News has broken that Chris Powell has agreed the financial package offered for a new contract but there are still issues to be resolved on ‘footballing matters’.

In essence, this is old news, Powell cancelled a meeting with Bromley Addicks last month due to his contract negotiations.

VIP season ticket holders were able to attend a Question and Answer session with Powell, Katrien Meire and Richard Murray on Thursday evening and that quote would doubtless have been Powell’s stock answer to any question on his situation.

Many have interpreted the offer as proof that Roland Duchatelet is keen to retain Powell’s services but equally, the owner could be offering a contract that he knows the manager will find unacceptable. Given Powell’s popularity with the fans, Duchatelet may prefer his manager to walk away from the club rather than not offering him a new deal.

The recent exit of Ben Alnwick, Yann Kermorgant and Dale Stephens plus the influx of new players from other clubs in the Duchatelet network would not have sat comfortably with Powell.

The Duchaelet group of clubs met in Belgium on Wednesday to discuss the utilisation of players amongst other things.

Duchatelet’s intentions are open to interpretation. He has already said Charlton will have to make money and that fans have to expect the odd player sale. Could it be that he thinks he can make a profit from the club by selling its home produced yougsters? If so, he may not be worried by which division Charlton are in.

It was revealed at the VIP meeting that the Addicks have been frustrated in the loan market with Leon Best, Conor Wickham and Jonny Williams all turning down moves to The Valley after terms had been agreed with their parent clubs.

With just three weeks left before the emergency loan window closes, the pressure is on to bolster the squad for the hectic run in to the season.

In contrast to the poor league form, Charlton are experiencing a fine season in the FA Cup and stand just one game away from a Wembley semi-final.

Johnnie Jackson told the BBC that he was surprised that Sheffield United were favourites for Sunday’s game. The skipper is determined to make the most of the opportunity to reach the last four and believes that if the Addicks perform to potential, they are a better side than the Blades and should win the game.

Over 30,000 will pack into Bramall Lane on Sunday to see if Jackson is correct.