Lee Bowyer has asked fans to whip up a party atmosphere for Chris Solly when his side faces Aston Villa on Saturday, July 27th (3pm)
Charlton host promoted Premier League side Aston Villa at The Valley and the game has been nominated as Chris Solly’s testimonial. The 28-year-old, who has been a part of Charlton since the age of 11, has organised a number of events for his testimonial year culminating in the game against Villa.
Manager, Lee Bowyer, hopes that there will be a big turnout for Solly.
“I hope for Chris Solly’s sake that a lot of people turn out. For someone to give 10 years plus to a football club… it doesn’t happen anymore. So, I hope that he gets the reward that he should because I think he deserves a medal for staying at the club. It just doesn’t happen, I can’t say that enough! He deserves the cheering and the screaming and the singing, he deserves it all because he’s a true professional and his given almost 11 years to this football club. It’s some achievement.
“I hope that we can have that party atmosphere and that 10-15 thousand turn up. That’s what I hope, that’s what he deserves! So, I’m hoping that does happen and we can put on a good performance.”
Aside from Solly’s testimonial the game also marks the end of Charlton’s pre-season’s fixtures and Bowyer will still be focusing on his sides performance against top flight opposition.
"I hope that we can have that party atmosphere and that 10-15 thousand turn up. That’s what I hope, that’s what he deserves! So, I’m hoping that does happen and we can put on a good performance.
"We’re playing against Aston Villa who are a very good side and they’ve just got to the Premier League. I understand that they’ve sold out their end so I’m guessing they want a bit of a party atmosphere as well."
Most importantly it’s Chris Solly’s day. It is our last pre-season friendly so it will be serious, but we want a good atmosphere in the stadium.
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