Charlton boss Johnnie Jackson provides straight answer when asked about goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Charlton boss Johnnie Jackson admitted that goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray isn’t commanding his six-yard box enough at the moment – and also reiterated his call for the rest of his squad to start stepping up as well.
The Addicks, who are now winless in seven games, had numerous chances to clear the ball from their goalmouth before Rosaire Longelo was able to bundle home Accrington’s first goal during today’s 2-1 defeat at the Wham Stadium.
When asked if former Portsmouth man MacGillivray is showing enough of a presence when balls are lofted into his six-yard box, Jackson said: “I don’t think he is, no. The first goal is ridiculous.
“There were so many opportunities to clear the ball, defenders and the goalkeeper, who is a part of that. You have to stand up and come and help your teammates out at times and relieve pressure and we’re not doing it.
“The players need to start stepping up now. We are getting players back but the ones who are given the shirt have got to do more. It’s personal responsibility. The goals that we are conceding are the same goals. We address them. We talk about them, we work on them. We practice it. When you go over that white line and are given a job to do, you have to do it and it has to come from within.
“I don’t think they’re showing anywhere near their levels of ability. If they’re not going to step up, then I’ve got lots of decisions to make about the future and how I’m going to rebuild this team.
“What we’re going to do going forward. I need to be ruthless in that decision making. I’ll find out a lot about the players in the coming weeks to see who wants to be a part of that. If you don’t step up, you’ll be moved aside, and you won’t be part of it.
“I don’t think it’s a lack of effort- they’re giving me that. Perhaps it’s a confidence thing with the run of results. It’s difficult to know, it’s difficult to get in their heads. But obviously the level of form in individual players isn’t where it was. It’s not a lack of effort but it’s a clear lack of form.”
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