Charlton AthleticSport

Andrew Muir’s consortium facing final test which needs to be passed to become new owners of Charlton Athletic

By Richard Cawley

Andrew Muir’s takeover of Charlton Athletic is in the final straight – as the Australian tycoon’s consortium wait to pass the ‘fit and proper’ owner’s test.

That is the final hurdle in the way of the Addicks being under new control and ending the hugely unpopular reign of Roland Duchatelet.

The EFL [English Football League] only have one panel who sit to drill down into the final detail of a buyer’s credentials – checking for any criminal or financial issues which could see them block a takeover – and they had been processing an application from Stewart Donald, who is purchasing League One newcomers Sunderland.

But that deal now looks done, which means Muir’s move for Charlton – nearly a year in the 

making after protracted talks with Duchatelet – is next on their agenda. 

Charlton Athletic v Shrewsbury Town, SkyBet League 1 Play-Off Semi Final 1st Leg, The Valley, 10 May 2018.
Image by Keith Gillard

The EFL can call in other authorities if they find something which needs to be examined in more detail.

“People ask how long the process takes – how long is a piece of string?” was the response from an EFL source. “It could be two hours, two weeks or two months before a decision is reached.”

But all the indications point to Charlton’s ownership changing hands even as early as this week.

Muir is set to take on the role of chairman – a title that was shunned by Duchatelet, the Belgian’s visits to The Valley were nearly entirely non-matchdays even before disgruntled supporters railed against his running of the SE7 outfit.

It is understood that business associate Gerard Murphy will be chief executive with Paul Elliott, who began his playing days with the Addicks, on the board in a non-executive capacity.

Right near the top of the to-do list for the new regime will be to appoint a full-time manager.

Lee Bowyer, who had done the role in a caretaker capacity for the past couple of months, has already indicated he would only stay on if he was given the top job.

And the former Addicks midfielder is seriously under consideration for the role – his claims strengthened by the way he pepped up the club’s flagging fortunes to secure a League One play-off place.

Chris Powell was also sounded out about a return to The Valley by the consortium before he returned to management with Southend United in January.

Pundit Chris Powell

The Addicks fans’ favourite made a huge success of his first managerial post when he led the South Londoners to the League One title in 2012.

Powell still has two years left to run on his deal with the Shrimpers and it is not clear whether he would be prepared to leave his current post.

Both men have strong links to Charlton and appointing either would be a positive first step by Muir, who will want to fuel a feel-good vibe when Duchatelet’s exit is confirmed.

Muir seemed intent on sending out the message he was close to completing his takeover when he attended the Addicks’ play-off semi-final first leg against Shrewsbury Town, sitting with Murphy and Elliott in the directors’ box.

7 thoughts on “Andrew Muir’s consortium facing final test which needs to be passed to become new owners of Charlton Athletic

  • I would prefer Powell as we have to get out of this league in this coming season… it’s a Must! Bowyer did a grand enough job but Powell’s done it before and is vastly more experienced . Would he come? Only time will tell

    Reply
  • Sooner late than never.

    Reply
  • OK lets get a move on before we are left with not being able to sign new players, as they have all been snapped up.
    I think Lee Bowyer is the man for the job.

    Reply
  • THANK GOD!!! CAN’T HAPPEN SOON ENOUGH!

    Reply
  • HURRY IT UP I CANNOT WAIT TO BUY A SEASON TICKET AGAIN

    Reply
  • Stability, goodwill and engagement with a close knit football community will be enhanced with this consortium. As an Australian supporter of your club I believe Lee Bowyers appointment as manager will be by far the best option. I would love Harry Kewell to be there but the home grown Bowyer will be by far the best choice for some long term stability

    Reply
  • Australian David

    I am also a fellow Australia I have a real interest in your club Charlton Athletic . I’m pleased the new owner will be a Australian Consortium led by Andrew Muir’s.

    The question is What is Charlton Athletic short and long term goal. Short term it is to get a quality Striker as that was the clubs weakness in the playoffs.
    Long term what is the goal and that is a good solid English club that will play quality young Australians for the future of Australian Football. Is Lee Bowyer capable of working his team around the long term goal, I hope so, That is why Harry Kewel is so often mentioned he will work on long term plan.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.