Charger Owner Concurs With Henning Remarks : Football: Alex Spanos says he’s enthusiastic about the team’s chances in the upcoming season.

Chargers’ owner Alex Spanos said Friday he had no problem with Dan Henning’s published remarks, including Henning’s contention that the franchise, not the head coach, is on trial this season.

“I think Dan kind of said it the way it is,” Spanos said.

Henning told the Times that the Chargers have been victimized in recent years by the impatience of the team’s ownership. He said Spanos is probably under pressure to fire him, but he said it’s time for the Chargers to maintain continuity. He said Spanos is apt to be emotional and said impetuous decisions usually result in mistakes.

“It’s a tough situation,” Spanos said. “All I’m thinking about is winning. I know what Dan’s concerned about; he’s concerned about winning, too.

“Dan knows I love him, and we’re all on his side. We’re doing all we can to get the talent necessary to win.”

The Chargers have not advanced to the playoffs since Spanos assumed control of the team in 1984, but he said he is excited about this year’s team.

“I can’t tell you how bullish I am,” he said. “This is my eighth season and all I can say is that it’s the first time since I’ve had the Chargers that I’ve seen such great communication between coaching and the general manager.

“Without that you can’t go anyplace.”

In the past, Spanos opened training camp annually with a prediction of success for the Chargers. He has had them winning games and advancing to the playoffs, but three consecutive 6-10 seasons have tempered his desire to guarantee postseason play.

“I quit making predictions a couple of years ago, but I can tell you this, that with the organization we have today, I have never had the comfort level I have now,” he said. “I feel good.”

General Manager Bobby Beathard said the Chargers have reached contract agreements with seventh-round draft pick David Jones (wide receiver) and ninth-round selection Andy Katoa (linebacker). Beathard said the Chargers are also close to terms with second-round picks Eric Bieniemy (running back), George Thornton (defensive lineman) and veteran tight end Terry Orr.

Talks also continue with the representative for first-round choice Stanley Richard (safety).

“His agent wants him in here by Sunday, and I think once we get talking we can get it done,” Beathard said.

The Chargers released defensive lineman Tony Savage, who recently underwent knee surgery. Savage was not claimed by any other NFL team and was placed on the Chargers’ “reserve-injured” list. He will not count against their 80-man roster limit.

The Chargers will conduct their first training camp practice at 9 a.m. Monday at UCSD.

The World League of American Football cleared the way Friday for NFL teams to sign its top players, but Beathard said the Chargers had no interest in putting in a claim for anyone, including the league’s MVP, quarterback Stan Gelbaugh.