‘It keeps changing every week’ – Charlton boss on his starting 11 plans for Accrington opener

Ben Garner reckons he already knows around half of the starting 11 he wants to pick for next weekend’s League One opener.

The Charlton manager has opted to split his squad this weekend with some featuring in the match against Swansea at The Valley tomorrow, with another team also playing a behind-closed doors friendly today against Welling United at their Sparrows Lane training ground (6.45pm).

“What it does is give everyone an opportunity to get the minutes they need and it also gives everyone a chance to showcase themselves for that first league game,” Garner told the South London Press.

“Whatever teams I pick for those games, it doesn’t mean they are necessarily going to be the same for the following weekend.

“The shirts are very much up for grabs. I’m looking for people to stand out, impress and stake their claim – it doesn’t matter if that’s the training ground game or the one at The Valley.

“Whoever does best and features has a better chance of being involved in that first team.”

Charlton start the serious stuff with a trip to Accrington Stanley on July 30.

It will be Garner’s first competitive match in charge of the South London club after he quit Swindon Town to succeed Johnnie Jackson at the start of June. And the former Crystal Palace coach is still toying with his starting line-up for the curtain-raiser at the Wham Stadium.

“It keeps changing each week,” he said, when asked if he had a starting side already in mind.

“I’m still getting to know the players and seeing things. I’m trying to have a different look at a few things in terms of combinations – in terms of centre-half and midfield partnerships. We’ve got to find that right balance.

“I’ve got a good idea on probably six or seven and then finalising the other four going into this opening period. But all the way through the season it will be about the group – it’s not about the 11. If we’re going to be successful this season, everyone has to buy into that.”

Conor McGrandles, signed from Lincoln City this summer, could get his first minutes this weekend. A knee injury, sustained at the end of last season, has slowed his integration.

Garner said: “He’s a naturally fit lad. In terms of cardiovascular fitness, he’s good. He’s been doing lots of running and it’s just been a case of building it up with the ball-striking and impact.

“Nothing replicates football. Hopefully he’ll get good minutes in on Saturday and then we’ll assess from there going into the first game.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS