Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer explains reasoning behind ditching mask

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Ashley Maynard-Brewer is back in goal for Charlton Athletic but with one difference – he is no longer sporting a protective mask.

The Australian keeper’s only action had been limited to EFL Trophy appearances this season before the 1-0 League One defeat to Exeter earlier this month with first choice Will Mannion sidelined due to a thigh strain.

Maynard-Brewer had been wearing a mask since January 2023 after breaking his nose twice in quick succession.

“I was told by the surgeon that it was probably wise to wear it for between six to 12 months,” the 25-year-old told the South London Press this week.
“When it was broken it was really affecting my sleep and recovery, so I played it safe over a period of time.

“It definitely didn’t affect my vision but it was a target for away fans, which was pretty funny. It was the predictable stuff – Zorro or Batman comments. Or at least those were definitely the lighter things that were said.

“I came into this season feeling fit and healthy and probably thought about the perception of wearing it – potentially that it made me look like I’m carrying an injury. I didn’t think about it too much when I was playing but I wanted this season to be a clean slate.

“I broke my jaw at the end of last season and the mask didn’t protect that – so the issue is probably I should stay away from diving at people’s feet! I was tuned in and focused during one of the training games, I saw an opportunity to block a ball – threw my face in the way – and copped a backheel.

“It definitely wasn’t a fun injury. I couldn’t eat any solid food for two months. I thought about this season, in training, being a bit more controlled – try not to get in the way of too many with my head.”

Maynard-Brewer’s outing at Exeter was his first league appearance under Charlton manager Nathan Jones.

When the Welshman was appointed at the start of February he opted to go with Harry Isted between the posts, having worked with him at Luton Town.

But Jones made it clear in the summer he wanted to bring in two new goalkeepers and was prepared for those already on the payroll to move on.

Charlton missed out on some of their targets – including Lukas Jensen and Viljamo Sinisalo – only bringing in Mannion on a free transfer from Cambridge United.

Isted made a permanent move to Burton Albion but Maynard-Brewer, who joined the Addicks academy in 2015 from ECU Joondalup, stayed.

“It was communicated pretty early doors that the gaffer was looking at bringing in an experienced number one and Will,” recalled Maynard-Brewer.

“I’m pretty sure he (Jones) said he wasn’t going to stand in my way if there were any opportunities that did come up.

“But nothing eventuated. From the conversations we had, he said he was happy I stayed. He told me to get my head down and keep working hard. The feedback I got from Stephen Henderson (goalkeeping coach) was the same.

“Day to day I was in training and I’d get my work done. I was a Charlton player and I never wanted to leave. I have loved being a part of it the last few years. I was more than happy when the transfer window shut and it was just me and Will.”

Jones tends to play his injury news cards close to his chest in press conferences, so it is unclear how long it will be before Mannion is back in contention.

Maynard-Brewer has kept clean sheets in the EFL Trophy victories over Chelsea U21s and Bromley last week.

“As a goalkeeper I want to be playing every game possible,” he said. “I’m just going to do my best in however many games with Will being out and then whatever happens, happens.

“If I come out of the team again then I’ll continue to work just as hard and make sure I put myself in a good place.”

Charlton have not been one of the entertainers in League One with 15 goals both scored and conceded in 14 fixtures. They are 13th after their reverse to the Grecians.

“The last few results have been frustrating but we’re coming into a very busy period – it will be great for us to go on a run now and get results,” said Maynard-Brewer. “We know from some of the games we’ve played that we can match ourselves against anyone in this division.

“We need to produce those results to come out of this period in a much better position.”

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