Charlton Athletic boss explains why Ben Watson was not involved at Accrington Stanley

Nigel Adkins has revealed why Ben Watson was not involved in Charlton’s 1-1 draw at Accrington Stanley today.

The experienced midfielder did not even make the bench for the League One match.

But Addicks manager Adkins explained it was because of the state of the playing surface at the Wham Stadium.

He said: “I didn’t think it was a conducive pitch for Ben Watson today.

“And not travelling all the way up here means I’ve got a fit and fresh Ben Watson for the next two games. I’m not saying I’m going to play him, but I think that’s sensible.”

And Adkins also pointed out that the players on duty we also wary of a chopped up pitch.

He said: “Even in the warm-up the lads were saying: ‘Definitely no passbacks – just get the ball forward’. They are the ones out there. To play the ball in certain areas – play it in their [Accrington’s] half of the pitch.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD