Lee Bowyer has been named the caretaker manager of Charlton Athletic after Karl Robinson left the club by mutual consent.

Bowyer, who started his professional career with Charlton, will take charge for Saturday’s game against their League One play-off rivals Plymouth with Johnnie Jackson named as his assistant.

Robinson, who was appointed manager in November 2016, said: “I’d like to thank the Charlton fans for their support during my time at the club. Moving on was not an easy decision for anybody but it is what is best for the club and everyone involved. Bow and Jacko have been fantastic during my time here and I have no doubt I’m leaving the club in good hands.”

Robinson was then announced as the new head coach of Oxford United, Charlton’s League One rivals.

Bowyer, who earned one England cap and also played for Leeds United, Newcastle United, West Ham United, Birmingham City and Ipswich Town, is a former Charlton academy graduate. The 41-year-old returned to the club in early 2017 as a member of Robinson’s coaching staff, before being named the assistant manager last summer.

“I’m very pleased to be given the opportunity to take this team forward,” Bowyer told the club’s official website. “We have a talented squad of players and our focus has to be on winning games and giving ourselves the best opportunity to make the play-offs.”

The Charlton director Richard Murray said: “I’d like to place on record our thanks to Karl Robinson who has worked tirelessly during his time at Charlton. We’re very grateful to Lee Bowyer and Johnnie Jackson for stepping forward in the club’s time of need.

“Lee has impressed everyone at The Valley since coming back to the club last year and Johnnie has Charlton running through his veins. Together they are the best people to lead the club through an important few weeks.”

Charlton are ninth in League One, five points off the play-off places, after a run of only one win in their last eight matches.