Charlton Athletic have strengthened their off-field team by bringing in Ged Roddy MBE as technical director.
Roddy was awarded an MBE in 2000 for his contribution to sport in the UK, having held roles with the Premier League and Reading. Most recently he has been working with Arsene Wenger on FIFA’s talent development programme.
He is the first appointment of the Thomas Sangarrd era and his arrival is a huge boost to the club off the field, as he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the once-stricken club. His primary role will be to lead the planning and implementing the club’s long-term footballing strategy, with the ultimate goal of a Premier League return.
“Charlton Athletic is a great football club with a proud history and tradition,” he said. “Of course, it has an incredible fanbase and, because of that, it has unbelievable potential. I know the club was very close to the brink before Thomas came in and now we have a real opportunity to do something hugely positive.
“We have to put the foundations in place to stabilise the club and give us something to build on. The long-term view is ambitious and that is exciting but we’ll need to walk before we can run. We’ll have to be clever in the way we do business and invest in the development of the club.”
He joins the Addicks as they sit 14th in League One following relegation last season, a campaign punctuated once again by ownership squabbles and controversy, However, with Sangaard recently completing his takeover and Lee Bowyer able to make signings, the intention is now to add to that solitary win they earned in the league against Crewe on the opening day.
Supporters are obviously delighted to see the Addicks making progress after much hard work has been overshadowed by truly awful owners. They showed their pride at the new direction wth an outpouring of positivity on social media, as you’ll see below.
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Employing somebody with an MBE nonetheless. Slightly different to all the other shysters and hangers on stealing a wage of #cafc under the other lot! 👍
— CAFC Since '86 (@CAFC_Since_86) October 8, 2020
Speaks a lot of sense, especially walk before we run! We need this stability. Hope he works closely with Gallen so Bowyer can concentrate just on the pitch and the team. #cafc
— Sam Carter (@SamSamcarter11) October 8, 2020
After yesterday’s unfortunate PR stunt In regards to Sandgaard being largely based in the US it just goes to prove he knows exactly what he is doing. He is a successful business man for a reason and doesn’t need to go back to the old guard. On paper a great appointment #cafc
— Jonni Jones GM (@jonnijonesdj) October 8, 2020
Great signing, well respected individual, knows his stuff and will have a great contact book! Also a further benefit to our already thriving academy!
— Kieron Salmons (@KC_101) October 8, 2020
Looks like a very strong appointment indeed and part of a genuine wider/long term strategy. Excellent.
— Neil Turnham (@neil_turnham) October 8, 2020
Excellent news , looks like a sensible and shrewd appointment 👏
— Autumn Figgins (@figgins_autumn) October 8, 2020
Can't say I know anything about him but it certainly reads well. Another mark of the TS era
— Alex (@Alex70889454) October 8, 2020
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