The former Charlton Athletic owner was seen at Hillsborough.placeholder image
The former Charlton Athletic owner was seen at Hillsborough. | Getty Images
Sheffield Wednesday are looking for a new owner and the ex Charlton Athletic chief was seen at Hillsborough following his departure from The Valley.
Former Charlton Athletic and Sunderland chief executive Charlie Methven was spotted watching Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Wednesday night, fuelling rumours of a potential takeover bid for the Championship club in financial distress.
The 49-year-old stepped down from his role at The Valley in March, two months before the Addicks went on to win the League One play-offs and book a place in the Championship. Sheffield Wednesday drew 1-1 with Norwich City on Wednesday night with goals from Barry Bannan and Mathias Kvistgaarden.
Sheffield Wednesday are in administration following the tenure of controversial owner Dejphon Chansiri, who has now left the club after nearly 11 years of ownership. Since his departure, supporters have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on merchandise and ticket sales to try and help stabilise the club in the interim.
Ex Charlton Athletic and Sunderland chief spotted at Sheffield Wednesday
Several well known names in the world of football business have been credited with interest, including John Textor, Mike Ashley and John McEvoy. It remains to be seen whether Methven holds serious interest but his presence at Hillsborough certainly turned heads.
The former journalist first worked as an advisor at boyhood club Oxford United. In 2018, he played a key role in Stewart Donald’s takeover at Sunderland and took his own five per cent stake of the club in the process.
Methven provided marketing advice to the Black Cats, playing a key role in the ‘Sunderland ‘Til I Die’ Netflix series, but stood down from his role in December 2019, citing family reasons. In June 2023, the businessman became CEO of Charlton Athletic following SE7 Partners’ takeover at The Valley.
Methven explains decision to leave The Valley
When announcing his decision to leave the club earlier this year, Methven said: "It has been an immense honour to serve this wonderful club. This time last year, when things were not progressing fast enough for all our liking, I agreed to move to south-east London and put my shoulder to the wheel, though it had never been my intention to take an executive role. With the club now on an upwards trajectory, it is time for me to pack my tent and give the owners and Board the necessary time to appoint a replacement in time to prepare for next season.
“This season, Charlton’s revenues across commercial, retail, hospitality and ticketing will increase by circa 30% and it has been a real pleasure to lead a young, talented, hard-working team at The Valley.
“I would like to thank the senior people I brought to Charlton for their unfailing efforts and good humour. But I would also like to express my gratitude specifically to three people who I had no previous experience of working with. To Gavin Carter and Paul Elliott CBE MBE on the Board, who have provided moral support, especially during tough times. And to Nathan Jones, who has been an outstanding colleague and an inspirational leader. The club is in great hands and I look forward to watching its progress in the coming years.”
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