Former Charlton striker Simon Church has dubbed the Addicks a “nightmare” club under their Belgian ownership.

Church, 28, was a Charlton player when Roland Duchatelet arrived at the Valley in January 2014.

The unpopular owner has presided over the sales of Charlton’s top stars and relegation to League One. It has led to fans organising mass protests against the Belgian millionaire.

Church, who left SE7 in 2015, told News Shopper: “It was a great opportunity to come to Charlton. But within a few months, they had new owners and it’s now an absolute nightmare.

“I loved it under Chris Powell, he’s a great manager. The whole atmosphere was really good. And then as soon as the new owners came in, you could tell things were destined to go the way they did.

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“Bringing in Bob Peeters, all these kind of people, that didn’t understand the league, players or the club, it was frustrating for us as players.

“Players like myself and Lawrie Wilson, it was impossible for us to stay. We kind of got pushed out as soon as the owners came in. We could feel that straight away.

“They sold Yann Kermorgant and Dale Stephens. I was told early on that I wasn’t part of their plans and I needed to leave.

“They did silly things - I came in one day and my number had changed from nine to 18 without anyone telling me. It was a tough period for the club.”

Church is looking for a new club after an injury-plagued campaign with Dutch side Roda JC.

News Shopper:

Simon Church during his Charlton days

The Wales international’s season ended prematurely after injuring his hip in September. But he is now fully fit and ready to return to English football.

Church added: “I had the opportunity to play abroad in a new league. But after four games I got the injury which was an absolute nightmare.

“I’ve come to the end of the season in the last three or four years and felt that I’ve needed to move on - things haven’t worked out the way I’d planned. 

“Now, I’ve had a few offers from England and abroad.”