Lee Bowyer told the Birmingham Mail he could easily have settled for an easy life by snubbing a move to Birmingham and remaining with West Ham. Bowyer made a good impression during a five-month loan spell last season, helping Blues force their way to runners-up spot in the Championship and promotion. "I only had one spell at West Ham where I had a dodgy tendon in my right thigh," the 32 year old recalled.

"I had to have the tendon released. I think it was misdiagnosed but that happens.

"It's not a bad record over 13 years and I don't think anyone can question my work-rate and fitness.

"I was just unlucky in the middle spell at West Ham. I just like playing and enjoying my football. Days like Saturday's make waking up on Sunday mornings worthwhile.

"I wouldn't say I took a gamble coming to Birmingham. They were unlucky to go down the season before last.

"All I wanted to do was to get playing football again. For one reason or another, they didn't want to extend my contract at West Ham and I came here. It's turned out to be a good thing for all parties.

"A few players might have been happy to pick up their money. But that's not me. It would have been easy to do it because London is my home.

"But I didn't want to be sitting watching football. I'll be doing that when I finish playing. But you have to grab it and play as much as you possibly can, while you can."