Curtis Fleming asked if he wants Charlton Athletic manager job on permanent basis

Curtis Fleming held his first press conference as Charlton’s caretaker boss today – and did not rule himself out of landing the job full-time.

The former Crystal Palace player and coach had been a recent addition to the backroom staff of Michael Appleton, who was sacked on Tuesday night after the 3-2 defeat to Northampton Town.

Fleming has stepped up from the coaching team to take charge and will be assisted by Jason Pearce.

Asked by the South London Press if he wanted the position on a permanent basis, the former Republic of Ireland international said: “Well, what’s the answer (that caretakers normally give)? What do you normally hear – I’m concentrating on Saturday. That is honest. It was something I wasn’t expecting.

“I want to get the job done and for us to get results. I want that fans, players….connection – everyone coming together. And we’ll see what happens.

“We’ve got the game and I enjoyed being out with the lads today. I came in as assistant head coach and that’s what I am. I’m happy with that – that’s my name badge.”

Charlton’s 12-game winless run spelled the end of Appleton’s four-month tenure.

Asked what his emotions were, Fleming said: “My emotions are that it is football. It is a crazy game. You come with one remit and then something happens. The game these days, you have got to be adaptable and ready.

“It doesn’t scare me. The only thing is I’ve only been in a couple of weeks and it’s getting the gist of everything that is going on at the club.

“No-one is happy when anyone loses their job in football.

“We all probably found out (about Appleton’s departure) at the same time. It is quite emotional after a game anyway – you feel like you’ve been in a washing machine for an hour and a half. Then that hits. It’s disappointing. Then you have to dust yourself down. It’s not a great feeling but we are football people at heart and we know stuff like that happens.”

Appleton was already under pressure when Fleming was appointed.

So did he seek assurances about his own future should a change be made?

“I didn’t think there was that much pressure, if I’m being honest…an unbelievable pressure,” said Fleming. “They said they just needed to get a couple of results and settle things down.

“After the game it was mentioned (about Fleming taking charge). You kind of half know what your role is going to be or what has to happen. You can’t get away from the fact it is a football team preparing for games – you’ve got a lot of lads – the football club is bigger than anything – whatever club I am at.

“To win games you have to have that stability as quickly as possible, get it settled down as quickly as possible and be as transparent as you possibly can be. You work from there.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS