Jonathan Woodgate has urged Charlton’s board to back Lee Bowyer with more spending money as the Addicks boss fights to keep them in the Championship.

The Middlesbrough manager, who was Bowyer’s former team-mate at Leeds and Newcastle United, launched the impassioned defence following his side’s 1-0 win at The Valley.

Although Boro’s victory dragged the Addicks into the relegation zone for the first time this season, Woodgate is keen to see Bowyer succeed in steering them away from League One.

He said: “He's got a fantastic forward in Lyle Taylor especially, he's an absolute handful to play against.

“Listen, Lee's not had much money to spend. Hardly anything. Hardly absolutely anything. If he was backed up more, he'd do a lot better.

“You need to back your manager, and he hasn't had that. He'd done an unbelievable job last year getting you promoted, and that's what I mean. If you don't back your manager, as in Lee, it's difficult for anyone.

“I mean, look at the injuries he had. He had 15 injuries at one point in the season … you need to cut him a bit of slack.

“If he had some more very good players then he'd do well but he needs the backing.”

East Street Investments completed its takeover of Charlton in January, and it is hoped that Bowyer will enjoy a larger transfer budget in the summer.

However, that could depend on where the club plays next season as its place in the Championship remains at risk.

Having slipped to 22nd in the table, the Addicks are now two points away from safety and face a huge trip up to Hull City next week where points will be vital following three straight defeats.

While neither Barnsley nor Luton could climb above them regardless of their results, a loss would widen the margin up to five with just eight games left in the campaign.