Charlton Athletic caretaker boss Johnnie Jackson ‘optimistic’ about outcome of talks

Johnnie Jackson has once again reiterated he has held “positive discussions” over his Charlton Athletic future.

The 39-year-old has an unbeaten record as a caretaker manager and the Addicks extended his undefeated run this season to seven matches after a 2-2 draw at Morecambe in midweek. The South Londoners had a swathe of key first-teamers missing for the fixture – including Sam Lavelle, Jonathan Leko, Jayden Stockley and Jason Pearce – but still managed to pick up a point.

After beating then League One leaders Plymouth Argyle 2-0 at a packed Valley last weekend, Charlton will look to make it a seven-point return for the last eight days as they head to Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.

Jackson has made no secret that he wants the Valley job on a permanent basis and fans in the Covered End at Saturday’s match urged owner Thomas Sandgaard to seal the deal. A number of senior players, the most recent being Sean Clare following the victory against the Pilgrims, have gone public with their desire to see him appointed.

Asked about progress on talks, former Charlton captain Jackson told the South London Press: “We’ve had positive discussions this week. I’m optimistic that there can be a positive outcome.”

The Addicks were languishing in the bottom four in the standings when they parted company with Nigel Adkins a month ago.

Since then Jackson has switched to a 3-5-2 formation and the SE7 outfit have climbed to 14th in the table.

Charlton have taken 14 points over the last six matches – putting them joint top of the division’s form guide along with Rotherham United and Oxford United.