Fleming: 'We're proud the boys kept going'

Curtis Fleming interview
Remote Stream

Assistant Manager Curtis Fleming spoke to CharltonTV as the Addicks tasted triumph at The Valley in dramatic fashion against Shrewsbury Town.

Thierry Small was on hand to net the all-important winner in the 96th minute, firing in with a fine finish on his week foot.

Fleming, who stood in for Nathan Jones due to a prior engagement, said: “There is a lot of relief and excitement, we as the coaching staff were so proud that the boys kept going. We said to the lads it may take 98 minutes to get that win, against a resilient team in Shrewsbury, who had a real uplift since Gareth Ainsworth has come in. We knew we’d have to battle till the end."

He voiced his praise for 20-year-old Small admitting that it is a well-earned goal for the versatile full-back who has been going the extra-mile week in, week out.

“I’m really happy for Thierry," he said. "Scoring on his right-foot, which is a wonderful thing. Someone that has been playing out of position for the last few games and he has really grown into it. He’s been out there practicing every day, getting better in the position, he really deserved that.

“The important thing was that we needed to win today, and we did that.”

The win was the Addicks fifth in seven league games and Fleming was pleased given the hard-earned nature of the result

He said: “We knew it would be difficult, last time out Shrewsbury beat Wrexham and they've also beaten Birmingham, they have been really solid. We knew it would be difficult to break them down, we could have shown a bit more guile and quality at times, moving the ball quicker, something we can look at and improve on. At the end of the day, it’s another three points.” 

Kayne Ramsay made his anticipated return to the pitch, replacing Alex Mitchell in the second-half. 

“It’s brilliant to see him out there," said Fleming. "He has been itching and pushing. He’ll probably tell you that it is two weeks too late, we wanted to be careful with him. He is an important player for us, who was playing very well before the injury. We told him to work the extra two weeks instead of another two or three months. A great addition to have back.”

The Addicks return to The Valley on Tuesday evening for the visit of Bristol Rovers in league action.

Fleming said: “Every game for us is a test, Tuesday night against Bristol Rovers is a huge one, but every game is. Everyone can go and celebrate tonight but it is straight on the debrief for Tuesday. We have to keep thinking of ourselves, being the best version of ourselves.”

Click here to purchase your tickets for Tuesday's clash against Bristol Rovers.

Read Time: 3 mins