Lee Bowyer named caretaker boss at Charlton after Karl Robinson departs

Former Leeds and Newcastle midfielder Lee Bowyer has been named caretaker manager of Charlton after manager Karl Robinson left by mutual consent, the Sky Bet League One club have announced.

Bowyer, who started his professional career with the Addicks, will lead Charlton against play-off rivals Plymouth on Saturday, with Johnnie Jackson named as his assistant.

Charlton director Richard Murray told the club’s official website: “I’d like to place on record our thanks to Karl Robinson who has worked tirelessly during his time at Charlton. The club and Karl came to an agreement that is best for everyone involved.

“We’re very grateful to Lee Bowyer and Johnnie Jackson for stepping forward in the club’s time of need.

“Lee has impressed everyone at The Valley since coming back to the club last year and Johnnie has Charlton running through his veins. Together they are the best people to lead the club through an important few weeks.”

Bowyer is a former Charlton academy graduate and returned to The Valley at the beginning of 2017 as a member of Robinson’s coaching staff before being named assistant manager last summer.

The 41-year-old, who also played for West Ham, Birmingham and Ipswich and earned one England cap, said: “I’m very pleased to be given the opportunity to take this team forward.

“We have a talented squad of players and our focus has to be on winning games and giving ourselves the best opportunity to make the play-offs.”

Charlton are currently ninth in the League One standings, five points off the play-off places with 10 games remaining.

Robinson, who joined the club in November 2016, said: “I’d like to thank the Charlton fans for their support during my time at the club.

“Moving on now was not an easy decision for anybody but it is what is best for the club and everyone involved.

“Bow and Jacko have been fantastic during my time here and I have no doubt I’m leaving the club in good hands.”