Charlton have nothing to lose in battle for League One automatic promotion at Wrexham – South London News

» Charlton have nothing to lose in battle for League One automatic promotion at Wrexham – South London News


Kayne Ramsay reckons Charlton Athletic have nothing to lose in their quest to win automatic promotion to the Championship when they face Wrexham tomorrow.

The Addicks have already booked their end-of-season play-off spot and closed the gap to the top two on Monday with an emphatic 4-0 win at third-placed Wycombe.

Nathan Jones’ side are fourth and four points off Wrexham, who leapfrogged the Chairboys after their heavy loss.

The South Londoners need to beat the high-profile Welsh club, jointly owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and pick up maximum points against Burton on the final day, while hoping Wrexham and Wycombe fail to pick up wins in their final day jaunts, in order to claim second.

Ramsay told the South London Press: “We have to stay positive and know that even if we don’t get the second spot, it’s been a great season.

“From losing against Crawley at home (on December 3) to where we are now, we have nothing to lose.

“We have to appreciate the moment and be grateful. There are people who would love to be in our position.

“I got injured one game before we played Wrexham this season. I’ve been wanting to play against Wrexham.

“I don’t owe them anything, but I played them in League Two and got a good result.”

Charlton’s season has gone from being mid–table and below the likes of Exeter City and Mansfield Town to losing just three of their last 27 league matches.

Ramsay said: “When we started winning games, I thought: ‘Had we peaked too early?’ But we have been able to sustain it. There are games where we haven’t been incredible, but we have still managed to get three points.

“No matter what we do, we find ways to mix up our football. It’s a different type of pressure.

“As a defender, you can play well in games, but if your team isn’t winning, you don’t really get spoken about.

“Everyone wants to play at the highest level. If there is not a moment to do well now, then what is the point? We have a chance to get into the Championship and play in front of 40,000 fans.”

One of the standout players this season has been academy graduate Tyreece Campbell.

The attacker has missed just two games this season and netted seven League One goals – including a brace in the 4-0 win over Huddersfield Town – to make himself among the best young EFL talent coming through this season.

“TC is on fire,” said Ramsay. “Last season, I played five or six games with him and I knew he had talent. I think he was holding himself back a bit.

“I shared a room with him in Slovenia for pre-season and asked him what his plan was for the season.

“He said: ‘Bro, trust me’. He’s a lot fitter and stronger – I knew it was his season. He’s missed two games this season, it is incredible for someone of his age.

“He’s mastered his game now and knows his position. He’s added goals to his game. The world is his oyster.

“The game when he scored two, he does it in training week in week out, but I knew that it was it now.”

Ramsay joined from Harrogate in January 2024. He had taken the plunge down to League Two and left the comfort of academy football with Southampton.

And looking back to where he is now – fighting for promotion to the Championship – he believes it was the best call he could have made.

“When I made the decision, I was 21,” he said. “I was thinking: ‘Harrogate? I’ve played against Manchester City and Manchester United, and now I’m going to Harrogate’.

“It’s no disrespect to Harrogate. It’s a great club and it’s helped me so much on my journey. I still speak to people there.

“If I could give any advice to younger players, you have to take control of your career.

“When you’re in the bubble of an academy, you have to earn your stripes as a young player and go and play.

“It’s what it helped me do. It took me a while to adapt at the start. The football was very different.

“I was playing out from the back at Southampton every two seconds and now the keeper is going long more.

“When I went on loan, I knew what it was like. I quickly understood that whatever it takes, you’re dying for the three points.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD





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