Charlton Athletic manager and club legend Johnnie Jackson has left the club after his contract was not renewed.
Jackson, who initially took over as interim manager in October after his predecessor Nigel Adkins was sacked, was appointed on a permanent basis in December after an impressive run of form pulled the Addicks away from the relegation zone.
However, soon afterwards their results became inconsistent, with three wins out of their last five games meaning they finished the 2021/22 League One season in 13th place – a whopping 24 points outside of the play-offs.
A Difficult Decision
Speaking on the club’s website, Addicks owner Thomas Sandgaard explained just how difficult a decision it was to let Jackson go.
“I would like to thank Johnnie for everything he has done for the club. He is a Charlton legend who has given his all for this club as a player, captain, coach, assistant manager and manager.
“I am grateful for all he has contributed during my time at Charlton, including stabilising us this season when he took over as manager, following our poor start to the campaign.
“This decision has been a very difficult one to make, Johnnie has done so much for the club, but I felt the time was right to make the change as we continue our preparations for next season.
“Our search for a new manager has begun. This season wasn’t the season any of us at the club wanted. I have big ambitions for Charlton and it will be important for us to find the right individual that can build on the foundations in place and help us progress on our journey.”
Jackson first arrived at the club as a player on loan in February 2010, before making the move permanent in that same summer. He scored 55 goals in 279 appearances across all competitions in eight years at the club, playing a key part in the side’s promotion to the Championship in the 2011/12 season.
Early Contenders
QPR boss Mark Warburton, who will leave the west London outfit this summer, is the early favourite to replace Jackson, with former Addicks manager Lee Bowyer, Aston Villa first-team coach Michael Beale and ex-Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson also said to be in contention.
It remains to be seen whether the hierarchy at The Valley have a replacement in mind to take charge of the rebuild as the Addicks look to rediscover the form that had them mounting a play-off push in the back end of last season. Competing for promotion back to the Championship will be the expectation for any new manager.
