Derek Chappell insists nothing has changed at Charlton following the withdrawal of Dubai firm Zabeel Investments from its takeover bid.

The Charlton plc chairman admitted he was surprised at the decision, which Zabeel said was prompted by the deteriorating UK financial climate, but added: “We’re not in a financial situation where we are desperately looking for a buyer.

"Our only debt outside directors - what I call friendly debt - is a £6m mortgage, so we are not facing hitting a financial brick wall."