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Addicks boss Alan Curbishley later spoke out in praise of the comitted centre-back, admitting it is sad to see him go. However, after having his first team opportunities restricted in the past couple of years, Curbishley believes Brown's move was for the best.
The Brighton-born defender has spent his entire career at the Valley, notching up 283 appearances.
1999-2000 was Brown's last as a piece of the first-team furniture, he has since slipped down the pecking order and hasn't made a first team start for over a year.
Speaking to Charlton's Official Site Alan Curbishley said: "I'm disappointed that Steve has gone but after all the service he's given us, I felt we couldn't deny him the opportunity to go and get regular football at a decent club.
"It's tinged with sadness for me because he's been around for as long as I have, and he has done a great job for the club over the years. He will always be welcome back here and he knows that.
"Steve needs to be playing first-team football and I couldn't stand in his way. I felt it was the right time for Steve to move on - he's done fantastic for the club and I wish him all the best.
"Brown has come through the ranks and was here when I arrived, and has been through everything with us. He was an extremely versatile player for us and I never had a problem with Steve in all the years he's been here. With players like that, you try to give them all the help you can.
"I hope it doesn't backfire on me because he has been an integral part of the squad over the past few seasons and if we'd have needed him, I wouldn't have had any hesitation on calling on him."
After eleven years with the Addicks Brown will be looking forward to getting his career with a new side underway, however it is unlikely that he will feature at Nottingham Forest tomorrow due to a lack of match fitness.