has a great engine and a big talent.

"Of course, he has to look after himself too! We are prepared to look after him, give him some help - but at the same time he has to look after himself.

"I am fully aware he is coming here with some baggage, but I repeat to you - we are confident we can handle him.

"His ability is not and has never been in question. We have a multi-national squad. We are proud of that and I certainly wouldn't do anything to jeopardise that.

"We are trying to improve this side all the time, we are determined to make indentations into Manchester United and Arsenal's advantage."