After the debacle of the previous season, Charlton were looking for an immediate return to the second division and Mike Bailey guided the club to just that. Charlton were emphatic in the third division during the 80-81 campaign, despite finishing third, they were certainly the most entertaining side to watch and earned promotion to the second tier of English football. They also embarked on a great run in the FA Cup, reaching the fifth round, losing against Ipswich Town. It was all in all a good season for the Addicks. The 1981-82 campaign saw Charlton’s return to the second tier and were adamant on staying, Allan Mullery took charge during the season and the Addicks were consistent during the campaign, comfortably finishing in mid table, a 13th place finish. They unfortunately crashed out of the FA Cup in the third round, losing against their London counterparts, Leyton Orient.
The 1982-83 season saw the arrival of Danish football legend, Alan Simonsen, and despite making only a handful of appearances for the club, he was emphatic in front of goal. Ken Craggs was installed as the new manager at the start of the season, however it did not go according to plan, and Charlton spent the entire season in the bottom half of the table, managing a dismal 17th place finish. Their new recruit, Steve White was emphatic for the club; however he decided to leave towards the end of 1983.
The 83-84 season saw the arrival of their new manager, Lennie Lawrence, a man who made a huge impact on his arrival. Charlton improved their league performances and finished the season off in 13th place. The addicks reached the FA Cup forth round, however they lost to eventual runners up, Watford, 2-0.
The 1984-85 campaign once again witnessed a Charlton stumble as they plummeted down the league as the season worn on and finished it off in a disappointing 17th place. They crashed out of the league cup in the second round, suffering defeat against Notts County.