Former Sunderland owner to complete Charlton takeover

Looks like a very unpopular figure from Sunderland's past is set to re-emerge despite his previous denials.

Former Sunderland director and part-owner Charlie Methven will complete a £10million takeover of Charlton Athletic, claim fresh reports.

Methven has previously denied all intention to buy the Addicks but, as we know with him, that generally doesn’t mean a lot, and The Athletic claim the consortium he leads is close to completing a takeover of the London club.

The report claims Methven’s SE7 Partners are set to complete the deal, although most of the cash is being put up by a US investor.

Despite Methven’s denials, he appears to have been laying the groundwork for the takeover for some time.

Ed Warwick, Methven’s partner in SE7, was appointed Charlton finance director recently. Meanwhile, former Sunderland CEO Jim Rodwell, who worked with Methven at the north east club, was appointed new chief operating officer.

In typical Methven style, it appears the initial investment – which won’t be being put up by him – will not be enough to bring The Valley and training ground back into the club’s ownership.

Credit: Sunderland AFC

They are both owned by Roland Duchatelet, who sold the club four years ago.

Instead, it looks like Methven is trying to repeat the trick he failed to complete at Sunderland, which was a cheap buy, quick promotion to the Championship, and then selling on at a quick profit.

He was a minority owner at Sunderland but a very figure behind the scenes. His involvement at the club saw costs cut to a minimum and the academy largely asset-stripped, with the likes of Sam Greenwood, Bali Mumba and Joe Hugill all sold on. 

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