‘It will be an exciting new era’ – Dean Holden on imminent Charlton Athletic takeover

Charlton Athletic manager Dean Holden feels there is excitement over the impending arrival of SE7 Partners as the club’s new owners.

We reported earlier today that SE7 Partners’ takeover of the League One outfit had passed all of the EFL tests but the final delay is that the FA need to sign off on them also taking control of Charlton Women. That had been expected to happen today and is not seen as any kind of complication – appearing more a question of when, not if, Thomas Sandgaard relinquishes control.

SE7 Partners will own 100 per cent of the club and former Sunderland part-owner Charlie Methven, who will have a small stake, was at Tuesday night’s friendly at Gillingham. Jim Rodwell, set to be very prominently placed once the takeover is completely done and dusted, was also in attendance.

“We’ve all heard the rumours and we know it is really close now,” said Holden. “But until we hear something absolutely 100 per cent from the club (it isn’t done). We’re at a point where I think everyone is just really excited. Thomas’ reign looks like it is coming to an end and the new guys are in town, so to speak. It is an exciting time for the club.”

Charlton made Ipswich Town midfielder Panutche Camara their fourth signing of the summer transfer window on a season-long loan earlier today.

Asked if SE7 Partners completing their deal will smooth transfers, Holden said: “Of course it will help clarity at the club. From a logistical point of view it might speed a few things up with transfers – because at the moment we’re having to go through more people to get sign off, we have to respect the process.

“It will bring complete clarity to supporters, players and staff, both at The Valley and training ground. Yeah, it’s a new era and along with some of the new signings there is a nice bit of optimism building.”

PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS