Charlton Athletic part company with manager Johnnie Jackson
Charlton have parted company with manager Johnnie Jackson.
Addicks owner Thomas Sandgaard broke the news to Jackson this afternoon, informing the club’s former captain that his contract will not be extended.
The 39-year-old had replaced Nigel Adkins in the Valley hotseat at the end of October – the former Southampton and Reading boss paying the price for a woeful start to the League One campaign.
Jackson initially took on the role as caretaker before being handed the managerial reins permanently on December 17.
It was reported at the time that the ex-midfielder’s deal only ran until the end of the campaign with an automatic extension triggered by league finish. The South London Press was told at that time that the position to meet the criteria was top eight.
The Addicks ended up in 13th place after a 4-0 defeat at Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Sandgaard, who flew back to the US following the end-of-season Player of the Year dinner, will begin the process of interviewing for Jackson’s successor.
Asked about the decision, Sandgaard told the South London Press: “Technically it was made here yesterday. It was both a reflection of last season but, more importantly, looking forward and what will next season look like – our promotion chances. But also what we are looking at in terms of choice of players.
“I never interferred with Johnnie’s starting 11 and substitutes that he would show up with. But it was how that was going to look for next season. I want to make sure, if we can, to improve on that.
“Johnnie did his first six or seven games as caretaker and they were amazing, somewhat expected because you get that new manager bounce. Johnnie already knew the players, but after that we got more of an insight into what we could expect from that point of view.
“It was important we made a change. I got to know Johnnie pretty early on in the process after he got made caretaker and then made permanent. I really like him as a person. We got along well.
“He has massive experience as a player and is still young for a managerial position. Hopefully he will find a similar job elsewhere. I think he probably will have a lot of options. I wish him all the best.
“It’s more an overall decision, made on what the future would be like. Some fans will probably look at it, losing 4-0 at Ipswich, and think that is why we have done it. I don’t think we felt anything [after] that which was that different from most of the season. That was just another side to our team we got to see on that day.”
PICTURES: PAUL EDWARDS
Really saddened to hear this, the damage was done when we were without are main strikers, I think had they been available we would have been quite a few points better off, but also outside the play offs. It is obvious the team is short of quality in certain areas and I believe Jackson should have been given the opportunity of a full season, including importantly a successful summer recruiting and a good pre season. It is unfair to judge any body in this way let alone a club legend, and frankly it smacks of revolving doors. The owner has made some good moves since his takeover but I cannot support this one.