Curtis Fleming gave his first press conference as Charlton’s caretaker manager today, and he did not rule out taking the post full-time.
The former Crystal Palace player and coach had recently joined Michael Appleton’s backroom staff, who was fired on Tuesday night following a 3-2 loss to Northampton Town.
Fleming has taken over as head coach, and Jason Pearce will help him.
When asked by the South London Press if he desired the role on a permanent basis, the former Republic of Ireland international replied: “Well, what’s the answer (that caretakers normally give)?” What do you generally hear? I’m concentrating on Saturday. That’s honest. It wasn’t what I expected.
“I want to get the job done and for us to get results. I want that fans, players….connection – everyone coming together. And we’ll see what happens.
“We’ve got the game and I enjoyed being out with the lads today. I came in as assistant head coach and that’s what I am. I’m happy with that – that’s my name badge.”
Charlton’s 12-game winless run spelled the end of Appleton’s four-month tenure.
Asked what his emotions were, Fleming said: “My emotions are that it is football. It is a crazy game. You come with one remit and then something happens. The game these days, you have got to be adaptable and ready.
“It doesn’t scare me. The only thing is I’ve only been in a couple of weeks and it’s getting the gist of everything that is going on at the club.
“No-one is happy when anyone loses their job in football.
“We probably got out about Appleton’s leaving at the same time. It’s pretty emotional after a game; you feel like you’ve been in a washing machine for an hour and a half. Then it hits. It is disappointing. Then you have to dust yourself off. It’s not a good feeling, but we’re football fans at heart, and we understand that things like that happen.”
Fleming’s appointment added to Appleton’s already heavy workload.
So, did he seek assurances about his own future if a change were made?
“I didn’t think there was that much pressure, if I’m being honest…an unbelievable pressure,” Fleming went on to say. “They said they only needed a few results to settle everything down.
“After the game, it was mentioned (Fleming taking command). You’re not entirely sure what your role will be or what needs to happen. You can’t get away from the fact that it’s a football team practicing for a game – you’ve got a lot of boys – and the football club is larger than anything – whichever club I’m in.
“To win games, you must achieve stability as soon as possible, settle things down as quickly as possible, and be as transparent as possible. You work from there.”
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