Charlton Athletic owner Thomas Sandgaard has rubbished rumours that the League One club is up for sale and suggested they may be an attempt to damage his relationship with the supporters.
Rumours circled over the weekend and were picked up on by Andrew Barclay, who had been linked with a takeover before the Danish businessman bought the club in September 2020.
Barclay added that the rumours were further evidence that "radical reform and regulation" was needed to save English football.
However, Sandgaard has told South London Press that suggestions he wants to sell the club are wide of the mark.
He said: "That’s hilarious.
"No, not for sale. Must be someone wanting the fans to think there’s not stability in the club.â€
The Addicks narrowly missed out on the top six in the first season of Sandgaard's tenure and finished the 2021/22 campaign in 13th after battling at the wrong end of the table for periods.
If the south London club are to launch another promotion push next term then the Danish businessman will surely have to back Johnnie Jackson in the transfer market in the upcoming window.
The Verdict
This should be a relief for Charlton fans, who have been through the wringer when it comes to ownership issues.
The last thing they need is another drawn-out takeover saga so Sandgaard's straight denial is certainly a positive.
That said, the club has not made the steps forward under his ownership that fans will have wanted to see and you can understand if they're a little frustrated on the back of the 2021/22 campaign.
They'll want to see Sandgaard pump some money into the squad over the summer because next season is going to be another very competitive one in the third tier.