Charlton’s summer recruit Simon Makienok admitted his first taste of action at The Valley in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with West Ham United was a special occasion.

 

The 6 ft 7 striker has been with the club for over a fortnight now, and enthused about his first appearance in SE7.

 

“I enjoyed my first match at The Valley today very much, it was very special, even though it was a friendly it still meant a lot to get on the pitch,” he said.

 

“Since I saw the stadium when I arrived I couldn’t wait to get out there in front of the fans and play, and so it meant a lot.

 

“I’ve had a good few week’s preparation here at Charlton so far, I’ve improved and I think I’m settling in well.

 

“I’m getting to know my teammates better with each day and how we want to play as a team.

 

“Hopefully in the next two weeks we’ll get even sharper and then be ready for the opening game against QPR. “

 

The Danish international has signed on a year-long loan from Palermo, and is keen to make a regular contribution for Guy Luzon’s side during the upcoming 

campaign.

 

“I’ve been thinking about personal aims, but until the season starts I’m not too sure. I’d like to play all the matches if possible, that’s my main aim, I want to feature regularly here at Charlton,” he emphasised.

 

“I’m beginning to get to know how to play with Tony Watt, and that’s what this time of the year is all about. 

 

“It’s the sort of style I like to play in – with another striker next to me who can make the runs from deeper where I win the headers.

 

“Training has been happening for three weeks with this sort of thing, and we’re getting better all the time.”

 

Makienok was also bullish about what the side could achieve as a whole for the 2015/16 season, and sighted a top six finish as a realistic target for the group.

 

“I think after last year we must aim for the play-offs, as that would be a realistic sign that we’ve progressed as a group from the last year.”