Jayden Stockley felt that the Addicks needed some ‘old-school grit’ to help them stop the rot as he completed his first 90 minutes since returning from injury in Saturday’s goalless draw with Sunderland.
The striker had been sidelined with a back injury since December, but returned to the starting XI at The Valley to play his part as Charlton ended a run of five straight defeats with a hard-fought point and he believes that passion on the pitch goes a long way towards turning fortunes around.
“It’s down to a bit of old-school grit,” explained Stockley.
“At times like this, the fans want to see a bit of passion. We had a few warriors on the pitch that were defending with their lives and we needed Macca [Craig MacGillivray] who I thought was outstanding – he made some brilliant saves and he should take a lot of the plaudits.
“It was an important point with where we are at the moment. Hopefully in weeks to come, points like that won’t be good results, especially at home. Our home form was so good and that’s something we’re desperate to get back – but a point this week certainly feels like we’ve gained a little bit of momentum back.”
Speaking to the assembled press following Saturday’s draw, the 28-year old said that it was down to the players to show what they are about between now and the end of the season and to build a platform of positivity as the club looks towards next season.
“It’s all about habits now,” he said.
“How we conduct ourselves and how are we going to make the fans feel towards the end of the season – are they going to have optimism that we’re building something here? Players that don’t raise their levels and don’t reach the standards that this club expects are probably going to fall by the wayside, so are you going to be one of those players or are you not?"
Meanwhile, Stockley revealed that he came through his first 90 minutes in two and a half months while praising the club’s staff for guiding him back to fitness unscathed, with a bit of cramp his only concern.
“I feel good,” explained the forward.
“I’ve really looked after myself and to get through 90 minutes was huge for me as far as confidence in my body goes. Sometimes you’re waiting to feel something, but the only thing was I was struggling to jump towards the end because my calves were cramping up, but it’s football and you’ve got to get on with it. I’ve been conditioned to play games since I was young and looking after myself since I’ve been injured now has allowed me to do that.
“The staff here have given me the platform to get through 90 minutes.”
