Josh Edwards has talked about Charlton Athletic’s recent run of form and is hoping their upturn in League One fortunes helps get the fanbase back “onside”.
Addicks manager Nathan Jones and his players came under fire following the 2-1 loss to Crawley Town at the start of December but since then have gone unbeaten in the competition – with Sunday’s 2-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers making it three victories on the bounce.
Suddenly Charlton’s sights look to be more firmly on a top-six spot.
Certainly confidence is high ahead of the reverse fixture against Crawley in West Sussex on New Year’s Day.
“It was a nice win for us,” said Edwards, talking about defeating a Wycombe side who came into the match undefeated in their last 19 league fixtures. “We defended really well.
“We were close to a clean sheet, it was our own mistake for the goal – we’ll have to rectify that but apart from that it was a pretty good performance.
“It’s a nice time to go on a run. At the start of December the league didn’t look great but now it is looking a lot better.
“We were looking at the table and not liking what we saw. Now we have put ourselves right back in the mix with a good run of form – long may it continue. “We feel confident we can beat anyone at The Valley, or at least give them a right good game. We’re strong here.”
Edwards, a summer signing from Dunfermline, supplied the cross for Miles Leaburn to score the first of his two goals against the Chairboys.
He said: “I definitely want to get more assists.
“I said I wanted to be an attacking outlet when I came into the club – I haven’t really done that as well as I wanted to. I’ve picked up a couple of assists but I really want to start adding more and more. ”
Edwards is full of admiration for the way that Thierry Small, who had been competing with him for the right-sided defensive berth, has switched to fill in on the left.
“He’s been brilliant,” said the Scot. “Today (Sunday) especially when he was carrying the ball up the pitch.
“You need that sort of thing, driving the team up the pitch – especially after a bit of pressure. He took on two guys, went around them and won a corner. That’s ideal for a defender when you have had a wee bit of pressure.
“He has been unlucky with a few strikes coming inside. All credit for coming in and doing that role.
“I would struggle big time doing it – he’s making it look easy when it really isn’t. He’s a little more two-footed than me.”
The Valley has been a happier environment for Jones and his troops.
Asked about some negative energy, especially after the Crawley Town loss, Edwards said: “I suppose (there has been) but when you are losing games the fans have a right to have a go at you. It’s not nice to hear but it is part of the game, especially at home – we want to win every game.
“We need to get them back onside and with the run we’re on at the moment they are starting to see the work we’re putting in week in and week out. Hopefully there becomes a closer bond and we keep driving forward.”
PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS