Nigel Adkins is determined to kickstart an upturn in fortune for his Charlton side as they prepare to take on Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium on Saturday.
The Addicks go into the game with just one victory from their opening 10 league games of the season and, following a disappointing scoreline at the hands of Bolton Wanderers in SE7 in midweek, the Addicks’ boss is doing everything he can to ensure his team can get back to winning ways.
“As well all know, it’s all about results,” said Adkins.
“From our point of view, we reflected on it [Tuesday’s defeat to Bolton], we’ve had a good meeting, the players have been very positive and we shouldn’t take away from the things we’ve being doing well.
“We need to reinforce that and there are things we know we have to improve on – there is a real determination from myself, the staff, the players and everyone connected with the football club to turn it around.”
“The players are working really hard, I think that’s evident,” he added.
“We’ve played some really good football for long spells, but goals change games. It was a heavy defeat, you can’t hide away from that and that changes the mood for everybody.
“Our goals against tally is not good enough. Especially when you compare to last season. You can point to factors, but the fact is, our goals against tally is too high and we’ve got to address that collectively.
“I’ve got a positive mindsight and I’m looking forward. The players are going to be in a far better position as we move forwards for the challenges that we’ll face during the season. “We just have to navigate ourselves through this period of time.”
Meanwhile, Adkins spoke of Saturday’s opposition and the challenge ahead against Simon Grayson’s men.
“They’re the same as every team in this division in that they all have strengths and all have weaknesses,” he explained.
“It’s a tough division. For a neutral watching, it’s a great division to go and watch and if you’re a supporter, you know that whatever game you’re involved in, there’s a likelihood to be goals, there’s a likelihood to be different formations at different spells, so it’s going to be exciting.
“Simon is a vastly-experienced manager so we’re expecting a real tough game, as we do from every game. But I believe we have many strengths within our team as well.”
Finally, Charlton’s boss provided good news on Jonathan Leko, who limped off during Tuesday evening’s defeat at The Valley, saying: “We hope Jonathan Leko will be fine for this weekend’s game, so it’s good news.”