Michael Appleton hoping to dominate teams like Portsmouth if Charlton strengthen in upcoming transfer windows
Michael Appleton wants Charlton Athletic’s transfer window dealings to mean they can come dominate some of the leading clubs in the division.
The Addicks drew 2-2 at Fratton Park today with Conor McGrandles heading a stoppage time leveller.
Charlton twice came back from trailing with Alfie May scoring his 12th goal of the campaign.
Asked if the point can be a catalyst for improved away results, head coach Appleton said: “I hope so. I want to be in a position – whether this is after one window or two windows – where we are coming to places like this and dominating the game.
“People will look at me like I’m stupid but I’ve made those type of comments early in my career at previous clubs and been able to do it.
“I’d like to think over time that we can’t just come to places like Pompey, compete and get a point – that we can come here and win a game.
Charlton extended their unbeaten run at Portsmouth in the league to eight matches.
But Appleton was unsure whether the hosts’ poor record on home turf against the South Londoners was a factor in the fact that McGrandles struck late.
Asked if the league leader’s potentially had doubts or nerves creep in, Charlton’s boss said: “I suppose you’d have to ask the Portsmouth lads, the bench and their team but it was something that got mentioned before the game. Myself, I haven’t got a decent record here as an away manager.
“It’s like in any game of football if there is only one goal in it – especially when you have got players on the pitch like Miles Leaburn, Corey Blackett-Taylor and Alfie May, these type of players, then you have got half a chance.
“What you can’t do at places like this is go two behind. If you do then you’re in a bit of trouble, the crowd get behind them and they end up sucking the ball in the goal. What happened today is that we had brilliant support behind that goal and they end up sucking the ball into the back of the goal for us.”
PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS
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