Chris Powell describes Charlton FA Cup match as a “free hit” for Southend

Former England full-back Chris Powell, who guided Charlton Athletic to promotion from League One in 2012, anticipates a challenging encounter for Charlton Athletic when they face Southend United, two of his previous clubs, in the FA Cup first round. As a left-back, Powell played 248 league matches for Southend early in his career and subsequently had three stints at Charlton, where he featured in 244 league games. The 55-year-old later took charge as manager of both teams but currently serves as an assistant coach for Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, meaning he will be absent from the cup fixture due to his commitments with the Owls. Speaking to BBC Essex, Powell stated, “Being at Roots Hall is a real plus, if it was at The Valley it would be a lot harder for [Southend head coach] Kev [Maher] and the team.” He added, “It’s a little bit of a free hit [for Southend] and it would be great if they can get through to the second round. It will be a real good game, a full house, and I expect a rocking atmosphere.” This upcoming match marks the first time the two clubs have played each other in five years and their inaugural encounter in the FA Cup. Their previous meeting, 54 years ago in the League Cup, saw Charlton secure a 3-0 victory. Powell also suggested that the team choices made by Maher and Charlton manager Nathan Jones could significantly influence the result. He commented, “Kev doesn’t have a wealth of options so I think they’ll be fairly strong, Nathan will have one eye on the league, and trying to get out of League One which is very difficult.” He continued, “If he puts out a strong team that’s a mark of respect, but if he puts out a mixed team – a lot of managers do it, they like to give players minutes – then it could be a real chance for Southend.” The clubs are currently separated by two divisions, with Charlton holding 12th place in League One and the Shrimpers positioned 14th in the National League, following a summer takeover that rescued them from potential collapse. Powell further stated, “They’ve got to be full throttle and right on the money because they are playing against some really good players, some that have played in the Championship.” He elaborated, “It’s going to be another level up but… they’ve shown at times [this season] that they can really perform and even though it has been up and down there are definitely signs now of what Southend are capable of.” Powell, who was awarded an MBE by Princess Anne at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, concluded, “For me, they are a top seven team in that division, but you have to earn the right [to be there].” Shrimpers manager Maher expressed dissatisfaction regarding the absence of replays this season if first-round matches conclude in draws. He remarked, “We’re trying to get to a sustainable position as a football club – replays against big teams, or Charlton, can make a huge difference to clubs at our level.” He added, “For that to be taken away is really disappointing, but we are where we are and we’ve got to accept that and move on.” Maher’s squad features former Charlton forward Macaulay Bonne, who has not yet scored in his nine appearances to date. Maher commented, “As a team you’ve got to work your socks off, and that starts from the front – and Macca did that on Saturday [gainst Tamworth].” He continued, “The more he keeps doing that, the chances will come, the goals will come. It’s tough, but sometimes you don’t get your proper work into you, which he’s getting now, and he will see the benefits of that.”