‘We’re heading in right direction’ – Andy Scott optimistic for Charlton’s prospects under head coach Michael Appleton

Andy Scott is confident that Charlton Athletic are on the up under head coach Michael Appleton.

The Addicks are nine points behind the League One top six with 26 matches left to play.

Former Oxford United and Lincoln manager Appleton was appointed in September after the dismissal of Dean Holden.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Michael – he’s certainly a different character to Dean,” said Addicks technical director Scott, who conducted the head coach process.

“The fact we’ve not lost many games, certainly in the league, has been really encouraging.

“Our cup exits weren’t great and I think Michael has learned a lot about the squad and the character of the group – what needs to be done moving forward.

“Our league form is very good – we’ve only lost to Lincoln and Bolton. We’re competitive in every game – which we should be. Charlton Athletic should be up there, at the top of the league.

“We’re still going through a transition.

“Michael is working with a group of players who were there before he arrived, so there was some sorting out to do.

“Everyone can see he has changed our style a little bit and the players are understanding that. We just need to be a little bit more consistent. But I believe we’re heading in the right direction.

“The atmosphere is good and the way he deals with players is very good. His coaching is excellent. He’s got a really good plan of how he wants to work every day.

“We’re looking forward to the second half of the season.

“If we can get some senior players back from injury and tweak the squad a little bit (in the transfer window) it is encouraging that we can make that gap up to the top six.

“Before the season started it would not be where we wanted to be, clearly, and it is not where we want to be now. But given the start we had, the changes that have been made and the amount of key injuries we’ve had – the fact we’re still in touch gives us hope.

“Michael is working with the players and they are showing a real resilience. We’ve got a lot of confidence we can turn draws into wins and make that gap up.”

Barnsley’s goal in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Oakwell stood despite the ball clearly going out of play near the corner flag in the build up.

“We haven’t had the greatest refereeing decisions of late but football is about dealing with adversity, being resilient and making sure you look towards the next one,” said Scott.

“It’s frustrating after a really good performance at Barnsley that we come away with a point rather than three. Also the penalty awarded to Cambridge was outside the box.

“We’re a few points behind (what they should have based on those referee calls). We can’t sit and mope. They are mistakes that unfortunately went against us.

“We’ve got to make sure we kill games off and not have those things affect us.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS