Charlton’s relegation was finally confirmed at Bolton on Tuesday evening.

A poor game, contested by two poor teams, saw the Addicks lose their Championship status four seasons after gaining promotion‎ from League One.

Jose Riga opted for a back five, Harry Lennon joining Rod Fanni and Jorge Teixeira in central defence.

Marco Motta and Yun Suk-Young operated as wing-backs, and Simon Makienok was recalled to partner Igor Vetokele up front. Ademola Lookman played just off the front two.

The team never looked comfortable with the system, and they exited the division without a whimper. Ben Amos, in the Trotters goal, had as easy a game as he could have wished for.

Birthday boy, Nick Pope, had one serious save to make, but otherwise had a comfortable evening.

As Eddie Ilderton blew the final whistle, there was mixed reactions from the smattering of Charlton fans congregated behind the goal.

Sadness for most, but intense anger for a few. Such was the intensity of their displeasure, that most of the players decided against coming over to applaud the supporters.

The task of fashioning a squad to bounce straight back has to begin immediately and CEO, ‎Katrien Meire, issued this statement on behalf of the club after the final whistle:

“Everyone at Charlton Athletic Football Club is deeply disappointed that we have been relegated from the Championship.

This is not the time for excuses. We apologise for our mistakes and now need to learn from them so that we can put firm foundations in place for the future that ensure the long-term stability of the club.

We all acknowledge that this is a difficult time for the club, but I and the club’s Senior Management Team will start the rebuilding work immediately. Our sole aim is to be fighting for promotion next season and our top priority is to put together a squad that can help Charlton Athletic get back into the Championship.

We would like to thank our fans for their support and continued loyalty both home and away this season, and we will communicate further plans for next season in the coming weeks and months. Our fans are integral to the success of this club and we want to work together with our supporters to make sure we move forward in our pursuit to return to the Championship.”

Charlton: Pope; Motta, Fanni, Teixeira, Lennon, Suk-Young (Harriott 62); Cousins, Jackson (Diarra 65), Lookman; Makienok, Vetokele (Bergdich 74).

Subs (not used): Mitov, Fox, Kashi, Ba.
Bolton: Amos; Threlkeld, Holding, Wheater, Maher; Osede, Pratley, Vela, Davies; Heskey (Woolery 66), Clough.

Subs (not used): Rachubka, Moxey, Danns, Dobbie, Wilson, Woolery, Walker.
Referee: Eddie Ilderton

Attn: 12,257 (243 Charlton ).