Guy Luzon insists Roland Duchatelet will win over fans if Charlton get promoted this season.
The former Addicks boss is “sure” Championship football will return to the Valley next year.
And Luzon believes that achievement will fix the broken relationship between the controversial Belgian owner and supporters.
Charlton fans have been protesting against the way Duchatelet has run the club since taking over in January 2014.
Luzon, who bossed Charlton in 2015, told News Shopper: “I think if the club get promoted to the Championship, the relationship between the fans and the management will be repaired.
Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet
“I’m sure that with the good squad, they will be in the Championship next year.
“If he [Duchatelet] has built a good squad, and the target is promotion, then, of course, he deserves some credit.”
Duchatelet is not the only person to come under fire from the Valley faithful.
Charlton chief executive Katrien Meire has been blamed for the club’s fall from the second tier.
Comments made about Addicks fans, whom she branded “customers”, added fuel to the fire.
But Luzon, now managing Israeli club Maccabi Haifa, says criticism towards Meire has been unfair.
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He added: “It [relegation] is not all because of her. It has been the budget and the players - it’s not all about her.
“I think she is doing an amazing job.
“Katrien is the heart of the club. She’s brought a lot to develop this club and achieve their targets.”
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