Sources: Two new Charlton Athletic takeover groups emerge as Charlie Methven-led deal close
At least two other consortia besides Charlie Methven-led group SE7 Partners remain interested in taking over Charlton Athletic, Football Insider has learned.
It is understood that the syndicates, whose specific identities are not known, have registered their interest with controversial Addicks owner Thomas Sandgaard.
The Dane has resolved to cut his losses at The Valley, and it has been reported elsewhere that former Sunderland big-wig Methven leads the race to acquire the club alongside his co-investors in SE7 Partners.
Companies House submissions show that SE7 was registered as a company on 16 December last year, with new Charlton finance director Mark Warrick listed as a person with significant control.
While that documentation would corroborate The Athletic‘s report that SE7 are the frontrunners, a well-connected source has told this site that two other acquisition companies are yet to accept defeat.
The source was highly critical of Sandgaard’s ownership, saying “he is now losing so much money and his experience has made him realise that he simply can’t run a football club.”
The US-based investor bought Charlton in September 2020 and outlined his plans to make the south-east London side a force in the Premier League within five years.
But Charlton remain in League One and recorded a £6.8million pre-tax loss in 2020-21, with the club forecasted to record another sizable shortfall when they release their 2021-22 accounts.
Many supporters claim that a lack of fan engagement, a malfunctioning transfer department, and a trigger-happy approach to hiring and firing staff will define Sandgaard’s legacy at the club.
There have also been questions about the unofficial involvement of the 61-year-old’s wife, Raelynn Maloney, in behind-the-scenes operations.
Green shoots on the pitch have appeared in recent weeks, however, with new manager Dean Holden overseeing a run of four wins in their last five matches.
In other news, update on Tottenham signing £200m+ AIA naming rights deal.