'There were loads of warning signs when I looked back - it was not the way to conduct business'

In-depth with Charlton legend Johnnie Jackson on being sacked by Thomas Sandgaard and impressively building his managerial reputation at AFC Wimbledon

Johnnie Jackson’s managerial stock is on the rise. And the fact he has achieved that after a bruising first experience at Charlton Athletic points to him possessing the resilience needed to make it in a hazardous and challenging environment.

Football management brings brilliant highs and crushing lows. Pressure, praise and criticism.

But it can also be hugely rewarding.

And Jackson tasted sweet success when he led AFC Wimbledon to League Two promotion in May, just a day after his former club - who he captained and bossed - went up via the same exhilarating route.

Johnnie Jackson celebrates a 2-1 win at Portsmouth in January 2023

Picture: Kyle Andrews

Wimbledon’s fine start to life back in League One led to the club triggering a 12-month extension on Jackson’s deal on October 10.

The announcement came not long - and by that I mean a couple of hours - after South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition had been to the Dons’ training base at King’s College Sports Ground in New Malden to catch up with the Addicks legend.

The hour-long chat has been split into two with a piece on Jackson’s playing days at Charlton, which saw him inducted into their Hall of Fame in early August, to come soon on this website.

But, first of all, it is fascinating to look at the way in which the 43-year-old has rebuilt after a bruising first managerial experience in SE7.