After the eventful build up to the game, it was no surprise to see the media descend en masse at The Valley on Wednesday evening.

Yours truly was collared by Sky, and local BBC radio interviewers from Leeds and London.

Katrien Meire was outside the main entrance and more than happy to talk to fans, even those who were highly critical of recent events.

The recent dry conditions left the Valley pitch hard and it had to be watered before the match.

Jose Riga opted to go with a strike force of Marvin Sordell and Reza Ghoochannejhad, with Dorian Dervite and Astrit Ajdarevic coming in for Richard Wood and Jordan Cousins.

Given the rumours surrounding Chris Powell’s dismissal, it was perhaps surprising that Ben Hamer retained the gloves.

Riga likes to play a high tempo game and his team played a more technical game. Plenty of little triangles, pass and move and little flicks to please the connoisseur.

He seems to be Bobby Robson-esque when it comes to names, Johnnie Jackson is known as ‘Dave’ and Katrien Meire as ‘Carole’ to the new manager. Riga might be well advised to get Katrien’s name right, he has not been given a contract yet!

The first half was an open, entertaining affair with Charlton in the ascendency and creating numerous chances. Sordell looked confident and Reza was lively.

The second half was not quite as good but there were plenty of reasons for Addicks fans to be optimistic. They must start to take their chances though, this was the third game in a row that they have failed to score.

Huddersfield had chances of their own but Riga will feel his team did enough to edge a win.

The Valley had a minute’s applause in the third minute as a token of appreciation for former boss, Chris Powell.

Just one job left for the new manager, the post match press conference. Given a real grilling by the assembled press corps, Riga neatly sidestepped the awkward questions.

All-in-all, a promising start but Riga will know he must make an instant impact.

Charlton: Hamer; Wilson, Morrison, Dervite, Wiggins; , Poyet, Jackson, Ajdarević, Harriott (Cousins 85); Sordell (Church 78), Ghoochannejhad (Pritchard 64).

Subs (not used): Thuram-Ulien, Nego, Wood, Green.

Booked: Poyet 56 (foul).

Huddersfield: Smithies; Dixon, Clarke (c), Woods, Wallace; Southern, Clayton, Hogg, Scannell (Hammill 75); Wells (Paterson 75), Ward.

Subs (not used): Bennett, Norwood, Gobern, Stead, Smith.

Booked: Dixon 91 (foul).

Referee: Keith Hill (Hertfordshire).

Att: 12,974 (440  Huddersfield).