12:24pm Tuesday 6th May 2008
FORMER Blues full-back Chris Powell enjoyed a fairytale ending to his Charlton Athletic career by bagging the final goal in their 4-1 win over Coventry City on Sunday.
The popular defender, who made 290 appearances during six years with the Shrimpers, coolly converted from close range just two minutes after coming on as a substitute.
That earned him several emotional standing ovations from the Valley faithful.
But Powell will now be looking for another club.
"In all honesty I can't afford to keep Chris on and I have made that clear to him," confirmed Charlton boss Alan Pardew.
"I would love to keep him on in a coaching capacity but I haven't got funds or a position for that.
"He might have another year as a player and he would bring something to any team, but coaching is where his future lies.
"Good black coaches are thin on the ground and Chris Powell deserves a chance with a player-coaching role because if he gets a job here it would be lower down the levels."
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