Charlton manager Lee Bowyer spoke to the press this morning ahead of Saturday’s Football For A Fiver game against Blackpool at The Valley.
His full press conference is on Valley Pass. You can read what he said about the returns of Joe Aribo, Jason Pearce, Patrick Bauer and Jason Pearce here. Below are some more of the talking points.
On aiming for promotion…
“If we want to get top two, we’ve got to win a minimum of 11 of the last 14. The last three, because of our situation with the strikers, it’s been tough and we’ve dropped points. In January we were only three points off second spot and we’ve let that slip but we’re still in amongst it, we’re still capable of going on a big run. I still believe that we can get the top two but it’s going to be hard.
“We’ve got the players that can go and hurt teams, so I believe we are in with a shout for sure."
On competition for places up front…
“Josh (Parker) came on at half-time (against Southend United on Saturday) and made a good impact. In training all this week, he’s realising what we want from him and how we want to use him. It’s competition (for places). There are two spots between three of them (strikers). The best two will get it.”
On player’s with expiring contracts…
“We’re working at the moment on trying to secure the younger lads – their contracts, because they are the future of the club. Then the further we get along the line, once we secure them, then we’ll start looking at some of the senior ones, seeing where they are with their contracts and if we want to extend them. Then mine will probably be last. I think the players for the club is more important than myself.”
On if he sees himself staying at Charlton longer than his current contract…
“I can’t see why not. I think I’ve done a good job. It’s been hard at times, especially this window just gone, it’s been difficult but I think I’ve earned another contract.”
Lee Bowyer's pre-Blackpool press conference is available on Valley Pass. A half-season pass costs just £30 while a monthly pass is £6.50. Click here to sign-up.