Johnnie Jackson celebrates scoring the 3rd goal for Charlton Athletic with Dale Stephens
After a strong training week, Michael Appleton reveals which Charlton player was “unfortunate” not to start against Stevenage.
Terry Taylor pleased Michael Appleton in training this week and was “a little bit unfortunate” not to start Charlton’s 1-1 draw against Stevenage today, according to Appleton.
The new Addicks manager made two enforced changes to the team that defeated Fleetwood 2-1 before the international break.
Following his victory over the Cod Army, Appleton was appointed to his position.
Alfie May, who was ruled out due to a concession, was replaced by Miles Leaburn.
Nathan Asiimwe was out with a quad injury, thus James Abankwah started at right-back.
Taylor, a summer transfer from Burton Albion, came on against Stevenage in the second half but was replaced by Lucas Ness.
“It was a concussion one,” Appleton explained. “He had a whack to the face, and there was some claret on him, so he needed a little cleaning up.” I’m not sure what the full extent is; I’ll find out more when I return to the changing room. That’s two this week.
“Terry is one who has trained extremely well and was probably a little unlucky not to start today.”
Appleton has spent eight days at Charlton. When asked how much he relied on his own judgment in team selection – with interim boss Jason Pearce remaining on his coaching staff for this weekend before returning to the academy – he replied, “It’s a little bit of both.” I’m aware that we got a good result against Fleetwood in the last league game, although a couple of weeks ago. You’ve got half an eye on it, as well as guys who performed well in that game and may be eligible to participate here.
“With five or six training sessions, clearly people will impress.” I’m going to ask some folks questions with question marks. Can they go a little further?
“He picked it up (the injury) just before I came into the building,” Appleton explained. “After they took a closer look, it was slightly worse than just a strain.” I don’t think it’s significant enough to keep him out for too long, maybe another 10 days or two weeks.
