Well its done, for the time being talk of takeover is kicked into touch and we can focus on the action on the pitch.
For some the fly in the ointment is who exactly now owns us, because it does not appear as if Jiminez and Slater do. Addicks Championship Diary covers these two in detail. A number of addicks fans have had the takeover euphoria dampened by the lack of knowledge of who the people are who have invested their hard earned sheckles into the club, but you have to counter this with the fact that we are now solvent the ever on going threat of administration is gone for the foreseeable future and that the management of the club continues to be overseen at least by the existing management in Murray and Kavanagh, plus fans favourite Peter "Reg" Varney, who has effectively steered this bus in to the end of its journey.
Now the hard work begins for the new management and for the fans. We need to give them time to settle be clear about what they want to do and then implement it. In time we may see this as a fantastic move, alternatively it may just be a stay of execution, but that is for future judgement. The immediate as ever is what concerns us the fans.
It has been implied that January will see new funds made available to Parkie and they will be considering his requirements. This is a big make or break time for Parkie, he will be relieved that Murray is at the helm,or at least close to it, as he has always retained his support. However he needs to be very careful about his recruitment plans not just who he brings in but how that effects the current squad. One of Parkies successes has been to forge a strong team spirit - the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. Bringing players in on higher wages when some of the current squad took drops in wages will cause problems, so there is a delicate tight rope to walk.
Suddenly we no longer have to shop for players in Aldi and whilst Harrods may still remain a dream, Sainsbury's does appear to be an option. Jimminez may give us contacts that Parkie does not have as we bring players in from clubs above us as oppossed to the likes of benson from below.
Jimminez maybe the clue to our ownership, as it was during the Zabeel purchase that he left Newcastle to broker the deal between them and Charlton. Zabeel were notably uncomfortable with the publicity surrounding their bid, so it would not be surprising if they were behind this having hidden their identity behind a swiss based company.
A word of praise for Richard Murray who could have allowed us to go into administration but has fought hard to retain our solvency. On balance Murrays tenure has been temendous for Charlotn, sadly marred by the last few years, since he politely showed Curbs the door. He has paid heavily for the subsequent mistakes but I hope that this will sweeten the bitter pill.
Here is to a successful New Year!
