I had my first official game in charge of Charlton’s under-21 side on Monday night and it was good to start off with a win.

We did not expect an easy game when travelling to Folkestone Invicta in the first round of the Kent Senior Cup and, despite taking the lead within 10 minutes through our skipper Bradley Jordan, it was a dogged affair.

It’s always tough to play against lower-league sides and they made it difficult for us, just as Crystal Palace (U-21s) did in the league when we drew 1-1 with them recently.

I was only in caretaker charge of the side with our academy director Paul Hart for that game before officially being confirmed as senior professional development coach (U18-U21).

They are big shoes to step into given that Nathan Jones won the national title, as well as the Kent Senior Cup, with Charlton’s development squad last season but I’m looking forward to carrying on his good work – while also implementing my own ideas.

Most fans may know me as a player but I’ve been coaching at the club since hanging up my boots just over a year ago with the under-16s and now I’m looking forward to the next challenge in my career.

From the moment I was put in caretaker charge I told Paul that I wanted the job and felt I was ready but I had to interview like everyone else and show him and Chris Powell what I could offer. It is a strong group of players I’ve got to work with and the aim has to be producing more players which will be knocking on the gaffer’s door and showing him they are ready for first-team football.

I have had that experience of playing over the years and that is what I am going to use as much as my coaching abilities to help develop these boys.