Matt Southall gave his first interview since officially becoming chairman of the club on Tuesday.

The message was of sustainable growth, not ‘boom and bust’. Southall said the club’s main revenue stream was through the turnstiles and he wants to attract capacity 27,000 crowds back to The Valley.

There were a few surprises. ESI have not yet bought the Sparrows Lane training complex, but Southall explained that they would be doing so. He wants the academy to achieve Category One status in the next two years.
Southall had said that getting Lee Bowyer and Lyle Taylor to sign new contracts was a top priority, but that appears to have changed a little.

News broke on Tuesday morning that Taylor’s contract offer had been withdrawn, seemingly without negotiation.‎ Taylor was given a deadline to agree the deal but failed to respond.

Southall confirmed he had spoken to Bowyer and his agent, but no further discussions will take place until the January transfer window has closed.

The Addicks have made offers for a number of players, and negotiations regarding the transfer fees are ongoing. Bowyer remains hopeful of two arrivals before the weekend.