STEVE Kean’s future remains up in the air but Charlton opposite number Chris Powell is calling for people to lay off the Rovers boss ahead of this weekend’s Valley meeting between the two clubs.

Kean has been vilified by a large section of Blackburn’s support ever since he took over from Sam Allardyce but despite being relegated from the Premier League, the Scot defied the odds and critics to remain in control at Ewood Park.

Blackburn have made a promising start to the season and currently sit third but Kean’s position looks as insecure as ever following a 2-1 defeat at home to Middlesbrough last Friday.

Many expected him to go earlier this week but the Scot remains in charge for Saturday’s visit to SE7, where Charlton will be looking to pile on the pressure by making it back-to-back wins following last weekend’s welcome 2-1 success at Ipswich.

Powell said: “They started off very well.

“They lost week to Middlesbrough but their points return and the position they are in is fine.

“I’ve got to say I don’t understand the abuse that’s been aimed at Steve Kean.

“It is obvious at that club there is a lot going on and a lot that is not conducive to having a happy football club.

“Why don’t you let the man get on with his job?

“If he is your manager you let him get on with his job with his group of players.”

The Charlton manager added: “If you are going to let him spend £8m on Jordan Rhodes you’ve got to let him get on with his team.

“I don’t see it as a good or bad time to play them because whatever is going on up there I’m not party to, like most of us.

“But it is a good time for us on the back of a good win and a good response after losing the previous games.

“We just go to play our game and play to win, which is what we will be doing on Saturday.”

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt