Despite having guided Charlton to six wins from 10 matches, Jackson remains in caretaker charge, leaving him with work to do to seal the job on a permanent basis.
Although it could be perceived that it is only a matter of time, last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury Town could throw a spanner in the works, the result only giving encouragement to one of their relegation rivals.
Now sitting six points above the bottom four, Charlton and Jackson will hope that they can start looking upwards, a playoff bid not out of the question if they can enjoy a strong end to the year.
On Tuesday night, they made further progress in the EFL Trophy, recording a 2-1 victory over an Aston Villa Under-23s side which featured players who have played in the Premier League this season.
Jayden Stockley got on the scoresheet during that contest, his first goal for a month having served a suspension during the second half of November.
Gateshead’s main ambition this season is to secure a return to the National League, and Mike Williamson will be delighted with their start.
Eight victories have been recorded from 12 matches, the North-East outfit sitting seven points adrift of top spot with three games in hand.
On a negative note, they lost to pacesetters AFC Fylde in the FA Trophy, a four-match winning streak in all competitions coming to an end courtesy of a goal 16 minutes from time.
While Charlton have only been required to overcome Havant & Waterlooville to reach the second round, Gateshead have already played six times.
After beating Bradford Park Avenue and Runcorn Linnets in the early rounds, replays were required to see off Marske United and Altrincham
