Thomas Sandgaard claims Johnnie Jackson’s departure will not affect Charlton’s recruitment plans

Thomas Sandgaard says that he will take his time in deciding the next Charlton Athletic manager.

The Addicks confirmed this afternoon that Johnnie Jackson would not be staying in his post.

Terry Skiverton, first-team coach, has also departed.

And Sandgaard told the South London Press that the search for a new boss – set to be his third new appointment – would be an exhaustive one.

“It’s going to be a process,” he said. “Now being directly involved in football means I now have a network.

“We have potential managers out of jobs and others who could be convinced to come here. It depends who we talk to. The process could be relatively short or we might go very close up to pre-season.”

Sandgaard indicated that even if an appointment is some way down the line it will not affect the club’s recruitment. They also have a number of players – including Conor Washington, Adam Matthews, Ryan Inniss and Ben Purrington – out of contract.

“The matchday selection of the squad is one thing [that is down to the manager] but the recruitment of players, some of them contracted for many seasons which has been more typical of late, that doesn’t change at all,” said the US-based Danish businessman. “We have been working on that for a number of months. That will continue without any change.

“I know it’s frustrating for the fans not to see any signings yet. But we also need to have the right players available and have good conversations with them and their agents – as well as being financially responsible in what we do. It’s a tricky operation.”

Asked if he would appoint a head coach or manager next time, Sandgaard said: “Obviously the coach is very important. If we can find someone that is a really good coach and can help drive more intensity into the training and drive the right mentality into the players – and a playing style that might not be as stiff , a bit more fluid than what we have right now; maybe be better how we press and formation flexibility etc.

“We need someone who is a good man-manager and good at keeping the dressing room under control, which was not Johnnie’s problem at all.

“Some people are good coaches and some people are good managers. Ideally we find a combination of people or one person who can give us all those qualities.”