Former Rovers boss Michael Appleton has been appointed as the new head coach at League One Charlton.

Appleton succeeds Dean Holden in the hot seat and returns to the game after his departure from Blackpool earlier this year.

The 47-year-old, who has taken charge of 420 games across the top four divisions in English football, has put pen to paper over a two-year deal at the Valley.

“I am delighted to be named as head coach of this proud and historic football club and would like to thank the owners, James Rodwell and Andy Scott for placing their trust in me to lead the team,” he told the club website.

“I will give everything to deliver success for Charlton Athletic. To do this, we will all need to work together - the players, staff and supporters, we all have a part to play.

“I cannot wait to get started. I want us to develop a team that excites us all, that never gives up and that plays on the front foot.

“I want my players to enjoy playing for each other, to express themselves and feel comfortable in the way we aim to play. We want to build a winning mentality, starting immediately.

“It is a competitive division, and achievements take time, but work has already begun to reach the heights that this club, and you as supporters, deserve.

“Nothing will be taken for granted. All of us will have to work harder and towards the team ethic if we are to accomplish anything.”

Charlton find themselves 16th in the table, having taken six points from their opening six league fixtures this season.

The Addicks were beaten 4-3 by Crawley Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night despite goals from Miles Leaburn, Tyreece Campbell and George Dobson.

Technical director Andy Scott added: “The appointment of Michael comes following an in-depth recruitment process. We had a clear idea of the type of person we wanted, the way they work and how they manage.

“When speaking to the various candidates that we met, Michael demonstrated very clearly that he would have the ability to take the current group and mould them into a successful team. 

“He has worked at the very top level so he understands what high standards are required to win.

“He is a leader on the grass, as well as in the dressing room, has a winning mentality and has had many positive and negative experiences as a manager that have shaped him into the coach that we believe will be the best person for the job. 

“He is a coach who knows what it takes to get a team promoted. He has a track record of working with, and developing, young players, which is vital given our outstanding academy.

“In addition, he has experience working in a modern set-up where his responsibilities are on managing a group of players and getting the best out of them on the pitch.”

Appleton is set to take charge of his first game at the London club next weekend when they make the trip to Stevenage.