VALLEY boss Chris Powell admits he would have liked to have kept Lee Martin in SE7 for a bit longer.

Martin was recalled from his loan by Ipswich’s new manager Paul Jewell this week, denying Powell the opportunity to pick the midfielder following his own appointment on Monday.

The Charlton boss said: “I spoke to Lee. Obviously he is not our player and he was able to be recalled before the end of this month.

“He looked good in training and regardless what has happened before I said to everyone they had a chance with me.

“If you impress me out there with your training and your attitude, no problem because we are moving forward here and if you can add something to us, you will be in.

“I said that to Lee and then he was recalled.

“Obviously the new manager there wants to see him and it is his right because he is their player.

“I wished him well and just said you would have more than likely have been involved but that is gone now.”

Powell also revealed he had been in contact with predecessor Phil Parkinson, although the two have been unable to speak directly yet.

“I left a message with him and he has left a message with me,” said the new Charlton manager.

“I felt it was right to ring him and I actually texted him the day it happened and he texted me back.

“Then 10 days later I’ve become the manager of Charlton.

“He is a man I know well from my time here and I hope he gets back into football as soon as possible.”

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