Johnnie Jackson: Charlton fans can help us create the perfect cycle

Johnnie Jackson is hoping for a healthy Valley crowd tonight as Charlton Athletic bid to make it three League One wins on the spin under their caretaker boss.

The Addicks face a tough test against Rotherham United, the division’s form team.

But confidence has been buoyed in the Addicks ranks with Jackson overseeing victories over Sunderland and Doncaster Rovers – scoring five goals without reply – since Nigel Adkins’ exit.

Jackson, who captained Charlton to the League One title in the 2011-12 season, was always going to get the backing of the club’s fanbase. But he has also got the players pressing and working harder when out of possession.

And he has made it clear once again that the fanbase can be a major factor in any fixture.

“The more that we can get through the gate, the better – because their support definitely spurs the lads on,” Jackson told the South London Press. “If we’re all in unison, if the team is performing or giving its all then they’ll get behind you. Then it is a cycle – the team has a go for the shirt, the fans get behind you and that makes you play better.

“That’s what we need to create. But it starts with us and the players – we’ve got to give them something to shout about, which we have done in the past couple of games.

“We can’t come off that level. That’s what I’m trying to get through to the lads. I know you will always have bumps in the road with performance, but if you get that base of graft, work-rate, working for your mate, running and pressing then it’s a good base; we’ve got good players – the crowd will get behind you. Positive things will happen if you do that. You’re not going to win every game but certainly I fancy us to win more than we don’t.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS