Johnnie Jackson has transformed the atmosphere at Charlton and we’re all behind him – Jayden Stockley
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Charlton forward Jayden Stockley says that caretaker boss Johnnie Jackson has transformed the atmosphere around the club.
Jackson took up the reins following Nigel Adkins’ departure and his unbeaten start stretched to four games as the Addicks eased past Havant & Waterlooville in the first round of the FA Cup.
There’s also been impressive wins over Sunderland and Doncaster, with a good draw at home to high-flying Rotherham as well as Jackson oversees a major turnaround from the poor form that saw Adkins shown the exit door.
Stockley, who bagged his ninth and 10th goals of the season during Saturday’s cup tie, says the entire squad are right behind Jackson and his assistant Jason Euell.
“The whole atmosphere has been so positive,” explained the former Preston man.
“In terms of the intensity, it’s given us a chance to use the quality of the squad. Every single member of the squad, whether they’re playing or not, is behind Jacko. You’ve seen from our results.
“The result at Sunderland wasn’t a one off, we’ve gone and beaten Donny and then drawn with one of the best sides at home and probably should have beaten them. It’s a great atmosphere to be involved with at the moment and long may it continue because the boys are fully behind Jacko, Euelly and the rest of the staff.”
Despite the goal return, Stockley had endured a difficult start to the season under Adkins and found himself out of the starting eleven after failing to score at all in September. He was utilised as a lone striker under Adkins but now has reverted to playing as part of a front two after a switch in formation from Jackson.
Stockley said: “It’s great, especially when you’ve got such willing runners as Josh [Davison] and Con [Washington] and the support they’ve been getting to me. There seems to be bodies around me constantly and it’s giving me a lot of chances.
“Against Donny I could have had three or four myself in that game alone so I was a bit frustrated after that. It’s nice to be coming off the pitch frustrated that you’re missing chances rather than not getting any at all.”
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