Charlton confirm Chris Powell as manager

(GETTY IMAGES)

Charlton have confirmed the appointment of Chris Powell as their new manager.

Powell leaves his role as first-team coach at Leicester to sign a three-and-a-half-year contract at The Valley, much to the delight of Addicks chairman Michael Slater.

"We spoke to a number of strong candidates as part of the recruitment process. As soon as we met Chris, it was clear he was our stand-out candidate and the one we wanted to be our new manager," he told the club's official website.

"He has natural leadership ability and his passion for the club, together with his football knowledge and ideas for the future, are hugely impressive.

"We firmly believe Chris is the right man to take the club forward on the pitch and we're thrilled to have got him. We think the fans will be, too.

"I'd like to thank Leicester for their co-operation in releasing Chris from his coaching role to take on his position with us. With new owners and a fresh and dynamic manager in place, our goal now is promotion to the Championship."

As well as coaching at the Walkers Stadium, Powell has been involved in many off-field campaigns both during and after his playing days.

Prior to retiring last season, the former England international was chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association.

Furthermore, his involvement in the Kick It Out campaign, which aims to promote racial awareness in the sport, has been well documented.

And Powell's tireless work as an ambassador for that group has earned him a glowing tribute off its chair, Lord Herman Ouseley.

"This is great news," he said. "His knowledge and enthusiasm is first rate, not to mention his awareness and understanding of key social issues.

"Chris has worked tirelessly as an ambassador for Kick It Out since his playing days and his successful tenure as PFA chairman served to extend this knowledge of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

"He has 20 years of experience as a professional which has given him excellent grass roots connections.

"It sends a positive message to young aspiring coaches from all communities that opportunities do exist at the highest level."