Charlton Athletic star’s baby could be born smack bang in the League One play-off schedule

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Patrick Bauer has revealed his wife is expecting their baby when the League One play-offs are set to take place.

The Charlton centre-back has been a rock-solid performer. But his partner is due to give birth on May 17. The League One semi-final dates have not been announced yet – the final at Wembley will be on May 26. Charlton will be hoping that Bauer does not have a decision to make if the baby’s arrival coincides with a crunch  play-off clash.

Addicks manager Lee Bowyer said: “We had the same with Chris Solly the other week at Plymouth. He had to get someone to drive his car there because his wife was due at any time.

“Stuff like this happens and we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Bauer was the subject of at least one official bid by Blackburn Rovers in the summer.

Addicks owner Roland Duchatelet rejected the deal – even though the German is out of contract at the end of June. Bauer said: “I want to play at the highest level – just like any every player. My focus now is just on getting Charlton promoted. When we are promoted, we’ll sit at a table and then we will speak about my future.”