Punditry role allows Millwall boss to check out Charlton’s first test since Appleton’s appointment

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has been asked for his take on Steve Evans’ Stevenage side ahead of Michael Appleton’s first game in charge of Charlton this weekend.

Rowett was on punditry duty for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday last weekend over the international break and was tasked with running the rule over Stevenage’s League One clash against Carlisle United, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Stevenage, who won promotion to the third division last season, are currently top of League One heading into this weekend’s home match against Charlton.

Michael Appleton will take charge of his first Charlton game this weekend after being named as the permanent boss following Dean Holden’s sacking.

The Addicks are 17th in the table.

Asked by the South London Press for his thoughts on Steve Evans’ side, Rowett said: “Steve Evans is an experienced manager – he knows what it takes to get out of these divisions.

“He’s had loads of promotions. They are what you think they’re going to be – they’re very well organised and very physical.

“They’re a hard working team who want to put you under that kind of relentless pressure all the time.

“They’re very strong on set-pieces. They were impressive. I really liked the front three – I thought [Jamie] Reid was a handful.

“It will be a tough game. But it won’t be the only tough game in League One. They’re all hard, aren’t they?”