Charlton’s positive start to the season may have surprised many this season but not goalkeeper Dillon Phillips.
The Addicks were given little hope of surviving in a competitive Championship on reportedly the smallest budget in the league.
But sitting ninth and just five points off top spot after 14 games, Lee Bowyer’s side have already got rid of their pre-season ‘whipping boys’ tag.
“From the outside it looks like we are over achieving, hopefully we can keep doing that,”
“But it’s not surprised us.
“With the work ethic we have, to give 100% minimum every day, to match teams physically and with the quality we have, if you run around more you’ll surprise other teams.
“But it’s not surprised us, but from the outside it looks like we are over achievement, and hopefully we can keep doing that.”
Their lofty position has got fans around The Valley murmuring the possibility of promotion this season, a though that even the most optimistic of fan would deem outrageous.
Phillips, like his manager has remained grounded, not getting caught up in the early stages of what is a marathon of a league schedule.
“I don’t think there’s any great expectations on where we should finish,” he continued.
“Want to stay in the league first and foremost because it’s easy t pick up a bad run of games with the quality of side in this division.
“So we are not getting ahead of ourselves, let’s get to that 50 point mark and see where our form can take us from there.”
With as many of 14 signings in the summer, loan or permanently, the Addicks positive start to the season has been even more impressive.
On the clubs reportedly small budget, Head of Recruitment Steve Gallen and Lee Bowyer have managed to galvanise a squad largely of players untested in the second tier, but according to Phillips, he was never in doubt of the quality that would walk through the Valley gates.
“No one has surprised me, I never expected us to bring someone in who wasn’t good enough.
“There’s not been a bad addition.
“All the lads have fitted in and I hope we can keep going on from here.”
READ:Still room for improvement says Charlton's Dillon Phillips
READ:Patrick Bauer returns to Charlton with Preston on Sunday
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article