[ad_pod ]
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Charlton captain Jason Pearce has spoken to London News Online about Lee Bowyer’s decision to drop him from the starting XI for the recent loss to Wigan.
Pearce, who declared himself fit for the game against the Latics, has started six Championship games so far for the Addicks, but found himself on the bench for the trip to the DW Stadium, having failed to train during the week with a tight groin.
Bowyer could have called on the 31-year-old to start, but he didn’t. However, Pearce’s attitude towards the whole situation has been exemplary.
What did he say?
Pearce said: “I felt like I was alright for Saturday’s game but Bow had his reasons why he didn’t want to take the risk and I said fair enough. I said I respected his decision.
“Hopefully I get back in the team, but we’ll see what he does. You’ve got to respect the manager because he is looking at the bigger picture.
“Wigan was a big game for me and I wanted to play. I’m professional about it. I’ll look to have a good week’s training and try to be in the starting 11 on Saturday.”
Brilliant attitude from the skipper
As aforesaid, Pearce has played six Championship games so far this season.
In those six games, he has captained the side to four wins, a draw and a loss.
Pearce very easily could’ve knocked down Bowyer’s door after the loss against Wigan, stating his aforementioned record and asking why he didn’t play against Wigan in true, diva-like fashion.
The man with five goals in 87 appearances for the south London-based side is the club captain and probably should have played if he was fit, but he has been a model professional in his response to Bowyer’s decision.
Pearce is seemingly setting the standards in the dressing room, and while he had a strong argument to start the game last time out, he hasn’t kicked up a fuss and has put himself on a level playing field to the rest of his teammates by saying he’ll have to have a good week of training.
Arrogance on show? Absolutely none.
