Karl Robinson on why he didn’t celebrate Oxford equaliser – and Lee Bowyer and Johnnie Jackson being perfect fit for Charlton Athletic
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Karl Robinson insisted he took no extra satisfaction for earning a point on his Charlton Athletic return.
The Liverpudlian did not celebrate when substitute Gavin Whyte rifled into the top corner of the net to clinch a 1-1 draw for Oxford United on Tuesday.
Asked about not showing any emotion after the equaliser, Robinson said: “I enjoyed it, because I want to win. But I’m not going to disrespect people who celebrated in my dugout. I don’t want to create a problem for the people behind, or create any aggravation.
“I’ve learned a lot. I’ve calmed down. I don’t think I went to the fourth official once tonight – I don’t think you’ve seen that before from me.
“It doesn’t mean I want to win any more or any less. I think Bow [Lee Bowyer] will tell you I want to win everything I do, because that’s what I’m employed to do.
“It’s not sweet [to get a point] because I want this club [Charlton] to be successful. But I had a job to do for Oxford United. I’m really happy [at Oxford] – over the moon to be here – but I wish this football club [Charlton] all the luck in the world.
“It was weird [coming back]. I think any of the staff will tell you I left on very good terms. I was respectful to everybody in my 18 months. I treated everybody the same way.
“The people who work here are unbelievable people. Jacko [Johnnie Jackson] and Bow are Charlton through and through. I wish them all the luck after tonight, except for when they come to the Kassam in a few months time.
“Bow has done incredible here. Charlton needs a Charlton man. I’m not stupid – I know that as well. Having him and Jacko in that dugout tonight, the fans are so proud of the people trying to get the club back to where it dearly belongs.
“The people are so passionate here about their own club. This football club is all about the community, such strong roots. That really shocked me when I came in. Being from Liverpool, I can’t say I knew everything about the place – because I didn’t. But these people do.
“They love young players coming through. You’ve seen that tonight with Joe Aribo and Karlan Grant. There’s such talent – Anfernee Dijksteel and Chris Solly. It is part of the DNA here.
“You know the turbulent times here were when the club went not just outside Charlton but outside of England. If you’re a fan of Charlton Athletic then you’re in unbelievable hands in Bow and Jacko.
“The recruitment team here in the last four transfer windows has got rid of an awful lot [of players]. It’s a much better club than it was two years ago. And I think a lot of people – Bow included – deserve an awful lot of applause for that.”
IMAGE BY PAUL EDWARDS
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I can’t see how people think pratley did well at centre back he was terrible bowyer made a big mistake playing him there a point is all we deserved it was all them second half