Charlton head coach Michael Appleton: We’re not looking over our shoulders at the drop zone

Charlton head coach Michael Appleton insists he’s not looking over his shoulder at the League One drop zone.

The Addicks are now winless in eight league games and just seven points above the bottom four – having played a game more than two of the sides marooned in the relegation places.

Saturday’s 2-1 home reverse against high-flying Peterborough United means the South Londoners have won just two of their last 14 League One outings. They’ve taken 12 of a possible 42 points in that time. Their most recent victory came at home to Cheltenham at the end of November last year.

“Not really, no,” said Appleton, when asked if his side are keeping an eye on what’s behind them.

“We’ve just got to focus on what we’re doing. That’s not being stupid or blasé. We’ve got 20 games, 60 points to play for. With the personnel we’ve got in the building now. Clearly, top end of the pitch we’re missing a piece of the jigsaw that we’re working really hard to rectify.

“If we do that, and possibly one or two more, then them 60 points – I do believe we can win a massively significant amount of them.”

Appleton referenced the new signings he has been able to bring into SE7 during the January window. Sheffield Wednesday loanee Tyreeq Bakinson made his debut as he started the Posh defeat at The Valley, with fellow arrivals Conor Coventry and Lewis Fiorini – who has made a temporary switch from Manchester City – both introduced as second-half substitutes.

When asked about his debutants, Appleton said: “Tyreeq was good, it was a good performance.

“He looked much more comfortable and better higher up the pitch in the second half which is something for us to note. Tired towards the end which is why we had to make the change.

“Conor was outstanding when he came on. Ran the game when he came on. Showed the quality and what he is about.

“Lewis Fiorini, he’s one that we’ll encourage and make sure we’ll get more minutes into him. Whether it’s off the bench or starting, he’ll get goals from that area.”

PHOTOS: PAUL EDWARDS