“I’m so pleased to be back home” – Lee Bowyer backs Charlton fans to play part in Championship safety push
Lee Bowyer has admitted there is no place like home for Charlton Athletic as they prepare for tomorrow’s crunch Championship visit of Middlesbrough.
Since the start of 2020 the only points collected on the road came on February 11 – Lyle Taylor netting in a 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest on February 11.
It was Charlton’s first three-point haul away since a 2-0 win at Reading on August 31.
Twenty-six of the Addicks’ 39 points have been gained at The Valley.
A crowd of more than 17,000 is expected for the Boro match as Charlton look to bounce back from a chastening 4-0 reverse at Huddersfield last time out.
“The most important thing is we’re going to be playing at home,” said boss Bowyer. “That’s what I’m looking forward to.
“We have had two tough away games and now we’re going to need all the fans to get behind us, like they always do, because the players need that now.
“Whether we like it or not, we’re in this situation [fighting to stay in the Championship]. We are in it. And the players are going to need the fans to get behind them – the fans have been great, home and away.
“They are going to play a massive part and I said that from the beginning. They will have played as big a part as anyone if we do stay up, and I believe we will. They [the supporters] will be invaluable in that.”
Charlton are set to be boosted by the return of midfield veteran Darren Pratley, who had been sidelined due to a back spasm.
But Naby Sarr (calf) is still not fit while fellow centre-back Tom Lockyer completes his two-game ban.
PHOTO BY PAUL EDWARDS