Johnnie Jackson on the right time to judge him as Charlton Athletic manager

Johnnie Jackson feels that the time he should be properly judged as Charlton manager will be at the end of the next transfer window.

Addicks owner Thomas Sandgaard told BBC London yesterday that Jackson was part of his long-term plans.

The club’s former captain took permanent charge of the side in December following a lengthy caretaker spell.

But injuries to his main frontline options – Jayden Stockley, Chuks Aneke and Conor Washington – have coincided with five successive defeats which have ended any lingering hopes of a late League One play-off challenge.

Instead the Addicks still need wins to make sure they do not get embroiled in the battle at the wrong end of the table.

Asked about Sandgaard’s words of support, Jackson told the South London Press: “He’s right, we do have a good working relationship and there is mutual respect there.

“I think he’s recognised the impact I had when I took over – where we were when I took over and where we are now. Okay, we are not where we want to be but there has been improvement. I think he also recognises there are a lot of reasons behind the recent lack of form. That’s obvious to see for everyone.

“He understands that and also understands a manager needs time to build something. We want to build together and take the football club forward.

“Unfortunately this season has not panned out the way we wanted it but next season we have got a great opportunity to build and recruit well – then have a real good go at promotion.

“Every manager needs time. I’ve had one [transfer] window and two permanent signings in that window who have barely been able to play so far. They haven’t had any time to impact it.

“So really it’s a summer rebuild and I think that is when you should really get judged. I’ve not even had a pre-season yet. Any manager will tell you that recruitment and pre-season is when you mould a team and squad into what you want.”

Sandgaard is expecting a top-two challenge in the 2022-23 campaign.

“A club like Charlton should always be aiming for that,” said Jackson. “We were aiming for that this season but have fallen way short.

“League One is so strong, probably the strongest it has ever been. And next season it will be strong with the teams that come down. But I expect us to be right in amongst it.”