I don't think Stevenson is ready either but it is good that he got a few games and I'm sure he will be ready soon enough. In the meantime, if Bowyer likes this lad, it is good enough for me. He has shown that his and his team's judgement is very good on these matters.
If he is tall, it might help us with set pieces. I like a tall full back - I know -let's re-introduce the Charlton Life height test. I am a bit fearful I may have started it by explaining why I favoured Francis above Solly a few years back!
He said: “I think Ben was solid, exactly what I got told. He’s going to be a seven (out of 10) every game. He gives us stability down the left which we’ve been missing so much.
“He competed, he was up and down. He was very good and he’s only trained a couple of days with the team, he’ll get used to them even more and the way we play.
After a slow start average I would say but to be fair he only signed on Thursday so not much time to get to know team mates or system of play therefore too early to form an opinion. Natural left footer which gives the proper balance. Thought he could have done better in the air at the far stick with a header which Phillips saved with his foot to keep out a cert goal early doors Otherwise nothing special but did ok.
He said: “I think Ben was solid, exactly what I got told “
Does Bowyer see any of these players , I wonder what input he has or is it all down to Gallen .
He watched Williams when our U23s played away at Palace and will have seen Purrington at the Valley. I think along with JJ they sit down decide where they need to strengthen or have cover, possible realistic targets and let Gallen take it from there. Bowyer then enters the discussions with the player and convinces them to sign. which definitely swayed Cullen and I'm sure Williams as Bowyer as an England Internstional midfielder will be ideal to learn from.
He doesn't seem a particularly attack minded overlapping type FB but with the diamond shape giving other teams space out wide a full back who stays back to provide defense from wide attacks is no bad thing. If Bowyer is right about him bring a consistent 7/10 then he's going to be fine for what we need.
Page was a big influence in the signing of Josh Cullen. They are close friends ;
Not disputing that but pretty sure it was reported that Cullen was delighted to be working under Bowyer which played a major part in him signing, specifically relating to oohaa's question.
Bowyer spoke to Rotherham assistant boss Richie Barker before signing Purrington.
“He spoke very highly of him – everybody we spoke to was the same about him,” said Bowyer. “He was very solid.
“He ain’t going to be Jay Dasilva and go past four – but we don’t want him for that. With Pearcey out we want stability down that side and he did very well on Saturday. He defended the back post well and was comfortable in possession, he doesn’t really give the ball away.
Is Ben under rated by Addicks. I understand why Dillon Phillips has deservedly been getting a lot of the plaudits for his recent heroics but Ben has played all 14 games since he signed and has only been on the losing side once. I sometimes hear people criticising him but I feel he has made us more solid at the back.
Is Ben under rated by Addicks. I understand why Dillon Phillips has deservedly been getting a lot of the plaudits for his recent heroics but Ben has played all 14 games since he signed and has only been on the losing side once. I sometimes hear people criticising him but I feel he has made us more solid at the back.
For me the biggest advantage of his signing has been the balance. Sarr and Solly both played left back previously but are now playing much better in their proper positions. Purrington has been solid but the balance he has brought has IMO been a major factor in producing an impressive defensive record.
Ben 6.5 Purrington has fitted in nicely without being a Page, Wiggins or Dasilva attacking wise BUT has been part of a defence which had let in 5 goals in those 14 matches, so yes he is underated.
Comments
If he is tall, it might help us with set pieces. I like a tall full back - I know -let's re-introduce the Charlton Life height test. I am a bit fearful I may have started it by explaining why I favoured Francis above Solly a few years back!
He said: “I think Ben was solid, exactly what I got told. He’s going to be a seven (out of 10) every game. He gives us stability down the left which we’ve been missing so much.
“He competed, he was up and down. He was very good and he’s only trained a couple of days with the team, he’ll get used to them even more and the way we play.
I like the cut of his gib.
Does Bowyer see any of these players , I wonder what input he has or is it all down to Gallen .
Edit: Here you go https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/josh-cullen-on-learning-under-charlton-athletic-boss-bowyer-where-his-future-lies-and-why-addicks-need-to-respond-to-criticism/
20th May 1996.
“He spoke very highly of him – everybody we spoke to was the same about him,” said Bowyer. “He was very solid.
“He ain’t going to be Jay Dasilva and go past four – but we don’t want him for that. With Pearcey out we want stability down that side and he did very well on Saturday. He defended the back post well and was comfortable in possession, he doesn’t really give the ball away.
“You need to take into account he only had two days of training with the lads, that’s not very much.”
https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-unsure-on-return-date-for-defender/
I thought he would feel he's the Cats whiskers so hope he doesn't get into a flap when we play the top dogs.