VALLEY REVIEW | Academy takes centre stage on Saturday



Olly Groome reports

Saturday's official matchday programme is packed full of academy content as the club celebrates Academy Day for the visit of Bury.

Ezri Konsa, one of the latest academy graduates to catch the eye at The Valley, stars as the main feature interview as he discusses his first season in senior football, his experiences of coming through the ranks at Sparrows Lane and the reasons why Charlton's youth setup enjoys the success it does. 

Elsewhere, there is a special five-page feature which delves behind the scenes of the academy as we meet a number of unsung heroes who all work tirelessly to help bring through the next generation.

 Australian U18 stopper Ashley Maynard-Brewer features as the next youngster to open up for the Addicks' Future Q&A, while Academy Manager Steve Avory discusses the tradition surrounding Academy Day in his regular column and both the U18s' and U23s' latest victories are reported in the Academy Round-up. 

Meanwhile, first-team boss Karl Robinson reflects on a difficult week as he pens his latest notes, as does captain Johnnie Jackson, while CEO Katrien Meire updates fans on the talking points from a recent EFL meeting, which include the possibility of increasing the number of homegrown players required in a matchday squad and concerns over artificial turf surrounding pitchside areas. 

All the usual history features are included in the latest Valley Review as On This Day remembers Sasa Ilic's debut for the club in the memorable 1997/98 season, while the journey through the FA Cup-winning 1946/47 season continues through the eyes of legendary Manger, Jimmy Seed as his side book their place in the semi-finals of the competition. 

Konsa features on the large foldout poster as part of the Young Reds Review supplement, which also includes all the usual games and quizzes and the retro theme moves into the 1990s with a design taken from the 1992/93 season. 

Valley Review will be available to purchase from sellers inside and outside the stadium on Saturday afternoon. Look out for sellers, dressed in bright green, in Ransom Walk, outside the Valley Superstore, in Harvey Gardens, and inside the West Lower and North Lower stands. 

Programmes will also be available from inside the Superstore and from selected kiosks inside the ground, as well as behind the bar in Bartram’s and Crossbars. 

Meanwhile, the club's 2016/17 Handbook is also still available to purchase for £5 from the Superstore, as well as the Ticket Office.  

Valley Review subscriptions are also available for the 2016/17 with every issue delivered to your door. Email lewis.uphill@cafc.co.uk or call the Ticket Office on 03330 14 44 44 for more information.

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