‘Wonderful moment’ – Addicks boss reacts to Zach Mitchell winning League One Apprentice of the Season
Charlton Athletic defender Zach Mitchell was named the League One Apprentice of the Season at the EFL Awards on Sunday evening.
The 18-year-old, who penned his first professional contract with the club in July 2022, has made eight appearances for the Addicks in all competitions this season.
The award recognises an outstanding youngster who excels both on and off the pitch, with the player’s development, as well as his education attainment, disciplinary record and any other outstanding achievements, taken into account.
Mitchell was up against Barnsley’s Fabio Jalo and Gatlin O’Donkor of Oxford United for this year’s accolade.
Fellow academy graduate Deje Elerewe, who is on loan with National League side Bromley, picked up the award last season.
Speaking with the South London Press about Mitchell picking up the award, manager Dean Holden said: “He has obviously had some minutes at first-team level this season.
“For such a young player, he has a fantastic temperament, and he’s a really, really outstanding young player.
“A ball-playing centre-back who is aggressive and likes to defend. It was a wonderful moment on Sunday night.
“We were at the EFL Awards. He was there with his mother and grandfather. Tracey Leaburn [head of player care], Steve Avory [academy director] and the guys from the academy were there with me.
“For Zach to win that award and to see their reaction was a really special moment.
“It tops off a good season for such a young player. He’s only at the end of his scholarship now, so he’s another player we’re really excited about.”
Charlton host 18th-placed Port Vale at The Valley tomorrow. It is the final home game of the season, with Holden’s side heading to Cheltenham for the final match of the 2022/23 campaign.
The Addicks lost 3-2 at home to Morecambe last time out.
“We know we can be a threat to anybody, and we have proved time after time again that we can bounce back from a disappointment,” said Holden.
“That has to be the aim of Saturday against a Port Vale side who are still fighting for points – they had a good result last weekend against Bristol Rovers.
“It will be a difficult game, but it’s the last home game of the season, and we want to send our supporters home with a smile on their faces.
“We want to win our last home game.”
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
