Simon Church backs former boss Karl Robinson to succeed at Charlton – but is wary of Addicks owner Roland Duchatelet.

Church worked with Robinson at MK Dons in the Championship after leaving Charlton in 2015.

Now, the Liverpudlian is trying to mount a promotion push at the Valley.

Charlton left it very late to bring in players last year, signing Declan Rudd and Jason Pearce just a week before the opening day of the season.

And Church, 28, wants Duchatelet to give Robinson free reign when it comes to recruiting players this summer.

He told News Shopper: “For a club like Charlton, they need to be playing at a higher level than League One.

“But it depends on how much money the owners want to spend and how serious they are about getting out of the league because it’s tough.

News Shopper:

Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet

“The fans are brilliant, it’s just the owners. I don’t know what the situation is or how much power the manager will have.

“Karl’s proved that he can be successful in football with MK Dons. He had free reign at the club and brought in the players he wanted.

“He is a good guy and a good coach. I’m sure the players will enjoy his training sessions and his philosophy. Recruitment is obviously massive now for the club and for him.”

Charlton are desperate to get out of League One after a disappointing 13th place finish last term.

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Robinson has experience of winning promotion from England’s third tier after guiding MK Dons to the Championship two years ago.

Charlton struggled at times last season when Robinson played his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation with the players he inherited.

And Church admits that Robinson will always stick to his football philosophy.

News Shopper:

Simon Church during his Charlton days 

The Wales striker added: “The manager has got a certain way of playing and he’s not afraid to put his belief in youngsters.

“But he’s got to find the right team for how he plays because I felt in the Championship with MK Dons, we weren’t able to adapt and change the way we played.

“But he’s probably learned some lessons, as well. If he brings in the players he wants, that he feels will suit the way he plays, then I’m sure Charlton will give promotion a good go.

“It’s a great way to play football but you have to have the players to do that and the players who want to play like that.”