José Riga was filled with pride as his side secured their Championship survival with a classy 3-1 victory over Watford at The Valley.
Callum Harriott's brace added to Johnnie Jackson's second-half strike to complete the victory in SE7 and the Head Coach insisted that survival ranks among his past title-winning achievements as the proudest of his career.
“I've won some titles but this one is similar to a title,” said Riga.
“It means more. I've been here two months and we've competed with the other teams playing so many games but the first thing is that I am very happy for the players.
“All of the players involved in the club, the staff, people working hard. I'm very proud of what they have done. I know what I have asked of them for this game so, of course, I am very proud and happy.”
Riga praised Harriott for his man-of-the-match display on Tuesday night as well as the overall contribution to the cause of the club's academy graduates.
No fewer than seven products of the Addicks' esteemed youth set up were involved in the survival-winning success over the Hornets and the Belgian was quick to acknowledge the importance of the youngsters in the season's eventual success.
He said: “We made them understand that they have the quality and that they can grow together because they can always improve day after day.
“I have a way to do it, this way it allows the players to take more and more responsibility but to grow because we have so many players that have grown from the club and that is a nice thing for the club.”
“The young players were always listening and doing what I ask,” continued Riga.
“In my first game we started well but I knew they could not stay at this level all the time so after is a question of mental spirit and heart.
“Most of the players are the DNA of Charlton. I'm very happy and very proud and I'm happy to give back to the people.”
And of goalscoring hero Harriott, he added: “Callum is a talented young player.”
“Sometimes it's about emotion on the pitch. He has quality and he has to learn, he's young and did well and I'm so happy for him.
“I'm always waiting to allow them [the young players] to be better in the future and I speak a lot with them, it's my way to do it and today, yes, we got what we were looking for.”
Riga also reserved praise for his captain.
Jackson put the Addicks back in front having been pegged back and drove his team onto victory with a typically talismanic display.
And the Head Coach recognised the midfielder's influence on his young teammates.
“Johnnie Jackson is amazing for the club.
“He's the captain and he's the guy who always gives something to the other [players] and is an example for the young players. It's easy for them to play with him.”
“Of course, I don't forget all of them,” he continued.
“Maybe some of them don't bring a lot in terms of minutes played or number of games but they give a lot.
“And it's important because we are more than a team we are a squad. And we are more than a squad, we are a club.”
Great all round performance, Watford did not just come and roll over they need to be beaten and beat them we did.
So we move on to a summer of coming and goings. Clearly for the most part we were not good enough and changes need to be made. I hope not all the bath water is thrown out, there are some that need to be retained
A passionate performance in a very decent atmosphere.
In my view, not all that dissimilar from performances at other recent games - the real difference was Callum's shooting.
Poyet, Wilson and Solly all excellent. Harriott's goals were fantastic but he often gave the ball away due to over-elaboration. Obika has an asbolutely terrible first touch and I have no idea why Spurs are holding on to him. I'm liking Fox more and more every time I see him play.
We worked hard and did out best not to be outmuscled by a big, strong, dirty Watford team.
I'm in the fortunate position that the 5 games I have attended this season have all ended in victories and this was the best of them.
Watford did not have the deck chairs out but they did look much more impressive going forward than defending. All our players played their part and whilst each had a dodgy moment or two (yes, even Diego!) there were more than enough good moments to win the game.
In a way it reminded me of a Premiership match - not in terms of quality - but in as much as one player was the difference between the two teams, the erratic Harriott.
So, a well deserved win and safety. I'll be living closer next season so will attend more games...........
When Harriott nudged that wide to open up the space to smash home that first , the roar of relief , noise and ecstasy felt as close to anything we've had since that moment when Shaun Newton smashed the ball home against Ipswich in 1998
JJ and another Harriott rocket proved that us left footed players , just look soooooo much better than you ordinary right footers !!!!!!
The announcer at the end not realising we were safe because Brum hadn't finished and Charlton fans cheering the Brum result that helps the scum proves the freak show is still in town !
Anyway who cares for now , Riga worked his magic
Hopefully we can have a summer of decent recruitment and get ourselves a personality and be he team everyone hates cos we've out wadded them as we mix expensive signings in with our good uns before romping the league
For season 2014/15
0.25% Automatic promotion 1.75% Play-off Bants 30% 7th-12th 60% 13th-21st 8% The Big "R"
You're offering 400-1 against automatic promotion? I'll put £5 on that...
I've been pretty pessimistic / critical in recent weeks about our performances and about our chances of staying up but let's face it, there's been nothing to cheer about. Last night was one of the best all round performances that I've seen in a long time. The crowd were up for it and the players responded. No one hid or shirked their responsibility. When the going got tough, they dug in and were prepared to throw bodies at the ball. Well done to all concerned and that's why we spend our hard earned on season tickets...The future's bright, the future's RED n WHITE. C'mon you Addicks
Well that was fun! For various reasons, only been able to get to 5 games this season, 3 at home - Brighton, QPR and tonight. I could have chosen worse.
Tonight had everything - atmosphere, trepidation, goals, villains, quality forward play (by the oppo, sadly), a sending off and even an over-excited numpty in the North Lower making a misguided attempt to get on the pitch at the end. Didn't even make it to the turf. Was it worth it, son?
Huge credit to the players - to come through this season, with all the rumours, upheaval, ludicrous contract situations, random sub-standard player arrivals etc and still get results is no mean achievement and says a lot about their character, and good to see the team spirit has clearly survived. Even Obika - on loan and 'only' a sub, not sulking but touching fists and geeing up the team when they came back on after half-time - liked that.
And fair play to Riga for getting the first sub exactly right and telling Jacko to push on a bit more when that change was made - paid almost immediate dividends and glad Obika was involved in the goal.
And I've finally decided that maybe the players actually do know more about this game than I do. 78th minute and I'm inwardly giving Cousins pelters for taking a quick free-kick when he should have stood over the ball for a few seconds. Passed it straight to Wilson, cross-field ball, Harriott finishes, game over and time to get the cigars out. Shows what I know.
Just hope everyone made it home ok - never good when you see a concentration of hi-vis jackets in the crowd.
Get a season ticket, well be champions before may 2015
Fantastic result against a filthy Watford side who can consider themselves lucky to finish the game with 10 men on the pitch. Could easily have been 8!
Playing the likes of Wilson, Cousins and Harriott in their preferred positions is always going to be better than trying to squeeze them into places that they're not comfortable.
No RD players on the pitch at any time during the game and only a couple on the bench.
Sad that we may well have seen the last of several of those players in a Charlton shirt, most especially Poyet.
Overall, delighted that we took our destiny in our own hands and didn't have to go to Blackpool needing a result and/or other results to go our way.
Now just need us, Birmingham and Doncaster to win and Millwall to lose on Saturday.
Was at Carlisle when we won promotion from League One two years ago... Was at the home game against Wycombe when we were confirmed Champions
Yet in terms of recent years.. Surviving relegation last night has eclipsed that season for me (even though I attended 43 league games in the League One winning year)
Harriet with two cracking goals -----Jackson doing what Jackson does with legs that are going---------------great noise.
Had a free ticket last night and as pointed out by my wife everytime i had a free ticket we won--------------so there you have it, best you get those free tickets coming my way !
Charlton Athletic sometimes after 45+ years i wonder why i still go but other times " you light a spark in this bonefire heart"
Arrived early at the ground as I come straight from work, went for a lovely pint of guiness in the Oak, stood and read the programme. Some great lines from JR, RD, Jackson and Cousins, plus a piece on Fanny which I urge everyone to try and read a copy of, highlighting the hard work she does on the memorial at the training ground. Well done Jean.
Liked the look of the line-up, and thought we started ok. Watford were always a threat going forward, and I was very impressed with their front two. They have so much strength but also some real quality, Deeney's goal was superb.
Anyway, about us, I thought Poyet run the show again. How many times does he get the ball in difficult situations and then spray it out to Fox. Such a quality player and even if he leaves, its been a pleasure to see him the last 5 months.
Harriott started a bit sloppy, but he got his excellent first goal, albeit shocking defending from Doyley, and he grew in confidence. Certainly a 'He'll come good' that some of us on here got right.
Jackson covered every blade of grass and deserved his goal more than anyone.
Fox looks assured, Dervite and Morrison had a rough night but came through with flying colours. Solly was immense, he's back!
Hamer's save was world class and looked composed.
Cousins dawdles on the ball at times but when he gets it right he looks a proper player. So much better and comfortable central.
Sordell was very isolated and was frustrating night for him.
Wilson was quiet at times, but went about his business, got a man sent off for being a pest and got an assist.
JR, spot on. Love the bloke already.
Fans were superb and it was certainly a happy Valley. Love a rocking SE7 under the lights.
Top way to end the season at home. Well done all involved.
Haven't celebrated goals like that in a long time. Harriot's second was superbly taken.
Atmosphere was great last night, if only we could get it like that for every match.
That odd bunch of Watford fans at the front of the JS last night, looked like absolute bellends. Just a smaller, but equally cringe worthy version of palace's lot.
That odd bunch of Watford fans at the front of the JS last night, looked like absolute bellends. Just a smaller, but equally cringe worthy version of palace's lot.
They model themselves on the Palace fans - sing the same songs etc.
TBF We need somebody to create a bit of atmosphere!
That odd bunch of Watford fans at the front of the JS last night, looked like absolute bellends. Just a smaller, but equally cringe worthy version of palace's lot.
I think Watford bought them from Palace at the beginning of the season for a packet of wine gums. They were Ultra rejects ....
They didn't stop signing or clapping to be fair to them, even when we scored.
Shame we couldn't hear a peep from them, wrong night for them to be odwn at Fortress Valley. Did look like a bunch of prize bellends but credit where credit's due, bit of support win or lose can't do any team harm.
That odd bunch of Watford fans at the front of the JS last night, looked like absolute bellends. Just a smaller, but equally cringe worthy version of palace's lot.
They model themselves on the Palace fans - sing the same songs etc.
TBF We need somebody to create a bit of atmosphere!
It's hard to criticise fans who make some noise, and it's not as if they were affecting the enjoyment of the rest of the Watford fans...
Your manager isn't a happy bunny, is he the right man for the job? It does seem that a lot of Watford fans want more of a British emphasis next season.
Great night one moment summed it up for me, it was after the 3rd goal i turned to my 6 year old boy who believe me knows his football, and he had tears streaming down his face i asked him wot was wrong ,did he bang his head or something in the delerium after we had scored and he said i thought we was going to get relegated , tears of joy brilliant told my son thats supporting charlton for u mate best get used to it.
Did anybody esle notice that when Obika came on he had a piece of paper in his hand which he handed to Devet who had a quick read,screwed it up and threw it away, I would love to know what it said.
Looks like you are more positive about our performance than our own fans!
Cannot argue about the result - we had control of the game for a while after the equaliser.
Generally you were on top scoring some decent goals (has Harriot really not scored all season - should get more if he can finish like that)
Congratulations (rather you stay up than a Birmingham/Doncaster) and see you next season.
Thanks. What did you make of the sending off? I genuinely heard some Watford fans after the game saying Poyet cheated (the irony). He kicked someone in the head. Tell me how that isn't a yellow card. Talk about blind faith. On the same note, what's it like watching your team pull every trick in the book each week to con the referee? It wouldn't sit well with me if that was Charlton. A genuine question. I'm not on the wind up.
Comments
And relax......
Callum Harriott's brace added to Johnnie Jackson's second-half strike to complete the victory in SE7 and the Head Coach insisted that survival ranks among his past title-winning achievements as the proudest of his career.
“I've won some titles but this one is similar to a title,” said Riga.
“It means more. I've been here two months and we've competed with the other teams playing so many games but the first thing is that I am very happy for the players.
“All of the players involved in the club, the staff, people working hard. I'm very proud of what they have done. I know what I have asked of them for this game so, of course, I am very proud and happy.”
Riga praised Harriott for his man-of-the-match display on Tuesday night as well as the overall contribution to the cause of the club's academy graduates.
No fewer than seven products of the Addicks' esteemed youth set up were involved in the survival-winning success over the Hornets and the Belgian was quick to acknowledge the importance of the youngsters in the season's eventual success.
He said: “We made them understand that they have the quality and that they can grow together because they can always improve day after day.
“I have a way to do it, this way it allows the players to take more and more responsibility but to grow because we have so many players that have grown from the club and that is a nice thing for the club.”
“The young players were always listening and doing what I ask,” continued Riga.
“In my first game we started well but I knew they could not stay at this level all the time so after is a question of mental spirit and heart.
“Most of the players are the DNA of Charlton. I'm very happy and very proud and I'm happy to give back to the people.”
And of goalscoring hero Harriott, he added: “Callum is a talented young player.”
“Sometimes it's about emotion on the pitch. He has quality and he has to learn, he's young and did well and I'm so happy for him.
“I'm always waiting to allow them [the young players] to be better in the future and I speak a lot with them, it's my way to do it and today, yes, we got what we were looking for.”
Riga also reserved praise for his captain.
Jackson put the Addicks back in front having been pegged back and drove his team onto victory with a typically talismanic display.
And the Head Coach recognised the midfielder's influence on his young teammates.
“Johnnie Jackson is amazing for the club.
“He's the captain and he's the guy who always gives something to the other [players] and is an example for the young players. It's easy for them to play with him.”
“Of course, I don't forget all of them,” he continued.
“Maybe some of them don't bring a lot in terms of minutes played or number of games but they give a lot.
“And it's important because we are more than a team we are a squad. And we are more than a squad, we are a club.”
Great all round performance, Watford did not just come and roll over they need to be beaten and beat them we did.
So we move on to a summer of coming and goings. Clearly for the most part we were not good enough and changes need to be made. I hope not all the bath water is thrown out, there are some that need to be retained
Great feeling leaving the ground tonight, which haven't been to frequent this season.
Thought both the team & the crowd last night were exceptional, reminded me of the good old prem days.
I just love midweek nights like that at the Valley
In my view, not all that dissimilar from performances at other recent games - the real difference was Callum's shooting.
Poyet, Wilson and Solly all excellent. Harriott's goals were fantastic but he often gave the ball away due to over-elaboration. Obika has an asbolutely terrible first touch and I have no idea why Spurs are holding on to him. I'm liking Fox more and more every time I see him play.
We worked hard and did out best not to be outmuscled by a big, strong, dirty Watford team.
Watford did not have the deck chairs out but they did look much more impressive going forward than defending. All our players played their part and whilst each had a dodgy moment or two (yes, even Diego!) there were more than enough good moments to win the game.
In a way it reminded me of a Premiership match - not in terms of quality - but in as much as one player was the difference between the two teams, the erratic Harriott.
So, a well deserved win and safety. I'll be living closer next season so will attend more games...........
Fantastic result against a filthy Watford side who can consider themselves lucky to finish the game with 10 men on the pitch. Could easily have been 8!
Playing the likes of Wilson, Cousins and Harriott in their preferred positions is always going to be better than trying to squeeze them into places that they're not comfortable.
No RD players on the pitch at any time during the game and only a couple on the bench.
Sad that we may well have seen the last of several of those players in a Charlton shirt, most especially Poyet.
Overall, delighted that we took our destiny in our own hands and didn't have to go to Blackpool needing a result and/or other results to go our way.
Now just need us, Birmingham and Doncaster to win and Millwall to lose on Saturday.
Yet in terms of recent years.. Surviving relegation last night has eclipsed that season for me (even though I attended 43 league games in the League One winning year)
Had a free ticket last night and as pointed out by my wife everytime i had a free ticket we won--------------so there you have it, best you get those free tickets coming my way !
Charlton Athletic sometimes after 45+ years i wonder why i still go but other times " you light a spark in this bonefire heart"
Ended up in Greenwich til 2AM with a few mates. Completely unplanned, but I was in a mood for celebrating!
Liked the look of the line-up, and thought we started ok. Watford were always a threat going forward, and I was very impressed with their front two. They have so much strength but also some real quality, Deeney's goal was superb.
Anyway, about us, I thought Poyet run the show again. How many times does he get the ball in difficult situations and then spray it out to Fox. Such a quality player and even if he leaves, its been a pleasure to see him the last 5 months.
Harriott started a bit sloppy, but he got his excellent first goal, albeit shocking defending from Doyley, and he grew in confidence. Certainly a 'He'll come good' that some of us on here got right.
Jackson covered every blade of grass and deserved his goal more than anyone.
Fox looks assured, Dervite and Morrison had a rough night but came through with flying colours. Solly was immense, he's back!
Hamer's save was world class and looked composed.
Cousins dawdles on the ball at times but when he gets it right he looks a proper player. So much better and comfortable central.
Sordell was very isolated and was frustrating night for him.
Wilson was quiet at times, but went about his business, got a man sent off for being a pest and got an assist.
JR, spot on. Love the bloke already.
Fans were superb and it was certainly a happy Valley. Love a rocking SE7 under the lights.
Top way to end the season at home. Well done all involved.
Cannot argue about the result - we had control of the game for a while after the equaliser.
Generally you were on top scoring some decent goals (has Harriot really not scored all season - should get more if he can finish like that)
Congratulations (rather you stay up than a Birmingham/Doncaster) and see you next season.
Atmosphere was great last night, if only we could get it like that for every match.
That odd bunch of Watford fans at the front of the JS last night, looked like absolute bellends. Just a smaller, but equally cringe worthy version of palace's lot.
TBF We need somebody to create a bit of atmosphere!
Plus they aren't Nigels, so although they might be cringey, they aren't complete w****rs
Your manager isn't a happy bunny, is he the right man for the job? It does seem that a lot of Watford fans want more of a British emphasis next season.
Just needs to build his own squad with permanent signings rather than loan players who have been hit and miss.