MICHAEL Appleton says he wants to develop a team that ‘excites’ and plays ‘front-foot’ football in his first interview after being confirmed as the new manager of Charlton Athletic on Friday.
Appleton, 47, takes over from Jason Pearce who won his one game in the dugout after being put in charge on an interim basis following the sacking of Dean Holden.
Former Lincoln City and Blackpool boss Appleton took his first training session on Friday.
“I will give everything to deliver success for Charlton Athletic Football Club,” Appleton said on the Addicks’ website. “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.”
Appleton, who has managed in the top four top divisions in English football, has signed a two-year contract and his first game will be away at Stevenage on Saturday week.
Charlton technical director Andy Scott led the process of finding Holden’s successor.
Scott said: “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.”
