CHARLTON have announced that Peter Varney, their highly respected chief executive, is to leave the club on June 30.

Mr Varney, 55, cited personal reasons for his decision, which stunned all members of staff. He had been at The Valley for 11 years during which time he established himself among football’s finest administrators.

In a personal tribute, Football Club chairman Richard Murray said: “Every single director is disappointed with the decision Peter has reached and will be sad to see him leave.

“He is, without doubt, the most impressive individual I have worked with throughout my business career. His passion, commitment and energy for Charlton Athletic has inspired us all and he will not be easy to replace.”

Mr Varney was the driving force behind many initiatives:

~ Continued redevelopment of The Valley;

~ Introduction of the Charlton Community Trust;

~ The hugely successful cut-price Valley Express coach service which brings Kent-based supporters to home games;

~ Community partnership with Kent County Council, which this week was named the best community initiative of the year by influential Four Four Two magazine.

Fatigue is thought to be behind Mr Varney's decision. In January he and wife Anita spent two weeks in Antigua after he was told to take a break.

A Kent based life-long Charlton supporter, Mr Varney sat on the football club’s board of directors.

He said: “I am naturally sad to be leaving and hope the club will be back in the Premier League by the time I step down. I have enjoyed every minute of my time at the club and will look back with pride on some of the achievements made, in particular the development of The Valley.

“There are many people to thank and I will do so in due course, but I must pay particular tribute to Richard Murray, who took something of a gamble in appointing me.

“He supported me enthusiastically in everything I set out to achieve. I would also like to place on record my thanks to my fellow directors and work colleagues without whom Charlton would not be such a well respected club.”