While at Charlton, Chris Powell made 200 first-team appearances, and delighted the crowds after each home victory with his exuberant leaps of celebration. Powell scored twice during his first spell with the Addicks, with both goals coming against Tottenham Hotspur.
On 14 January 2011, Powell was appointed manager of Charlton Athletic, who were by now languishing in League One. He signed a three-and-a-half-year contract following the sacking of Phil Parkinson.
Charlton finished strongly in the second half of the 2011–12 season and sealed promotion back to the Championship as champions of League One.