Anthony Hayes confirmed as temporary Charlton Athletic boss – as the Addicks search for Ben Garner’s replacement

Charlton Athletic have announced that Anthony Hayes will take charge of the first team as they search for a permanent manager following Ben Garner’s dismissal.

Former club captain and current U18 coach Jason Pearce will be Hayes’ assistant while he looks after the first team.

Hayes’ first match as temporary Charlton boss will be against League Two side Stockport County on Wednesday in the FA Cup second-round replay.

Hayes was promoted to the first team by Garner over the summer.

Pearce featured 175 times for the South Londoners in all competitions before retiring and moving into a coaching role at the end of last season.

Hayes told the club: “My complete focus is on trying to help the players and giving them real clarity in how we want to look with and without the ball. That’s my first and foremost priority.

“Of course though, this is a massive football club, I have been here quite a few years now. I understand how big it is in the community and what it means to the fans, so of course in the time that I am doing this job I will give everything I can to make sure the team is successful.

“I’d like to recognise what a top fella Ben Garner is. How good he has been for me and with me since I have joined the management team. 

“He was obviously desperate for the club to succeed and completely dedicated in trying to achieve that. It is obviously the horrible part of this industry, something we are all aware of. 

“Like time, nothing stands still, we have to move forward as a football club and we have to prepare for tomorrow’s game as best we can.

“I started back in 2005, it has been 17 years, a lot of blood, sweat and tears have gone into me trying to refine my craft and understand this game that we all love and teach it really effectively.

“It is a very proud milestone for myself but in a situation like this, it is not about me, it is about helping this group of players and preparing them. We want to go up to Stockport tomorrow night, be as competitive as we can and progress into the third round.”

See Friday’s South London Press for more reaction to Garner’s departure from The Valley.