Charlton Athletic defender Hector welcomes talk of transfer window additions: Competition helps drive standards

EXCLUSIVE
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Michael Hector would welcome January transfer reinforcements at Charlton Athletic and knows squad depth is a key component of any successful side.

Head coach Michael Appleton spoke at the weekend about the trading windows being “massive” for the Addicks if they want to mount a top-six push.

The South Londoners once again find themselves in the position of having significant ground to make up on the play-off chasing pack – with two points dropped after Cambridge United fought back to draw 2-2 on Saturday.

Charlton are depleted in attack with Chuks Aneke not expected to be back training until the end of January while Miles Leaburn’s hamstring injury is likely to rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.

The Addicks need to stay within striking distance of the prized spots at the top end of the table but face a tricky test at Barnsley tomorrow.

Centre-back Hector, 30, was twice part of a Fulham squad which won promotion to the Premier League.

“You are only as good as your weakest player,” Hector told the South London Press, when asked about Appleton’s comments.

“When the team is very strong and the squad is very strong you look at the bench and know if you don’t perform then you could lose your place.

“That is only going to help the team and help drive your standards. That is a massive thing in football – competition for places. At any good team I’ve been at – successful ones – we have had that. If you are not training right or playing right then you lose your place.

“There are teams I’ve been at that even if you’re playing well then the manager can change it up, whereas I feel like the manager has got a really young bench and inexperienced.

“It is tough for them to come in, especially with the pressure at our stadium, which is a massive one.

“It’s hard for the young boys to go and do that, especially when there are only one or two that have played a lot of games, and with other young players in there as well.

“It’s only going to help the team if we add quality players.

“If you want to be at the top end of the league then you have to have a good squad and players that miss out, despite being quality ones.”

Hector had a six-month sabbatical from the sport before signing for Charlton at the end of January. He re-signed for another 12 months in June. The Jamaican international has started the last 14 league matches with Appleton pairing him with Lloyd Jones until his partner missed the U’s fixture with a minor quad injury.

“Last season I was just glad to be back playing after the break that I had and this season was a bit frustrating at the start,” said Hector. “I wasn’t playing and then I was in and out of the team.

“I felt like we’ve hit a good consistent run in the aspect of me playing and the team performing under the gaffer at a respectable rate. We’ve only lost to Lincoln away, which is always going to be a tough game with their really good home form, and Bolton, who are near the top of the league.

“The frustration has been that our performances, either in the first half or second half, has been a mixed bag. If we want to try and push up the league we have got to do it for a sustained period.

“We are playing well in periods and when we do that we can beat anyone, on our day. It’s keeping that consistency in the performance.”

Hector was benched at the beginning of this campaign but has been in every starting line-up in the league since Dean Holden was sacked.

Hector, who needs another 21 appearances to make it 400 at senior level, said: “I came in quite late in pre-season and didn’t play as many of those friendly games as Dean would’ve liked.

“It was weird for me not to start the season but that is the manager’s decision. I’ve got to respect that and support the boys from whatever position the manager wanted me.

“It was Deano’s choice to pick the players – that is his team. I’m not the manager. I just train hard. I need to do what I need to do to make the manager’s decision clear for me to play.

“I’ve been doing that under Michael. Obviously Dean didn’t feel that way and brought me off at Oxford. It was hit and miss. The team wasn’t winning games at the time so he was trying to find his right team. I know it is a tough job – especially being manager at this club it is a lot of pressure.”

While Alfie May’s 19 goals this season have made him the signing of the summer, Jones has been another solid capture on a free transfer from Cambridge United. Hector is a fan.

“He is one of the league’s best centre-backs – he has come in and done really well,” said Hector.

“He has not put a foot wrong. He is strong, good on the ball and a confident boy. At this level he is definitely very, very good and I feel like he can play in the Championship as well.

“It’s a great signing for the club, that we could get hold of his services.”

Hector took to social media platform X at the weekend to emphasise the importance of the fans’ support during the Christmas schedule.

“I can sense their frustration and we are just as frustrated,” he said. “They pay their money to come and watch the team and want it to do well. There are a lot of games and points up for grabs at this time of the year.

“We’ve got a young team at the moment, a lot of injuries, and the fans are key to helping those young boys get through the games – create a positive vibe around the ground. They can’t be afraid to make mistakes.

“If that’s the case then as a group and as a club we can push up the league. Christmas can make or break seasons.”

MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD