Corey Blackett-Taylor cites Dean Holden’s tactical switch as catalyst for Addicks upturn

Corey Blackett-Taylor reckons it’s a change of shape from Dean Holden that heralded Charlton’s recent upturn in form.

The Addicks ended their eight-game winless run in League One with victory at Portsmouth on New Year’s Day. They then followed that up with a 2-1 win over Lincoln City at The Valley.

New boss Holden has changed back to a 4-3-3 for the South Londoners and Blackett-Taylor says the switch in formation has been the catalyst for the recent victories.

Blackett-Taylor said: “A change of tactics [has helped results]. We said that we need to pass and run forward a bit more. A lot of work has been done in training. We needed to get some self-belief in the camp and remind ourselves how good we are as players.

“Translate what we’re doing on the training ground into the games. We’ve started to do that.

“[Holden has] tried to change the mentality of the group. He’s changed the way we’ve trained. The tempo and physicality has gone up a bit more. It’s suited us. Everyone has been enjoying it so far.

“Not just him, the whole staff tried their best to start off [lifting the squad’s spirits]. Bring a lot of positivity into it.

“The gaffer said to us before we went out: ‘There’s no point playing as well as we did last week and not backing it up.’ That was the most important thing and I’m glad we managed to do that.

“Even in the second-half, we were stopping their chances and were more resilient. We haven’t always showed that this season.”

The former Tranmere winger bagged his fourth goal of the campaign against the Imps – a career best for a single campaign. And he hopes there is still more to come.

“Last season I was playing wing-back but I’m playing higher up this season,” added Blackett-Taylor.

“It’s definitely something I wanted to contribute more, goals and assists. It’s improved but there’s still a lot of improvement to do. I’m glad I’m showing the signs.”

PHOTOS: PAUL EDWARDS