Don't bet against Bailey

By Rob Virtue on August 14, 2008 4:25 PM |

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ff-aug21-Nicky BaileyWEB.jpg

JUST a few years ago Nicky Bailey was juggling a part-time job in a bookmakers with a non-league career.

This week saw the latest move in a career that is slowly becoming a rags to riches tale for the 24-year-old, when he joined Charlton in a deal which could cost up to £750,000.

After his first training session with his new teammates, the man signed from Southend on Wednesday, August 6, said he was delighted to have arrived at the Championship club.

He said: "I've known of Charlton's interest for some time and couldn't wait to get here.

"Now I'm finally here I couldn't be happier. I'm just looking forward to Saturday and if I'm included I'll give it my all."

Bailey, who Charlton boss Alan Pardew says has the hunger his side lacked at times last season, thought his career was over when Fulham released him at 15.

He spent about five months out of the game before joining Sutton United. Subsequent transfers to Barnet and Southend saw his career back on track.

Although player of the season at Southend last year, Bailey said he could not resist the move to Charlton and the possibility top-flight football in the near future.

He said: "They are a massive club which has been in the Premier League and they want to get back there.

"That's something I want to be part of."I've had to work my way up through the leagues and this was another chance to step up and hopefully play in the Premier League."

Bailey, who worked at a bookmakers in Putney while playing at Sutton, is eager to start with a bang at Charlton against Watford on Saturday.

Following Mark Hudson's debut goal against Swansea last week, Bailey, who scored 12 goals for Southend last season, warned fans not to bet against him repeating the feat.

He said: "If I get the chance to shoot I will shoot. Hopefully I'll hit the target with one of them and it will go in."