George Dobson is itching to get started after joining the Addicks from fellow League One side Sunderland on Thursday morning.
The 23-year-old has agreed a two-year deal in SE7, and revealed he is thrilled to become Nigel Adkins’ third acquisition of the summer following the signings of Jayden Stockley and Craig MacGillivray.
“Delighted - obviously the size of the club, the manager, the fans… everything really. When I found out about the interest it was something that really intrigued and interested me. Then obviously once you’ve had conversations and got to know what the manager’s aspirations are for you... it was a no brainer for me and I’m honestly delighted to be here.
“I’ve spoken to him [Nigel Adkins] a couple of times and obviously I wouldn’t be surprised if many people say this: just how positive of a person he is. The way he wants hungry players, players who have a point to prove, players who want to get to the next level and obviously the aspirations of this club is to get to the Championship and that’s the same for me. I’ve really enjoyed my initial chat with him, and I just really can’t wait to get started.”
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The Essex-born midfielder has a few familiar faces at The Valley in Craig MacGillivray and Alex Gilbey, and explained he is pleased to return to the capital, where he enjoyed a loan spell with AFC Wimbledon last term.
“I saw the lads briefly. Obviously, Craig [MacGillivray] signed the other day and we played together at Walsall. I know [Alex] Gilbey, not sure quite how I know him… mutual friends! I’m looking forward to meeting all of the boys and getting started because it’s obviously a fantastic opportunity for me. Being down this way as well is obviously nice, to be back home, closer to friends and family and all of that so honestly I’m raring to get started.
“Loved my loan spell. It was what I needed really, in terms of when the new manager came in at Sunderland I just fell out of favour a little bit so I needed a fresh start to get back playing again. I loved my time there. It was the perfect place for me at that time and honestly can’t fault the loan spell, it was perfect.”
Dobson offered Charlton fans an insight into the type of player he is a combative midfielder, while admitting he arrives from Wearside with a point to prove and a specific target in mind.
“I’d like to say I’m all action. I play more as a holding midfielder so to win the ball back, wrap round the pitch, get the ball back and then play forward passes through the lines or switch the play, keep the ball to give it to your players who are going to go and score the goals and make things happen. I’m more of the protector as you’d say to give it to the players in the final third who are going to make it happen.
“I think as a footballer you’ve always got a point to prove, but for me definitely. There’s a lot of people that I want to prove wrong and I think this is the best opportunity and place for me to do that. It’s making me even more hungry to prove people wrong and show the level I’m at and where I think I can get to.
“You look at the size of the club and the direction the club’s going with the new owner, the new manager coming in near the end of last season and the quality of the team that they’re looking to build here. I think the only aspiration has to be promotion and obviously I’ll be personally giving everything to that to help make it happen.”
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