Page "Charlton Athletic F.C." Paragraph 6

From the late 1950s until the early 1970s, Charlton remained a mainstay of the Second Division before relegation to the Third Division in 1972 caused the team's support to drop, and even a promotion in 1975 back to the second division did little to re-invigorate the team's support and finances.

In 1979 – 80 Charlton were relegated again to the Third Division, but won immediate promotion back to the Second Division in 1980 – 81.

Even though it did not feel like it, this was a turning point in the club's history leading to a period of turbulence and change including further promotion and exile.

A change in management and shortly after a change in club ownership led to severe problems, such as the reckless signing of former European Footballer of the Year Allan Simonsen, and the club looked like it would go out of business.