ECHOSPORT talks to Charlton Athletic fan ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie with Roots Hall.
How much are you looking forward to Saturday's game. I understand it will be quite a special one in household?
"Oh the mood in our house has been electric since the draw.
"My better half is a Southend fan, and we didn’t think we’d see the day our teams would face each other happening at this point.
"I can’t put into words how much we screamed when those balls were pulled!
"I wonder what the odds would’ve been for that draw to happen. We’re both really excited.
"I’ve made plenty a visit to Roots Hall in the past five or so years, and I love it.
"It’s a fantastic atmosphere, great fans and culture - it has that family community feeling that Charlton has too, so the Shrimpers have a warm place in my heart.
"In terms of the game itself, I’m naturally feeling really good about it."
What have you made of Charlton’s season so far?
"We’ve a few injuries, but continuing to perform to a quality standard.
"I don’t think this year is our year - in terms of cup-runs or winning promotion in the league - but we’re building up a stronger foundation than the past few years."
"I think last year’s game against Cray Valley gave me a lot of anxiety this week, and the thought of no replays worsened that - so I’m praying we’ve learnt from that lesson, to not go easy on a club just because they’re leagues below us!
"That said, in the Cray Valley game they were over 100 places below us, whereas Southend are a closer 50-something.
"There’s every chance the result could be unexpected!"
How has Nathan Jones been doing as manager?
"Nathan Jones has been a great source of optimism in the club.
"If I’m honest, we’ve been through quite a journey when it comes to managers in the past few years, so it’s a relief to finally have someone as passionate as the fans, and who seemingly only wants the best for the players.
"I think when you go through the volume of managers we have, there can be a bad feeling whenever something starts to go wrong.
"But, I think better days are ahead with Charlton, with Jones being a part of that.
"We’re harbouring a volume of injuries, which we’ve not received many updates on, and certainly not where we want to be in the table, but I’m hopeful we’ll start climbing again soon.
"Every game I’ve been to has been a relief, and we’re always better than I remember us being!
"We’re riding off the back of a few results successful and quality games, so I’m hoping the team bring those good vibes to Roots Hall."
What's the team news?
"Strong legs all round: Leaburn’s back and looking fantastic, what a relief!.
"Campbell, Gillesphey,, Godden - all strong. Edwards too. And of course, Maynard-Brewer has been working so hard the past few weeks. Southend are going to have to work hard to get anything past him!
"I think Kanu is out injured, which is a shame for the home fans, as I’m sure they’d have liked to see him return to Roots Hall. I know my partner’s family were so pleased with everything he produced for Southend, but he’s not got too much game-time since returning to the Addicks.
"Overall, all good vibes for the Chris Powell derby!
"I wish the Shrimpers every success, and I look forward to returning to the home stand when the right game comes, but for now Up The Addicks!
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