Colin ‘Paddy’ Powell is to leave The Valley after 22-years as head groundsman. Powell was a former player and is a much revered personality around the club.

Paddy was granted a testimonial match against Terry Butcher’s Inverness Caledonian Thistle before the start of the 2013/14 season.

Powell had this to say on the club’s website:

“I’d like to thank all the staff at Charlton who I have worked with and who have supported me for more than 30 years.

“I’ve always enjoyed a special relationship with the Charlton fans and I wish everybody all the best for the future.”

Chairman,Richard Murray, added this:

“Colin is regarded as an absolute legend at this football club and quite rightly so.

“Firstly for his playing days, which I remember fondly, but in general for his outstanding commitment and contribution to the club over all these years.

“I wish him the very best and thank him for everything he has done for this club.”

Another stalwart leaving The Valley is programme guru, Paul Ellis. Paul has run the home and away programme subscription service for many years, and was also responsible for the club’s post.

Long serving Commercial Centre worker, Hayley Clout, left The Valley last week and there are rumours that Chief Operating Officer, Steve Bradshaw, is set to leave the club before the new campaign kicks-off.

Head of sports science at the academy, Dave Wates, is another who is moving on to pastures new. Wates will take up the role at first team level at Wycombe.

So plenty of departures on both the football and administrative sides of the club but very few arrivals thus far.

The2014/15 home kit was unveiled at noon on Wednesday. The top of the shirt and arms are white, while in a break with tradition, the shorts are red.

The socks are old style red and white hoops. Reaction will probably be mixed with many fans preferring traditional white shorts.