Park life

Life in the Premiership is anything but a walk in the park.

But that's exactly how the Addicks are dealing with the stresses of top-flight football.

Thursday morning, post-defeat to Manchester United, Iain Dowie took his subdued team out for a stroll to get their grievances about the night before off their chest.

"We had a nice walk and a chat,” said the Charlton head coach. "I think that's sometimes good, as part of the warm-down, to get the players in and have a conversation with them about the game and then watch one or two things on the video constructively.

"All the first-team squad went for a walk around the park. The walk gets the stiffness out of their legs and it gives them a chance to talk about things among themselves and among the staff.

"It's important to have two-way dialogue at clubs; rather than me talking all the time it's about hearing what the players have got to say."

He added: "It's a chance for me to get around the players and say OK, we've lost two games but by no means have we been put to the sword.

"I didn't think it was a 3-0 result against Manchester United. And we had the best shout for a penalty there's been for a while but we didn't get it.

"We're not getting the rub of the green but we've got to make sure that we turn it around with endeavour and energy.

"It was a great atmosphere at The Valley on Wednesday night, I thought the fans were terrifically supportive and we need to make sure we reward that on Saturday."

Bolton Wanderers provide the opposition in Dowie's third competitive match in charge in SE7 on Saturday.

Trotters boss Sam Allardyce has splashed out a club-record £8m on striker Nicolas Anelka ahead of the Valley clash, while his opposite number also has plans to increase his squad before the transfer window shuts.

Dowie said: "We've spent £6.2m and I think we've done decent business in the players we've bought in. Andy Reid, Amady Faye, Djimi Traore, Simon Walton, Cristian Bolanos and Scott Carson on loan.

"And we're looking to do one or two others; there are two particular areas I'd like to strengthen."

Of Allardyce, he added: "I've got a lot of time for Sam. My family home is in the Bolton area. He's lauded around the town and quite right too.

"He's got a habit of bringing in big players without big transfer fees and that's worked for him. Some of the players he's brought in like Youri Djorkaeff and Jay-Jay Okocha the Bolton faithful have loved to see.

Djimi Traore returns for the Bolton match

"He's able to deal with big players and he's continued to develop the club - he's done a terrific job.

"Bolton will be a real test. They've got a very good side, but we're looking forward to it and we can't wait for the game to come around.

"The good thing about this week, although it's tiring on the legs, it does give us an opportunity to go out there and put things right.

"We know their strengths and we'll cope with them. We've got to show what we're about, go out there and show a real performance."

Having a family home in Bolton does have its consequences - Dowie's young son has grown up to be a Wanderers fan.

But Dowie junior will be firmly behind the Addicks on Saturday.

"His allegiance will be very much to Charlton," Iain said firmly.

"His white shirt is at home, and he's got his Charlton kit packed for this weekend. He fully understands. Otherwise he won't get any dinner!"

Match preview:
Charlton v Bolton