Lee Bowyer signs new Charlton deal

Charlton have confirmed Lee Bowyer has signed a new deal with the club, just a day after they announced he would leave The Valley.

Bowyer and Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet have been in talks for several weeks and on Monday it appeared that negotiations had broken down. Charlton issued a statement claiming they were unable to offer Bowyer a longer deal, with Duchatelet still actively looking to sell the club.

Bowyer’s original contract had been set to expire on June 30 but the former Leeds United midfielder is now raring to go ahead of pre-season.

He told the club’s official website: “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. “We have a fantastic fan base here and my focus continues to be getting our squad in the best possible shape for the Championship next season.”

Bowyer guided Charlton back to the Championship via the League One play-off final and Duchatelet says it is a great deal for the club. “What Lee has achieved in his short time at the club is very impressive. He has united the club once again,” he said.

“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.”

With Bowyer at the helm, Charlton will be confident of competing in the second tier and they are 17.00 to earn promotion to the Premier League.