‘Not easy but doable’ – Charlton interim boss Jason Pearce on club’s League One promotion prospects

Jason Pearce reckons Charlton Athletic can still be in the League One play-off chase but admits that their poor start means it is “not easy” to cut the gap on the clubs currently in the top six.

The Addicks sacked Dean Holden on Sunday with academy coach Pearce stepping up to take interim charge of the first-team.

Former Charlton centre-back Pearce is set to be at the helm for Saturday’s visit of Fleetwood Town to The Valley.

The Addicks are seven points behind sixth-placed Port Vale after five matches, losing their last four league matches on the bounce.

Asked by the South London Press about how much of a challenge it would be to claw back the deficit and challenge for promotion, Pearce said: “Not easy. But is it doable? Yes, it is doable.

“We have to start getting results. Once you get that first one and pick up that next result, you start picking up a bit of momentum. That’s when it changes, when peoples’ mindsets start changing.

“Right now, if you ask me that question, it is going to be difficult, for sure.”

Charlton have interviewed a number of candidates for the Valley vacancy – including Michael Appleton and Danny Cowley. There have also been reports that Stockport’s Dave Challinor has been interviewed.

“As far as I’m aware, I’ve just come in to help as interim – do my best for the club,” said Pearce.

“My main concern is Saturday. They are interviewing people. I’m expecting a manager to be announced – whether that be in a week, whether that be in two weeks or a couple of days, I don’t know.

“I’m just trying to prepare the team to get a result on Saturday.”

Pearce was keeping Charlton’s team news a closely-guarded secret.

He said: “A couple have come back. A couple have come back and come back out. There are a few little niggles. There are a few things, I don’t really want to name names.”