Joe Anyinsah is delighted to see his summer gamble starting to pay off at Charlton Athletic.

But the former Albion loanee, who hopes to face his old club on Saturday, admits he did things the hard way after running out of contract at Carlisle United.

Bristol-born Anyinsah declined the Cumbrians’ offer of a new deal, confident his 11 goals last season would help him get a better offer further south.

It turned out that way. But there were a few twists and turns before he scored nine minutes into his Charlton debut to secure a recent 1-0 win at home to Notts County.

Anyinsah, whose 15-game stint with the Seagulls two years ago included a goal in the famous win over Manchester City, admitted: “I wanted to get back south.

“Carlisle offered me a new contract and it was a slight gamble not to take it. I didn’t have any other offers on the table. But I was pretty confident in myself after the season I had at Carlisle.”

Anyinsah, who also had spells with Bury, Preston and Crewe, added: “I was happy at Carlisle. It’s a good club. I got on well with the players and coaching staff but I’ve been up north for most of the last five years.

“I’m from Bristol and I’ve got family in London so it was a case of either/or for me.”

Things did not go to plan, though, and he remained unsigned as the season kicked off.

“I had a bit of a nightmare,” he admitted. “I was doing my own fitness training and I tore my hamstring. I had to find a physiotherapist and look after myself. I missed all pre-season and a few games at the start of this season.

“I’m still playing catch-up. I’m working hard on my fitness.

“When I was ready I said to my agent to find me somewhere to train. Charlton said they would let me train with them and I played a reserve game.

“They were looking for a forward and I think I impressed.”

Former Preston midfielder Alan McCormack was the only familiar face for Anyinsah when he arrived at the Valley.

But among the players he soon got to know was another former Albion loan star, French midfielder Therry Racon.

“Therry is a top class player and he’s a joker,” Anyinsah said.

“He’s got the language but some of his turns of phrase just make me laugh.”

Anyinsah’s strike coming off the bench against Notts County earned him a starting place for the next two games, though he suffered more hamstring niggles and was on the bench when the Addicks drew 2-2 at Plymouth last Saturday.

Paul Benson’s double means he and ex-Oldham frontman Pawel Abbott could still be the duo in favour against Albion.

That Home Park comeback left Charlton back in tenth place but they are unbeaten at home and just a point off the play-offs.

They remain, Anyinsah insists, one of the big guns of League One.

“We can’t seem to kick start things,” he admitted.

“We get a win, then a couple of draws, but we’re not losing too many games. Promotion is the ambition. It’s a massive club.

“Preston were a good Championship club but Charlton is definitely the biggest club I’ve played for. You can see the facilities and everything here is Premier League standard. I’m really proud and pleased to be here.”