Charlton Athletic have been granted permission to discuss their managerial vacancy with Northampton Town’s Chris Wilder and his assistant Alan Knill.
Wilder, who guided Northampton to the League Two title this season, is expected to now discuss a potential move to The Valley.
“Northampton Town Football Club can confirm that this morning the club received an official approach from Charlton Athletic Football Club for the services of manager Chris Wilder and assistant manager Alan Knill,” read a statement on the club’s website on Monday.
“Due to release clauses in their existing contracts, the club have regrettably given permission for talks to take place.
Kelvin Thomas, the chairman, added: “As is common knowledge I have an excellent relationship with both Chris and Alan, and we as a club and myself personally would obviously be very sorry to see them go.
“We had already begun discussions about much-improved new deals, but I think it is fair to say we would not be able to match both the salary and the playing budget for next season that a club the size of Charlton could offer.
“We have known for a while that Chris and Alan would be targets due to the fantastic success they have achieved, and together we have already turned down some interest from other clubs, but after discussions this morning I respect their decision to meet Charlton.”
However, Wilder, the former Sheffield United defender who has also managed Oxford, admitted that he faced a tough decision. “My relationship with the chairman and the fans is going to make this a very difficult decision, but I do feel at this stage of my career it is one I need to explore,” he said.
