CHARLTON'S Chris Powell has been appointed as the new chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) - one of the most influential positions in the game.

The former England international was chosen by delegates of the PFA at its annual meeting.

He said: "It's a great honour for me and should help to give Charlton a bit of a greater profile as well."

Powell has served on the management committee for four years and was previously the Addicks players' PFA representative.

He strressed: It's a great personal achievement. I have been playing for a long time now and hopefully I can put my experiences to good use to help other players."