Obviously one man can not make a team, but one man can make a real difference.
The contrast between Charlton’s results with and without Jason Pearce in the team are stark.
In the five games since his return from long term injury, the Addicks have won three, drawn one and lost one.
Pearce has played in 22 league games this season, with Charlton have taking 35 points from them. In the 23 games they have played without Pearce in the line-up, the Addicks have taken just 22 points.
Had Karl Robinson’s team gathered points all season at the rate they have when Pearce has played, they would have taken 70 points from 44 games, enough to put them in the play-off zone with a game in hand.
Pearce is a warrior, but a team gets much more than just his playing ability. His organisational and motivational skills are superb.
The Hillingdon born defender has captained Portsmouth, Leeds and Wigan – where he won the League One title last season.
With Johnnie Jackson unlikely to start many games next season, Pearce will be a strong contender to skipper the team.
Robinson has admitted that there will be a huge turnover of players before the 2017/18 season kicks-off, but Pearce will be one of the first names on the team sheet.
The manager will be hoping that he has an injury free campaign.
Jason Euell’s Under-23 side clinched the Professional Development League 2 South title at The Valley on Monday evening.
Goals from Karlan Ahearne-Grant (penalty) and Dan Bowry gave the Addicks a 2-0 lead against second placed Millwall.
The visitors were a physical side, and though Lewis White pulled a goal back for the Lions, Charlton saw the game out successfully.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic