Still fighting for the club: Charlton Athletic signed 'warrior' from Wigan who never left | OneFootball

The Addicks will look back fondly on a signing they made during the summer transfer window in 2016.

Charlton Athletic will look back fondly on the signing of Jason Pearce from Wigan Athletic, as he has gone on to prove his worth both on and off the pitch.

The Addicks had just been relegated from the Championship when they signed Pearce from Wigan for an undisclosed fee during the summer transfer window in 2016.

Russell Slade, who was the manager of Charlton at the time, spoke highly of the centre-back after the deal was completed, as per Sky Sports: "He's an absolute warrior, a leader, winner, and will be an example on the pitch to all of his team-mates and our younger players as well."

Slade may not have lasted long in the dugout at The Valley, but his description of Pearce certainly turned out to be more than adequate, as the defender is still making an impact at the club almost a decade later.

Jason Pearce put his body on the line for Charlton Athletic

Charlton supporters will have good memories of watching Pearce at the heart of defence at The Valley, as he was a player who always gave everything to try and keep the ball out of the net.

He was always more than willing to get stuck into a challenge or put his head where it might hurt for the good of the team, living up to the 'warrior' label that Slade gave him at the time of his arrival.

Pearce also showed why Slade called him a 'leader' after he joined the club through his attitude and application on the pitch, which resulted in him being named team captain ahead of the 2018/19 season.

He made clear how pleased he was to have been appointed to that role via the club website at the time.

"I've never hidden my desire to be captain of Charlton," Pearce said.

"It's a responsibility I love having. I'm delighted."

Pearce led Charlton back to the Championship via the play-offs at the end of the 2018/19 season, which was a deserved achievement for a player who proved that he truly was a 'warrior', 'leader', and 'winner' in SE7.

The defender once again displayed his commitment the following season, when he drove himself up to Hull on the morning of a vital game so he could be with his pregnant wife overnight, before scoring the winning goal with a brave header at the back post — a moment which contributed towards him being named Player of the Month in the Championship for June 2020.

Charlton are still reaping the rewards of signing Pearce

Pearce racked up 175 appearances during his six seasons as a Charlton player, and scored seven goals during that time, including winners against Blackburn Rovers, Burton Albion, Wycombe Wanderers and, of course, Hull City.

However, his defensive contributions and leadership qualities were what really made him such a favourite with the Charlton fans.

The Addicks are still benefitting from the decision to sign Pearce from Wigan in 2016, as he still works at the club now, having joined the academy staff when he retired from playing in 2022.

Pearce is currently Senior Professional Development Phase Lead Coach at Charlton, overseeing players between the ages of 17 and 21, while also being Lead U18s Coach.

If the players coming through at Charlton can pick up a few traits from Pearce, then it will certainly do the club no harm whatsoever, as the former Addicks' defender continues to make an impact at The Valley.