Championship - Charlton sack Chris Powell

Chris Powell

Charlton have sacked manager Chris Powell following the Addicks’ 2-0 FA Cup defeat by Sheffield United at the weekend.

The fan-favourite and former Charlton defender has come under criticism of late with the Championship outfit struggling in the bottom half of the table. With the Addicks currently bottom of English football’s second tier and four points adrift from safety, the board have moved to relieve Powell of his duties with immediate effect.

The club announced the news via a statement on the official website.

Owner Roland Duchatelet said: “We have been working with Chris Powell and his representatives for a couple of weeks to try and agree a contract extension which would have seen us continue to work together.

“There was good progress, but we could not reach an agreement over the club’s football strategy going forward “The situation put a strain on the working relationship between Chris and the board. Therefore I think it is best for all parties that we part ways at this stage.

“I would like to thank Chris for his commitment and hard work over the past three years. The club enjoyed a number of good times under his leadership.

“However, given the club’s position in the league and the number of important fixtures upcoming, I felt this difficult decision was unavoidable at this time.

“We will look to quickly appoint a replacement who we feel will give us the best chance of avoiding relegation from the Championship. “I can assure supporters this was not an easy decision, but it has been made with the club’s future in mind. Time will tell if it is the right decision.”

It is believed that a statement will be released later on Tuesday regarding Powell's successor, but there are reports circulating on Twitter stating that Belgian Jose Riga will take over at The Valley and could do so as early as Wednesday in order to prepare for Charlton's clash with Peterborough.