Conor McGrandles is hoping that his bad luck at Charlton Athletic is now behind after his late equalizer against Portsmouth on Saturday.
After moving from Lincoln City to join in July 2022, the 28-year-old Scot has only made two starts in League One. He spent the second half of the previous season on loan at Cambridge United.
McGrandles has experienced a variety of odd or bothersome injuries, which have also contributed to his lack of first-team action.
However, he made his debut at Fratton Park over the weekend, beating Will Norris with a late header to guarantee Charlton would leave the South Coast with a 2-2 draw.
The FA Cup replay on Wednesday night at Cray Valley PM is the next event. And McGrandles would relish featuring in the first round tie.
He told the South London Press: “Absolutely I want to play. I want to play every game. I’ve missed too much football over the last year-and-a-half here. Every game I’m available I would love to play.
“The kind of player I am, I’m all-action so I will put myself in positions to get the knocks I do. I wouldn’t change anything because a lot it has been impact stuff – just unlucky.
“It’s been really frustrating. The loan I went on last season was really good for me because it made me get that self-belief back, knowing I can play well in this league.
“I just know if I get the chance I can do well here. It’s about getting the chances and proving it.
“Of course (he wants to stay a Charlton player). Who wouldn’t want to play with the players here and at this club? I know this goal has not just made everything rosey. I need to work hard because there are some really good players, especially in the midfield positions.”
At the conclusion of the Portsmouth game, McGrandles was shoved forward by center-back Michael Hector, although he appeared reticent to accept praise from the away fans.
For his first goal wearing a Charlton shirt, he too celebrated in a low key manner. He last scored for Lincoln in a 1-1 draw in October 2021.
“I don’t know if it was just because I haven’t scored enough goals and I don’t know what to do,” said McGrandles, when asked about his team-mates encouraging him to enjoy his moment.
“I counted it – there were five people pushing me in. I need to work on my celebration next time.
“It felt really good – it was a relief. I didn’t want to celebrate and go too mad because there was still a bit of time left because I thought something else might happen. It was really good watching it (the goal) back.
“It was an excellent outcome. They are a good club; they are unbeaten and at the top of the league for a reason, but we went into it truly believing we could win and attempting to win. Given our situation—we were two points behind—you should draw conclusions and positives from it.
McGrandles also played at Lincoln for Michael Appleton, the head coach of Charlton.
“I wasn’t just pleased for Michael (getting the Charlton job) because he knows me,” said McGrandles. “I was pleased for the team and the club because I know how good he is and how he can improve players. I knew it would be a good appointment.
“I loved playing under him at Lincoln.
“Luckily I managed to get my chance on Sunday, get a few minutes, and he brought me on again today.”
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