Lee Bowyer has quit his job as Charlton Athletic manager, the club confirmed on Monday.
The Addicks boss is reportedly poised to succeed Aitor Karanka at Championship side Birmingham City, leaving with Charlton eighth in League One.
The South London Press reports Bowyer told his players and staff this morning that he was leaving for another job, less than 36 hours before Bristol Rovers visit The Valley on Tuesday night.
Charlton confirmed the news this afternoon and speculation is rife that he is headed to St Andrews. Bristol Live understands those rumours to be accurate.
Bowyer leaves South London with the Addicks two points adrift of the play-off places, with Charlton hero and former assistant manager Johnnie Jackson in caretaker charge for the visit of the Gas.
The former England and Leeds United midfielder spent almost three years in charge of Charlton, steering them to promotion from League One in 2019 before being relegated back to the third tier a year later amid off-field issues at The Valley.
Ahead of tomorrow's game, before the news broke, Rovers boss Joey Barton said he has a good relationship with Bowyer and was looking forward to the challenge of facing his Charlton side.
"I always have a good pint with him after the game with Johnnie Jackson and Stevie Gallen," Barton said.
"They’ve done a great job with Charlton and the friendliness will go out of the window for 90 minutes but I’m sure after the game we’ll have a good conversation."
