Axed Charlton boss Chris Powell ‘not told who to play’

Former Charlton manager Chris Powell insists he was not forced to pick certain players by owner Roland Duchatelet.

Powell was sacked last month following disagreements with Duchatelet and it was suggested the Belgian businessman wanted to influence team selection.

Duchatelet signed five players in January from other clubs he owns and none of those were included in the starting line-up for Powell’s final game in charge, an FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Sheffield United.

But Powell says he was not being told who to pick. “No, I was not.” he said. “A lot of people are talking about that FA Cup game when I did not play any of the new players but it was the team I felt was right.

“Sometimes it goes for you and sometimes it does not. I was trying to build up a new relationship with someone I did not know and it is always tough.”

Powell admits he wanted to stay at Charlton, who face Leeds at Elland Road tonight, and the 44-year-old is eyeing a return to management next season. “I am going to relax, watch games and continue my learning,” he told BBC Late Kick Off. “Then see where I go in the summer.”