Nathan Jones is expecting another tough test on Saturday when Charlton take on Blackpool at The Valley.
The Addicks face a Tangerines side managed by Steve Bruce, who has had two games at the helm after being named as Neil Critchley's successor earlier this month.
“I know Steve very well, he's a wonderful guy," Jones said. "He must have got bored in the house because I know where he lives, and he has got one of the best pubs I’ve ever seen 100 metres from his house, so he must have got bored! He's very experienced and I have a lot of respect for him, he's a real good guy. I look forward to seeing him, I’m sure we'll have a glass of wine after.
"It will be a tough game; he has had an instant impact in both games we've watched. I've always had tough games against Blackpool - whether that was at Luton, Stoke or Southampton. It’s a Steve Bruce side so you know they will be well coached and well drilled. It will be a real test."
Charlton go into the clash having recorded back-to-back wins against Shrewsbury Town and Cambridge United.
“It’s been a positive week," explained the boss. "Obviously there are things to improve on and get better at performance wise, we know that. I was really pleased with Tuesday. There were 11 changes as people hadn’t played and people needed game time. To put in the level of performance that they did, I was really pleased.
“We want to have this holistic view at the club. We know that the Community Trust also does fantastic work week in, week out and we want the first-team to do exactly the same, as well as the women’s team, the U21s and the U18s. We want everything to be positive, in order to create that elite environment and at the minute we're making big strides to achieve that."
Jones confirmed Miles Leaburn will feature for the U21s at Watford on Friday afternoon and also provided an update on Zach Mitchell, who was forced off during Tuesday's victory in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
“Miles will play again tomorrow at Vicarage Road with the U21s," revealed the gaffer. "We need to get over that hurdle and then he will be with us full-time and available for matches.
“We’ll scan [Zach's injury]. It's a shame as we made the decision for him to not go back out on loan as I really like what I'm seeing in him. In terms of evolving, that is what we want - we want someone who has his capabilities.
"He's brave, bold, athletic, hungry and has a stellar attitude," he added. "He ticks a lot of boxes for us. We gave him that opportunity and he took it with both hands. He was absolutely excellent until he was taken off. Hopefully it isn’t anything serious and he will be back in contention. He did himself no harm the other night."
The Addicks take on Blackpool at The Valley this Saturday and all U11s can attend for just £1! Click here to purchase your tickets.
