Curtis Fleming appointed new Charlton Athletic assistant manager – with new set-piece and first-team coach in James Brayne

Curtis Fleming has been promoted to assistant manager as part of changes to Charlton Athletic’s backroom team after Paul Hart opted to step down.

James Brayne has been handed the role of set-piece and first-team coach.

The Addicks confirmed this afternoon that Hart – a mentor for Addicks boss Nathan Jones – was leaving his role.

Fleming had previously been first-team coach, arriving last season shortly before Jones was appointed as Michael Appleton’s successor.

Jones said: “These are two people that I inherited when I came in. I felt it was important to have continuity, to evaluate and to work with them. They’ve both proven to be excellent additions.

“We’ve asked them to do slightly different things to what they were doing. James has obviously changed roles but we’re delighted with that. We think we’ve got a real good environment with real good staff.”

Charlton technical director Andy Scott said: “I’ve known Curtis a long time – he’s an excellent coach. He’s worked with Nigel Pearson and a number of managers in the Championship. He’s highly experienced and fantastic with the players – he has a really good rapport with them.

“He’s shown that when Nathan came in. He stepped up, Nathan’s seen the qualities in Curtis and was very keen to ensure that he was his assistant manager for this season, which we’re all delighted with as well.

“We already knew James was a very, very good coach. His attention to detail is outstanding. His presentation, his analysis, the way that he deals with players.

“We decided that he would be an excellent choice to be set-piece and first-team coach. He will step into the first-team environment and be responsible for attacking and defensive set plays – throw-ins, free-kicks, corners and restarts.”

Luke Sanders and Elliott Plant, who have both worked with Jones previously, have joined as head of sports science and first-team strength and conditioning coach respectively.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD