MICHAEL Appleton is looking forward to working with Charlton’s young squad as he prepares to begin his new managerial role this weekend.
Appleton has been working with his new charges for almost a week now on the training ground at Sparrows Lane, but the first real test comes on Saturday at table-topping Stevenage.
The former Blackpool and Oxford boss becomes the latest man in the dug-out to try and turn around the Addicks’ fortunes.
And the stature of Charlton, as well as the opportunity to work with so many youngsters, all made the challenge too hard to resist.
Appleton said: “One, it is obviously a massive football club. It is certainly a club that I’ve been aware of from my playing days and on the coaching side of it.
“It has superb support obviously but there is also the group.
“I’m aware it is a young group. It is probably too young.
“I think we are all aware of that and it is something we will look to address and deal with in January – to give these young players more support with their development and improve them as young people, as well as players.
“But there’s an excitement element to that. I’ve done it before at a couple of previous clubs working with a young group.
“There are negatives and positives but I just think the positives outweigh the negatives considerably.
“That was one of the biggest reasons I took the job.”
Charlton stopped the rot last time out before Appleton’s arrival with a much-needed 2-1 victory over Fleetwood which came on the back of five straight league and cup defeats.
That leaves them with six points from as many games and even though it may not have been the perfect start to the season, the new gaffer knows things can change very quickly when asked if promotion is still possible.
“There is 120 points to play for,” he said.
“I’ve seen it before with teams who don’t get off to a great start and are able to pick up a bit of momentum and play with a bit of freedom.
“That is something I think we can envisage but first and foremost we have to start winning games on a regular basis before we can think that far ahead. That is eight months away, the last games of the season.
“Like I say, first and foremost you just have to think about the next five to ten games, make sure we change the curve and start winning games on a regular basis instead of losing.”
A certain degree of cynicism is perfectly understandable among a fanbase who have witnessed so many changes behind the scenes and in the Valley dug-out in recent years.
But Appleton is confident he can win over the sceptics with what he can deliver.
“My record at this level speaks for itself,” the experienced boss explained.
“I hope people see that, understand it and appreciate it.
“There is a likeness to my previous clubs at this level in terms of the squad, the age and the size of the squad so it is something I’ve experienced and done before.
“I’ve obviously won the opportunity and can’t wait to try and do it again.”
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