Ben Purrington: I hope Johnnie Jackson gets Charlton manager’s gig full-time
Ben Purrington has joined Jason Pearce in backing Johnnie Jackson as Charlton’s next permanent manager – after another committed display by the side in their 1-0 win at Burton today.
The left wing-back headed home a first-half goal which proved to be decisive.
Jackson is unbeaten as a caretaker and since replacing Nigel Adkins he has taken 10 points from a possible 12 to see them climb clear of the League One bottom four.
Purrington told BBC London: “All I can say is he’s been brilliant. The first thing is I’ve come in the team and a few others have. Playing for him and to try and keep the shirt.
“I hope he gets it. He’s done all he can now. You can’t ask for much more. The fans can probably see we’ve changed our style and we’re compact – everyone knows their jobs in and out of possession.
“First and foremost it is hard work and playing for the shirt. We’ve brought that back.”
Charlton are set to be missing Jayden Stockley for the next three matches – starting with leaders Plymouth at The Valley next weekend – after he was sent off along with Deji Oshilaja moments before Purrington headed the visitors in front.
The pair tangled from an Addicks corner and referee Trevor Kettle, after a discussion with his assistant, brandished the red card to both.
Purrington said: “I don’t really know what happened with the red cards. I saw the aftermath of it but it’s one where the ref probably wants to even it up. It’s changed the game, the way we had to press and adapt to it. We adjusted quite well and you can’t beat a 1-0 win. Especially as a defender – 1-0 wins are what you play for.
“I’m enjoying getting into more forward areas now and getting more chances. I probably needed to contribute more goals, it’s something I was looking to bring to my game.
“We looked at the stats and how they play. They try to bombarb you. Their possession stats is something like two passes per possession – very direct. But we played very well. Pearcey, Akin and Sean dealt really well with their front three. That showed with a 1-0 win.
“The first half was manic. Yellow cards all over the place as well which I’d say a few were questionable. It calmed down in the second half. They had more possession than us in the second half which wasn’t ideal but we shut up shop, got our shape and thankfully we didn’t concede.
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Ben thass juss wot I think n well done for gettin the win n keepin it n all to the ole team on ere.