The Official Charlton website today confirmed news from last night that the Belgian bid for the club had completed.

Roland Duchatelet's company Staprix NV will acquire 100 per cent of the shares of the club. Richard Murray will become non-Executive Chairman, while previous Chairman Michael Slater, and Board members Tony Jiminez and Martin Prothero will make way shortly for what is expected to be a smaller Board than previously. It is unclear whether Prothero will continue at the club.

The departing Board which originally included Peter Varney led CAFC to a barn storming promotion in the their first full year, after appointing club hero Chris Powell to his first job in management, and conducting a major overhaul of the playing staff. The following season which saw Martin Prothero join after CEO Steve Kavanagh and Peter Varney departed as well as a number of long serving personnel, saw Powell's Charlton narrowly miss the playoffs,  in what was in all fairness a very tight league between bottom three and top six. During the period the club continued to lose circa £5m each year. The era also saw the emergence of fan organisation CAS Trust, after the supporters' Director role had been discontinued some years prior.

It is hoped by some fans that there is still time for new owners to inject new blood into the team and aim for a playoff spot although that may be quite a challenge. Also outstanding and causing concern to others is the state of the Valley pitch which appears to be suffering more than counterparts from the season's particularly bad weather.

Richard Murray speaks to Trust Board members at recent back to the Valley 21 event

Richard Murray who returns as Chairman but in a non-executive role is quoted on the official site as follows:

“I look forward to using my long experience in English football to continue to represent the club that has been my passion for many years. Charlton can benefit from Roland’s experience in many different ways.”

A brief statement from CAS Trust will follow later.

TN