Jes Rak-Sakyi has thanked the Charlton faithful for their special support throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
Speaking after scooping the Supporters’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at Sunday’s end-of-season awards dinner, the 20-year-old said: "The fans’ support is very special. Every time I step onto the pitch they’ve got my back and having them there singing my name just gives me an extra confidence boost.
“When I get the ball, I just really want to thrive and give my best because I know the fans are supporting me every step of the way.”
Rak-Sakyi has enjoyed a stellar season with the Addicks, netting on 15 occasions and providing a further eight assists in League One so far.
“I just wanted to come here and get as much game time as possible but then I ended up playing, near enough, every game of the season and I’ve just really enjoyed every minute,” explained the loanee.
“I think the main aim was for me to get minutes in men’s football and see how I’d handle it because last season I was playing U21s football. It’s been really good and I’m very happy.”
Those 23 goal contributions to date have seen the forward garner more attention from opposition defenders as the season has gone on.
“At the start I don’t think most of the teams knew who I was, but I think as games went on I felt I was getting double-teamed a lot more so I knew that teams had been doing their analysis. But it’s only helped me take my game to another level and I’m just happy that I’ve been able to cope with it.”
Asked for the pick of his 15 goals this term, he said: “If I was to pick one I’d say Exeter away, just because we’d worked on that in training. When the midfielders get on the ball, make runs in behind and then I caught it nicely on the volley. It was a great pass from George [Dobson] and I think that’s probably my favourite.”
There’s no place like home! Click here to purchase your 2023/24 season ticket.
(Article by Gregg Baxter)