Good vibes from Southall

CAS Trust have given a positive report on last night's meeting between Matt Southall and fan groups: Impressed with Southall

It will probably do little to reassure moaners, sceptics and pessimists whose time horizon is the next week rather than the next five years. Indeed, Desmond from Deal has asked me to help him set up a blog in which he can criticise everyone from the owners to fellow fans.

On new signings, the chairman said he and Steve Gallen were working 22 hour days at the moment. There are a lot of players out there and prices are falling. He noted that quoted prices are considerably lower than at the start of the window and that very few deals have been completed anywhere so far this month.

Southall had to leave the meeting earlier than planned to meet an agent.

Charlton are not City. emphasises Southall

The takeover of the club has not yet been approved by the EFL, so chairman Matt Southall is wary of any comparisons with Abu Dhabi's acquisition of Manchester City: Five year master plan

However, he said that, like City, the Charlton board would not concentrate solely on the development of the football team, with a number of projects, including a brand new training complex spanning almost 40 acres, in the pipeline.

'Obviously we’re a totally separate entity to the guys at Manchester City. When I sat down with Tahnoon and his advisers I outlined my vision and my way and how I feel we could move the club forward. And that isn’t the same as when Sheikh Mansour looked at Man City; they were in the Premier League then. There’s so much more money in the Premier League than there is the Championship.'

'So that would’ve been a different vision to what I’ve got Tahnoon to buy into. It’s not really comparable. But the fact they’ve taken the local community, they’ve expanded it, the campus, they’ve invested into all the regeneration around the ground. They do a lot of work in the community, so there are similarities. But in terms of structure it’s completely different.'

Charlton hope to bring the squad to Abu Dhabi for a training camp towards the end of the Championship season, possibly the beginning of May, with the team expected to become regular visitors to the capital. Southall said the club were seeking to establish commercial partnerships in the Middle East, using Nimer's knowledge of, and close relationships in, the region.

Fans meeting this evening

It will be interesting to see what comes out of the meeting for various fan groups with chairman Matt Southall this evening. It has been welcomed by the Fans Trust: Southall to meet fan groups

The Bloke Beside Me, Paul from Bexleyheath, is going to represent the museum, despite being on crutches following knee surgery. I have asked him to ask if we can get rid of the current mascots, particularly Sir Valiant with his pathetic sword, and bring back Floyd and Harvey. Actually, there was no sign of the Duchatelet era mascots on Wednesday.

Others will no doubt be pressing to ask why a world class player has not been signed yet.

Southall to meet fans on Friday

Chairman Matt Southall is to meet Charlton Athletic Supporters Trust and other fan groups on Friday is what is described as a 'low key, meet and greet' event: Fan groups meeting

Opening the lines of communication is timely as the level of moaning reaches a higher pitch. I was talking to the local Sunderland fan this morning and he was surprised at the level and extent of complaint from Charlton fans. They would readily swap their problems for ours.

'There's only one Matt Southall'

Glasgow-based Addick Heather McKinlay has interviewed Matt Southall for the CAS Trust - and all the indications are that it's the real Matt Southall and not a stunt double: The man in the chair

One point to emerge is that it 'is clear that winning over families and capturing the next generation is high on the priority list, broadening the demographic beyond a traditionally older, white and male fanbase.' So that's me and the Bloke Behind Me on our way out! Seriously, though, renewal and winning the support of a new generation of fans is crucial.

Talking about what is meant by sustainable, he says that Roland's plan would have seen the club break even in the Championship, but also get relegated: 'We will spend to stay in the Championship. We are in this for the long-term. It is not about reaping rewards in five years – it might be seven, eight, ten.'

Maddison gives it large so deal is off - but it's fake news

It looks as if a fake Twitter account may have given the news about the deal with Peterborough over Marcus Maddison having failed. One Charlton fan has done some detective work and sorted out the difference between the real and fake accounts.

Peterborough did, however, give the green light for talks (via their own web page) earlier in the week and there has been no definite news. Perhaps it's just a case of waiting for the medical. Best to wait for something one way or the other from Richard Cawley or Louis Mendez.

Other clubs have expressed an interest. Birmingham City have made a number of bids for Maddison, but have fallen short of the required amount (at least £2.5m). Blackburn Rovers are also interested according to 'Lancs Live'.

Moaners and pessimists will no doubt be on their keyboards, but this is a time for calm and realism. It's all too easy to waste money in the January transfer window on Carlos Kickabout or Joe Journeyman.

What is not fake news is that Matt Southall is in Abu Dhabi talking to His Excellency which has to be encouraging.

Get The Valley rocking again

New chairman Matt Southall has urged Charlton fans to come to Saturday's game against West Bromwich Albion and get The Valley rocking again. His clarion call has already been viewed over 9,000 times: Twitter video

My hero Sam Bartram featured in the programme.

It's a particularly significant day for me as on 11 January 1947 my father went to see Charlton beat Rochdale 3-1 in the FA Cup. He then made his way to St. Alphege's Hospital in Greenwich where I was born at 7.30 p.m.

In those days fathers had to wait in a room full of cigarette smoke to hear the news.

New owners for club

Charlton Athletic has been sold to Abu Dhabi consortium East Street Investments: Roland has gone

East Street Investments (recalling where the club was founded) is fronted by Matt Southall, a former football agent and fitness entrepreneur. East Street Investments’ majority shareholder is wealthy businessman Tahnoon Nimer.

You can see a video interview discussing his business interests here: Tahnoon Nimer

In a statement the new club chairman Matt Southall said: 'We are privileged to take ownership of such an historic club and it is incredibly exciting to be part of the process of building a fresh future for the fans, loyal club staff and players of Charlton Athletic.'

'While we may be the club owners, truly we are only the custodians. The true spirit of this football club rests with the fans, it is nothing without them. Their support throughout some difficult times both recently and in the past has been inspirational and we intend to build on that loyalty. Our priority will be immediate contact with fan groups in order that their views play a major role in the club going forward.'

'We believe the football side of the club is in excellent hands with Lee Bowyer and what he and the players have achieved following promotion has been outstanding. We will do everything possible to support Lee’s vision and ambitions.'

'We would like to thank Roland Duchatelet, his team and the directors for helping to facilitate a quick and smooth sale. They leave the club with solid foundations on which we can invest and build. Any deal of this kind is subject to the approval of the EFL and we are now working closely with them on the final details to satisfy their Owners’ and Directors’ Test. Until that has been received, we will be making no further comment.'

But please be assured we intend to do everything within our power to bring back a true sense of pride to Charlton Athletic Football Club which is the least the fans, future generations of supporters and the community deserve.'

Given some expressions of concern, it should be emphasised that The Valley is included in the deal. It is no longer in Roland's ownership. They will also own the training ground.

Richard Murray, the so-called fans' friend, will not be on the board.

The sale price is unknown, but some wags have suggested that Roland made a special Black Friday offer.