Charlton Athletic boss knows ex-Millwall chief Harris will have Gillingham set up to compete

Johnnie Jackson says his Charlton Athletic players need to show they are “bang at it” in tonight’s home game against Gillingham – so that their fans have something to cheer about.

The Addicks have not won in seven games and have only taken one point over that period.

The SE7 outfit are still not safe of the drop after a torrid run of results.

Gillingham can climb out of the League One relegation zone tonight and their results have improved since former Millwall manager Neil Harris took charge at the end of January.

And Jackson has played against Harris’ teams before.

“I know he’s going to have them at it and up for it,” said the Charlton boss. “It’s a derby and they’ll be working hard to get a result. They are not going to make it easy for us – Neil Harris teams never do.

“They make you defend set-pieces and they’ll be looking to work those and long throws. I’ve watched them play and it is something they are big on.

“But it is a great game for us, back at home. It is a great opportunity and we have to try and give the fans something to get behind. It has been difficult for them with the run we’ve been on. We need to set our stall out early and show we’re up for it and fighting.

“They need to see we’re bang at it. We did that against Sunderland and got applauded off. The fans were behind us in our last game here. We didn’t win but they could appreciate the hard work and spirit that day. We need to show that again, no doubt about that. They stuck with us then and will do again.”