CHARLTON ATHLETIC has been sold to East Street Investments from Abu Dhabi.
The club confirmed the sale in a statement this morning, with the new consortium immediately giving their full backing to boss Lee Bowyer after he was pursued by Cardiff City.
Chalrton Athletic has been sold to a consortium from Abu DhabiCredit: PA:Empics Sport
SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that the club was available for £60million.
And delighted fans crashed Charlton’s official website as they flocked to rejoice in the knowledge that hated owner Roland Duchatelet had finally relinquished control of the Championship side after almost six years at the helm.
There is a new director in His Excellency Tahnoon Nimer, who is the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Business Development – the private office of Sheikh Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.
He is the majority shareholder in East Street Investments and will sit on the new board.
Joining him as another director is Jonathan Heller, while Matt Southall is Charlton’s new chairman.
The Addicks are currently 17th in the Championship table, having won just six of their opening 18 games.
However, it looks like there’s exciting times ahead after East Street Investments vowed to restore the pride of all fans, players and staff.
A statement from Southall was published on Charlton’s website.
It read: “We are proud and delighted to announce East Street Investments have agreed the purchase of Charlton Athletic Football Club.
“We are privileged to take ownership of such an historic club and it is incredibly exciting to be part of the process of building a fresh future for the fans, loyal club staff and players of Charlton Athletic.
Lee Bowyer has received the full backing of Charlton’s new ownersCredit: PA:Empics Sport
“While we may be the club owners, truly we are only the custodians. The true spirit of this football club rests with the fans, it is nothing without them.
“Their support throughout some difficult times both recently and in the past has been inspirational and we want to build on that loyalty.
“Our priority will be immediate contact with fan groups in order that their views play a major role in the club going forward.
“We believe the football side of the club is in excellent hands with Lee Bowyer and what he and the players had achieved following promotion has been outstanding.
“We will do everything possible to support Lee’s vision and ambitions.
“We would like to thank Roland Duchatelet, his team and the directors for helping to facilitate a quick and smooth sale.
Charlton could be set for some big investments from the Abu Dhabi-based groupCredit: Reuters
“They leave the club with solid foundations on which we can invest and build.
“Any deal of this kind is subject to the approval of the EFL and we are now working closely with them on the final details to satisfy their Owners’ and Directors’ Test.
“Until that has been received, we will be making no further comment.
“But please be assured we intend to do everything within our power to bring back a true sense of pride to Charlton Athletic Football Club which is the least the fans, future generations of supporters and the community deserve.”
Fans couldn’t believe what they were reading, with one saying: “Best Black Friday news ever.”
Another tweeted: “I CAN’T BELIEVE MY EYES.”
One wrote: “OH MY GODDDDDD THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY EVER.”
Another quipped: “You’ve done better with that first statement that the previous incumbent in his whole time here.
“Be interested, use the goodwill of the fans and invest a little… we can go a long way with this team. COME ON YOU REDS!!”
One exclaimed: “Oh yes that’s made my day.”
Another added: “YESSSSSS!!!!! WE’VE GOT OUR CHARLTON BACK.”
Roland Duchatelet has sold up after buying the club in 2014Credit: Getty
Charlton heroes sing Twist and Shout during wild dressing room scenes after play-off drama
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
