Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher named EFL Player of the Month for August

Newly promoted Charlton Athletic began life back in the Championship in blazing fashion, winning four of their first six matches and losing none to finish August in second place, just two points behind leaders Swansea City.

Key to their efforts has been 19-year-old Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher, who was named Chelsea Academy Player of the Year last season and has hit the ground running in his first foray into senior football — to say the least. Three goals and two assists in his first six games have made him an instant hit, with both the fans and his current manager, former Premier League midfielder Lee Bowyer.

In fact, the youngster has been impressive enough to earn the EFL’s Young Player of the Month award for August — so that’s including the Championship, as well as Leagues One (third tier) and Two (fourth tier). Well done, Conor!

Charlton lost last weekend to drop to third in the table, but Gallagher is nonetheless pleased with how his season’s going. Hopefully it will continue just as well going forward.

“I’m buzzing to receive this, it’s been a great first month for me at Charlton and I couldn’t have asked for more really. We’re third in the table and I’ve scored a few goals so we’re just looking to carry on the form that we’re in.

“I was a little nervous at the start but after the first game I grew in confidence. A goal in my first senior start was unreal, it’s definitely the best feeling I’ve had so far in my career, in front of the fans too.

“I wasn’t expecting to be doing so well, at the start my main aim was to get in the team, but I’m playing well so I’ve stayed in the starting eleven and hopefully I can carry on this form. The Championship is obviously different to development football, but I expected it. I felt that I was ready to step up and I think I’ve shown that I’m ready to play at this level.”

-Conor Gallagher; source: Charlton Athletic FC

So far, so good!