Charlton sack Michael Appleton just 30 mins after defeat with damning statement

23 January 2024 , 22:43

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Michael Appleton has been sacked by Charlton (Image: PA)

Charlton Athletic have sacked Michael Appleton after the Addicks lost 3-2 to Northampton Town in League One on Tuesday night.

In a damning 38-word statement on the club website just half an hour after the full-time whistle, they said: "Charlton Athletic can confirm that Michael Appleton has left the club with immediate effect after being relieved of his role as Head Coach.

"The club would like to thank Michael for his efforts during his time in charge."

Appleton had only been in the role for four-and-a-half months having succeeded Dean Holden, who left the club back in September. He oversaw 28 games, in which he won just eight and lost nine, with Charlton in the midst of a winless run that dates back to November.

Tuesday night's defeat was particularly painful, with the Addicks conceding a 97th minute winner against Northampton. The result leaves the club languishing all the way down in 16th in the League One table.

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Appleton faced plenty of questions surrounding his future during his pre-match presser, where he admitted results would need to improve sharpish.

When asked if he had been given any indication over his future, he replied: "No, no…but I think from a personal point of view, the reality is the longer the situation goes on without winning a game of football that does come with the job.

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Michael Appleton has been sacked by Charlton after 28 games

“It’s not my first rodeo. I’ve been here before, in difficult positions before, I understand the job and the role – the fact if you’re not winning games on a regular basis then your job is up for threat."

He went on to add: "You always want patience and time as a manager but it’s not something managers get in this day and age. The only way we’re going to get time moving forward is by picking up a few results.

"If we do that I think you’ll see a natural progression and the team get better, win games on a regular basis. If that doesn’t happen then clearly we know what happens."

Those comments now make for ominous reading, with Appleton basically predicting his own sacking less than 48 hours before he was given the boot from The Valley.

Josh O'Brien