With the international break over and domestic football taking precedent, the positive feeling around The Valley continued with a thumping 3-0 win over Derby County on Saturday.
Charlton’s boss Lee Bowyer watched from the stands as his side tore apart last season’s semi-final play-off side.
Macauley Bonne’s first half strike, his second in as many games, was followed up by a Naby Sarr header and a long-range Conor Gallagher worldy to lift the Addicks up to seventh in the Championship, just four off top-spot.
Following the victory the Addicks chief hailed his side’s display, singling out Gallagher for his remarkable contribution so far this season.
One thing Bowyer would’ve also noticed from up in the gantry was the effect of one other man on the sacred Valley turf on Saturday.
A man who seldom gets the plaudits he deserves.
A man who's often been described as the 'ultimate squad player.'
That man is Darren Pratley.
Eye-brows were raised when he was offered a two-year deal last season but the signing has been a masterstroke.
People will look at the 34-years on the clock and dismiss the once Swansea and Bolton box-to-box midfielder as past it.
How far from the truth can that be?!
His goal in the semi-final second leg against Doncaster alone gave him folklore status around SE7, but his performances this season have been on another level.
Bowyer constantly bangs the Pratley-drum, stating the importance of the on-field experience he brings, something that may be crucial whilst the Addicks chief is in the stands for the next two fixtures.
His versatility too, seemingly slotting into the middle of a back three from midfield when required.
Then there’s the knowledge he can pass on to the younger crop in the Valley changing room, the George Lapslie’s and the Albie Morgans.
Pratley has been immense, and it seems those that have been at The Valley this season agree.
Here’s what they said after their 3-0 win over Derby.
FANS VIEW
Might be a bold statement but hes pretty much Charlton's fabinho
— Sam Patrick Mossom (@SamMossom19) October 20, 2019
If you had told me in April he was going to be released at the end of the season I wouldn't have cared to jots, 1st name on the team sheet now. Been outstanding since donny away.
— [..] (@cafc4ever1) October 20, 2019
You know what when he's named in the starting eleven, I actually think we can't lose.
— Nosurrenda1947 (@nosurrenda1947) October 20, 2019
A song? If Darren Pratley keeps playing like this he’s gonna need a bloody statue #cafc pic.twitter.com/O7kohqVh9Y
— CharltonLife.com (@CharltonLife) October 19, 2019
Darren Pratley appreciation tweet 🙏🏼 #cafc
— gus fordham (@GusFordham) October 19, 2019
Loved being back down The Valley today! Boys played brilliant and the football we are playing reminds me of when we was in the prem. Darren Pratley was immense and what a worldy from Conor Gallagher! Love my club! ❤️ #cafc
— Nicola Selby (@selbs90) October 19, 2019
Top afternoon at The Valley. Comfortable at every stage. Running out of superlatives for Gallagher. Thought Pratley was outstanding as well; organized things, read the game and was decent in possession.
— Hungry Ted (@HungryTed) October 19, 2019
What a team this is! #cafc
Far too many big performances but Pratley week in week out is proper #cafc .... Get yourself down the pub #dcfc and drown your sorrows,be sure to get a cab booked though..
— paul (@paulthecab) October 19, 2019
I think we need to talk about Darren Pratley - the guy is just defying age right now. Been outstanding all season. MOTM for me today, solid at CB and also when he plays in CDM. Class. #cafc
— Liam White (@LiamWhite75) October 19, 2019
Darren Pratley MOTM. Absolute masterclass from the big man today. Rock solid.💪🏼 #cafc
— Ben (@BenH93_) October 19, 2019
Darren Pratley was so so so good today it’s a joke #cafc
— Bill Luker (@Billy_Luker) October 19, 2019
#cafc What a result, Darren Pratley oh my word !
— Mendoncas right foot (@thereeljd) October 19, 2019
Just gonna bring this up as my weekly Darren Pratley appreciation #cafc https://t.co/J0lA0kEdsz
— Connor Fawdry (@connorfawdry) October 19, 2019
Absolutely pulled them apart, Pratley is an animal 🥰 #cafc
— Bill Luker (@Billy_Luker) October 19, 2019
Pratley has been different class these last few games 👏🏼👏🏼 #cafc
— Bradley Rice (@BradRicey10) October 19, 2019
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