Charlton Athletic make an approach for a popular manager as the top six bookies favourites are revealed with the job up for grabs.
It comes following the departure of Lee Bowyer, who on Monday morning told the playing squad that he was stepping down – which was confirmed by the Addicks later that day.
It is expected that Bowyer will take charge of his former club Birmingham City, who got rid of Aitor Karanka over the weekend.
So who are Charlton going to turn to next? Well they and Portsmouth seem to think alike as they have both gone for the same manager in Danny Cowley, making an approach for him as they continue their search.
The Addicks, who sit 8th in the League One table, are in action against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday and assistant boss Johnnie Jackson is taking over managerial duties for now.
Cowley was most recently was sacked by Huddersfield Town, despite beating second-place West Brom in his last game in charge, which all-but-confirmed the club’s survival.
It’s understood that owner Phil Hodgkinson wanted total control over transfers — but his manager was not willing to work that way.
Danny first grabbed the attention of the country when he and his brother took Lincoln City all the way to the FA Cup Quarter Finals in 2017, causing shocks against Ipswich, Brighton and Burnley along the way.
The Imps finished the 2016/17 season crowned champions of the National League and then in 2017/18 finished 7th, claiming a playoff place in their first season back in the Football League and also won the EFL Trophy at Wembley.
In the 2018/19 season, Danny and Nicky Cowley’s side finished top of the League Two table and won promotion to League One.
Danny Cowley left League One high flyers Lincoln to join the Championship strugglers in September, who at the time were 23rd in the table having failed to win any of their first six matches.
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BOOKIES FAVOURITES FOR CHARLTON MANAGER
Johnnie Jackson – 2/1
Michael Laudrup – 7/2
Danny Cowley – 4/1
Alan Curbishley – 6/1
Chris Wilder – 10/1
Chris Powell – 12/1
Laudrup, who is from Denmark like the new Charlton owner, has been available since 2018 and could be ready to return into management. A project in League One and a return to England could be an attractive challenge for him.
The former Lazio, Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid starlet has seen his odds come in at 7/2, placing him as the second favourite.
Laudrup is most remembered as a manager when he guided Swansea City to the League Cup in 2013.
He has also managed the likes of Brondby, Getafe, Spartak Moscow, Real Mallorca, Lekhwiya and Al-Rayyan since retiring from playing in 1998.
LAUDRUP’S MANAGERIAL STATS:
Brøndby – July 2002 until June 2006 – 132 games, 76 wins, 31 draws, 25 defeats – 57.58 win %
Getafe – July 2007 until June 2008 – 59 games, 25 wins, 15 draws, 19 defeats – 42.37 win %
Spartak – September 2008 until April 2009 – 14 games, 4 wins, 4 draws, 6 defeats – 28.57 win %
Mallorca – July 2010 until September 2011 – 42 games, 13 wins, 9 draws, 20 defeats – 30.95 win %
Swansea – June 2012 until February 2014 – 84 games, 29 wins, 24 draws, 31 defeats – 34.52 win %
Lekhwiya – July 2014 until July 2015 – 41 games, 28 wins, 8 draws, 5 defeats – 68.29 win %
Al Rayyan – October 2016 until July 2018 – 73 games, 39 wins, 15 draws, 19 defeats – 53.42 win %
Total – 445 games, 214 wins, 106 draws, 125 defeats – 48.09 win %
SANDGAARD OUTLINES WHAT HE WANTS
“As you know already we are a team who play attacking football and I’d like to get even more emphasis on a very creative midfield that can create chances – I think we had that in the fall,” Sandgaard told the South London Press. “I’d also like to make sure we get a manager in place who puts a lot of emphasis on developing players, not just for their careers but so they become as productive for the club while they are here.
“I’d also like to do even more integrating the academy with the first team, as much as practically possible, so that we get even more of a steady stream of talent coming through the ranks.
“Those are some of the things I’d like to do more of. There are potential motivations of who is going to be driving in that manager position.”
Asked how he assessed Bowyer’s time, Sandgaard said: “Before I took over he stuck by the club and did a tremendous job.
“We put a team together and then he strengthened the team again in January. He got better and better tools to work with. We’re slowly putting ourselves in a position where we have a real chance of the play-offs.
“He has done an amazing job for the club over the last several years and was an important part of the rebuilding. I’m very happy to have worked with Lee. I wish him the best for the future.”
Fans gave their reaction after Charlton make a manager approach and as bookies favourites are revealed…
@Alex70889454: Gutted about Bows leaving, had my support for sure but this is an opportunity for TS. Will be interesting see what he chooses. Personally would love to see Jacko given a chance. Cowley doesn’t excite me personally and not sure about Laudrup #cafc
@charlie_cafc: Why do people want Cowley in? Means Jackson will have to leave… need to keep him as assistant imo #cafc
@Nildo85: As much as I love Jacko, I don’t want him to get the job full-time. The club needs a change of direction and fresh ideas, and I’m not sure giving him the job ensures that. Laudrup or Cowley for me. #cafc
@louiecharlton: Michael laudrup with claus jenson at number 2 could be one quality partnership for us. But as much as they would get a creative team.Would they know how to get the players to mix it up at the lower level. I trust Thomas sandgaard to find the right men to see us in to Europe #cafc
@smit112: Laudrup’s odds have just changed massively by the way. #cafc
@charlie_cafc: Michael Laudrup will be the next Charlton manager, said it earlier now suddenly 2nd favourite for the job, let’s be real Chris Wilder is not coming to a league 1 team. #cafc
@ValleyFloydFred: In an ideal dreamland we would land Eddie Howe or Chris Wilder but those are never going to happen, both destined for bigger things than Charlton right now. David Wagner or Michael Beale who is at Rangers I think would be worth a conversation.
@ianwilkerson: Jason Euell has done a great job bringing young players through at Charlton over the last 7/8 years and would be a good choice to take over from Bowyer. A price of 16/1 looks generous #cafc
@cafc___: It would be a huge statement from Sandgaard if he were to appoint someone with the likes of Howe/Wilder. Could be a huge indication of what’s to happen in the future. #cafc
@JackGoodwin2001: Lee Bowyer has gone through a real journey with the Addicks and despite getting relegated last year, he’s done many good things there. Curbishley, Powell + Bowyer were all trusted with the reigns after playing careers at the Valley. Trust Johnnie Jackson. #cafc
@CharltonLife: One min I want Nathan Jones back, then I want ‘the next Thomas Frank’, then I want Jacko given a chance, then impressed by Michael Beale’s profile. Then the old master Curbs, then have an unrealistic Howe / Wilder thought 🤷♂️ Don’t envy TS in this! #cafc
@jackarronscarth: Micheal Laudrup would be a great appointment #CAFC
There was more reaction as Charlton make a manager approach as bookies favourites are revealed…
@Spud_1972: So Thomas has said we will have a new manager before the end of the week. He either knew that Bowyer was going and has been working on candidates, or it’s going to be someone associated with the club. I personally feel we need a fresh start! #cafc
@garycsaunders: Eddie Howe is the manager charlton need
@Liamb1975: Think Danny Cowley would be ideal for you. He’s also a cockney isn’t he?
@WillECW: I can’t see beyond Howe and Wilder, outside bet on Garry Monk maybe
@100PercentCafc: Our next manager has got to have the knowledge & experience of English football & building a squad to get us out of the league.. give us stability in the Championship and then a big push towards the Premier league – big job this summer whoever that may be. #cafc
@LewisCatt9: Looks like Danny Cowley is fancied at Portsmouth now but they appear to only want to do a short term deal until the end of the season so it will be interesting to see if that’s something the Cowley Bros will sign up for given the #cafc job is available and more long term.
@ColinPep1: @SandgaardThomas Paul Warne has worked wonders at Rotherham, continually getting that side back into the Championship on a limited budget, playing competitively and a good style of football. A lovely man, too. Would be interesting to see what he could do with a bigger club #cafc
@DanielCafc1905: I know some people are saying that Chris wilder will never come to us give your head a wobble he would look for better……. but look at this way Thomas wants high achievements for our club like to get into the prem and he will back the manager 1000% so never say never! #cafc
Good night Charlton fans. We can dream #cafc pic.twitter.com/LUv5pQkR2i
— Rhys (@iles_rhys) March 15, 2021
This man. That is all #cafc 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/Akgtk2h763
— Mark (@djmarky_b) March 15, 2021
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