Fleetwood Town and Charlton Athletic face each other on Saturday afternoon at Highbury and manager Simon Grayson has ensured that his side are aware of the qualities that the Addicks squad possesses.

Charlton haven’t got off to the best of starts to the season, currently sitting second bottom in the third division of English football, which is a huge disappointment given they finished just outside the play-offs on goal difference last campaign.

Fleetwood have also not got off to the greatest of starts as they sit in 20th, with just two wins to their name all season. 

Simon Grayson recruited some familiar faces in the summer to Highbury, including Tom Clarke and Joe Garner who are both modern-day legends at Preston North End due to their time spent under the tenure of Grayson.

But things aren’t quite clicking for both sides now, despite both squads being a lot better than their league position suggests.

Speaking to Fleetwood Weekly News, Grayson was keen to acknowledge the quality Charlton have within their ranks but wanted to focus on his own team’s performance.

“We have to be respectful of Charlton, what they can do as individuals and Nigel as a manager.

“But we have to focus on what we can do to win the game and we will certainly do that. You’ve got to have that resilience if you want to have a successful season. 

“I’ve always tried to base my group on team spirit and unity, but they also need that themselves when they go out onto the pitch.

“They need to have the confidence in each other, that they can get something from the game.”

The Verdict

Despite it being early in the season, Simon Grayson will know a defeat could prove costly for Fleetwood as they look to turn their early season gloom around and look up the table rather than over their shoulder at a relegation battle. 

It’s clear Grayson knows what is needed from his team to get a positive result on Saturday afternoon, but time will tell how the game pans out. But he certainly won’t be forgetting the quality he is up against in Charlton Athletic, regardless of their poor start to the season.

A win could take Fleetwood up to 13th in the table, showing not only how tight the competition in Sky Bet League One is this season, but also how much of an opportunity it is for Grayson's men whilst Charlton aren't in inspired form.