BREE: ‘I’M FEELING CONFIDENT AND REALLY ENJOYING IT’.

James Bree has had a strong start to life with the Addicks after coming on loan from Southampton on deadline day.

The defender won over the Charlton fans with an excellent full debut at Bramall Lane, earning him the fans’ Player of the Match award after delivering a fantastic assist for Tanto Olaofe’s dramatic winning goal.

“I was buzzing,” said the 27-year-old, smiling. “It’s been a rough preseason, and I was injured right at the end, so I haven’t played much football in the previous six weeks or so.

I felt extremely fantastic heading into the game; I wasn’t sure if I was going to play the entire 90 minutes, but I surprised myself with how good I felt overall.

I’m obviously very pleased with the assist and how I played, but I believe there are a few things and a little rustiness that I need to work on before I can continue to play well.

“I’ve settled in really well. All of the lads have been quite welcome, and I obviously know quite a few of the youngsters and staff from past clubs.

They’ve all been fantastic, and the boys I haven’t met have welcomed me in and looked after me. Playing and winning right immediately is always beneficial.

That helps you settle in a little faster, so I’m feeling secure and loving it.” Bree is now on his third term under Nathan Jones, who previously signed the versatile defender with Luton Town and Southampton.

“Obviously it came down to the last day and it was something that came about quite late for me and for the gaffer as well,” Bree told me. “I believe he was waiting for me to become available, which I did with a few days remaining.

Once we started talking, I was optimistic that we’d make it through, and happily we did. “To be fair to the gaffer, I believe he would have raged at me if I had gone somewhere else! He’s had a huge influence on my career so far, and I believe I’ve played my best football under him.

I appreciate working with him because I understand how he works and what he enjoys doing, which I believe matches me very well. I was eager to work with him again when the opportunity arose.

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