KEITH Peacock believes Chris Powell’s inexperience won’t prevent him from being a hit as Charlton manager.

Peacock, who took charge of the Addicks for their visits to Spurs and Sheffield Wednesday, ended his caretaker duties with an entertaining 2-2 draw at Hillsborough.

And he revealed Powell visited the away dressing room before kick-off to introduce himself to the squad ahead of officially beginning his tenure on Monday.

“Chris just popped down and shook hands with all the players before the game,” explained Peacock.

“He’d just arrived and it gave him a chance to see the side before he takes over on Monday.

“I think he’s a tremendous choice as manager for Charlton Athletic.

“Obviously he was tremendously popular here as a player and on his CV, whatever he’s done he has done well in all aspects of his life in football.”

Amidst the phenomenal waves of joy coming from the Charlton faithful in reaction to club favourite Powell’s appointment are concerns over his inexperience as a manager.

Indeed, the former England international has overseen just one senior game – in temporary charge of Leicester ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson taking over at the Walkers Stadium.

But Peacock, who worked with Powell for years while assistant manager under Alan Curbishley, rubbished concerns of him not being ready for the position.

He said: “He’s building up his experience in coaching but every manager must start somewhere. Someone has to give them a chance.

“Someone gave me my first chance when I was 35 or 36 and the great managers all got their chance somewhere – Harry Redknapp did at Bournemouth and someone gave Alex Ferguson his chance somewhere.

“There’s always that time when a manager has no track record. Chris’s track record starts next week.”

Knowing Powell personally and professionally, Peacock feels the new board have selected someone with the right character and tools to succeed at The Valley.

“I certainly thought that whatever route that Chris chose, he would be successful and accomplished in whatever he did”, Peacock added.

“He knows the game inside out.

“When you think about his career, some international footballers get their first cap at 21 or 22 but then they’re never seen again but he came into the England side when a lot of people would have given up, aged 32 or 33.

“That shows you what he’s about and it’s an example to all of the youngsters.

“In the long term, he gets there and deservedly so. He’s not a fly-by-night situation, he’s someone who’ll always improve and get better.”