Karl Robinson addresses the situation of Charlton Athletic key figure

Karl Robinson has heaped his praise on Charlton Athletic manager Johnnie Jackson ahead of Oxford United’s trip to The Valley on Saturday, in conversation with London News Online.

Robinson appointed Jackson as a player-coach during the Liverpudlian’s time with the Addicks, with the 41-year-old joining the U’s in March 2018 from the London club. 

Helping the Addicks escape the threat of relegation, Jackson will certainly be learning lots in his first managerial position. 

Sitting 14 points from the play-off positions, it would appear that the rest of this season will be about setting themselves up for success when the new campaign comes around. 

Speaking to London News Online about Jackson and the job he is doing at Charlton, Robinson said: “It’s so important to have continuity. I don’t know Thomas but I believe there is a lot of positivity around the club. But equally, at the same time, none of us know what is in that contract in relation to what a break clause looks like. You hear managers getting ‘x’ amount of years but the severance package can only be six months. 

“The one thing I’ve always tried to do is go to a football club and work with people – bring the youth team players through, create continuity – which fundamentally helps the community aspect as well.

“It allows you to immerse yourself in what that football club stands for. There is no other person out there, other than Johnnie Jackson, who I feel can do that. I am biased, obviously, because I think the world of him. 

“He is a good coach, he is going through a big learning curve – his first time as manager – and he is going to make mistakes. They have to be accepted. The mistakes he makes today will make him a better manager tomorrow.”

The verdict 

Jackson