Charlton 4 Coventry 1

Chris Powell signed off his Charlton playing career with the perfect finale as third goal in 270 games for the club sealed a memorable farewell at The Valley on Sunday.

Within two minutes of his 84th minute arrival as a substitute for youngster Jonjo Shelvey, which drew a standing ovation from supporters, the 38-year-old had the fans back on their feet again after scoring when he bundled the ball in from Greg Halford’s cross.

The Valley erupted while Powell disappeared under the weight of his team-mates who piled in to congratulate him.

Powell, arguably the most popular player to don a Charlton shirt, was joined on the field at the end by members of his family in an emotion-charged farewell.

His future lies in either coaching or as a a No2 at a lower division club.

Manager Alan Pardew said afterwards: “The reception Chris got today was not just because he’s a great player, it’s because of his character and what he brings to society.

“I would love to keep him in a coaching capacity but I think he’s got another year as a player for a club in the lower divisions. I think he’s looking for a player-coach role.

“If he gets a job here, it would be lower down the levels, though he deserves more than that. If I was a manager lower down the leagues looking for a player-coach, he would be the first person I would turn to.

“He’s been brilliant for this club.”

Charlton’s victory also provided departing chief executive Peter Varney with a winning send-off before he hands over to successor Steve Waggott at the end of next month.

Charlton, with a mere three home wins to their credit since the turn of the year, made a dream start, as if to make amends to their supporters.

Luke Varney chipped the ball over the advancing Kasper Schmeichel to open the scoring in the fourth minute. Varney then turned provider with a delightful back-heel that played in Andy Gray for his second goal for the club in the 18th minute.

Coventry, who were seeking a point to ensure Championship survival, pulled back a goal through leading scorer Michale Mifsud in the 20th minute.

Kent youngster Grant Basey celebrated the signing of a two-year contract, by adding a third in the 48th minute. Skipper Matt Holland rattled the Coventry crossbar with a thunderous 75th minute, then came Powell’s big moment which sent the fans home happy.

Charlton: Weaver; Halford, Bougherra, McCarthy, Youga; Thomas (Wagstaff 64), Holland, Shelvey (Powell 84), Basey (Iwelumo 70); Gray, Varney.

Subs not used: Randolph, Sodje.

Attendance: 26,130.