Charlton defender Ben Purrington impressed by boss Lee Bowyer – as he is set to make it 50 games in charge of the Addicks

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lee Bowyer clocks up 50 games in charge of Charlton Athletic on Saturday – and full-back Ben Purrington has spoken about how enjoyable life is playing under the Addicks chief.

The South London side have won 26 out of Bowyer’s 49 matches at the helm. To put that into some kind of context, they had won 26 out of 78 before he took over.

Left-back Purrington, who arrived on loan from Rotherham United in January, said: “I’ve enjoyed playing under him, a lot.

“It’s a different style of play to what I’m used to, more possession-based.

“He’s quite relaxed about how you go about it. Obviously in the changing room at half-time and before the game he will give instructions. But once you are out there it is down to you to do it yourself.

“I think he’s a very good manager.”

Charlton have been excellent defensively, especially in recent weeks. They have kept five clean sheets in the 12 matches which Purrington has played for the SE7 outfit.

The Addicks have cemented their position in the League One play-off positions, and only need one more point to match their entire total for the 2017-18 campaign.

“The club were in a very good position even before I got here,” said Purrington. “Since I’ve been here we have lost one game. To lose one in our last 12 matches is not bad at all. Twenty-six wins out of 49 is unbelievable.”