Christian aiming high

Christian Dailly insists Charlton are aiming high ahead of the start of the new League One campaign.

The Addicks defender, who recently signed a new one-year deal with the club, cut a bitterly disappointed figure as Charlton crashed out of last season's play-offs at the semi-final stage after a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out loss to Swindon Town.

However, he has put that upset behind him to turn his attention to the forthcoming season - and it's a campaign he is confident will be a success.

"There's no doubt about it, the aim is to go up,” he told CAFC Player. "There has been a big turnaround again, and a huge number of players have left.

"Again, the manager is having to do a massive job to turn the team into one capable of promotion. But there is a good main bulk of players here that can do well for us, and we've got some good young lads coming through."

The experienced centre-half, who missed just two league games for the Addicks last term, put pen to paper on a contract to remain at the club until summer 2011 last week.

It was a deal which was always likely to happen, according to Dailly, who said: "I'm pleased to get it done. It was never really in too much doubt. I really enjoyed myself last year, so I just want to continue on from that and hopefully do even better this year. I like to play for clubs who are really trying to achieve something."

Last season could be viewed as a bittersweet campaign for former West Ham United and Glasgow Rangers man Dailly, who was named Charlton's player of the year shortly before that devastating play-off exit to the Robins.

Indeed, the defender, who was part of the Hammers side which lost the FA Cup final to Liverpool in 2006, has admitted on several occasions that the defeat was one of the worst moments of his long career.

"I really enjoyed myself in terms of playing for Charlton; it was brilliant to play at The Valley," stated Dailly. "All in all, it was enjoyable, but there was still massive disappointment at the end.

"It's probably as disappointed as I've ever been in my career. It was a very down dressing room afterwards, the worst I've seen, to be honest. It took a good month to get over it. So we need to crack on this year and make amends."

The veteran Scotsman even stepped up to take a penalty kick against the Robins, showing his usual calm composure to slot home his effort from 12 yards.

"I was OK," he reflected. "If you focus properly and prepare yourself properly, you'll be fine. The manager had us well drilled. I've always been of the opinion that if you're prepared to step up and take a penalty, and you don't do anything stupid, then you've done your best. That's all you can ask of people in penalty shoot-outs."

Dailly was named Charlton's player of the year last term

Dailly, who will be beginning his 21st season in senior football next month, could have a new face alongside him in the backline this term following the arrival of Gary Doherty on a free transfer.

It's a capture that Dailly, who turns 37 in October, feels will help the Addicks push on, and he said: "I've come across him a lot of times down the years. We were pretty lucky to get him and he's shown up really well in training. He's another experienced player and a great signing."

The departure of Nicky Bailey to Middlesbrough means the captain's armband is up for grabs this season, with Dailly throwing his hat into the ring for the role.

He added: "Who wouldn't [want it]? It wouldn't change me, so whoever gets it, great. But at the same time, from a personal point of view, I'll conduct myself in exactly the same way anyway. The important thing is getting up, so that's all I'm really focusing on now."

To view the full interview with Dailly, head to CAFC Player - the place to be for all your Addicks news, views, action and reaction.

The club's video website, which costs less than 10p per day, has been bringing fans exclusive behind the scenes video and audio content throughout the close season.

CAFC Player continues to have all the big names this summer, bringing subscribers interviews with the likes of Mark Kinsella, Johnnie Jackson, Chris Solly and Donough Holohan, while fans will be able to hear live commentary from every Charlton fixture - home and away - this season via the video website, courtesy of the club's official radio partners, BBC LONDON 94.9.

And with yearly subscriptions available from just £34.99, or £3.99 per month, fans can get even closer than ever as Parkinson's men attempt to return to the Championship at the second time of asking.