Ben Garner is preparing to switch up the style of play drastically at Charlton Athletic this season.

The Addicks' total football approach will be in evidence when they travel to Accrington Stanley on Saturday afternoon, as the new era begins for the club who were last relegated from the Premier League in 2007.

Charlton were very direct at times under Johnnie Jackson last season and therefore it may not be a quick process for Garner to have the whole squad signing off the same hymn sheet.

The former Swindon Town manager revealed some of the reasons he believes in his bold, and aesthetically pleasing style of play, when he spoke to the Evening Standard.

He said: "Pressing, for example, is a bit of tactical understanding and running.

"These are things that I believe players at any level, with a bit of direction and fitness, can do.

"I really believe in it, I’m passionate about it.

"It’s easy for me to coach because I wouldn’t play any other way.

"That’s my belief.

"Those are my principles.

"It’s different when you’ve had the pathway I’ve had.

"You have to pay the bills.

"I haven’t got the luxury of an established playing career to fall back on, or financial security.

"Like many people over the country, I need to do well in my job to take care of my family.

"We’ve been privileged to have Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola going head to head with two of the best teams this country has ever seen.

"If you can’t learn from their teams, you’re not opening your eyes."

There may be some early friction from the stands if Garner-ball does not hit the ground running in League One, which appears likely given the Addicks' tough opening seven fixtures.

The Verdict

 

 

Charlton's first seven matches in the third tier are as follows: Accrington away, Derby County at home, Sheffield Wednesday away, Plymouth Argyle at home, Cambridge United at home, Wycombe Wanderers away and finally Bolton Wanderers away.

There is a strong chance that the Addicks are only favourites in one or two of those matches, arriving at the Crown Ground as underdogs on Saturday afternoon.

The Addicks have some very exciting attacking talent, as Swindon Town did under Garner last term, but the real questions will be answered on how far they have come when they have to dig in and defend their own box for extended periods.