Former Charlton player, manager and current Academy Director Steve Gritt is set to leave the Addicks for the second time as the club bids to reduce costs.

After talks with the club it was mutually decided that the former joint-boss with Alan Curbishley would leave the Valley after his contract expired at the end of June.

The club will however continue to operate an academy for at least two more years, PLC chairman Richard Murray has said.

Mr Murray said: "There is no question that Steve has played an important role for the club over many years, first as a player and then as a hugely-respected coach and member of staff.

“His history with the club speaks for itself and it’s a very sad day when the club is in a position where we have to make these kinds of decisions.

“In all the discussions that will take place across many fronts this summer, we are putting the future of the club first, and hopefully by taking painful decisions such as this one, we can strengthen the long-term prospects of the club.

“The club is committed to the academy going forward, but the current cost-cutting measures and budget reductions mean we have come to an agreement with Steve that he will not be involved next season.”

With 435 games under his belt Gritt (pictured) is the Addicks' fifth-highest appearance-maker and also oversaw more than 200 games as joint first-team manager alongside Curbishley between 1991 and 1995.

He returned to the club in 2004 following the departure of previous academy director Mick Browne.

Gritt said: “Of course, I am disappointed to be leaving the club again, but hopefully this will give me an opportunity to look for new challenges which I still feel I have in me.

“I’d love to get back on the training ground and working within a first-team environment again if possible. Having gained 20 years of experience, hopefully there is someone out there who feels they could use someone with that experience.”

Assistant academy manager Steve Avory and development coach Damian Matthew are expected to take on a more hands-on role in running the academy.

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