Patrick Bauer is a real fans favourite at The Valley. The Charlton supporters took to him from the moment he stepped through the door back in 2015.

It was thought the would leave The Valley this summer, but now he could stay.

Bauer is keen to continue his career in England, and wants to play at Championship level.

Blackburn Rovers made a move for the big central defender last summer but owner, Roland Duchatelet, blocked the move, believing Bauer was crucial to the club’s promotion bid.

Now the Addicks are a Championship club, it has paved the way for him to continue his stay in South London.‎ When interviewed on Sky immediately after the game, Bauer gave a strong hint he would remain at the club when he said:

“I can’t wait for next season.”

He elaborated his thoughts when he spoke to the press after the game:

“It’s not just me, I think every player wants to play at the highest level possible. But now we are up, and we will speak.

“For me it would be best to do is as soon as possible, because from now until the season starts there is not a lot of time.

“I can’t have a better two weeks – I think it is impossible. Becoming a father on the same day as getting to the play-off final and scoring the winner in the final – I’m absolutely delighted. I’m speechless.”

Bauer explained that‎ though his wife and daughter were not at Wembley, he had tremendous support from the rest of his family:

“It was too early for her (daughter Kayleen), because of the noise and everything. It was better for her to stay at home with the wife.

“They were watching on TV. My wife was absolutely devastated to be unable to come here. But, apart from her, all my family from Germany and her family from Bulgaria, they all came here to support me.

“She said (when she called after the game): ‘I’m crying’. At the same time the baby started to cry! She is absolutely delighted because she knows all year I was working hard, it wasn’t always easy for me. She is so supportive.”

Bauer normally scores a goal or two during the season, but Sunday’s goal was his first of the campaign, something he commented on after the game.

“The boys were joking before the game because all season I didn’t score, which is quite unusual for me.

“I said: ‘Boys, let’s wait and see – maybe today I can help the team with an important goal’. I’m very happy that I did it today.

“I just had a desire to score. I wanted to help the team to get to the Championship.

“It has been a difficult time here at Charlton but I’m absolutely delighted we got back to the Championship. I’m delighted for the management, players and especially the supporters – they deserve it.

“It is an absolutely amazing club. When you see the first game of the season against Sunderland, we went with 16 players. Charlton did not spend a lot of money this year. Most of the players were got on free transfers or loans.‎

“It is a big achievement to get such a good squad together and get promoted. Big respect to Lee Bowyer, Steve Gallen and Johnnie Jackson, the job they have done this season.

“In the four years I have been at Charlton, last week was the first time The Valley was really packed.

“You have this feeling that Charlton fans are happier now, you have a good feeling.

“Today was a very good trip for them, thankfully we made it even better with the win. It’s what they deserve for all the years being supportive.”

The Addicks got off to the worst possible start‎ with that bizarre own goal that somehow evaded Dillon Phillips. But Bauer – skipper in the first-half – backed his keeper to make amends:

“It’s not the start you expect but individual mistakes happen. I just told him to keep his head up and he made a brilliant save.

“I believe in all the boys, we knew there was still a long time to play and we can turn the game.”

Bauer has developed a deep love for the club during his four years at The Valley, and clearly wants to stay.

The uncertainty concerning the ownership of the club makes contract negotiations difficult. But the BFG as he is affectionately known by the fans – a moniker Bauer enjoys – would clearly like to continue his career in SE7.