MEIRE GOES AS ADDICKS STEP UP TALKS...
CHARLTON chief executive Katrien Meire has resigned and won’t be replaced, with the club in talks with investors over a potential takeover. Meire joined in January 2014 as an assistant to owner Roland Duchatelet but their partnership has been widely criticised by supporters. The 33-year-old said: “This has been a very difficult decision to make as I love working for the club, with all the terrific staff at the Valley and Sparrows Lane, but I believe I need a new challenge. “I’m very grateful for my time here at Charlton. I wish the fans, staff and club every success and I will always keep an eye out for the results.” The resignation has prompted expectations of an imminent takeover, with Duchatelet announcing that the entire management structure at the club was under scrutiny. He added: “Katrien will leave at the end of this month, but we’re not looking to directly replace her as we’re currently in talks with various interested parties regarding a potential takeover of the club.” The news has delighted fans at the Valley, with the Coalition Against Roland Duchatelet (CARD) thrilled to see the back of Meire. A spokesperson said: “Christmas has arrived a little late in SE7, but we are very pleased indeed that the club has finally admitted it is close to a takeover, as well as announcing Meire’s departure. “She was a hopeless chief executive and will not be missed. “We now look forward to welcoming new owners and trust their arrival will provide a fresh start for everyone who has the club’s interests at heart. “After four years, the black clouds over the Valley are lifting at last.”