Dean Holden comments on ‘improved bid’ for Charlton Athletic from Charlie Methven-fronted consortium

Charlton Athletic manager Dean Holden has given his reaction to the latest takeover developments.

The Charlie Methven-fronted consortium, including American businessman Joshua Friedman, increased their offer for the Addicks to £10.5million on Thursday.

Addicks owner Thomas Sandgaard has been in negotiations with another group – led by another US bidder in Marc Spiegel – but that period of exclusivity has expired.

The South London Press had been told last week that Sandgaard was engaging with other interested parties.

Methven’s group had previously agreed a £9.5m deal in December to acquire the club which included Sandgaard retaining a 10 per cent stake in the SE7 outfit. Their new offer is for total control. Spiegel’s bid also did not include the US-based Dane retaining any stake.

When Methven’s consortium entered exclusivity there were a raft of changes with Dean Holden appointed as manager and also the arrival of Andy Scott (technical director), Jim Rodwell (COO) and Ed Warrick (finance director). Only Holden stayed in his post after Sandgaard called a halt to talks in February and the Mancunian signed a new long-term contract in March.

“I’m aware that group came back in, I think they may have improved their offer for the football club,” Holden told Charlton Live at the club’s end-of-season awards on Sunday. “I know them guys, everyone knows that.

“I think Thomas is in control. Thomas is someone I’m speaking to all the time. I’ve yet to speak to Thomas today (Sunday), I’m sure I’ll speak to Thomas tomorrow (Monday).

“Essentially Thomas wants what is best for the football club and wants to get a deal sorted. Let’s see what happens. I don’t want to sit on the fence and say I don’t know what’s going on, because I’ve heard certain things – but I don’t know everything.

“Ultimately this football club needs to have some clarity in terms of budget for next season, exactly where we’re going. We all know what we want to do. We know my remit this season was to stay up and next season to push on for the top six. Let’s hope that’s still the case.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS