They may not quite have done enough to take their automatic promotion push all the way to the end of the season, but there can be no denying that Lee Bowyer has been impressive in his first full season in charge of Charlton Athletic.

Having taken charge of the club initially on an interim basis last March, Bowyer guided the club until an ultimately unsuccessful League One play-off campaign, and despite that disappointment, has seen his side comfortably secure another top six finish this time around.

Given how quickly Bowyer has taken to his task as Charlton boss, Addicks fans will surely be relieved by his latest comments.

Bowyer's contract at The Valley is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, but speaking to the club's media in his pre-match press conference ahead of the final game of the regular season at home to Rochdale on Saturday, Bowyer claimed that he is confident a deal will be agreed.

Given the length of time that the speculation around Bowyer's future has gone on for, and the recent links with a move across the capital to Championship side QPR, this will be a big relief to fans of the club.

Bowyer has clearly been a key influence on the squad, maintaining their form with little backing and even the loss of key players such as top scorer Karlan Grant in January, something which hasn't exactly derailed Charlton's hugely impressive season.

With the likes of Sunderland and Portsmouth set to rival the Addicks in the play-offs, sealing a return to the Championship will be no easy task, so having Bowyer a step closer to being there to push for that second tier return again next season should they need it will be a huge boost.

The way they have been playing under him recently however, it is entirely possible that won't even be a concern for Bowyer and the club's supporters in a few weeks time, regardless of who they have to play.