Now in November, it has been a strong start to the season for Karl Robinson at Charlton Athletic. The Addicks currently sit fourth in League One, however, they remain five points adrift of second place Wigan Athletic.
Nonetheless, a Charlton Athletic promotion remains firmly within the question thus far.
Undoubtedly, the London club should be up there contesting for promotion this season. But what if Karl Robinson doesn’t achieve promotion with the club this season?
Charlton Athletic Promotion On The Cards This Season?
Promotion Under Karl Robinson?
Today marks the one-year anniversary of Karl Robinson’s appointment at The Valley. Following Russell Slade’s dismissal, the former MK Dons manager was appointed manager of the club.
But his first season in-charge was not without its frustrations, as the Addicks often endured constant curves in form. Ultimately, Robinson guided Charlton to a 13th place finish last season.
Now in his first full season in-charge, Robinson has been the architect of a huge turn in fortunes for the club on the field, despite the continuing off-field troubles that have plagued the club.
Is The Play-Offs The Worst Scenario?
With the surprise package of Shrewsbury Town and their remarkable form and Wigan Athletic’s strength in depth, the chasing automatic-promotion pack are falling behind, including Charlton.
So far it has been a solid season for Karl Robinson’s side, but they are currently five points adrift 2nd place, which is ideally where Robinson would want to be aiming for come the end of the season.
As we know it, the play-offs in English football is a lottery, as well as extra games. Additionally, the potential competition in this year’s League One play-offs appears to be fierce.
At this point, Scunthorpe United, Bradford City & Blackburn Rovers currently occupy the top six alongside Charlton.
Another Long-Term Project For Karl Robinson?
Prior to arriving at The Valley, Karl Robinson spent six years in the helm at MK Dons. Becoming one of English football’s longest standing managers, Robinson essentially built a reputation during his time at Stadium:MK.
In the last two years, Charlton have seen seven managers come and go. The element of instability has plagued the club, as no manager seemingly looked safe in the helm at The Valley.
But one has to wonder; will Robinson finally instil patience in the board? Should the club not get promoted this season, one has to believe that Robinson should remain in charge, as his experience would eventually pay dividends.
While at MK Dons, it took Robinson five years to finally achieve promotion with the club. Robinson endured two unsuccessful play-off campaigns, before finally guiding the club to the Championship in 2015.
Time Is Of The Essence
Regardless of the club’s position come the end of the season, Karl Robinson needs to be given time by the board.
Possessing a strong squad in the third-tier, Robinson has all the tools to ensure that he can remain with the club, no matter their position at the culmination of this season. Robinson needs time, as it shall benefit the club in the long-term.
While results are going strong so far this season, it is evident that form shall be utmost vital, as the top six shall be a fierce entity in League One this season.
The prospect of the play-offs would not be the end of the world for the Addicks. However, one can only imagine that Robinson would rather a Charlton Athletic promotion automatically instead.
Up next for Charlton is the task of an away trip at Scunthorpe United, who currently sit 3rd, one place above the Addicks.
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