Lee Bowyer signs new Charlton Athletic contract until summer of 2023

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lee Bowyer has signed a new three-year contract at Charlton Athletic.

The Addicks boss had been due to be a free agent at the start of July but East Street Investments, who took over the running of the club at the start of this month, had always made it clear they wanted to secure him on longer terms.

Bowyer’s contract now runs until the summer of 2023.

Bowyer said: “I’m delighted.

“It’s something I’ve been looking forward to getting done and it’s been a long while coming. The most important thing now is that the club can start building and moving forward.

“This is a good club with great tradition. We have great fans, I have great staff around me and I’ve got players that give me everything, so everything to do with this club is positive. Now the new owners have come in and we’re going to have some funds. It’s all a manager wants – good people around you who want to win and go forwards.”

Executive chairman Matt Southall said: “We’re obviously delighted Lee has signed a new deal. From day one, he was always our priority and while it may have taken a couple of weeks, I’m sure this will be by far the best piece of business we do in the January window.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Lee, he understands our model and our philosophy for the club and what we want to achieve. Our ambitions are the same as his and that’s strengthening every aspect of the club to make sure he and the team have true foundations for success.

“He was already a Charlton legend but now he has the opportunity to build something very special at The Valley.”

Director Tahnoon Nimer said: “It was very important that Lee signed a new contract because he is the leader and somebody the players and the fans respect so much.

“Lee has built a young and exciting team who have already achieved success in getting promotion to the Championship but he wants more and we want more.

“Now people can see his commitment and we will do everything we can to back him.”