Chris Powell has paid tribute to retiring Charlton legend Johnnie Jackson.
The former Addicks boss made Jackson club captain in July 2011, and the midfielder played a vital role in winning promotion to the Championship nine months later.
Ahead of the 35-year-old’s potential final game at the Valley against Blackburn on Saturday, Powell, who managed Charlton for three years, said: “He’s one of the best captains I’ve ever had. He was an integral part of what I was building at Charlton.
“I had a tough call on who was going to be the captain in my first full season. In the end, I plumped for Johnnie because I felt he was a figurehead and a leader and someone who would be a leader of men, and leader of the team.
“He certainly did that. He lifted the League One title - his assists and goals also contributed to it.
“I just knew he would be someone who would be a key part of my plans at the club and he certainly was.
“It’s a testament to him that he’s still there after all what’s gone on since I’ve moved on. People see the value in him, not only as a player but also as someone people can look up to, like the younger players.
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“And the fans can identify with him, so I’ve nothing but admiration for Johnnie Jackson.”
Charlton, who are now under the stewardship of another Addicks hero Lee Bowyer, could seal a play-off spot this weekend if they beat already-promoted Blackburn and their rivals drop points.
Powell netted in his Valley farewell against Coventry in 2008 to become Charlton’s oldest goalscorer at 38 years and 239 days old.
He hopes Jackson can also mark his Valley farewell in the regular season with a goal against Blackburn.
Powell, who made 270 Charlton appearances in three different spells, added: “Charlton fans will give Johnnie an ovation at home to Blackburn, they always do that.
“I was fortunate enough when I played my last Charlton game at the Valley to come on as a sub for 10 minutes and I actually scored a goal, so it would be nice if Johnnie could do that.
“They’re going for a play-off place, and I’m sure their game plan and what they want from the season will overtake sentiment, but if they have a chance to do it then I’d be really proud of him.
“I really hope he has a fabulous day because his next step is upon him and I know he’ll be outstanding as a coach and a future manager.”
Johnnie Jackson and Lee Bowyer on the touchline | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography
Jackson took on the role of player-coach last summer before being named Bowyer's assistant in March.
And Powell believes Jackson will remain in football when he hangs up his boots next month.
The Southend manager said: “I think he has a career in the game once he retires as a player. He’s always looked at it and he’s looked at what he can do in the future. He certainly has a role to play as a coach and maybe as a manager.
“If Johnnie does manage Charlton one day, I’ll be really, really pleased for him. He’s a player I have a lot of time for.
“I text him every now and then because he’s an Arsenal man and I’m a Spurs man, so we’ve always had banter about it.
“I have nothing but admiration for him and his career and what he did for me, my staff, the squad and the football club in general during my time as Charlton manager.”
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