Steve Evans assesses Michael Appleton ahead of Charlton’s League One clash at Stevenage

Stevenage manager Steve Evans believes that Michael Appleton will bring a “real stability and organisation” to Charlton Athletic.

The two teams meet on Saturday at the Lamex, with former Blackpool and Lincoln boss Appleton set to take charge of his first Addicks match since being appointed as Dean Holden’s replacement at The Valley.

Stevenage, who won promotion to the third division last season, are top of League One after their 2-2 draw with Carlisle last weekend.

Charlton have sold out their away ticket allocation for tomorrow’s clash and are 17th in the table.

“Michael is a friend of mine – he’s a good guy,” Evans told Stevenage’s YouTube channel.

“We have always had a really good relationship and a real respect for each other.

“I know what Michael will take to Charlton. He will take a real stability and organisation – he will focus a lot more on keeping the ball.

“I know a couple of the new owners who have gone in at Charlton – that club will come together.

“It’s a wonderful occasion for us that we’re entertaining Charlton Athletic in a league fixture on a level playing field.

“I said to the players on Monday: ‘For us, the real League One comes in the next six weeks.’

“The real League One is the quality of opposition and there are probably only one or two who have claims [in this division] to be a bigger club than Charlton Athletic.

“We’re very humble and respectful that we’re playing a former Premier League club here in a league fixture.”