MICHAEL Appleton wants Charlton’s young squad to embrace the pressure which goes with representing the SE7 club.
The new boss saw his side earn a late point in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at high-flying Stevenage thanks to Corey Blackett-Taylor’s injury time penalty.
Appleton was impressed by the way Charlton’s youngsters rallied in the second half and is challenging them to deliver more of the same if the Addicks are finally to end their unwanted four-year stay in football’s third tier.
He told BBC London: “There is a huge expectation at the football club – and that will always remain when the football club is competing at this level.
“There is a demand and a reality from the fans that they want to be competing at least in the Championship.
“It has got a great history, as we know, so while it is competing in League One, the badge at times can wear heavy on players’ shirts.
“We’ve almost got to help the players deal with that but at the same time embrace it.
“I think it is important for them to embrace it because if you are going to climb the ladder, develop as a player and then get better and want to play at the highest level, you are going to have to deal with certain situations similar to this in your career.
“We’ve got a game at home against Wycombe on Saturday, which is going to be difficult.
“But at the same time I want the players to really enjoy that, thrive in that moment and make sure they produce their best football.”
Appleton ideally would like Charlton to become more of a possession side this campaign but added he will not be afraid to change their playing style depending on the opposition.
He explained: “Hopefully (fans) will see something similar to the way the players performed in the second half (v Stevenage).
“The lads are going to perform much better with the ball throughout the season and in the coming weeks and months. There is a real determination and spirit about the group.
“I think our fitness levels were excellent as well and in the last 20 minutes or so we sort have had Stevenage penned in and didn’t really let them out.
“That’s the type of thing I want the fans to know and recognise and understand there is a group of players here who are desperate to succeed.”
Appleton added: “Obviously it has not been a great start to the season for the club, but there are 39 games to go and lots of points to play for.
“We just want to make sure every single game and every single team we turn up against know they have been in a game of football where they’ve had to fight and scrap.
“Whether that is a game of total football, whether it is where both teams have had to deal with direct play – whatever it needs, we have to be a team for all seasons.
“For that to happen we have to show the good side of us, which we did in the second half on Saturday.”
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