STOP PRESS
Within a couple of hours of publishing the article below, we learnt that the Charlie Methven-led deal had collapsed. Thomas Sandgaard has spoken to Richard Cawley of the South London Press about it:
https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/thomas-sandgaard-on-the-breakdown-in-takeover-talks-with-charlie-methvens-group/
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We thought this might be a week of answers, but instead it has become more murky. No official statement has emerged from the club. The last we heard directly from Thomas Sandgaard was at the December Fans’ Forum. He is quoted on the official club website on the January player signings but nothing further.
We do know that Thomas’ mother, who lives in Denmark, is seriously ill so that will undoubtedly be his priority right now. Whatever we may think of his desire and ability to run our football club, we send sincere best wishes to him and the family at such a difficult time.
The Athletic reported in a news round-up on 6th February that a Charlie Methven-led consortium was poised to takeover the club. We understand that the group had an exclusivity period to negotiate with Thomas Sandgaard until at least the end of January. Yet here we are now ten days into February. Is the exclusivity still in place or has that now expired without a deal being concluded? If it has expired, that would suggest a takeover is not close by this reported group and may open the way for others.
In the meantime, Sunderland fans have taken to social media in large numbers, warning about their torrid time when Methven held a senior position at their club. At CAST, we maintain close links with Supporters’ Trusts and fan groups at other clubs and keep ourselves as apprised as possible of the ‘modus operandi’ of any individuals who have set their sights on Charlton.
If you are not already among the 2,700 Charlton supporters who are members of CAST, do join today - it only costs £5 annually.