Charlton fans told future is safe despite sell-off plans

Charlton fans have been reassured the long-term future of the club is safe despite the fact that shareholders will agree to sell their training ground.

A plan is in place for Charlton directors to purchase their base in Sparrows Lane, New Eltham for £1.5million. The club are set for relegation to League One this weekend and plc chairman Derek Chappell has already loaned the club £500,000 to help them through the difficult period.

Shareholders were due to arrive at The Valley this morning to approve the sale to the board and bring in more crucial funds.

But some supporters are concerned that the sale of the training ground will affect the club's chances of finding new ownership.

However, because the ground is being bought by directors - and is being treated as a low-percentage loan to the club - any buyer would still take ownership of the training base along with The Valley and other assets.

Dave Rudd is part of a Charlton Fans Forum that has had the chance to meet with board members and he is confident that fellow supporters should not worry about the sale.

Rudd said: "I spoke to members of the board last week and have been told this will not hinder our chances of a takeover.

"The club want to secure our future and by selling to the board members we still have internal control of the club. I trust them."