Emotional Powell hails special day for Charlton Athletic

9:45am Monday 16th April 2012

By George Jones

CHRIS Powell was filled with pride after his side sealed their promotion back to the Championship on Saturday.

After an unwanted three year spell in League One, the Addicks will begin next season in the second tier after they beat Carlisle and Sheffield Wednesday failed to win at Colchester at the weekend.

At the final whistle the Addicks boss was reduced to tears of joy as he and his family were also celebrating his mother’s birthday on a very emotional day in Cumbria.

“We’ve had it tough recently in the past few years and it’s a small step forward in our history.

“I’m really proud to be the man at the helm, but my staff, all my players and the board have backed me from the day I came in.

“Ten months of training and hard work have culminated in our performance today.”

He added: “We were tested by Carlisle and I think my players were a bit nervy as they knew exactly what could happen.

“We’ve played some really good football and some determined football when our backs have been against the wall.

“They’ve shown a togetherness and I’m emotional for them as they are a young group and they’ve really worked hard to have a day like this.

The final blast of the referee’s whistle saw a number of Charlton fans charge onto the pitch to embrace their heroes.

Powell was quick to praise the support he and his side have been given over the season, in particular those who made the long trip to Cumbria.

“It’s a hat-trick of promotions at Carlisle in our history and I’m really happy our fans were here to share the moment.

“I really hope they have a special moment for themselves and enjoy the moment and raise a glass to their football club.”

Powell was also quick praise the support he has received from his family over the last eight months.

And the Addicks manager accepted expectations will be high going into next season and didn’t rule out his side emulating the success of Norwich and Southampton.

He said: “When you’re a manager you want to choose the right XI, you want to choose the right subs.

“I’m always sitting up at home - I think my wife and kids must wonder what is going on with me at times.

“But you think deeply about the game and you’re team and you wonder have you done it right and have you set them up right.

“I think I’ve done it more often than not this year and I’m really proud of all my players and my football club.”

On the prospect of back-to-back promotions, Powell added: “I’m sure the board will be thinking we can look at the other clubs that have made the step up with Norwich being one and Southampton being very close now.