Charlton enjoyed their best run of the season under caretaker boss, Kevin Nugent.
They won two and drew one of Nugent’s three games in charge, with a goal difference of 8-2. The run saw Nugent receive a nomination for November’s Manager Of The Month award.
The Addicks have lost their last three games – their worst run of the season – ironically with a goal difference of 2-8.
There have been a variety of factors cited as reasons for the downturn in fortunes, Karl Robinson’s tactics, a lengthy injury list etc, but the truth may be far simpler.
The losing run has coincided with Jason Pearce’s absence from the team.
Pearce is one of those players whose abilities are not always appreciated by fans, but are readily recognised by managers and fellow professionals.
Pearce was top of Russell Slade’s summer shopping list, and it is believed it took a fee in the region of £1.5million to bring him to The Valley.
He captained Wigan’s League One title winning side last season, and he had previously worn the armband at Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Leeds.
Pearce was the first name on Slade’s team sheet, and often had to be patched up to play.
The Hillingdon born 29-year-old is a good reader of the game, and a natural leader. He organises his team mates, and opponents do not relish his combative style. In short, he is a warrior.
Pearce’s season is almost certainly over. The groin injury he picked up at Bradford will rule him out for around 15 weeks.
By the time he has recovered fitness, and played a couple of reserve games to hone his match sharpness, the campaign will be over. It would probably be prudent to schedule his comeback for the beginning of next season. But he leaves a big void.
Jorge Teixeira is a player who did not figure in Slade’s plans, but is a favourite with the fans. The popular Portuguese player has been in the side recently, alongside another crowd pleaser, Patrick Bauer.
On Wednesday night, the duo struggled with the power and physicality of Millwall’s front men, Lee Gregory and Steve Morison.
Morison was left in acres of space to fire home the Lions’ second goal, and scored again on the hour mark.
The Charlton back line would not have been bullied and so exposed if Pearce had been playing.
Central defence is one area where the Addicks have plenty of cover, but quantity is one thing, quality quite another.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic