Jose Riga will be back in the Charlton Athletic dugout as manager this week, when they make the trip to Hull City in the Sky Bet Championship.
Riga returns to the role that he occupied for 16 games at the back end of the 2013/14 season, with the Addicks in a similarly perilous position in the standings this time around.He takes over from Karel Fraeye, who left the club in midweek following a 5-0 thumping at the hands of Huddersfield Town.
Charlton's saviour?BREAKING | Charlton appoint José Riga as new Head Coach on an 18-month contract https://t.co/VKbQkKEEO0#cafcpic.twitter.com/qPvZKeBnq0
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) January 14, 2016
Riga guided Charlton to Championship safety during his last spell after taking the reins with the club stuck at the bottom of the table.
He won seven, drew three and lost six of his 16 games in charge from March to May, as the Addicks survived by seven points to finish 18th.
Safety was confirmed courtesy of a 3-1 win at home to Watford on the penultimate weekend, meaning Riga had achieved his objective.
Similar task ahead
The 58-year-old takes over in similar circumstances this time around. Charlton currently sit 23rd in the standings, three points from safety.
They've not tasted victory since mid-November, losing five and drawing four of their nine League games since, and shipping 21 goals.
Time in between
Since leaving The Valley, Riga has spent time with Blackpool, Standard Liege and FC Metz.
He took charge of 15 games in total at Blackpool, joining in June of 2014 before departing in October after a return of just one win in 15 games. The Tangerines went on to get relegated to Sky Bet League 1.
Despite the lack of victories at Blackpool, Riga's win rate as a manager is still strong. During his last decade as a coach, he's won 40 per cent of games he's overseen.
Follow updates from Charlton Athletic's first game back under Jose Riga this weekend, via our divisional Twitter account - @SkyBetChamp.