Bowyer on Sunderland game, building a winning mentality and the fans' trip up the A1

Charlton caretaker boss Lee Bowyer spoke exclusively to Valley Pass this morning ahead of Saturday’s game against Sunderland.

You can watch the full interview by clicking here.

Below are four talking points:

On being ready for Sunderland...

“We’re as ready as we’ll ever be. Obviously there are a few things that we’d like to change but are out of our hands regarding injuries. It’s been a bit unfortunate since we’ve played the games we’ve picked up some freak injuries but that’s just the way it goes you can’t control that but everybody that is fit and well are definitely ready.”

On what sort of a challenge Sunderland will pose...

“A big one, they’ve made quite a few signings and they obviously had a Championship squad beforehand so it’s going to be tough obviously going up there. They’ve got a big crowd, a good crowd. I played there myself, it’s quite a hostile place but I think our lads will embrace that. It’s going to be tough, they’ve been in the Championship and the Premier League but it’s a game of football and the best team on the day will win." 

On building a winning mentality...

“We want to have that mentality when you keep winning games, because when you get into that mentality when you lose it hurts, then you don’t lose the next one. That’s where we want to be and that’s what we’ll be pushing.”

On his message to the 650+ fans travelling to Sunderland...

“Go up the A1, that’s the best way to get there, straight up the A1!

“I’d just like to thank them, I know it’s a long journey but hopefully we can continue the support we had, especially in the time I was in charge at the back end of last season, they made a massive difference. I’m glad they are going to be there for the start of this journey. 

“They are there to support the lads and get behind them and like you saw at the back end of last season, Portsmouth away, when they are singing you do get more out of the players. Don’t tell me why, should it happen? No, but it does. They find that extra bit inside them and we’re definitely going to need them, because they will be making a difference for sure this season.”

Charlton season tickets remain on sale. Adult tickets begin at just £200 – equating to £8.70 per league match (if purchased before our first home game) – and U11s are completely free in the Family Stand when bought alongside a full-paying adult, as has been the case for the last two seasons. To purchase your season ticket online, please click here.

For more information on season tickets and details about pricing, please click here.

Match tickets are available for the Shrewsbury game and can be purchased here

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