Bowyer looking forward to promotion celebration on return to the Valley against Aston Villa

Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer can’t wait to get back to The Valley to celebrate promotion with the club’s fans.

His team beat Sunderland 2-1 at Wembley in May to secure a spot in the Championship.

The Addicks haven’t played at home since a dramatic penalty shootout win at The Valley against Doncaster Rovers in the Sky Bet League One play-off semi-final.

On Saturday, July 27th Charlton host promoted Premier League team Aston Villa in their final game of pre-season.

Bowyer said: “I’m really looking forward to being back at The Valley. I’m sure it is going to be a party atmosphere. It will be the first time we’ve played there since that Doncaster game so I’m sure the fans will excited to be back to.

“Obviously Villa got promoted as well, so it will be a tough game as they have some very good players.”

The game has been nominated as Chris Solly’s testimonial game. The 28-year-old, who has been at the club since the age of 11, has organised a variety of events as part of his testimonial year culminating in next Saturday’s match against Aston Villa.

Bowyer said: “It’s not often you see one-club men in football any more. You can probably only name a handful.

“Chris is a winner and a true professional, so I hope there is a big crowd there next Saturday because he deserves it.”

All profit from the game will be added to Solly’s testimonial fund, which will then result in a charitable donation to Prostate Cancer UK at the end of his testimonial year. 

Get your tickets to our promotion celebration match against Aston Villa on July 27th by clicking here.

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