CHARLTON boss Phil Parkinson says he is just happy his side still have a chance of winning automatic promotion going into Saturday’s visit to Oldham.
The Addicks chief knows even if his side win, their only chance of gaining second spot is if Leeds lose to Bristol Rovers and the Millwall v Swindon game finishes as a draw.
But Parkinson claims the pressure will be elsewhere and his side are looking at Saturday’s match as a bonus chance to go up after writing off their chances following the 1-0 home defeat to Norwich on April 17.
He said: “You would have to say Leeds were the very strong favourites to win that game.
“Who knows what can happen?
“There will be 40,000 people there Leeds are a decent side but Bristol Rovers have had some good results this season.
“I think they beat Southampton earlier in the season 3-2, they beat Swindon, so who knows?
“Anyone is capable of beating anybody as we’ve seen this season.
“But I'd rather be in Leeds’ position, although certainly the pressure is definitely elsewhere.
“In the Norwich game, as well as we played, we had disappointment in the dressing room after the game because we thought our chances had gone.
“We’ve lifted from that and now we've got a bonus chance.
“If it happens great, if not, we're ready for the challenge.”
Confidence is high at the club following last week’s late winner against Leeds and the manager is hoping that result will act as a springboard going into the play-offs if Charlton miss out on an automatic spot.
He said: “I think it was one of those games where the result might not have been that important at the end of the day.
“It might be but I think it was that feel good factor around The Valley and around the training ground which was good anyway.”
If Charlton are to face the lottery of the play-offs, Parkinson admits he would prefer home advantage in the second leg but refused to reveal which side he would like to face.
He explained: “Ideally we would like to be home second, that would be great.
“If not, it’s a challenge.
“We’re all ready for it, we’re all relishing the opportunity to be in the play-offs, home or away, and we’re going to have to make sure tactically, physically and mentally we are prepared.
“I'd rather not say publicly who I would like us to play, although obviously I have got a preference.”
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