Lee Bowyer spoke to the press ahead of Saturday afternoon's fixture against Doncaster Rovers at The Valley to give his take on the game against Donny, what the mood is like and what it will be like to welcome back a small number of supporters.
Speaking about the mood in the camp on the backdrop of Charlton's ongoing ownership issues and defeat to West Ham United in midweek, Bowyer explained that he is more focused on the game against Rovers.
"I’m quite upbeat after the week that we have had so far, but I have to be with such a massive game. It’s a good Doncaster side. If I’m walking around negatively then I’ll pass it on to the players and I can’t do that.
"Yesterday wasn’t really the news that we was hoping for, it think it’s okay to say that, but I can’t control anything and I go back to the fact that I always try to work with the things that I can control and that’s the football. The other side of things… I’m sure that they will all take care of themselves."
The manager also reflected on Tuesday's cup exit but opted to look more at the positives it brought.
"Tuesday, okay the result isn’t what we wanted but we got a lot out of it. There were a lot of positives to take from it, there were no injuries and we got a lot of minutes under our belts. So, it was a good night for us.
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"We deserved more from the game. In the second half especially, I thought we played really well at times and we got into some really good areas and should have scored at least once. That’s done now though, that’s in the past. The most important thing is that we’re ready tomorrow and pick up three points."
The last time Charlton took on Doncaster Rovers was back during the Addicks' successful play-off run and Bowyer looked back on the night fondly while also acknowledging this fixture will be different.
"There might be one or two people short of what there were last time! It was unreal that night wasn’t it? The place was bouncing and we had a full house and hopefully we get a win again this time. It doesn’t matter how we get it, what matters at the start of the season is you get as many points as you can. I’ve looked at them and they’re a good side. Darren Moore has got them playing some nice football. Their front four have a lot of pace and can hurt you and they’re solid defensively. It’s going to be a tough game for sure.
"They’ve strengthened in certain areas as well since last season and they’ll be in and around the play-offs this season, I have no doubt. They’ll be up there but we’ll be sure that we can take the three points off them and put ourselves in a good position early on."
With 1000 supporters being allowed back in as part of fan trials at games, Bowyer explained that he sees it only as a positive for Charlton, football and also in a wider sense.
"I think that it’s massive and I think that it’s a forward step in the country as well, not just in football. I think everything of late has been very negative and with this happening I think it’s a step in the right direction. Every set of fans up and down the country play their part. I sit here and say that ours are the loudest and you ask any manager and he will stay the same. They play a massive part and they played a big part in us getting promotion two years ago.
"So I’m looking forward to them coming back but I’ll echo again that I want it to run smoothly and to be safe, so that everyone who turns up feels safe and that they’re in a good environment. That’s just as important as them coming back in I think."
"I hope that that thousand make a lot of noise. I hope they’ve picked the loudest singers out of the 27,000 that we have. Because one singer would make a difference. I’ll be there with open arms and grateful that they’re allowed back in and I’m looking forward to hearing them get going again."
Watch Lee Bowyer's full press conference below on Valley Pass. Click here to purchase a subscription.