Former Fulham defender has brought ‘calmness’ to Charlton Athletic backline

Experienced defender Michael Hector has brought “calmness” to Charlton Athletic’s defence.

That’s the verdict of Addicks boss Dean Holden, who signed the former Fulham centre-back in the January transfer window.

Hector, 30, had been a free agent since leaving the west Londoners in the summer following their promotion to the Premier League.

He has started the last seven matches for Charlton, playing the full 90 minutes in the three most recent outings.

“He had not played for so long, so we knew he’d take a bit of getting up to speed,” Holden told the South London Press. “He came on at Forest Green for those (10) minutes and I put him in against Derby, a difficult game to throw him into. He has grown in confidence, each game he has played.

“His fitness is not really an issue. He is a fit boy and he’s been training for a period of time now. It was more of a match sharpness thing, just the speed and getting used to it.

“You can see the class he has got now. He showed at the weekend against Cambridge – the calmness. He brings calmness to that backline. Him and Ryan (Inniss) look like they have built up a good relationship in the last few games, for sure.

“He’s a great leader. I’ve been really pleased with him. He leads by example.”

MAIN PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS