BY RICHARD CAWLEY

richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Lee Bowyer has signed a one-year contract extension with Charlton Athletic.

The South London Press understands that the Addicks will finally confirm that their manager has penned an extension.

Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet had issued a statement yesterday saying that he had been unable to agree new terms with Bowyer, who had been due to be a free agent at the end of June.

But the pair spoke soon after that message from the Belgian tycoon – which had produced a furious response from the club’s fanbase – and we reported how further talks were set to take place.

An agreement was reached on Monday night for Bowyer to remain in charge as the Addicks attack their first season back in the Championship.

The news is a huge boost to Charlton’s prospects of staying in English football’s second tier.

Not only does Bowyer have the best win record of any boss employed by Duchatelet – but he has also brought supporters back behind the team despite the ongoing feud with their owner, who is still intent on selling.

And the Addicks also have a number of transfer deals lined up which can now be pushed through.

Charlton did make their first signing of the summer yesterday with the £200,000 capture of Leyton Orient striker Macauley Bonne.

But club insiders feared that Bowyer leaving would blow apart their plans.

The Addicks will have the lowest budget in the Championship but their highly-regarded manager has always spelled out that he wanted to stay.

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