Reason to be optimistic? An evaluation of the playing staff at Charlton Athletic

Article by e-Charlton Correspondent Christopher Amor

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As the traditional start of Charlton's pre-season away at Welling United approaches this Saturday, it would appear to be the right time to undertake an evaluation of the playing squad that is in place at the club. During the summer preceding the 2011/2012 promotion season, the club had conducted almost all of its business early, a strategy that led to the club's most successful season since relegation from the Premier League. So where are Charlton now and what should we expect to see from those already signed to the club for the upcoming season?

GOALKEEPERS -

The departure of fan favourite Ben Hamer has been a disappointment to almost everyone connected with the club and questions still loom over who will wear the Number 1 shirt for Charlton next season. But supporters must remember that many questioned Rob Elliot's sale to Newcastle in 2012, which ultimately led to Hamer successfully filling the position.

Following a successful loan spell at York last season, Nick Pope remains at the club and it will be interesting to see if Peeters feels that the 22 year old is ready to slot into the first team. Nevertheless, as we saw with the signings of Hamer and Alnwick, finding a good goalkeeper on an acceptable wage is not too difficult in England and wouldn't require the club to look abroad (despite the fact they may choose to anyway).

DEFENCE -

Andre Bikey signed for the club on a free transfer yesterday and appears to be a welcome addition to the squad. At 29 with a playing career that has spanned across a number of leagues and countries, Bikey's vast experience could be vital to how Charlton's young squad develops over the course of the pre-season and into the 2014/2015 campaign.

Michael Morrison penned a new 2 year deal back in June and looks set to be a guaranteed starter in Charlton's defence for another year. As one of the most respected centre backs in the Championship and still only 26, Morrison's best years may still be ahead of him and his contract extension has been, arguably, the most encouraging piece of business that the club have concluded this summer. Elsewhere, youth academy product Joe Gomez seems to of caught the eye of Bob Peeters and has been involved with the first team in pre-season training. Although only 17, Gomez seems certain to feature at some point next season; a prospect that many at the club seem excited about.

At full back, Solly and Wiggins have both signed new deals with the club over the past year which is very encouraging plus Wilson and Fox look set to remain in the squad for next season. Loic Nego still remains fairly unknown to most supporters and it will be interesting to see how much of a part the Frenchman plays in the upcoming campaign.

MIDFIELD -

Poyet's departure will be a huge loss to Charlton going forward. A quality player who looked years ahead of most of our senior players, fans of the Addicks can only wish him the best playing in the top flight with West Ham over the next few years. However youngster Jordan Cousins also had a fantastic season after making his debut away at Barnsley back in August and still remains at the club, as does captain Johnnie Jackson.

There have been two additions to the squad in midfield, Yoni Buyens and Frank Moussa. Buyens has had a successful career in Belgium and joins on season long loan from Standard Leige whilst Moussa seems to be an excellent addition to the squad after joining on a free transfer from Coventry. Buyens remains unknown to almost everybody in England, yet Moussa has built himself a reputation for scoring wonder goals at Coventry. Both will be looking to prove themselves in the Championship and Bob Peeters will be hoping that his two fellow countrymen will play a big part in any success the Addicks have next year.

The club really need to recruit a couple of wingers. Harriot is a real young prospect for the team but is by no means the finished article. Adjaravic rejoined his parent club, Standard Leige, at the end of last season and looks set to remain there. The team certainly lacked flair last year and the broad scouting network that Duchatelet has bought to the club could really come in useful in trying to fill these positions.

STRIKERS -

At a price of £2.4million, new recruit Igor Vetokele is Charlton's headline-grabbing move of the summer. It has been a long time since Charlton have spent such a sum on a player and fans eagerly await the first game of the season away at Brentford to see their new man in action.

Simon Church, Joe Piggot and Reza still remain in the squad up front although the club seem certain to sign at least one more forward in the coming weeks. Piggot may be loaned out at some point over the next season and the more optimistic fans will believe that we still haven't seen the best of Reza yet following his World Cup goal for Iran against Bosnia.

SUMMARY -

A summer of change is always exciting for football fans. Although the prospect of promotion is all too exciting to totally disregard, most Charlton fans will happily settle for a season that doesn't involve a relegation scrap. Much is still unknown about how Peeters will choose to play and who of the summers new signings will rack up 30+ appearances next year. Yet there is every reason for Charlton fans to be encouraged by the movement of the club in pre-season this year, especially when compared to last summer when the squad was downsized and the previous owners were reluctant to sign anybody apart from the cheapest free agents available. With a £1million investment into the Valley, a new head coach and a number of new international players, there is certainly going to be a new feel around the club next year, supporters can only hope that 2014/2015 is much more successful than the previous campaign.

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