Boss of Charlton Athletic promotion rivals in League One makes ‘respect’ claim

Wycombe Wanderers head coach Mike Dodds – who Charlton Athletic travel to on Easter Monday – reckons visiting teams are showing them extra respect.

The Addicks are five points behind them in the table with the clash currently pitching third against fifth.

Charlton face Northampton Town on Friday at The Valley but then face back-to-back road trips to Wycombe and second-placed Wrexham.

“It’s the business end of the season and teams show you so much respect,” said Dodds, who was appointed as Matt Bloomfield’s successor at the start of February, after their 1-0 home win against Stevenage on Saturday. “It is so hard to find those openings and moments.

“That first goal is huge and ideally you want it before the 92nd minute.

“We look so organised out of possession – the group feel so solid and secure.

“At some point someone is going to get a few more than one goal past them. I’m really, really positive about that.

“We had two results recently we didn’t deserve – football is harsh at times. Coming away from the Reading game, everyone probably thought ‘they are wobbling – is it done?’ I knew it wasn’t. It is still not done. Even with four games left there are twists and turns to come.

“I keep using this phrase – we’re going to be absolutely fine. What we have shown fans is we are very much together and are very clear in what our objectives are.

“We’re going into this weekend and we’re going to enjoy it. The next four are really difficult, four really good teams. But I keep saying to the group: ‘Let’s not look from in to out – let’s look from out to in’. Teams will be looking at us and we see that. We see that from teams coming to Adams Park and how much respect they give us now.

“They will be coming up against us saying: ‘Wycombe are a really good side’.”

PICTURE: ALAMY