Charlton caretaker Johnnie Jackson set to decide whether to apply for vacant Valley hot seat role

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Charlton caretaker boss and former club captain Johnnie Jackson says he’s still to decide whether he will be throwing his hat into the ring for the full-time job in the Valley hot seat.

Former Addicks boss Lee Bowyer announced his shock resignation on Monday before signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with Championship outfit Birmingham City.  Jackson, assistant manager to Bowyer during his tenure, stepped up to the plate to take charge of the side for this evening’s home game with Bristol Rovers – the Addicks recovering from a 2-0 deficit to claim a 3-2 win and climb into League One’s play-off places.

The former midfielder, who made over 270 appearances for the club during his playing career, has made no secret of his managerial ambitions in the past.

Owner Thomas Sandgaard has said he hopes to sort out a replacement for Bowyer in short order.

When asked if he will be applying for the top job this time around, Jackson said: “I know you’ll think I’m dodging it but I’ve had a day and a half to throw myself into this football match [against Bristol Rovers]. That’s all my focus has been.

“I guess after tonight or tomorrow there will be discussions and I’ll be able to have a think about something else other than Bristol Rovers. I really haven’t had time to take stock about it. I just wanted to give my heart and soul to this match really. My full focus. Worry about this and then worry about other things after.

“[Management is] certainly a long-held ambition of mine. I feel like I’ve gathered a lot of experience in the last few years. I’ve been coaching three years but what I’ve seen, witnessed and experienced in those years probably amounts to maybe ten in normal circumstances. I certainly feel like I’m in a good place with my coaching career. Whether that’s a manager’s role, an assistant manager’s role or coach. I’ve still got lots to learn. Lots of experience to gain.

“I’m just grateful that I’m in a role and part of a football club that I love and I’m doing what I love. I haven’t put any time frames on when I need to be doing this by. I enjoy what I do. I loved working with Lee. I’m happy. I’m content. Some of it might be out of my hands, what the future holds. I just have to try doing my job the best I can every day when I go into work and I’ll continue to do that wherever I am, whoever I’m working for.”

“We had a brief conversation yesterday. It was; ‘Mr Sandgaard, are you happy for me to take the team tomorrow,’ which he was. A brief run-down of what my thoughts were and a little bit about Bristol Rovers and that was that. We agreed to speak again after the game or Wednesday. There wasn’t anything about beyond tonight.

“Very brief. I spoke to him yesterday after Lee departed. I thought it was important that we had some communication because we needed directing about who was going to take the side. I assumed that it would be me following Lee’s departure but I had to hear that from the owner, as is his right. He was happy with that. We spoke briefly about the upcoming game and that was it. I said I need to focus on that game now. Perhaps we’ll speak tonight or I’m sure we’ll have a conversation tomorrow.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS