“It would mean everything” – Charlton skipper Jason Pearce chasing third League One promotion of his career

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Jason Pearce will do everything in his powers to help Charlton Athletic reach the play-offs as he dreams of a third League One promotion of his career.

The in-form Addicks are on an eight-game unbeaten run heading into tomorrow’s home game against Ipswich at The Valley.

Patrick Bauer’s injury-time goal clinched victory over Sunderland in the play-off final at Wembley in May 2019. Pearce is one of just three players still at the club who featured on the day.

Asked about how he would feel sealing an instant return to the Championship, the Charlton captain, 33, said: “It would mean everything.

“This time it would be an amazing achievement because eight matches ago we had played more games than everyone else and we weren’t looking in a healthy position.

“I feel like we had underachieved, with the squad we have. Now we have turned it around and started to fulfil the potential we have in the squad.

“I just hope we can finish it off positively, get in the play-offs and then it is anyone’s game. Once you’re in the play-offs we fancy our chances against anyone. We all want to play at the highest level we can.”

Pearce was a half-time switch for Naby Sarr at the national stadium a couple of years ago.

“It was a major occasion and I’d never played at Wembley before,” he said. “I was disappointed when I found out I wasn’t playing. I felt I should have been, but then my mindset changed. It was about the team and we needed to make sure everyone is ready – try and help everyone.

“I tried to make a difference when I came on. Fortunately we turned it around and won. It was just jubilation afterwards.

“It was an amazing day out for everyone associated with the club. To be able to do that again would be unbelievable.

“I’ll do my best as the captain to push the boys to try and get there.”