RIP Theo Foley

The club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Charlton player and manager Theo Foley at the age of 83.

Foley first arrived at The Valley as a player in 1967, but made his biggest impact on the touchline for the Addicks. He began coaching alongside then-manager Eddie Firmani and took over the mantle as Charlton boss in 1970 following Firmani’s departure.

He spent four years in the dugout in SE7 and was responsible for signing a number of players who would go on to become Charlton legends, most notably Derek Hales, Colin Powell and Mike Flanagan.

Latterly, Foley would prove to be an extremely popular character around The Valley in his role as a matchday host in the club’s hospitality lounges and was in regular attendance at games until 2019 when his health prevented him from doing so.

As well as representing Charlton during his playing days, he also played for Burnley, Northampton Town and Exeter City and earned six caps for the Republic of Ireland.

His post-playing career also saw him play assistant to Gordon Jago at Millwall and reserve team coach at Queens Park Rangers where he met George Graham. Alongside Graham, he would make a return to Millwall before the duo caught the eye of Arsenal, who brought the pair to Highbury in 1986.

He is remembered fondly by the Gunners for assisting Graham towards their first league title in 18 years in 1989 and his coaching career continued with spells as Northampton manager, as well as coaching stints with Southend United, Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Club legend Keith Peacock, who played under Foley, said: “It’s a very sad day. I know I speak on behalf of so many players, in particular, who he coached and managed when I say he will be truly missed.

“For me personally, Theo was so influential in my career taking off in the late 60s. He was a real character who gave his heart and soul to the game.

“Right up until recently, he was still coming to games and was so popular with all the fans he came across. He will be sorely missed and my condolences are with his family.”

Everyone involved with Charlton Athletic wish to extend their condolences to Theo’s family at this time.

 

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