Pardew is a keen admirer of Varney's work (Getty)

Varney has announced he will end his 11-year tenure at the Addicks in June for "personal reasons".

He has overseen the club's move back to The Valley, and two promotions to the Premier League.

Pardew told BBC London 94.9: "I'm very disappointed that he's leaving. I'm still clinging to the hope that he might change his mind."

He added: "His legacy is to have built a club that is regarded with all the right traditions that you expect a club of this stature to have.

"Charlton is a by-word for doing it the right way, being honest, developing and producing great players, and Peter has been very much a part of that.

Chairman Richard Murray said: "He is without doubt the most impressive individual I have worked with throughout my business career."