CHARLTON boss Chris Powell revelled in his decision to come back and manage the Addicks after lifting the League One trophy on Saturday.
After a difficult first six months in charge, an incredible first full season which saw the Addicks accumulate 101 points came to an end on Saturday with a thrilling 3-2 win over Hartlepool United.
Goals from Danny Hollands, Danny Haynes and a stunning volley from talisman Yann Kermorgant were enough to take the champions’ points total into triple figures.
Afterwards Powell admitted he never had any doubt about coming back to manage the club which he loves so very much.
He said: “Some people think coming back could be a hindrance and say you should never go back.
“I’ve got loads of fond memories from this club as a player, they’re really special to me.
“When the call came regarding an interview and coming back, a lot of people said I shouldn’t do it because you could spoil your legacy but I said all along I wanted to enhance it and I’ve done that.
“But obviously I want to keep it going and that’s not easy in the managerial world but I’ll be working hard to improve as a manager and to improve this football club.
“I’m really glad I’ve done it. It’s a special moment and it’s such a great feeling for me and all our fans.
“It’s a special club this place and people may say that is because you’ve played there and managed there, but I don’t know too many clubs that have been through what we have been through and keep coming back.”
Powell went on to say how he has learnt a lot from the managers he has played under to make him the man he is today.
His only previous managerial experience before taking the reins at Charlton was at Leicester when he took charge of one game following the departure of Sven-Goran Eriksson.
He won that day, something Powell has got very used to this season.
The Addicks chief said: “I learnt a lot from Sven and Derek Fazackerley at Leicester and all the managers I’ve had over the years.
“I’ve had Alan Curbishley here, and Alan Pardew here and at West Ham.
“Nigel Pearson, who started me off on the road with coaching and managing, he’s the one really who said ‘I think you can do it’ after he kept me on at Leicester after winning the League One trophy.
“He set me off on the road and this is what I’ve learnt along the way, this is a great feeling for me.
“As a manager you realise what they went through, planning ahead and picking a team.
“You have to show leadership and believe in yourself and use your gut feeling sometimes - make the players feel good about themselves and make them feel proud of each other and proud of the club they’re playing for.
“That’s what I’ve done this year and they’ve all taken it on board.”
When Powell first took the hot seat, some questioned whether he was too nice for management.
The former PFA chairman, once known as the ‘nicest man in football’, conceded he maintains an appearance of humanity and sincerity but added he never once doubted his abilities in management and insisted he has the steel to deal with any problems that may arise as a manager.
Powell explained: “I have a way of living my life and treating people.
“I’m not going to change, I’m not going to be someone I’m not.
“I’ve found this season you have to have pure belief in what you’re doing and treat people correctly.
“You don’t play for 24 years if you’re just too nice, I like to treat people with respect and I’ve asked the players to do that and they’ve done it.
“I can only live my life the way I see it and I can only manage the way I see it.
“That’s the way I’ve done it this year and the players to a man have listened to me and my staff and have earned this day.
“I’ve got a steely under belly, no doubt about it. I’ve lost my rag only a few times this year and only when it’s been called for and deserved.
“People say it’s got to be like that all the time.
“That’s nonsense, you treat the players and make them go out there with belief and understanding that they can do the things that they’re good at.
“I like talking to them and man management is a big part of this game.
“I’m really proud of my players, they’ve been a real credit to themselves and each other and to Charlton Athletic.”
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