BY RICHARD CAWLEYrichard@slpmedia.co.uk
Alex Mitchell reckons that Charlton Athletic are still firmly in the League One play-off equation with his recent experience of a surge in fortunes during the second half of a season fuelling his confidence.
The 23-year-old centre-back, signed from Millwall in the summer, was on loan at Lincoln City in the previous campaign.
The Imps moved into the top six after the penultimate round of fixtures in April after a run of 12 wins and just one loss in 19 matches – form which saw them storm up the standings.
Eventually Michael Skubala’s side finished seventh, two points behind Barnsley, who took the final play-off spot. Lincoln missed out due to a 2-0 home loss to champions Portsmouth on the final day.
Mitchell says that a top-six finish for Charlton was the “minimum” he was expecting when he made the switch from SE16 to SE7.
“We have got two games in hand on some of the clubs above us and one on some others,” the defender told the South London Press.
2XXFJJY London, England. 24th Aug 2024. Alex Mitchell and Kayne Ramsay celebrate after the Sky Bet EFL League One fixture between Charlton Athletic and Bolton Wanderers at The Valley, London. Kyle Andrews/Alamy Live News
“When Michael came in at Lincoln we were something mental like 15 or 16 points off it and we only just missed out. And we were in the play-offs going into the last match. So a seven-point gap is definitely, definitely doable. There is no question about that.
“We need to stay more consistent and iron out our inconsistencies. If we play like how we have been doing, it is a brave shout but I don’t think we’ll have any problems getting in the play-offs.
“We have the boys in the team and management staff to get us there.”
Charlton made it six league matches unbeaten with a 0-0 draw against Reading at The Valley on Saturday.
Now comes a break from that competition as they head to Preston North End in the FA Cup third round.
So who would have been Mitchell’s dream draw?
“I would have liked to play at Millwall,” said Mitchell, who came through the youth ranks with the Lions. “That would have been a good one and quite a good turnout.
“I remember coming through the academy there and when Millwall did play Charlton it was always a feisty game. That’s what you want in football – you want a lot of personality in matches and that has certainly got a lot of it.
“I’m very happy with the Preston draw. They are a good team, in the Championship, and we’re on good form, so it should be a decent match at the weekend.”
Charlton had won three in a row before the stalemate against the Royals – a badly-needed spike in results after they kicked off last month with a home loss to Crawley.
Supporters had been quick to vent their anger and frustration.
Now things, fingers crossed, are heading in a positive direction again.
“The one thing we’ve always done is stick together,” said Mitchell. “We have created an environment at the training ground and within the club where we are the ones that are going to change it – no-one else. And we have.
Picture: Paul Edwards
“The performances have been better. Like the gaffer said, I think the foundations have always been there – we don’t concede a lot of goals at all.
“It is about finishing our chances.
“We have got a young front two at the moment (Miles Leaburn and Tyreece Campbell) who are doing exceptionally. They are making our jobs easier as defenders, working tirelessly on stuff that people don’t see – like shape. Sometimes they have to press three players when we’ve got the luxury at the back of being man for man.
“Football is nothing without fans. They pay their money and have a right to an opinion, no matter what that is. Sometimes it is positive and sometimes it is negative.
“The good thing about Charlton is they always turn up, no matter how big the criticism or praise is. Our away support has been outstanding.
“At home we have created a bit of a fortress since the Crawley game. Teams come there and don’t play their normal way.
“That is a credit to them and also to us. We have got young players who have only ever been at Charlton and not experienced other changing rooms or environments. So it can be tough when they get criticised.
“For them to come out now and be as positive as they are is outstanding. There is a long way to go in the season, we’re only halfway through now. We’ll see what everyone is saying at the end of it.”
MAIN PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS