Charlton have appointed Steve Waggott as Peter Varney's successor as chief executive. Mr Waggott, 53, who lives in Kent, steps down as chief executive of Charlton's Community Trust, to take the job.

"I am excited and honoured to have been given this opportunity at such a highly regarded football club," said Mr Waggott. "Kent and the south east region will undergo a massive transformation in the next decade and this will provide the football club with a unique opportunity to further develop its supporter base and grow the infrastructure of the club.

"I am determined that the club will grasp the opportunities presented to us. I am sad to be leaving the Trust but I believe I have left it in a healthy position and would like to place on record my thanks to Roger Godsiff and his fellow trustees for the valued support they have given me."

Charlton plc chairman Derek Chappell, who headed the appointment panel, said: "We interviewed a number of candidates and were hugely impressed by Steve's energy and enthusiasm. I think we will make a good team and no stone will be left unturned as we work to build a successful football club."

Newcastle-born Mr Waggott played for Newcastle Schoolboys and later renowned north east club Blyth Spartans. He later trained as a PE lecturer at Woolwich College.