Charlton Athletic boss Johnnie Jackson gives his reaction to Dons appointing Mark Bowen

Charlton manager Johnnie Jackson has given his reaction to AFC Wimbledon appointing Mark Bowen as their new manager.

The Dons announced yesterday that the former Reading manager – who had also been assistant to Mark Hughes at the likes of Manchester City, Blackburn, Fulham, Southampton and Stoke – had taken on the job until the end of the season,

Wimbledon are winless in 21 matches and in the League One relegation zone.

Bowen had previously expressed an interest in the Addicks when they sacked Nigel Adkins earlier this season but Jackson stepped up to take interim charge before being handed the roll full time.

Bowen’s first home game as Dons chief will be Tuesday’s derby against Charlton.

“He is an experienced manager and I read they were looking to bring in someone who is experienced,” said Jackson. “And that makes sense in the short term – just because they are fighting for their lives and are trying to get a reaction out of the squad.

“They need to pick up results. Mark has gone in there with some experience and to try and turn it around for them.

“It changes the complexion of our game with a new manager – it always makes it slightly different. But they are still on a bad run and he has got to get results quickly there.

“I’m always disappointed to see a manager lose their job. I like Mark, he is a nice guy. I’m disappointed for him but understand the business we’re in. They find themselves in a difficult spot

The Wimbledon-Charlton match has twice been postponed. The Addicks called it off initially over the Christmas period – citing Covid cases – and then also got it rescheduled during the international break due to Chris Gunter’s call-up by Wales.

But Jackson has no regrets with the benefit of hindsight that the Addicks, who made it three straight wins with a 1-0 success at Doncaster last weekend, switched the fixture again.

“We made a decision that suited us. It was the right decision at the right time. Those other things [managerial changes] are out of our hands. It made sense for us at the time.

“You’d rather you weren’t playing a team that just made a change but that’s the nature of it. But we’ll just prepare like we normally do.”