Lee Bowyer has cited the togetherness of his players for their recent upturn in fortunes as Monday’s 3-1 victory over Rotherham United earned him his third successive win since taking charge.
Joe Aribo’s second-half double added to Michal Zyro’s opener as the Addicks left the Millers well beaten at The Valley and Bowyer is delighted to see his players playing for each other.
“It shows the togetherness that we’ve got in the dressing room,” he said.
“It’s a good place to be at the moment. I told them that I‘m proud of them because they’re a different animal now.
“Everyone knew that they could play, but teams would try and bully us and they did. But now, Rotherham have come here, they’re a physical side, and we’ve stood up and all been counted as men. Then once we got the ball down and we were dangerous on the attack.
“I’ve always believed in these players. They just needed to start believing in themselves. I’ve shown them a different side of the game and they’ve started playing as a team – that’s the only difference really. That and hard work.”
“I thought it was a tough game,” Bowyer continued.
“We were sloppy at times in the first half, our passing and movement wasn’t the best. But in the second half, I thought we dominated the game.
“We could probably have had another two or three – the keeper made two great saves at the end. So we deserved the three points.”
Meanwhile, the Addicks’ caretaker boss is confident that his team can keep their place in the top six, having climbed back into the play-off places with victory over Paul Warne’s side.
And with seven games of the season remaining, Bowyer does not see any reason why Charlton cannot gain maximum points.
“It’s a big thing because we have a game in hand as well,” he explained.
“Obviously, that’s where we want to be, come May. It’s only been three games since I’ve been in charge and we’ve got another seven to go, but there’s no reason why we can’t go and win all of them if they perform like they have in these last three games. They’re a great bunch of lads and I believe in them.”
“I have to say that the fans were great again,” added Bowyer.
“I’ve said it before, but they sometimes don’t realise how much they help.”