Lee Bowyer was confirmed as Charlton’s permanent manager on Thursday morning, following a successful, six-month spell in caretaker charge.
After taking temporary control in March, with the Addicks sitting ninth in the Sky Bet League One table, he guided the club to six victories in their final 10 league games to secure a play-off place.
This summer, Bowyer has worked tirelessly alongside Head of Recruitment Steve Gallen and other members of staff to add quality to his squad and, on Saturday at Southend United, two of those signings combined to score Charlton’s late winner.
Krystian Bielik’s bullet header sent the Addicks’ busy away end crazy and, following Bowyer’s permanent appointment, we have searched the Valley Pass archive for five of his cracking victories as Charlton boss…
Southend United (a) – Saturday, September 1st 2018
Backed by a healthy following, a new-look Charlton side came away from Roots Hall with an important three points. New signing Lyle Taylor fired the Addicks in front, having been teed up by academy graduate Karlan Grant, before Krystian Bielik powered home a Josh Cullen corner for the dramatic winner.
Plymouth Argyle (h) – Saturday, March 24th 2018
A rip-roaring start from Charlton got the Bowyer era off to a flier. A Lewis Page stunner and a first Valley goal for Michal Zyro had the Addicks two goals in front after only 17 minutes and from then on they dominated the match. The victory proved crucial as Bowyer’s men would go on to leapfrog the Pilgrims to secure a top-six finish.
Northampton Town (a) – Friday, March 30th 2018
Four days after beating Plymouth in SE7, Charlton thrashed Northampton in a clash that they bossed from first whistle to last. Ben Reeves – thriving in a new midfield diamond formation – put the Addicks in front before two great strikes from Tariqe Fosu ended the contest. Josh Magennis put the gloss on the scoreline as Bowyer’s men edged close to the top six.
Portsmouth (a) – Saturday, April 21st 2018
Arguably the most memorable victory in Bowyer’s fledgling managerial career thus far, Charlton inched closer to a top-six finish by earning a huge victory at promotion rivals Portsmouth. Nicky Ajose’s first-half strike proved decisive and, after that, the Addicks were cheered home by a brilliant, sold-out away end at Fratton Park.
Blackburn Rovers (h) – Saturday, April 28th
A week after winning away at Portsmouth, Charlton all-but secured their play-off place by beating Blackburn Rovers at a bouncing Valley. Jason Pearce deflected home the winner during the first period and, in the second half, a fantastic defensive performance saw Bowyer’s men grind out a priceless victory.