“I demand professionalism” – Charlton boss Lee Bowyer on Marcus Maddison’s Bolton loan

Lee Bowyer has spoken for the first time about Marcus Maddison’s exit from Charlton Athletic – admitting his move for the maverick attacker failed to pay off.

The former Peterborough United and Hull City player joined Bolton Wanderers on deadline deal in a loan deal until the end of the campaign.

Maddison’s Valley contract is due to expire at the end of June, although the SE7 outfit also have an option of another 12 months.

But Bowyer’s comments suggest there is no way back for the27-year-old, who has made the drop into League Two.

The Addicks manager said: “I took a gamble on Marcus – against a lot of people saying not to. I tried to improve his professionalism, if you like. But unfortunately it just hasn’t worked out.

“The one thing I do is I demand a certain standard and that goes throughout the whole team. The other thing I demand is that you have to be hungry and proud to play for this football club. So there were certain things that happened that weren’t right.

“No one person is bigger than the club – that includes myself. Players come and players go, managers come and go – that’s football.

“The most important thing for me is that the squad is happy and then you all have to be in this together. We win together and lose together, you can’t afford to carry anyone.”

PHOTO: KEITH GILLARD