"Loved" is an overused word, especially in the football context but, in the dictionary sense ( " warm affection, fondness, affectionate devotion" ), he's got to be right up there with Kenny Dalglish and ( perhaps ) Tony Mowbray. Perfectly illustrated by the reaction to his goal against Coventry and his appointment as our manager. Redknapp and Moyes are greatly admired by supporters of their respective clubs - as was the Curbs here - but they just don't prompt the same emotional reaction. Likewise, whilst Ferguson's achievements have been immense, he's hardly the most attractive of personalities, is he ?
Of course, there are many better managers in English football than Chris Powell - after all, he's only been doing it for a year. Football is also a very fickle and cruel game. I remember Lenny being repeatedly serenaded in one of the bars over at Palace after the Fulham home game in 1986 with the chant " there's only one Lenny Lawrence"; not a man to get carried away by reaching the top flight for the first time in 29 years, he dolefully remarked that " this time next year, there may be no Lenny Lawrence."
Whatever happens in the future - and I believe that we are going up this year - there will always be a irreducible and major pool of deep affection for Chris amongst the Charlton faithful.
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But yes Chris Powell has everything going for him. Intelligent, calm, measured, adoration of the supporters. That goal against Coventry is up there with my favourite moments ever watching Charlton.
And Paul Sturgess is right that the last manager who genuinely felt about the club the same way as we do was Curbishley. With Dowie, Pardew and Parkinson, whether you rated them as managers or not, you always knew they were doing a paid job and not conducting a love affair.
I have seen every manager since Eddie Firmani and none have engendered the emotional ties that CP has. I think there are a lot of reasons for this, the enthusiasm he showed as a player,the wider exposure players and managers now get and his personality. When he joined last season he joined with a larger well of good will than any other manager and as fans we dug deep into that well last season. I for one would not have been sad to see him go, especially after the D&R result when I saw Charlton fans racially abuse him. I said before he was appointed that I didnt want him because his legendary status would be heavily tarnished by managing us, I now, unless he leaves us like Howe did Bournemouth, that status will not be damaged, but it will be severely tested when we go through those difficult patches, which will be inevitable in future seasons.
If Powell is as successful as we all believe he can be, other clubs will be interested in his services. If offers come in, will he/ would he want to go? To me that will test his passion for 'his' club. No matter what success is on offer at other clubs, my support has never wavered, will his?
To me Powell could develop the status of my well loved labrador (if you're reading Chris no offence intended). Even if they do something you dont like, you forgive them and trust them. Whenever you come home they always show you how appreciated they are to see you. Whatever tricks they do, are somehow better and more fulfilling than anyone elses dog....and when the time comes for them to 'go' it is an aweful emotional situation. Still a good well behaved dog will give 10+ years good service. Lets enjoy a bright future with plenty of great trips out together!
Powell
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On the back of it, although it looks like Powell freed the gods...
Hes a great bloke. Hope he's with us for a long time which I think he will be.
Arise Sir Chris Powell, the legend in the making.
I bought into it straight away , and I could see the vision, as could many others on here and in power at our club
will he be a 'Would Ya' contender if/when we are promoted?
i love curbs like i love the wife but i love SCP like my sons
and you can all lap him up when it suits but he's coming home to me tonight and will forever
a phone call would be nice too Chris, jesus what are we? chopped liver?
I'm SO pleased (and relieved) it's working out so far this season, but even if it hadn't I'd still love him.
Saying that, id rather have powelly than jose anyday. Certain pedegree at this level of football management, and powell has it
The measure is how the Valley treats him when things aren't going so well - it can be an unforgiving place for both Manager and players.
For me, he is one of the best - let's hope the rise continues and the Club get some investment to grow further. Chris looks like a Manager who can pick up players who have not achieved their potential and get that potential out of them - a special talent, for sure!