Rumours emanated after Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at Colchester, that Karel Fraeye’s days at the club were numbered.

There were strong rumours that Jose Riga would be back in the Valley hot seat this week, possibly in time for Tuesday’s game at Huddersfield. Other stories suggested Fraeye had one last chance to save his job.

Either way, the 5-0 defeat at the John Smith’s stadium signalled the end of Fraeye’s brief thirteen match tenure.

The head coach did not attend the post match press conference, leading many to believe the announcement of Fraeye’s sacking would be made before the squad headed back to London.

No announcement was made, nor was there any statement on Wednesday morning. The expected arrival of Riga never materialised either. Indeed, Riga told the Newsshopper that he had not been approached about returning to Charlton:

“I’ve been hearing some rumours and read the stories but I have not had any contact from anyone at the club.

“I have some love from this club and it’s just the same at this moment. But without any contact, I can’t do anything.

“I’m interested in Charlton but we must sit down and know what we want to do there – so I can’t say ‘yes I’m back.’

“I saw the result last night and they are in a really difficult position. I’m disappointed for the club but it is not at all in my hands. I am in Belgium having some rest and thinking about the future.

“Charlton is still an important place for me but like I said, I have had no contact at all,” said Riga.

Why was there this apparent shift since the weekend? One possible reason is that owner, Roland Duchatelet, may have overruled Addicks CEO, Katrien Meire.

Duchatelet has the final say on coaching appointments, and rumours emerged that Upjest head coach, Nebojsa Vignjevic, would be Fraeye’s replacement. Later stories then seemed to indicate that the Serbian coach would be staying with the Hungarian side.

What caused the apparent U-turn? The most likely explanation is that Vignjevic may not have the necessary credentials to obtain a work permit.

Late on Wednesday afternoon, the club finally released a statement confirming Fraye’s departure.

So what now? Meire was keen to bring a British coach in following Bob Peeters’ dismissal last year.

Duchatelet vetoed the idea and installed Guy Luzon. But the appointment of a British head coach for the first time in the Duchatelet era may happen this time.

Meanwhile, Wim de Corte – assisted by Jason Euell – will be in charge of the team at Hull this weekend.