Another Charlton Athletic takeover…but this time Thomas Sandgaard is acquiring the women’s team
Thomas Sandgaard is set to take over as owner of Charlton Athletic Women – subject to approval from the FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship competition rules.
The US-based Danish businessman is already in control of the men’s side and it would bring the two clubs under the same ownership for the first time since 2007.
Sandgaard, who bought the Addicks in late September, said: “I am looking forward to being able to complete the takeover of Charlton Athletic Women. I have loved my first few months in charge of the club and people will have probably seen that I’ve been bitten by the Charlton bug.
“One of the first things I did when I was in London after the takeover was go and watch Charlton Athletic Women play (main picture) and I knew then that I wanted to bring the two clubs back together.
“Women’s football is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and you can see that a lot of the big clubs are investing in their women’s team. My long-term aims for Charlton is to reach the highest levels with both the men’s team and the women’s team, so I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Charlton Women controversially disbanded in 2007 and were kept afloat initially by Charlton Athletic Community Trust and then by Charlton fan and local businessman Stephen King.
King said: “I am delighted to be able to direct Charlton Athletic Women into such safe hands.
“The last 10 years has been an exciting yet challenging time in charge with some great highs, including the promotion in 2018 and turning semi-professional. There have been very difficult periods, none more challenging than the current pandemic.
“Women’s football is growing at pace, and so are the demands on those running these clubs. I am pleased and relieved that Charlton Athletic Women have been able to come through it, and I am convinced the club now has a very positive future to look forward to under the stewardship of Mr Sandgaard.”
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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