Lee Bowyer says Karl Robinson’s departure surprised him.

Robinson left Charlton and joined their League One rivals Oxford United yesterday after having his resignation accepted by owner Roland Duchatelet.

Bowyer, who was the Liverpudlian’s assistant, has been placed in temporary charge as the Addicks look to reignite their promotion push against Plymouth tomorrow.

He said: “As we know football is a crazy game and there are always changes. I didn't expect it to happen at this stage of the season. But it happened and everybody moves on.

“Karl and I have wished each other good luck, he’s left for his reasons and that’s down to him. He's gone and I’m here.

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“The club moves on and unfortunately that’s what happens in football, you come and go. He's left a team in a good position and he can walk away with his head held high.

“It’s a strange time to leave, I think Karl would agree with that. He had his reasons for going, I can’t comment on that - it would be unfair.

“All I need to do is concentrate on what I’m doing here with Jacko’s [Johnnie Jackson’s] help and get this team into the play-offs. Whatever happened yesterday is old news.

“I’m surprised [by Robinson’s decision to leave] because there are 10 games to go. But he's gone for his own reasons - I can’t control what Karl wants to do in his career. I’m surprised but these things happen in football all the time.”

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