ECHOSPORT talks to keen Charlton Athletic fan Joel Clark ahead of tomorrow’s game at the Valley.

Charlton are currently fifth in the League One table. What has been your take on the season so far?

“Overall, I would say there’s been a constant improvement from the team this season.

“We’re well placed in the League to push on during the remainder of the season and we’re only five points off the top two so automatic promotion isn’t completely out of the question.

“Things could have been even better but we’ve had the odd annoying draw and defeat, like the one at Fleetwood last time out which was disappointing.”

Has the season gone better than you expected?

“Yes I would say it has.

“Last season we finished sixth but we were a long way off the top two.

“We’re much closer this time and on the pitch at least it does feel as though we’ve made improvements.

“Saying that though, it was obviously very disappointing to lose Karlan Grant to Huddersfield Town.

“He had scored 14 goals for us and was a real threat so we will definitely miss him and without him our chances of promotion are much slimmer.”

So what would be your hopes for the rest of the season?

“I think the main hope for all Charlton fans would be a change of ownership.

“That’s what we all want and obviously on the pitch we want promotion but we know how tough that will be.”

Tomorrow’s game will see Chris Powell back at the Valley. How he is viewed by the Charlton fans?

“Chris Powell is respected hugely by everyone at Charlton.

“He represented the club superbly as a player and as a manager.

“Most fans would have him back in any capacity possible tomorrow.”

What’s the team news for Saturday’s game?

“Lyle Taylor is suspended.

“I would say he’s our main dangerman now that Grant has gone so it’s a blow to be missing him.

“Patrick Bauer is also suspended after he was sent off at Fleetwood Town last weekend.