Jason Pearce: Taking charge of Charlton’s first-team is a fantastic moment for me

Jason Pearce has described his appointment as Charlton’s interim manager as a “fantastic moment” in his career.

The 35-year-old was a League One play-off winner with the Addicks in 2019 and represented them 175 times before hanging up his boots to take up a coaching role in the academy.

Ex-Charlton captain Pearce, above, is set to take charge of Saturday’s League One home fixture against Fleetwood Town. The Addicks sacked Dean Holden on Sunday and are conducting interviews with candidates both in and out of work.

Pearce, who will be assisted by Anthony Hayes, has also brought in Stephen Henderson on a temporary basis to coach the goalkeepers after Glyn Shimell also left his post following Holden’s dismissal.

Pearce, promoted to senior professional development phase lead coach in May, had previously told our paper his ambition is to eventually manage at first-team level.

“I have had visions of that moment before, but I didn’t see it happening so soon, to be honest,” he said. “It will be a fantastic moment for me and my family.

“To go from a player, to captain, to managing the team does make me proud. It’s a fantastic opportunity and I just want to do the best I can for the staff, players and the fans.

“My thoughts were to go in, as I did as player, and give 100 per cent to help the team. I’ll make sure the team gives everything and that the players leave everything out there on the pitch.

“I want to get the team playing how I know the fans want us to play and I’ll look to implement that on to the group.

“I know quite a lot of the players through playing with them, some I’ve coached and some may not know who I am.

“There has been a really positive vibe at training. It is important we have a clear plan of what we do with and without the ball.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD