Tuesday 15 November 2016 10:49, UK
Russell Slade has expressed his disappointment at being sacked as Charlton Athletic manager and believes the club needs a period of stability if they are to have a successful future.
Slade was dismissed after less than six months in charge at The Valley on Monday, with the Addicks 15th in the Sky Bet League One table and just three points above the relegation zone.
The 56-year-old, who signed a three-year deal at Charlton in the summer following their relegation from the Championship, became the seventh manager to be sacked by owner Roland Duchatelet since the Belgian businessman completed his takeover of the club in 2014.
"Naturally I am incredibly disappointed to be leaving Charlton Athletic," said Slade, whose final match in charge was Saturday's 3-0 defeat away at Swindon Town.
"I fully understand that I am operating in a results business but was confident that given the necessary time I would have been able to finish the job I started.
"Despite my disappointment to be leaving, I feel the hard work that my team and I have put in has helped to lay the foundations required for a successful future.
"It's been a difficult period for the club both on and off the pitch and I firmly believe that the club now needs a period of stability in order to help take it back to where it belongs.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board, players and the staff for their tremendous commitment and support to me during my time at Charlton.
"I wish everyone at the football club, particularly the fans, every success both for the rest of this season and the future."
Prior to taking over at Charlton, Slade spent two seasons in charge of Cardiff City before a management reshuffle saw Paul Trollope assume first-team coaching duties and Slade move upstairs as head of football.
Slade, who has also spent time at Yeovil, Brighton and Leyton Orient, subsequently left that role after just 28 days.
The departure of Slade is the latest setback for Charlton in an underwhelming season which has seen continued protests against Duchatelet's running of the club.
