Bailey determined to grab second chance at big time

1:17pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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ALAN Pardew has taken his biggest financial gamble of the season by signing Southend's midfielder Nicky Bailey in a package which could reach £750,000.

Bailey, from Forest Hill, was released by Fulham as a youngster and has spoken of his delight at finally securing a move to The Valley after working his way up from non-league with Sutton and then each tier of the Football League with Barnet and Southend.

Pardew believes the 24-year-old has the hunger and desire to see him develop into a key member of the Charlton squad and play an influential role in the race for promotion.

Bailey said: "I've known about Charlton's interest for a little while now and to be honest I couldn't wait to get here. Now that I have finally have got here, I couldn't be happier.

"I know they are a massive club and they have been in the Premiership before and obviously they are trying to get back into it again and this is something I want to be part of.

"I've played in every league, from the Conference and below even, and then just worked my way up gradually. This is my next chance and my next step."

Signing a three-year contract for Charlton is a far cry from when Bailey was released by Fulham and took a five-month break from football, wondering whether his chance had passed him by.

Bailey joined Sutton United where he trained for two nights a week .

He had to work at a betting shop to supplement his income, but maintained his focus and drive.

Bailey explained: "Being released left me bitter and dejected, but I just had to put it out of my head and get on with it.

"I worked in a bookies on Putney High Street part-time for around three years until Barnet signed me.

"When I was at Sutton I always believed I could make it at a higher level but obviously I had to go out and earn my money and keep playing football and see where it got me."

Bailey has been in a rich vein of form over the past few seasons, helping Barnet become established in League Two, winning player of the year at Southend and is confident he can have a similar impact at Charlton.

He has a strong belief in his own ability and is certain he can add value to the Charlton squad, describing himself as an all-action player.

The midfielder said: "Hopefully I can come here and do the same thing as I did at Barnet and Southend. It's going to be a lot harder stepping up another level but I've just got to work hard.

"I think I can come here and add something different and hopefully something good to the team.

"I'm an all-action player, I'll put my foot in, I'll try and score goals and work hard for the team.

"Alan just told me to come in and play my natural game without changing too much."

Bailey knows he will face stiff competition for a place in the centre of midfield, but is relishing the challenge of playing Championship football and trying to establish himself as a first team regular.

He said: "Competition is always a good thing at a club. If you just come into training knowing you are going to play on a Saturday, then you can become a bit complacent and that can affect your performances.

"It will be good to have all this competition around the club and everyone will have to keep on their toes.

"I've never played at this level before, but I can't wait for the challenge."

Bailey is well aware of Pardew's record of developing young players into Premiership stars and is optimistic about linking up with the staff at Charlton.

He said: "Hopefully he can make me a better player. The set-up here is really good with the coaching staff and facilities and it gives me a great opportunity to develop into an important asset for Charlton."

It was rumoured there was interest from a handful of clubs, among them bitter rivals Crystal Palace.

But Bailey insisted once he was aware of Charlton's interest, his mind was set.

He said: "I didn't ever speak to Crystal Palace. Charlton were the only club who came to me and that is why I came here."

Bailey was thrown straight into the starting XI on Saturday and played 90 minutes of the 1-0 defeat to Watford and the Addicks boss was pleased by his performance afterwards.

Pards said: "He did very well today and showed good hunger for us. He switched the play well, he was tenacious.

"I think he will be a good player for us, I thought he had a solid debut in all honesty."