Former Charlton first-team coach Simon Clark has broken his silence about his Valley exit.

Clark ended his three-year spell in SE7 at the end of the season after working with the academy and senior team.

The 50-year-old was offered a recruitment role by Charlton boss Karl Robinson, but turned it down.

Clark, who will boss Notts County’s U18s next season, told News Shopper: “Karl was brilliant, he’s really honest.

“He spoke to me and said ‘I’m probably going to go a different way, I want to change your role but I want you at the club. The players respect you and so do I’.

News Shopper:

Charlton boss Karl Robinson

“He wanted me to be more analytical and work on game plans and the ideas and analysis of other teams, and look at players that the club wanted to bring in.

“I thought about it and told him that it wasn’t for me. I love watching football and players but I need to be coaching on the grass.”

Clark was promoted to the senior team as a first-team coach last year.

He worked with Russell Slade and Robinson in a disappointing League One campaign.

Robinson is looking to mount a promotion push next term – and Clark believes the club need to dump players who are not fully committed to the cause.

He said: “Recruitment is going to be key. There are some good players there, but they have to reduce their waste.

“They have to get players out that aren’t committed to what is not an easy league. You play teams that play football and teams that go direct.

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“So, you need to recruit players who know how to get out of League One. You need that hunger and desire.

“Charlton have to find different ways to win football matches. They need to be able to mix it up. All good teams do that now.

“But it’s got to be underpinned by hard work, grit and determination. Possession is great but it has to be clever possession and you have to stick to that game plan.

“You do that by having a squad mentality to listen to the gaffer, listen to the coaches and to work to a game plan. That hasn’t always happened at Charlton. For me, that’s something that they must address.”

Clark coached club captain Johnnie Jackson during his time with the senior team.

Robinson wants the Addicks legend to join his backroom staff after the midfielder took some light sessions last term.

News Shopper:

Karl Robinson and Johnnie Jackson

And Clark believes Jackson, 34, has all the attributes to become a Charlton manager in the future.

He added: “I’d love to work with Jacko. I’ve got nothing but respect for him.

“He’s certainly got the mentality and knowledge. He’s nicked a few of my sessions, he knows he has!

“What he’s done for the club is fantastic. I certainly hope one day that it would be a natural thing for him to become a manager.”