Lee Bowyer has resigned as Charlton Athletic manager with the League One club two points off the play-off positions.
The former midfielder informed the squad at training this morning and, according to reports, he is poised to take over at Championship side Birmingham City.
Bowyer said: “It was a difficult decision to leave. Everyone knows how I feel about the club. I could have gone before but I felt it was the right thing to do to stay and help the club through the tough times we’ve been through.
“We had some amazing times and some tough times. It has been emotional leaving. I’d like to thank all the players that I’ve worked with and the staff for the hours and hours of hard work that they did. I also want to thank the supporters. We wouldn’t have had those great memories without them.
“The club is now in a place with a good owner that cares and wants to improve the place and I hope the club can continue to grow. It will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Bowyer became Charlton boss, initially as caretaker, in March 2018 and worked under three different ownership groups at The Valley under often difficult circumstances.
The 44-year-old led Charlton into the Championship via the play-offs in 2019 but they were relegated last season. But the Addicks were among the favourites to go back up right away with Bowyer retaining the full confidence of new owner Thomas Sandgaard.
Charlton have struggled for consistency since the turn of the year, though, winning five and losing seven of their past 17 games. They are set to welcome Joey Barton's Bristol Rovers to South London tomorrow evening, with Johnnie Jackson placed in temporary charge.
Owner Sandgaard added: “I would like to thank Lee for everything he has done for Charlton. I have enjoyed working with him and wish him the best for his future. Our focus now is on finding the correct replacement to take this club forward.”
While Bowyer was given his playing start by Charlton, he made almost double the number of senior appearances for Birmingham between 2008 and 2011 and the Championship strugglers are keen on bringing him back to St Andrews following the departure of Aitor Karanka last weekend.