Why Charlie Methven actually left Charlton Athletic as Sheffield Wednesday takeover eyed | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at what Charlie Methven said was the reason why he left the Addicks amid Sheffield Wednesday ownership links.

Sheffield Wednesday's hunt for a new owner has taken yet another twist this week, as the club continues to look for a preferred bidder following James Bord's failed attempt at a takeover after two months with exclusivity at Hillsborough.

Charlie Methven is the latest name to be linked with the Owls, a name familiar to those at both Sunderland and Charlton Athletic following his involvement in takeovers at both clubs during their respective times in League One.

While he did not have overt success with the Black Cats, as part of SE7 Partners (Global Football Partners), he helped oversee the Addicks' rise up the table in the third tier as the South-East London outfit went from the bottom of the division in 2023/24, all the way to the play-offs in the following year.

However, he stepped down from his role as the CEO in March 2025, before selling his stake in Charlton just a couple of months later. Now, with Sheffield Wednesday the next club that he wants to help rebuild, Football League World has taken a look at the reason why he left The Valley last year.

Why Charlie Methven left Charlton Athletic in 2025 amid Sheffield Wednesday link

Methven was seemingly never meant to be involved in the day-to-day running of the Addicks when he first purchased the club, but with the team struggling on the pitch at the start of his tenure, he became more involved and, as the CEO, was vital to their excellent 2024/25 season.

However, under two years after taking on the job, he left the CEO position at Charlton and explained the reason behind it in March 2025. He said (via: charltonafc.com): "It has been an immense honour to serve this wonderful club. This time last year, when things were not progressing fast enough for all our liking, I agreed to move to south-east London and put my shoulder to the wheel, though it had never been my intention to take an executive role.

"With the club now on an upwards trajectory, it is time for me to pack my tent and give the owners and Board the necessary time to appoint a replacement in time to prepare for next season. This season, Charlton’s revenues across commercial, retail, hospitality and ticketing will increase by circa 30% and it has been a real pleasure to lead a young, talented, hard-working team at The Valley."

Methven continued: "I would like to thank the senior people I brought to Charlton for their unfailing efforts and good humour. But I would also like to express my gratitude specifically to three people who I had no previous experience of working with. To Gavin Carter and Paul Elliott CBE MBE on the Board, who have provided moral support, especially during tough times.

"And to Nathan Jones, who has been an outstanding colleague and an inspirational leader. The club is in great hands and I look forward to watching its progress in the coming years."

Sheffield Wednesday need stability ASAP after months in administration

This has been an incredibly challenging few months for Sheffield Wednesday since they were placed in administration in October, and they are in desperate need of a saviour to help them in what is a major rebuild this summer.

Methven has experience of that at both Sunderland and Charlton. While the former did not have great success while he was at the club, he proved just how much he learned during his time on Wearside when he went to the Addicks, and his experience in the boardroom could be crucial.

The Owls have plenty to do once they are takeover, and they will be looking to avoid a 15-point deduction for next season. This will be imposed if the new owner does not pay back creditors at the 25p per £1 rate that they are owed.

With Methven at the helm, this may just be avoided, but there is plenty of work to be done to help rebuild this once great club back to its former glory.