Promoted Charlton target the title to complete perfect season

Back in the summer, Charlton boss Chris Powell set down a huge statement of intent for the coming season by signing 21 new faces.

This large recruitment drive made some people question his ambition with many feeling that it may take some time for the team to gel. A rather average pre-season cemented this overall opinion.

However they were quickly proven wrong and instead the Addicks hit the ground running, never looking back after their victory on the opening day of the season against Bournemouth.

A strong start meant they found themselves in the top three after the first month and on the 17th September they moved to the top of league after a 3-2 victory over Rochdale. This was a position where they have remained for the rest of the season and after last week’s 1-0 win over Carlisle United, Charlton will be officially be playing in a higher league from next season. It has been a real domination of the league by Powell’s men and to be promoted with a few games remaining demonstrates this.

So what has made this Charlton team so strong this season? Well you definitely cannot look beyond the amazing defence, which for most the season has been the strongest defence in England and with just 31 goals conceded in 43 games, is there any wonder they lead Sheffield United by six points? Along with an impressive 20 clean sheets. They always say the best teams start from the back and if you get those fundamentals right you’re going to go a long way.

Chris Powell has successfully managed the loan market this season. Just when there appeared a panic as we suffered back to back defeats at home he ventured in to the market to bring in Dany N’Guessan and Lee Cook. N’Guessan has helped scoring three goals in six appearances, whilst Lee Cook got a vital assist in a 2-0 win over Orient.

So not only has he brought in the right players over the summer but even when they are getting exhausted with the long campaign, he has been able to recruit to give us the extra boost when we most needed it. He certainly has the eye for talent and only quality managers see this talent throughout the whole season.

In the summer I would have settled for a top six place with us giving the top two a run for their money. But never in a million years, after the last two seasons, would I have predicted seeing my Charlton remain top of the league from September to April. It’s been a season to be a proud Addick and there is no doubt this team, with Powell in charge, can go a long way.

So come on Charlton lets get the four points needed to see us crowned as Champions and then see us build a team next season that can compete in the top half of the Championship. Up the Addicks.

You can follow me on Twitter @MartinJohnson94

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