Charlton Athletic are delighted to confirm the appointment of Michael Appleton as Head Coach of the men’s first-team.
Appleton, who has taken control of 420 games across each of English football’s top-four divisions during a successful coaching career to date, has signed a two-year contract with the club.
Charlton’s Technical Director Andy Scott led the recruitment process, supported by Managing Director James Rodwell and Simon Lenagan, Sporting Director of the club’s owners Global Football Partners.
Scott commented: “The appointment of Michael comes following an in-depth recruitment process. We had a clear idea of the type of person we wanted, the way they work and how they manage.
“When speaking to the various candidates that we met, Michael demonstrated very clearly that he would have the ability to take the current group and mould them into a successful team.
“He has worked at the very top level so he understands what high standards are required to win. He is a leader on the grass, as well as in the dressing room, has a winning mentality and has had many positive and negative experiences as a manager that have shaped him into the coach that we believe will be the best person for the job.
“He is a coach who knows what it takes to get a team promoted. He has a track record of working with, and developing, young players, which is vital given our outstanding academy. In addition, he has experience working in a modern set-up where his responsibilities are on managing a group of players and getting the best out of them on the pitch.”
Over the last decade Appleton has twice created successful sides with a young, developing core. He led Oxford United to promotion to League One in 2015/16 with a youthful squad that included a host of emerging talents such as Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram. The U’s then narrowly missed out on the play-offs in the club’s first campaign back in League One the following season.
He took Lincoln City to the 2020/21 League One play-off final, getting the best out of another up-and-coming squad, with Brennan Johnson, now of Tottenham Hotspur, enjoying a breakout season under his guidance.
After putting pen-to-paper, Appleton said: “I am delighted to be named as Head Coach of this proud and historic football club and would like to thank the owners, James Rodwell and Andy Scott for placing their trust in me to lead the team.
“I will give everything to deliver success for Charlton Athletic Football Club. To do this, we will all need to work together; the players, staff and supporters, we all have a part to play.
“I cannot wait to get started. I want us to develop a team that excites us all, that never gives up and that plays on the front foot. I want my players to enjoy playing for each other, to express themselves and feel comfortable in the way we aim to play. We want to build a winning mentality, starting immediately.
“It is a competitive division, and achievements take time, but work has already begun to reach the heights that this club, and you as supporters, deserve. Nothing will be taken for granted. All of us will have to work harder and towards the team ethic if we are to accomplish anything.
“I look forward to meeting everyone connected with the club over the coming days and weeks. We will listen, we will learn and we will strive to deliver something special and make you all proud.”
The 47-year-old will take his first Charlton training session at Sparrows Lane on Friday morning.
Supporters can watch Appleton’s first interview as Head Coach on the club’s website later this afternoon, while his first press conference in the role will take place next week.
