Keeper Dean Kiely has played over 600 games in his career and has been a virtual ever-present for Charlton since he signed from Bury in 1999. Despite their up and down season, Kiely believes that the Addicks can still achieve something come the end of the season - namely a place in the UEFA Cup by reaching their hightest ever position in the Premiership. Givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with him to discuss the season so far, and the pressure that awaits on the run-in.
Q:WITH A BIT MORE CONSISTENCY YOU COULD BE RIGHT UP THERE IN THE THICK OF THINGS?
A:We had three home games on the trot and after having a good time we didn't back it up. We beat Spurs but then lost to West Brom. We built up a bit of momentum and then missed out. In the five years I have been in the Premiership I have learned that after a win you need to back it up.
Q:HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO GO ON TO THAT NEXT LEVEL?
A:Well, we have never been involved in relegation or got ourselves involved in a dogfight. For two thirds to three quarters of our Premiership campaign we have done very well. There is no reason why we can't go that bit further because all the players are self-driven and we all have targets. It is difficult to say why it happens because if we knew we could do something about it on the training field.
Q:WHAT ARE THE AIMS BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF THE SEASON?
A:Basically, we have to remain positive. Last year we finished 7th on 53 points which was our highest finish. We want to raise the bar and build on that, and we want to achieve European football which would be rewarding - so we still have a lot to play for.
Q:WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN PEOPLE SAY CHARLTON ARE 'OVER-ACHIEVING'?
A:From a business point of view that may be so, with other 'big' clubs getting 30,000 or 40,000 gates but from purely football point of view I would say no. We have talented players and thoroughly deserve our place in the top half of the table.
Q:YOU MANAGED TO SURVIVE WHERE OTHER PROMOTED CLUBS HAVE PERISHED. WHAT WAS THE KEY TO THAT?
A:I think when we got promoted to the Premiership the last time their was a shift in attitudes. Some players may have been happy just to go to Anfield or Old Trafford but by staying up it gives you confidence. In our second season you could see the players sticking their chests out and feeling comfortable and not getting overawed playing against the likes of Michael Owen or Thierry Henry. They are great players and teams but we became totally focused and didn't worry about the opposition.
Q:WHAT ELSE DO YOU PUT YOUR RELATIVE SUCCESS DOWN TO?
A:We have players who will go through brick walls for the cause and nothing is too much. The manager brings in certain players with these qualities. Over 38 games application, effort, endeavour, commitment and preparation go a long way and we have them in abundance. They may be dirty words to some and not sexy but all then players are self-motivated and have a hunger and desire.
Q:HOW DO YOU ASSESS YOUR STATUS WITHIN THE TOP LEAGUE?
A:If your top three are Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal and maybe Liverpool and Newcastle are 4th and 5th then people say that the other 15 teams are much of a muchness. Well we finished 7th last season so if you take those top five teams out of it we are right up there. I know you can use statistics whatever way you like. We are not perennail strugglers and we are in the top ten, but we are not as newsworthy as Chelsea who are in a unique situation. We are happy doing what we're doing.
