“It’s emotional leaving” – Lee Bowyer on quitting as Charlton Athletic manager

Charlton Athletic have confirmed Lee Bowyer has stepped down as manager – with owner Thomas Sandgaard saying the priority is to land the best successor.

The 44-year-old resigned on Monday morning and broke the news to the playing squad.

Bowyer is expected to be appointed by Birmingham City, who sacked Aitor Karanka on Sunday.

Bowyer led Charlton to promotion via the League One play-offs in 2019, his first full season in charge, and they came close to staying in the Championship despite then owner Roland Duchatelet not increasing the playing budget.

He would have clocked up three years in the job at the start of next week but leaves with the SE7 outfit’s play-off hopes looking slim.

Assistant manager Johnnie Jackson will take charge for tomorrow’s home game against Bristol Rovers.

Bowyer told Charlton’s official website: “It was a difficult decision to leave. Everyone knows how I feel about the club. I could have gone before, but I felt it was the right thing to do to stay and help the club through the tough times we’ve been through. 

“We had some amazing times and some tough times. It has been emotional leaving. I’d like to thank all the players that I’ve worked with and the staff for the hours and hours of hard work that they did. I also want to thank the supporters. We wouldn’t have had those great memories without them. 

“The club is now in a place with a good owner that cares and wants to improve the place and I hope the club can continue to grow. It will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Sandgaard, who bought Charlton in late September, said: “I would like to thank Lee for everything he has done for Charlton. I have enjoyed working with him and wish him the best for his future. Our focus now is on finding the correct replacement to take this club forward.”