Sunderland's League One rivals suffer manager blow as ex-Newcastle United man resigns

The former Newcastle United player has resigned as Charlton boss and has been linked with a return to Birmingham as Blues battle to preserve their Championship status.

Bowyer leaves the Addicks eighth in League One and eight points adrift of Sunderland in fourth.

Assistant manager Johnnie Jackson will take the team for Tuesday’s home game against Bristol Rovers.

Bowyer had been at Charlton since 2018 and masterminded his side’s League One play-off final victory over Sunderland at Wembley two seasons ago.

“It was a difficult decision to leave. Everyone knows how I feel about the club,” Bowyer said to Charlton’s website. “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.”

Lee Johnson’s Black Cats face the Addicks in the league next month on April 10.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative football coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor