‘Certain standards have not been met’ – Ben Garner reveals why Corey Blackett-Taylor was AWOL for Charlton’s clash with Oxford

Charlton manager Ben Garner has revealed that Corey Blackett-Taylor was left out of today’s clash with Oxford after falling below “certain standards” last week at Barnsley.

The 25-year-old winger started during last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Oakwell but didn’t make the matchday squad at all for today’s 1-1 draw with the U’s.

Albie Morgan and Sean Clare also dropped completely out of the squad, but Garner said none of the three were suffering from knocks.

Garner explained: “There’s no injuries. Sean Clare was missing through illness. Albie and Corey were just my decisions. There are certain standards now in terms of what has to be put in and one of those didn’t meet that. Moving forwards, that’s not an option anymore. To take the easy option and not push yourself. Anyone not running and working for the team just won’t be involved, won’t play.

“It wasn’t a tough decision to [leave Blackett-Taylor] out. He gave me no choice. His effort and intensity for the team last Saturday at Barnsley wasn’t good enough. We had to defend with nine players at times. I’m not accepting anyone that doesn’t give 100 percent for this football club and for the shirt. It wasn’t even a decision. It’s a non-negotiable. He’s spoken to me, he’s apologised now. It’s a clean slate next week.

“It’s nothing personal against Corey. It’s the same with every player. It’s the second time this season I’ve had that conversation with an individual. Everyone knows now. Everyone is clear on the minimum requirements to play for this football club. It’s done. He wasn’t involved today and starts with a clean slate next week.

“I really like Corey as a player. He’s got wonderful talent as a player and athleticism. The sky’s the ceiling with him. He’s got to buy into everything that comes with that and put the effort in to maximise his talent.”

PHOTO: PAUL EDWARDS