The Charlton protesters, also known as the Coalition Against Roland Duchatelet (CARD) welcome the appointment of the form Cardiff City manager, but are hesitant regarding the so-called change of strategy, according to recent reports.
On the morning of Monday the 6th of June, Russell Slade was announced as the new man to lead the campaign next season into League One, and Charlton fans are contemplating what that means for their club.
Are things changing? Do we still continue to protest? Are Roland Duchatelet and Katrien Meire finally listening?
The organisation whose purpose it to oust the Belgian ownership, is skeptical.
They fully support a British experienced manager like Russell Slade but are reserved to think the club has taken a massive turn around and are aiming for consecutive promotions to the Premier League all of a sudden.
“Like all Charlton fans we want the team to be successful so we hope that he will be given the necessary freedom and support to ensure he has a realistic opportunity to make this happen.
“However, Slade is the seventh incumbent since the current regime took over in January 2014, and as such we have to regard the owner’s willingness to fulfil any promises made to get him to join the club with substantial scepticism.”
“We question the plausibility of any apparent change in direction while chief executive Katrien Meire continues in place. It is difficult to see how the club can regain any credibility as long as someone whose personal performance has been so consistently poor over two and half years remains in such a key post.”
A CARD spokesman also made it apparent that not a “single experienced British player directly from a British club under this regime other than on a loan basis”.
The protest group confirmed that protests will continue throughout next season until the Belgian Tycoon, Roland Duchatelet sells the South East London side.
“Our protests will carry on into next season unabated as we continue to push for the owner to sell the club, because we do not believe he is capable of making the changes required, on or off the field.”
The popular Charlton forum: CharltonLife.com stated their own personal thoughts on Twitter regarding the appointment of Slade:
“All this get ‘behind the manager’ rubbish being spouted. Last season everyone got behind Luzon. Everyone got behind Riga. And everyone will get behind Slade.
“But while Duchatelet and Meire remain, Charlton will continue to be a tainted club that has shovelled a huge wedge between the club and its supporters
“Good luck Russell, hopefully you will still be here when they go and we can show you what great, supportive fans we really can be.”
