Lee Bowyer agrees new Charlton contract a day after club announced he was leaving
LEE BOWYER has agreed a new contract at Charlton - just hours after the club announced the deal was off.
Bowyer and owner Roland Duchatelet held overnight talks and have reached agreement on a new one-year deal to keep him at the club.
The amazing U-turn comes just hours after Duchatelet had released a bizarre statement saying the manager would not be staying in charge because he was asking for too much money.
Club legend Bowyer wanted £200,000-a-year, a relatively small sum compared to the £2million salary Frank Lampard picked up last season for managing Derby in the same division
The sudden turnaround means the 42-year-old will stay in position to lead Charlton into their first season back in the Championship after promotion via the play-offs last season.
Bowyer said: “We went on a real journey last season. The club came together - the players, the staff, the fans and we achieved something special.
"The journey hasn’t finished yet and I’m delighted this has all been agreed.
“This has been a long process and I never wanted to leave, I love this club. I’d like to thank the owner for giving me the initial opportunity and now for continuing to believe in me.
UNITED CLUB
“We have a fantastic fanbase here and my focus continues to be getting our squad in the best possible shape for the Championship next season."
Charlton owner Duchatelet added: “What Lee has achieved in his short time at the club is very impressive. He has united the club once again.
“I would like to thank Lee for his professionalism during this process. While the negotiations have been ongoing, he has continued to work on building a squad for the club’s Championship campaign.
"Stability is essential and I am very pleased we now have the best man in place to lead us forward next season.
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Duchatelet's comments are in stark contrast to the ones he gave yesterday when he blamed Bowyer for asking for too much money - and using an agent - for their failure to agree terms.
His stance drew an extraordinary backlash from Charlton fans who were angry the club was allowing one of their favourite names to leave The Valley just a month after he led them to promotion.
The Belgian is currently in talks with two groups looking to buy the club, and hopes to push through a takeover before the start of the new season.