Charlton Athletic appoint Lee Bowyer as permanent manager

Charlton Athletic have appointed caretaker boss Lee Bowyer as their manager on a deal until the end of the season.

The 41-year-old took the helm in March after former manager Karl Robinson left.

The Addicks were ninth in the table when Bowyer took charge and he guided them to the play-offs after winning six of their final 10 league games.

“I’m delighted and very proud to be appointed manager,” said Bowyer. “I love the club and will give everything to get promotion.

“We got the players in that we wanted this summer and this now gives us the stability. The players and the staff have been brilliant and I am looking forward to continuing working with them as together we aim for promotion.

“The fans have been outstanding too and I want to thank them for all their support at the end of last season and the beginning of this season. They have supported me from that first minute of my first game against Plymouth and we all want to do well for them.

“I’d like to thank the owner too for having belief in me and giving me the opportunity and Richard Murray whose support and guidance has been important during my time here.”

Director and former chairman Richard Murray said: “I’ve been really impressed by the way Lee has taken to management and how he and Jacko (Johnnie Jackson) have kept an excellent team spirit during a difficult period. This appointment is something he deserves because of his hard work and success in the role already. He did really well to take the team into the play-offs last season and everyone can already see his work this summer on and off the pitch starting to pay off. He has created a real togetherness amongst the players and fans and I’m really pleased the owner has taken the decision to appoint him as permanent manager.”

Bowyer will conduct his first press conference in his new permanent role on Friday morning and his first game will be Saturday’s home match against Wycombe Wanderers.