Charlton fans have been disturbed by reports that Matt Southall is to be appointed chief executive officer and possibly chief financial officer by the prospective new owners of Birmingham City: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paul-richardson-reveals-matt-southall-24528566
He is described in the article as 'controversial' which is a mild term as far as Charlton fans are concerned.
Lee Bowyer reckons that nothing he may face at Birmingham City could compare with what he had to endure at Charlton: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11694/12262097/lee-bowyer-i-hope-there-will-be-no-problems-at-birmingham-like-those-i-endured-at-charlton
Lee Bowyer has said that it was tough to leave Charlton, but he told Blues TV that Birmingham City are a 'massive' club and he is confident that he can restore their fortunes: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lee-bowyer-on-his-call-to-quit-charlton-athletic-to-take-boss-job-at-birmingham-city/
The usually reliable Richard Cawley of the SLP has had it suggested to him that Lee Bowyer has resigned as Charlton manager. He is following the report up and I will update.
Bowyer told the whole squad that he was leaving this morning. It would appear that he has got the Blews and is going to Birmingham City. Midlands sources are confirming that Karanka has gone and Bowyer is a former Blues player.
Nearly three years in charge, 157 games in charge, win percentage 41 per cent.
Louis Mendez has commented: 'Personally sad to see Bowyer go, think overall his time in charge was very positive for the club. Will never forget Wembley.'
If it is true, one group of fans will be rending their shirts, others will be opening a celebratory battle and some of us will be asking, who next?
That is the crucial question now. As VOTV editor Rick Everitt has commented: 'Unfortunately, Lee Bowyer’s departure from #cafc had become inevitable. He’ll be remembered fondly for his first two years in charge, but it was evident he wasn’t going to turn things round. All such changes judged on what happens next, though.'
Presumably Johnnie Jackson will have to prepare the team for tomorrow night, but I do not see him as a long term solution. This is an opportunity for a fresh start.
However, one does not want a rushed appointment. It has been suggested that Curbs and Steve Brown could see out the season and perhaps they could do something with this group of players, but they may not want it.
As for a permanent replacement, one has to be realistic about who would come to a League One club. A foreign (Danish or American?) manager is one possibility. The Cowley brothers are available and might come
