What does Howe rejection tell us?

Eddie Howe has decided he's better off at Dean Court than swapping it all for Selhurst or the Valley. The announcement this afternoon comes after four days of intense speculation and I think it begins to fill in a few blanks in Charlton's new ownership situation.

First, it would appear that the widely held suspicion of the automatic appointment of Dennis Wise was wide of the Mark. Michael Slater's initial statement that Wise was not in the frame looks to have been true and not disingenuous.

Secondly, it does look increasingly like the decision to sack Phil Parkinson was made as a genuine reaction to the appalling performance laid on for the new owners first game. That too would suggest Michael Slater may not have been lying when he said he would sit down with Parky on the Monday and look at transfer needs.

Thirdly, the offer supposedly on the table from Charlton wasn't compelling enough for Howe to pack Bournemouth in. It was also reportedly matched by Palace which would confirm it wasn't silly money. Howe has negotiated a better deal at Bournemouth and he is known to be particularly loyal to Bournemouth, the club he grew up supporting as a boy. He also turned down Peterborough after Darren Ferguson was shown the door, so he's avoided the temptation of more money and, presumably, a bigger budget once before. I admire him for his loyalty. I used to dream as a lad of playing for Charlton and refusing a transfer to Manchester United. Having finally accepted a move because Charlton needed the money, I had it written into my contract that I would never have to play against the Mighty Addicks. Kids eh!

So, our search continues and there appears to be a growing number of clubs prowling for available talent. Jimenez and Slater will want to sort this out quickly and not run the risk of losing another candidate in a Dutch Auction.