Jose Riga, unexpectedly, took charge of affairs at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

The Addicks suffered their heaviest defeat since losing 7-0 at Brighton in October 1983.

The squad are desperately short of confidence, and Riga faces a tough task to change their mindset.

Charlton have played three games in the last week, losing them all, scoring just one goal and conceding thirteen.

Rhys Williams had a particularly difficult afternoon at the KC.

Riga was not too downhearted after the match, but did identify the need for new faces:

“We have to face reality, identify what has happened and then find the right solutions. I am here because I believe that I can do it and that we can do it.

“Everyone is right to be concerned at this moment. We have to work tactically and technically, and maybe also need some help, and if we can join all these points then I am sure we can achieve this.

“I have never been relegated in my life and I don’t want it now. I am here because Charlton means a lot to me and today I am very disappointed for the team, the club and the supporters.

“I did not want my second story to start like this but I believe in myself and that everybody wants the same. This can make the difference.

“Maybe the easy solution would have been for me to sit in the stands today, but I am not like this. I prefer to take the responsibility and be by the side of the pitch.

“I have told the players that if we improve by 30 per cent individually then we will see a different team.

“What I also know from experience is that in this situation you feel like you have no legs, like you cannot dribble, pass or defend and we will get away from this.

“There are still 19 games to play and a lot of points to take.

“In the next few weeks, we only have once game a week, which is very important to be able to prepare for each game.

“Having two games a week can be difficult in our situation and now it is about making the right evaluation and not staying in the emotion of this bad result,” said the new head coach,

Abel Hernandez hit a first-half hat-trick, with Robert Snodgrass’ effort giving the Tigers a 4-0 interval lead.

Mo Diame and Isaac Hayden added second-half goals to complete a 6-0 rout for a very good Hull team. The Addicks rarely threatened on a dismal afternoon.

They remain four points from safety, and have two winnable games against Blackburn and Rotherham coming up. Charlton simply have to win both these games.

Charlton: Henderson, Solly, Johnson, Williams (Fox 59), Lennon; Poyet (Vaz Te 81;Jackson, Cousins, Gudmundsson, Cousins, Jackson, Harriott; Vetokele (Umerah 66).

Subs (not used): Pope, Sarr, Charles-Cook, Makienok.

Booked: Lennon 57 (foul), Harriott 87 (foul).

Hull: McGregor; Odubajo, Maguire, Davies, Robertso;, Hayden, Livermore (Huddlestone 61), Snodgrass, Clucas; Diame, Hernandez (Aluko 70).

Subs (not used): Jakupovic, Taylor, Meyler, Akpom, Elmohamady.

Goals: Hernandez 9, 13, 39, Snodgrass 39, Diame 58, Hayden 90.

Referee: Richard Clark (Northumberland).

Attn: 16,430 (369 Charlton).