In the early part of the season Chris Perry found himself out of favour at White Hart Lane when, out of the blue, he was given the opportunity to join London rivals Charlton on loan. Perry jumped at the chance to link up with Addicks' manager Alan Curbishley and now, in his third month at the Valley, he is thoroughly enjoying his football in a side that has climbed to fourth in the Premiership. The 30-year-old defender, who spent eight years at Wimbledon before moving to Tottenham in 1999 for £4 million, is now hoping that his successful loan spell will lead to a permanent deal.
Q:YOU MUST BE DELIGHTED WITH THE WAY THINGS HAVE GONE FOR YOU AT THE VALLEY?
A:Yes, it was a great move for me that came at just the right time. Our results have been excellent this season and things have gone much better that I expected.
Q:THIS IS YOUR THIRD MONTH AT THE CLUB - HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING WORKING WITH ALAN CURBISHLEY?
A:He's a great manager and every player in the team knows their job and what is expected of him on the pitch. He doesn't lose his cool in the dressing room when he wants to get his point across and I think that helps to install a calm confidence in the squad.
Q:HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT ALAN CURBISHLEY STAYS AT CHARLTON?
A:It is massively important. He has been here a long time so much of the club's development has been down to him. He has turned the team into a good Premiership outfit and it would be devastating if he left. It's inevitable that he is going to be linked to other jobs because he has done so well here at Charlton, but I think he is happy here.
Q:YOU SEEM TO HAVE STRUCK UP A GOOD UNDERSTANDING WITH FELLOW CENTRAL DEFENDER MARK FISH?
A:To be honest I have forged a good understanding with the whole of the team. Everyone has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome at the club and that has helped me settle in that much quicker, and also helped my game.
Q:HOW DO YOU VIEW THE DEVELOPMENTS AT SPURS?
A:Certainly the results have improved under David Pleat and the club seems to be moving in the right direction. I'm sure they will work their way up the table end the season in a mid-table position, but I think the appointment of the next manager is a very big decision for the board at White Hart Lane.
Q:WOULD YOU LIKE TO SIGN FOR CHARLTON ON A PERMANENT BASIS?
A:I'm hoping that a deal can be agreed because I've really enjoyed my football here. I've made it clear to Alan Curbishley that I would love to stay and the rest is up to the two clubs.
Q:WHO IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT OPPONENT?
A:Without a doubt I would have to say Thierry Henry. You don't need me to tell you his strengths because everyone knows them. I would say he is currently the best striker playing in this country. I used to think that Ian Wright was the best forward I ever played against but Henry has taken the game to another level.
Q:WHAT IS A REALISTIC TARGET FOR CHARLTON THIS SEASON?
A:At the moment we are in a false position and I think a more realistic target would be to finish in the top ten. Alan Curbishley has set that as his target and it would be a great achievement for a club of this size. A place in Europe might be beyond us, but we certainly wouldn't rule it out.
