Charlton’s owners deserve some credit for their support of the Club’s academy according to its manager Steve Avory.

Avory has been working at the club for nearly 19-years and has overseen the transformation of the academy into one of the country’s best.

Speaking ahead of ‘academy day’ which will take place on the Valley turf during half-time of Blackpool’s visit this Saturday, Avory said the success of the academy is a testament to the hard work of all at the club.

“I have to say, the academy has been part of the business model here,” he said.

“Regarding the ownership, we have been well supported.

“Young player development, which is what I’m about, that has always been the top of the list.”

A Celebration

Saturday’s event is a stark reminder of how far the academy has come according to Avory.

“About ten years ago the future of the academy was slightly in doubt with financial issues, and feeling we needed to promote it we held a little fundraiser with Valley Gold, (the Club’s supporter’s organisation).

“It was such a success in regard to academy promotion we decided to have it every year since, but it’s not a fundraising event now, more a celebration!”

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Steve Avory has overseen the transformation of the Club Academy

This season has seen academy graduates George Lapslie, Albie Morgan, Reeco Hacket-Fairchild, and Toby Stevenson make their mark on Lee Bowyer’s first team.

Combined with the already established Dillon Phillips and Anfernee Dijksteel and the recently departed Karlan Grant, there’s no surprise Charlton’s conveyor belt of talent is revered across the UK.

“We have a strong work ethic in our staff, coaching, education, sports science and medical side.

“We have good values in a disciplined environment which players and parents buy into.

“And when you start getting success, with players playing with the first team, its self-perpetual, it gives the idea there is an opportunity at Charlton.”

'Plenty of Talent'

Many will point to the reluctance of Charlton to spend money on transfers as the reason why youth gets a chance at The Valley, a notion Avory disagrees with.

“I’ve never felt the pressure in terms of we must be producing for the first team, but that is our number one objective.

“I suppose due to their league and financial position, the managers have had to look at what we’ve got at the academy but I’ve been able to support that and they’ve always embraced the talent that we’ve got here.

“I’ve got no doubt there’s plenty of talent in this country and fans love nothing more than seeing home grown talent coming through.

“If we don’t succeed in getting one or two each year in to the first team, then we are failing.”

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On a personal level, Avory spoke of his feelings when seeing academy graduates go on to make their professional bows.

“I get a huge sense of pride, so do my staff and so they should, for any player that steps on the pitch.

“For any players who establishes themselves you realise the journey they’ve been on, it’s a rollercoaster and it’s not all achievable in one season.”

Players who have come through the ranks under Avory’s reign at Charlton and moved to ‘bigger’ clubs include Harry Arter, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa, Ademola Lookman, and Jonjo Shelvey.

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“Sometimes you come across players who have a ‘special something’ who if nurtured can go a long way, but talent alone is not enough.

“They need determination, persistence, dedication, a passion for football, and to be supported very well by their families.”

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Saturday’s game against Blackpool is the club’s annual Academy Day. Tickets for the match cost just £5 as part of the club’s Football For A Fiver campaign. Purchase your ticket here: https://booking.cafc.co.uk/.