Charlton Athletic owner Roland Duchatelet believes Jose Riga can guide the club out of the Championship relegation zone.

The Belgian appointed his fellow countryman on Thursday on an 18-month contract following the dismissal of Karel Fraeye earlier this week and said that the return of Riga, who coached the London club in 2014, will be the catalyst for an improved second half of the season at The Valley.

"This has been a disappointing season for everyone connected with Charlton and the board take responsibility for that," Duchatelet told the club's official website.

"Some things, like an unprecedented number of injuries, we could not have foreseen. But we have also made errors in recruitment, mistakes we have immediately tried to address in January.

"It was also crucial we dealt with the position of the Head Coach.

"José did an excellent job in his short period with Charlton two seasons ago. He was very popular with supporters and I believe that he will get us back on track. There are 20 matches of the season still to play and it's vital that we battle for every point."

Riga's first job back in charge of the Addicks will be the weekend's trip to second-placed Hull City.