‘It’s a lovely story’ – Charlton boss Ben Garner’s reaction to Miles Leaburn scoring and why striker is in his plans on merit
BY RICK EVERITT
When Miles Leaburn headed Charlton in front four minutes into stoppage time at Accrington, it looked liked the perfect ending to his – and boss Ben Garner’s – first competitive match for the Addicks.
The 892 travelling fans had already given the 18-year-old son of legendary striker Carl Leaburn and current player liaison officer Tracey a rousing reception when he came on as a substitute.
And it seemed the youngster had won the game when he went one better than his father – who scored on his full debut in the top flight at Newcastle United 35 years earlier, but had already made a substitute appearance – only for Stanley to level even later.
However, Garner believes the memory will be a special one for the youngster regardless of the dropped points.
“The whole dressing room is disappointed, as you are when you concede a late equaliser,” admitted the manager. “But when Miles looks back he’ll just be extremely proud to score his first professional goal, and hopefully the first of many.”
Leaburn had replaced Diallang Jaiyesimi on the right side of the attack midway through the second period, which according to Garner had been part of his plan from the outset.
‘I just thought coming on he would have a good impact and that turned out to be the case,” he said. “You always pick a team to start the game and think how that is going to pan out, then in the back of your mind you’ve got the team that will finish it, and you’ve got those options.
“I thought when the game opened up a bit that Miles would give us fresh options, a bit of physicality, and with his ability, and he did that.”
Garner said he knew the significance of the family name in Charlton folklore.
“It’s a lovely story and I’m sure his family are very proud today, but for me I just judge him on his talent and his ability. He’s not here through any divine right, he’s like any other player in the squad.
“I’m not bothered whether they’re 18 or 32. If they’ve got the right attitude and the ability, I pick the team off of that.”
Garner doesn’t think the family link will translate into any extra pressure on the youngster, who was previously on Chelsea’s books.
“He’s a very, very laid back lad who seems to take everything in his stride,” he said. “He’s very calm and collected in what he does.
“He’s really improved over pre-season. Every day he does something that makes you think ‘yeah, that’s really good’. He’s taken things on and is improving all the time.
“He seems to me to have a good family around him, very level-headed, and that will stand him in good stead for the rest of his career.”
PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS