Charlton appoint Appleton as new head coach

Charlton Athletic have appointed Michael Appleton as their head coach on a two-year contract.

The Addicks sacked manager Dean Holden at the end of last month, with Jason Pearce placed in interim charge.

Salford-born Appleton, 47, is the first appointment by the South London club with a promotion on their managerial CV since Nigel Adkins.

The former Manchester United youngster finished second with Oxford United in 2015-16 and also took Lincoln City to the League One play-offs.

Appleton’s most recent spell in a dugout was a second stint at Blackpool, before being sacked eight months later, in January 2023.

Charlton technical director Andy Scott was tasked with finding Holden’s successor, with a club statement adding that managing director Jim Rodwell and Simon Lenegan, sporting director of Charlton owners Global Football Partners, were providing support.

Scott told the club’s official website: “The appointment of Michael comes following an in-depth recruitment process. We had a clear idea of the type of person we wanted, the way they work and how they manage.

“When speaking to the various candidates that we met, Michael demonstrated very clearly that he would have the ability to take the current group and mould them into a successful team.

“He has worked at the very top level, so he understands what high standards are required to win.

“He is a leader on the grass, as well as in the dressing room, has a winning mentality and has had many positive and negative experiences as a manager that have shaped him into the coach that we believe will be the best person for the job.

“He is a coach who knows what it takes to get a team promoted. He has a track record of working with, and developing, young players, which is vital given our outstanding academy.

“In addition, he has experience working in a modern set-up, where his responsibilities are on managing a group of players and getting the best out of them on the pitch.”

Appleton has managed more than 400 matches since his first role, as caretaker at West Brom in February 2011.

He said: “I am delighted to be named as head coach of this proud and historic football club and would like to thank the owners, James Rodwell and Andy Scott for placing their trust in me to lead the team.

“I will give everything to deliver success for Charlton Athletic Football Club. To do this, we will all need to work together; the players, staff and supporters, we all have a part to play.

“I cannot wait to get started. I want us to develop a team that excites us all, that never gives up and that plays on the front foot.

“I want my players to enjoy playing for each other, to express themselves and feel comfortable in the way we aim to play. We want to build a winning mentality, starting immediately.

“It is a competitive division, and achievements take time, but work has already begun to reach the heights that this club, and you as supporters, deserve.

“Nothing will be taken for granted. All of us will have to work harder and towards the team ethic if we are to accomplish anything.

“I look forward to meeting everyone connected with the club over the coming days and weeks.

“We will listen, we will learn and we will strive to deliver something special and make you all proud.”

Pictured top: Michael Appleton (Picture: PA)