Albie Morgan is loving life at Charlton Athletic – but that wasn’t always the case.
The 19-year-old midfielder has been an eye-catching performer for the Addicks as they finished the regulation League One campaign in top form.
And Morgan was preferred ahead of more experienced options like Darren Pratley and Ben Reeves for the League One play-off semi-final first leg against Doncaster. He justified that selection, being involved in the build-up to both Charlton goals as they won 2-1 at the Keepmoat Stadium.
The teenager says it was his choice to quit the SE7 outfit at the age of 13. He opted instead to play in Welling United’s junior section.
“It was my decision to leave,” explained Morgan. “It was getting a bit too much, in a way I wasn’t focusing as much at school.
“There were a lot of different factors – one of them was the distance in travelling that my parents were doing every week.
“I was at Charlton from the age of nine. I came back in the U15s and luckily got re-signed. My mentality was different when I came back.
“I know I was young, only 13 [when he left], but I didn’t know where it [football] was going to take me. My parents didn’t know what was going to happen.
“It’s helped me now. I realised what level I could be playing at. I’m definitely happy that I’m back in this system. I’ve stayed over the years since and hopefully I can stay here longer.”
Morgan had not featured for 15 games – only an unused sub for three of those – before playing the full 90 minutes in the 4-0 victory against Scunthorpe United at the end of April.
Albie Morgan
He again went the distance for Lee Bowyer’s side as they won by the same scoreline on the final day – claiming two assists as the South Londoners swept aside Rochdale. Sunday in South Yorkshire was his seventh start of a breakthrough campaign.
“The whole team have taken to me really well,” said Rochester-born Morgan. “They’ve treated me like I’ve been playing for years.
“Without them, I don’t think I’d be performing as well as I am.
“The way the fans get behind you – cheering you on – it helps massively with your performance.
“Credit to both, because without them I don’t think I would be here now. The same applies with Lee – he has trusted me and let me perform.”
Morgan’s preferred role is as a number 10.
“I think I’ve done well,” he said. “There have been games where I could have got a goal but I feel it’s definitely coming, sooner rather than later.”
Bowyer has talked about Morgan needing to improve his conditioning.
“There’s a big difference between youth-team football and first-team football,” said Morgan. “I’m still adapting to it. I definitely need to work on my fitness. It’s a weaker part. But it will catch up.”
Next comes a packed Valley and the chance for Charlton to reach Wembley. More than 24,000 Addicks fans will be at tonight’s crunch tie. It should be some atmosphere.
“I don’t know how to put it into words,” said Morgan. “I just hope the level of noise and atmosphere is as good as it’s been all season, because the fans are a massive credit to the team.
“Without them we wouldn’t be able to push through the latter stages of games. We need them the most. I don’t think the boys are nervous
.
We’re confident in how good we are. We’ve got to respect the opposition – they are a good team. We knew the game wasn’t going to be easy at their place.
“A win, coming away from home, was something we wanted. But we knew it wasn’t definite.
“The team spirit is so high and we all worked together and pulled through.
“Through the team’s effort and hard work we have got the win. The goal keeps them in it.
“But if it had stayed 2-0 they were still in it. You never know what can happen. We’ve got to stay focused in the second leg.”
