“There’s always players that look really good pre-season that it challenges that thinking. So we want that competition, we want that quality amongst the group.
“And then the best eleven usually will start and it’s up to them to fight and keep the shirt. But I think there’s a lot of work to be done and games to be played and opportunities for people to impress.”
Both keepers got 45 minutes in the opening friendly game against Gillingham with Long having far more to do in the second half during the 2-0 win.
Before Long played the full 90 minutes and also kept a clean sheet in the 3-0 victory against Sutton.
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Dean Holden will use fewer players in Charlton’s final two pre-season friendlies against Millwall and Aberdeen.
The Addicks face their South London rivals at The Den on Tuesday before a final tune up at The Valley.
Charlton start their League One season at home to Leyton Orient on August 5.
“Every player has, pretty much, had two sets of 45 minutes and they’ve all had an hour over in Spain,” said Holden after yesterday’s 5-0 friendly win at Wealdstone. “Most of them have had 70-odd minutes in the two games this week.
“We’re getting towards the part of pre-season, Millwall and Aberdeen, where we’ll get 90 minutes into as many players as we can as we start to bring the squad down to 18 or 19 players, which is never easy because we’ve built a really good spirit.
“Naturally players will be disappointed when they find out they aren’t going to be involved but it doesn’t mean they won’t be involved against Leyton Orient in the first game.”
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AFC Wimbledon have been casting their eyes over the stopper as they prepare for the start of the new League Two season.
Sandford, 24, is a free agent after Millwall opted not to extend his contract at the end of last term and he is weighing up his next move in the game.
South London Press reporter Brack has reported on Twitter that he has been ‘training’ with Johnnie Jackson’s side recently (see tweet below).
Sandford would provide Wimbledon with more competition and depth between the sticks if they decide to offer him a deal. The fact he is available for nothing also means this would be a relatively risk-free addition.
He has been on the books at Millwall for his whole career to date and has risen up through the academy ranks of the London club. The ‘keeper was a regular for the Lions at various youth levels.
However, he never made a senior appearance for the Championship outfit. Instead, he gained experience out on loan from The Den at Dorking Wanderers, Maidstone United, Dover Athletic and Weymouth in non-league to help boost his development.
Wimbledon finished in a disappointing 21st position in the fourth tier last term and will be hoping for a much better showing in the next campaign. They have stuck with former Charlton Athletic boss Johnnie Jackson and still believe he is the man to take them forward which is refreshing to see.
The Dons will need to make a decision on whether to land Sandford on a free transfer and the ball is very much in their court with this one.
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