Charlton legend Johnnie Jackson sees similarities between Chris Powell and Karl Robinson’s teams

Jackson, 35, was part of the Addicks side that won the League One title under Powell’s stewardship in 2012.

The Charlton skipper played a vital part in the promotion-winning campaign, scoring 13 goals.

Now, appointed as a player-coach by Addicks boss Robinson in the summer, Jackson hopes to play another crucial part - on or off the pitch - in the club’s quest to return to the Championship this season.

Jackson said: “Yeah I do, I see a lot of similarities [between Powell and Robinson’s teams].

“It was quite a dynamic team that year in the 2011/12 season and I think there is certainly a dynamic team now.

Chris Powell with the League One title

“There’s a lot of pace and energy in the side, and we’re playing attractive football. That’s what the crowd want to see.

“Obviously results haven't been there in years gone by, but also, the style of football in the last couple of years probably hasn't been fantastic to watch. And if you’re not getting results and still playing an attractive brand of football, you’re almost forgiven a little bit.

“But when you’re getting neither, it’s difficult to keep that support. What you're seeing on the pitch now, it’s quite exciting. You can tell from the response of the crowd, they’re quite excited by it.

“We’ve got a young, energetic team that are first and foremost, leaving everything on the pitch. As a football fan, that’s all you want to see from your team, knowing the players are going to give absolutely everything.”

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There is a much more positive vibe around the Valley compared to this time last year.

The Addicks have recruited well over the summer and are in a strong position to challenge for promotion. They have won two of their opening three league games.

When asked what he puts the change of mood down to, Jackson added: “I think the brand of football, the recruitment we've had, we’ve got young, hungry players.

“And the style that we’re playing, trying to keep the ball on the deck and attack with power, things like that. It gives the fans a positive feeling when they see that type of football.”

So far this season, Jackson has started two Carabao Cup games and came on as a late substitute against Northampton.

Johnnie Jackson with Karl Robinson | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography

The former Tottenham trainee is juggling his role as a first-team coach and player, but is enjoying the challenge.

One minute Jackson was barking orders at his team-mates during the Northampton win, and the next, he was on the pitch playing.

He added: “I don't suppose there are many people who do that sort of role in football. In that respect, it’s strange.

“I’m enjoying the transition, it’s exactly what I wanted at this stage of my career. Last year, playing, I knew I wasn't going to play every week.

“But that [Northampton match] is an example, if I’m needed at the end of a game or during the week in the league cup then I’m ready, and if I’m not involved, then I’ve got other duties on a match day that are equally important.

“It’s a juggling act, I have to be ready to play, ready to coach. Whatever the gaffer asks of me, I’ll be ready to do it.”