CHARLTON midfielder Mark Gower is convinced his side can carry on where they left off when the new season gets underway.

The Addicks will kick-off the 2013/14 campain on the back of an eight-match unbeaten run and Gower believes the side can use their momentum to hit the ground running in what is likely to be an equally tough Championship season.

Gower has yet to taste defeat in a Charlton shirt after featuring six times for Chris Powell’s men at the end of last season after his arrival on loan from Swansea City, which coincided with the club’s best run since returning to the Championship.

And after making the switch from Wales to The Valley permanent this month, Gower is eager Charlton maintain their fine form when the new season starts on August 3.

Speaking at the launch of the club's new shirt at The Valley last night, the 34-year-old said: “It was important the way we finished.

“Obviously we just missed out on the play-offs but if you end with a run like that, we can take that momentum into the next season and that’s what we’ll be looking to do.

“It is such a blood and thunder league and games come thick and fast.

“There are some good teams and the majority of them are filled with Premier League experienced players.

“It is going to be a tough test but one we are looking forward to and hopefully we can carry on from where we left off.”

Gower added: “Finishing the season like we did, the expectations may be a bit higher and we’ll be looking to show everyone it wasn’t a fluke.

“But consistency is such a massive thing in the Championship and if we can string eight, nine or 10 games unbeaten again next year then I’m sure we will have a good season.

“The lads were great, there is a good mixture of young and old in the squad, experience and youngsters who are willing to learn and the management staff are great.

“The manager has done brilliantly, he is a great motivator and he has got a good team around him.

“Everyone is pulling in the right direction, that is a big thing.

“When you have got a good team spirit it is a good weapon to have and you saw that at the end of last season.”

Gower rejected the opportunity to move to Australia in order to make a permanent switch to SE7 after the former Swansea man had made it clear he wanted to settle down with his family as he reaches the final years of his career.

“There were a couple of offers in the pipeline,” he said.

“Obviously I had a great time with Swansea but I have got three little children now and I want to get them settled into a school because ultimately I am going to spend the rest of my time in London now.

“So it was great to find a club which was quite local for me so we can live as a family.

“I had the chance to go to Australia, which is a bit far from London for me.

“There were a couple of things but my main focus was Charlton and luckily for me it all worked out.

“I came on loan with a view to a permanent move and the loan move went quite well for me, so negotiations started almost as soon as the season had ended.

“I said to my agent I didn’t want to go anywhere or think about going anywhere else unless the Charlton deal didn’t go through, but luckily it did and I’m really happy to be here.”

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