Fans have been left thrilled as AFC Wimbledon make a great managerial appointment in Johnnie Jackson who was recently at Charlton.
The 39-year-old, still rather new on the managerial scene, was axed by the Addicks despite coming being appointed at a time the squad were in the bottom three in the third tier before going on to guide them to safety.
And it will be a quick return to the touchline for Jackson as he looks to guide the Dons back to League One at the first attempt after being relegated at the end of the 2021/22 season.
Johnnie Jackson said on the AFCW website: “I cannot wait to get started. I am extremely familiar with the AFC Wimbledon story and have total respect for what the fans have achieved – especially the marvellous new ground.
“AFC Wimbledon and The Cherry Red Records Stadium don’t belong in League Two and I’ll be doing everything possible to get us back up again.”
Interim chair Mick Buckley added: “We are thrilled to be making these appointments.
“Johnnie had a successful first season as manager at Charlton last season following four years in assistant/caretaker manager roles.
“We wanted a young, hungry manager with a point to prove and that, coupled with his demonstrable knowledge of how to get results, gave him the edge over a strong field of candidates.
“I would like to thank my team at the club and those who gave us advice during this thorough recruitment process. We received many applications, contacted other potential candidates, and drew up a shortlist with the help of three senior football advisors.
“We then had an interview panel, which included a senior football expert and Dons Trust Chair, Kris Stewart, representing our owners, the Dons Trust membership.”
AFC Wimbledon parted company with head coach Mark Robinson in March after a 21-game winless spell while Mark Bowen came in and couldn’t keep them up and has since left for a role at Reading according to reports.
Jackson came in as a caretaker for the departed Nigel Adkins in October. After achieving nine wins in 13 matches during his caretaker spell, Jackson was named permanent manager on the 17th of December 2021.
Charlton’s form declined and wasn’t helped due to being without Conor Washington, Jayden Stockley and Chuks Aneke, a blow to their strikeforce.
Footballer Jason Pearce recently reflected on his Charlton Athletic career and reacted to the sacking of Johnnie Jackson.
After good form from Johnnie Jackson’s side following a dreadful start which cost Nigel Adkins his job, results slowly turned back to being negative and Charlton ended up finishing in 13th position.
“There is always a transition period after relegation,” said Pearce via London News Online. “You’ve got to be quite lucky to keep your squad together. Ultimately when you get relegated players move on. You have got to rebuild. It’s what happened at Charlton.
“In the years I’ve been there we’ve had Ademola Lookman, Ezri Konsa, Karlan Grant, Joe Aribo – there are plenty more I could reel off. These are all top talented players who moved on to other clubs.
“Yeah it’s part of football, but it still affects the club that it has happened to.”
There is change again this summer – in the dugout – with owner Thomas Sandgaard sacking Jackson at the start of last week.
“We finished the previous season off really well and there was a lot of optimism that we could achieve something this season,” said Pearce. “It just hasn’t been that way.
“Nigel Adkins was a top person but it just didn’t seem to click with him. Johnnie Jackson took over and it galvanised the group. We were on a good run but then we had some injuries and lost a bit of form.
“I was surprised Jacko went with the end of the season [results].
“He will be a very good manager in the future and I want to thank him for what he’s done for me. I don’t take it personally that he didn’t want me as a player [next season]. It’s just football. I was gutted he wanted to go in a different direction but I wish him all the best.
“Football is a small world and I’m sure we’ll cross paths again.
“It’s been a really disappointing season. I just hope the club can get some good players in this summer – we’ve got the nucleus of a good team – and they can have a really good push next year.
“From my point of view the fans have been unbelievable. Even this season – one that hasn’t been the best – they have stuck with us.
“I hope we can achieve something over the next couple of years, for them.
“You need experienced players to help around the place and I was disappointed to be told I was not going to get a contract.
“With me going, potentially there is going to be a bit of an overhaul. I don’t know what direction the club are going in, and what they want to do. You’ve got to get the balance right – you can’t go too old or too young. The teams I’ve been in that have been successful have had a really good mix.”
Fans were thrilled as AFC Wimbledon make a managerial appointment in Jackson…
@smit112: Well my second team is now Wimbledon
@SnippLucy: Good luck to him! No doubt he’ll have an amazing season, typical of Charlton!! X
@CafcBen2021: Great news for Jacko really happy for him. Will do a good job there. Will definitely get play offs at least.
@Matthew_Ring: A great move for him. Play that pressing game and he is guaranteed promotion 😎
@kylesmi62080644: Johnnie Jackson’s yellow and blue army💙💛
@ClareSadlier: Good luck Johnnie. Make sure the comeback is always better than the setback
@millieedmund17: Good Luck JJ, go smash it ❤️
@LewisStubbs1302: Good luck to him down there
@Tom_D98: Great news 👏🏻👏🏻
@leaburn: Good luck to him. I hope he does well.
@aaron_outred91: Fair play @johnnie_jackson hope you prove Mr saandgard wrong!! Sure your succeed
@AlCAFC1905: Glad he got a job straight away. Wish him all the best.
@JamesTarget03: Just what he needs. Good luck Johnnie!
@phil_cullum: Excellent good luck Jacko 👍🏻👏🏻
@RichCrowhurst: Yes Jacko!!! Really happy for him and hope he smashes it.
@peterfinch46: Oh now that hurts a tad…. does not seem right seeing him with another club’s badge…
@Maccn5: Great news … Good luck Jacko. You deserve another chance after how the 🤡 treated you.
@Turkishcypriot8: Absolutely gutted to be honest. He should still be here #cafc
@JamieCafc: Good luck jacko and Wimbledon this season will be keeping a eye on ur games
@soverncomfort: Good luck @johnnie_jackson… it wont be nice seeing you with another club, but wishing you loads of success and seeing as we are going nowhere, will see u in L1 in a year or two #cafc #afcwimbledon
@CafcBen2021: Buzzing for Jacko. Wish him all the best. Good luck Wimbledon for next season 👍🏻
(Featured image credit: @whensaturdaycomes7)
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