Charlton have announced that manager Lee Bowyer has signed a one year contract extension at the club, just hours after claiming that they had been unable to come to a deal with their manager for next season.

Bowyer, who took over as manager at The Valley in March 2018, led Charlton to the Championship in his first full season as a manager last year, after a dramatic late play-off final win over Sunderland at Wembley.

The 42-year-old had been out of contract in the summer, and despite ongoing talks, a statement released on the club website on Monday afternoon had claimed that the two parties had been unable to reach an agreement over the length of the deal, and Bowyer's salary.

That however has now all changed, with the club announcing on Tuesday morning that Bowyer has signed a one year contract extension at The Valley, meaning he will lead them in The Championship next season.

Speaking to the club's official website after signing the deal, Bowyer said: “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."

Roland Duchalet, the club's controversial owner, also spoke about Bowyer's new deal, saying: “What Lee has achieved in his short time at the club is very impressive. He has united the club once again.

“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.”

The Verdict

This is an incredible turnaround in just a matter of hours.

While you wonder what has gone on behind the scenes for this chain of events to unfold, the main thing surely has to be that have got their man, one way or another.

Having lifted Charlton so impressively under such a difficult backdrop, Bowyer deserved the opportunity to lead the club in the Championship, and the boost keeping him around The Valley will give them could be crucial in what will likely be a battle for survival next season.