We feel axing Bob Peeters is the right decision for the club, says Charlton chief

The contracts of senior professional development coach Patrick Van Houdt and performance analyst Guy Kiala have also been terminated.

A statement from the club said: “Peeters signed a 12-month contract at The Valley in the summer and enjoyed a good start to life in the Championship.

“However, given the recent downturn in results and performances the board felt they had to make a change at this time.

“The club would like to thank the trip for their efforts and a further statement will be made in due course.”

The 41-year-old former Belgium international was in charge at The Valley for 25 league games.

Only one league win in the last 12 games left the Addicks’ in fourteenth-place in the table, having won six and drawn thirteen, the draw specialists in the division.

Charlton Athletic are the thirteenth club in the Championship to change their manager this season.

The club’s CEO Katrien Meire says the decision to part ways with Peeters was not an easy one as the club began the process of searching for his replacement on Monday afternoon.

First-team coach Damian Matthew and goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts have been placed in caretaker charge for the time being and will prepare the squad for Saturday’s game at Watford (3pm).

“It was a very difficult decision to reach,” said Meire, in a statement on the club’s website www.cafc.co.uk.

“We had been very supportive of Bob until the very last moment, but the disappointing nature of performances and results in recent matches forced us to look at the situation.

“Despite recent rumours in the media we had not considered this option until after Saturday’s game.

“We have won just once in the past 12 matches and with the January transfer window open it is an important time of the season for the club.

“We feel this is the right decision for the club and I have asked Damian Matthew and Ben Roberts to take temporary charge. I have no doubts they will do an excellent job taking care of the side for the time being.

“We know how important it is to make sure this next appointment is the right one because I understand that this club needs and deserves a Head Coach who can plan and take charge for the long-term.

“I realise this decision has taken some by surprise, but there is still a lot to play for this season and we want to try and ensure the 2014/15 campaign ends as successfully as it started.”