EVEN manager Bob Peeters would agree Charlton have been something of a surprise package so far this season.

Unbeaten in the Championship after 11 games, the new-look Addicks have already beaten much-fancied Derby, Wigan, Watford and Norwich.

Together with seven draws, it has been an encouraging start for 40-year-old Belgian Peeters in his first managerial job in England.

Capped 13 times by his country, Peeters, who had a two-year spell as a player at Millwall between 2003 and 2005, was aware Charlton were among the bookies’ favourites for relegation when he took the job in May.

Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet asked Peeters to succeed compatriot Jose Riga, whose contract was not renewed despite his efforts in helping the Addicks avoid the drop last season.

Riga had replaced fans’ favourite Chris Powell when Charlton were four points adrift of safety and marooned at the foot of the Championship in early March.

But despite guiding them to an 18th-placed finish, seven points clear of the drop zone, he was not kept on and is now fighting fires at Blackpool.

Peeters had been working for Belgian top-flight club Waasland-Beveren when the offer came from Duchatelet and he jumped at the chance to manage in England.

Striker Igor Vetokele, with whom Peeters worked in his first two coaching posts at Gent and Cercle Brugge, was one of nine new summer recruits and has scored six goals for Charlton.

Currently seventh, Charlton shocked leaders Norwich in their last away game with Peeters revealing a local newspaper’s prediction for a convincing Canaries win had provided the motivation for the victory.