Can Charlton follow Crystal Palace into the Premier League?

Football teams south of the river have not had the best of times in the top flight over the past decade or so. 

Once upon time there were quite a few; Wimbledon, Crystal Palace and Charlton all played in the top league but now Palace are the only representatives from Saaaf London. And they only made it in by a whisker, too.

Can Charlton Athletic repeat their neighbour's achievements and gain promotion from the Championship next season?

Despite a difficult start to life in the Championship following promotion from League One in 2012, Charlton were able to find their feet as the season wore on and finished with a real flourish notching up some very impressive victories along the way.

In Chris Powell they have an outstanding manager who has worked wonders for the club since taking up the position. 

Powell's success is partly down to the relationship he enjoys with his players - there appears to be a real and genuine affection which is absolutely vital for the chemistry of the team. 

One common denominator between all the best managers in football is that they all have incredibly strong relationships with their players; Ferguson, Mourinho and Wenger to name but a few.

If Charlton can continue where they left off at the start of the new season in August and sustain for the course of the season then there very well could be Premier League football at the Valley next season.

The danger is, though, if Charlton do enjoy that kind of success how long will it be until somebody snaps up Chris Powell.

Follow @JerryvanWav

Comments

[Jamie]

I would be quite happy to see Charlton, Brighton and Palace and Millwall all in the Premier league to shift the_
"BALANCE OF POWER"!
CMON LETS DO IT!!!

[Jonnyfoz]

Jamie, Brighton are not a
London club let alone a South
London one.
Why have you included them?