We can’t rely on a squad overhaul every summer – Charlton boss Lee Bowyer
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Lee Bowyer hopes Charlton can fast-track success this season – but wants to see the club learn to build upon consistency in the future.
The Addicks’ hopes of reaching the League One play-offs this year took another massive dent as they were beaten 2-1 at The Valley by the division’s bottom side Burton Albion – the Brewers completing the double over the South Londoners after their 4-2 win at the Pirelli Stadium last year.
Charlton now sit five points outside the top six, with each of the three sides directly above them boasting at least two games in hand on Bowyer’s men – leaving their play-off hopes hanging by a thread.
Bowyer still wants to try and bridge that gap this season but also reckons the SE7 outfit need to learn to build steadily over the next few years.
“We’re trying to fast-track it at the moment and it’s difficult,” explained the Addicks boss.
“Don’t get me wrong, we’ve got good players. If there’s something I’ll tell you from what was said in that room, that was one of them. We have good players in this dressing room. I won’t deny that. Of course, we have. It’s getting them to gel. It’s not that easy. People have been trying to years.
“If we don’t get to the heights where we want to then, let’s be honest, there’s probably going to be another 12 that go out again and another 12 that come in again. It happens every year since I’ve been here. 12 or more have gone and 12 have come in. It’s like you’re building a new team every single season.
“You don’t see Portsmouth doing that. You don’t see Portsmouth rebuilding a team every year. They might top it up with two or three. That’s what’s happening here. It’s happening since I’ve been in charge. Even before I was in charge. That’s something that us as a football club have to make better. It’s not going to happen overnight.
“It’s a rebuilding thing. It’s going to take time. If we can fast-track it and get to where we want to be then great. But you don’t see many other teams doing that. There’s a lot of teams in this division that are above us at the moment that have been trying to get out of this division for years. That have been building for years.”
PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
I still back Lee Bowyer to remain as Charlton manager but he does appear to be running out of excuses. Getting 100% from players has always been his benchmark, but I am not sure it is happening with this group of players. Five changes again tonight and surely Aneke should have started alongside the impressive Stockley. I also think Charlton have the players in the squad to do well, but something is not right and it has to be addressed sooner rather than later. It seems so cruel that at long last Charlton have an owner who cares for the first time in years and he deserves better results than this from the team. Come on guys, get your finger out and start performing !