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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dom Smith

Charlton fans ‘sceptical’ over latest ownership change as supporters’ trust pledge scrutiny

The Charlton Athletic Supporters’ Trust [CAST] say they remain “sceptical” about the club’s prospective new owners, following the succession of “poor owners” at The Valley.

A consortium put together by former Sunderland director Charlie Methven and financed by American investors Gabriel Brener and Joshua Friedman has agreed a deal to buy Charlton from current owner Thomas Sandgaard.

The deal is subject to EFL approval but should it be given the go ahead then the SE7 group will be the fourth set of owners at Charlton in as many years.

Charlton fans have been burned by their experiences under Roland Duchatelet, East Street Investments and Sandgaard, and CAST said: “Over the past 10 years, Charlton have suffered under a succession of poor owners.

“Fans have become increasingly sceptical regarding promises and fine words at the outset that do not translate into action.

“At CAST we will maintain such a position and scrutinise not only what SE7 Partners say but also what they do – providing this deal concludes successfully.”

Charlton fans are wary of Methven, who was an unpopular figure among Sunderland supporters and is well-known for his role in the ‘Sunderland 'Til I Die’ documentary.

CAST have been told that former Sunderland chief executive Jim Rodwell is set be installed as chairman and lead the day-to-day running of the club.

Rodwell has told CAST that Methven “will have a small stake in the club”, and that he “will be on the holding company board and will not have a day-to-day executive role”.

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