A statement from Paul Elliott

Please see below a statement from Paul Elliott.

I wanted to write to fans at this time as I know everyone is hurting following the club’s relegation from the Championship.

The emotional ups and downs of Wednesday night were very tough and I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it was for the club’s loyal supporters.

I feel for everyone at the club: the fans, the players, the staff, who have been let down by previous lack of support and leadership from the club’s ownership.

The fans deserve better than a change in ownership every few months. There has been no stability and a lack of clarity on the club’s short-term and long-term future.

Lee Bowyer, his footballing staff and the players gave everything this season in very challenging circumstances and with just a little bit of support from above, maybe this season’s story would have had a different ending.

I also feel for the non-footballing staff who worked so hard to get games back on to give the club a chance of staying in this division and I’d like to thank them for their continued hard work and commitment to the club.

The key lesson to take from this season is that this club needs stability in ownership and that is what I will bring. My commitment to Charlton has not changed because of the relegation. I put money in to keep the club running in May and in June and will continue to do so. 

We are still awaiting EFL approval of the change in control of the club but once that comes through we will be in a position to outline our plans for the club and sit-down with fans to talk openly about our intentions for Charlton Athletic.

Our immediate plan is to support Lee Bowyer, Steve Gallen and the footballing staff in putting a squad in place that gives us the best opportunity for an immediate return to the Championship.

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