‘That will be massive for him’ – Charlton striker Miles Leaburn has big summer ahead

Charlton Athletic manager Dean Holden reckons that pre-season will be “massive” in the development of Miles Leaburn.

The 19-year-old has scored 13 goals in all competitions for the Addicks this season.

Centre-forward Leaburn is set to lead the line again tomorrow at Cheltenham Town, the final day of the League One campaign.

“Pre-season and the off season, before that, is massive for him,” Holden told the South London Press, when asked about the next stage in his progression.

“The players have all got individual plans and they’ve all got recording equipment, so even if they are not on site and on holiday then it makes sure they do the work, record it and send it in daily.

“There are some dates throughout the off-season where certain players will be required to come back in and do some extra training, in terms of the youngsters. Miles will be in that category.

“Miles needs a good pre-season. He is growing into his body still, and that’s why we had to be really mindful of that this season when I was leaving him out or resting him. It wasn’t an easy decision, but you have to be mindful of just how big and explosive he is.

“He’ll quickly become more and more robust and resilient, to be able to go Saturday-Tuesday. No doubt with a good pre-season behind him he’ll be a big player for us again.

“He’s not going to have that surprise element he had this year. There are still different aspects of his game to improve on – but he’s a sponge. He is in the coaching room going through clips and he wants to learn. Pre-season is the biggest thing – a good, solid one with the first-team. Last summer I’m led to believe he was training with the U18s and not even playing for the U21s.

“He had the tour situation and then came into it a little late. Pre-season will be really beneficial for him and Tyreece Campbell, Daniel Kanu and Zach Mitchell.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD