This one contains more reaction to Karlan Grant’s signing, Charlton Athletic’s 1-0 victory at Gillingham plus the women’s team making signings and contract renewals.

Reece Burke heads the winning goal against Gillingham/Picture: Kyle Andrews

‘He will graft and always gets shooting chances’

Karlan Grant’s return to Charlton Athletic was confirmed on Sunday morning.

The attacker, who had been offered fresh terms by West Bromwich Albion, opted to make a free transfer back to the Addicks, where his career started.

Karlan Grant celebrates scoring against Shrewsbury at The Valley in 2018/Picture: Keith Gillard

We decided to catch up with Lewis Cox, who covers the Baggies for the Express & Star newspaper, to get his verdict on Grant.

“He is a difficult one to sum up in terms of his time at Albion,” said Cox. “You could ask plenty of fans and you will get differences of opinion.

“Most would probably feel it is the right time to part ways. He signed a mammoth six-year deal when he came in for a massive £15million fee. Albion had just been promoted to the Premier League.

“The payment of that fee was uniquely spread over the six years. Albion got into some desperate financial bother a couple of years down the line and some fans might have questioned: ‘Could we really afford that inflated fee?' But the transfer fee and salary, none of that was his fault.

“His first season back in the Champ with them he top-scored with 18 goals. He was leading the line. Valerien Ismael was in charge initially and then Steve Bruce. It was the season before I started reporting on the club but, by all accounts, the team didn’t do too well and even though Grant got all those goals it wasn’t viewed as a resounding success.

“Albion were in the financial mire in the summer of 2023. Grant was a significant earner and allowed on loan to Cardiff, where he did pretty well and was popular with their fans.

“Ever since returning from that season-long, I felt he had improved. He scored 35 goals in 173 matches for Albion. With Carlos Corberan, and subsequent managers, he has been used on the left flank, so that will skew his figures.

“What I liked about his performances is that he never lacked for effort, energy or work-rate. I know that should be the bare minimum but he has physicality and is a hard runner, he will track back and cover his left-back.

Karlan Grant’s Instagram post confirming he was leaving West Brom

“He will graft and will always pop up in the box to get a shot away.

“Grant was offered terms at Albion but I imagine they would have been on reduced terms. It was no surprise he looked at what was out there and would back himself for a decent Championship move.

“He had a mixed time at West Brom, including some tough spells and a loan away. But he also came back from that and was a regular in the side, despite competing with very decent players like Mikey Johnston, Isaac Price, Tom Fellows and Jed Wallace.

“He always featured when available and was seen by head coaches as in and around it, either as a starter or coming off the bench. He picked up a couple of troubling injuries, none more so than last season, and he has been missed at those times he has been out.

“There was a hamstring issue in the New Year. He missed two or three months and his absence was felt. That tells you something, that they felt they really could have done with him.

“When I watched him I always felt he put it in and cared about the cause. He is a lively character. I hope he does well.”

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Harvey Knibbs closes down a Gillingham player/Picture: Kyle Andrews

Addicks remain unbeaten in pre-season

Reece Burke scored a second-half winner for Charlton Athletic as they defeated Gillingham 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.

The centre-back headed in Sonny Carey’s 65th-minute corner.

Don’t miss our post-match pod - including hearing from Nathan Jones. The Welshman spoke to South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition about some of the transfer lines - as well as injuries - and that can be found here.

There were first pre-season minutes for club captain Greg Docherty and Matty Godden at Priestfield Stadium.

Charlie Kelman came off in the 27th minute with a dislocated shoulder.

Charlton continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to Johnnie Jackson’s AFC Wimbledon on Saturday (3pm).

Perth Glory announced Grace Johnson’s transfer to the Addicks on their official website (above)

Partido and Johnson join Charlton Women as eight agree new contracts

Charlton Athletic Women made their first signings of the summer transfer window.

Madrid-born Paula Partido, 21, has arrived from London City Lionesses on a season-long loan. She has been capped by Spain at U17 and U20 level.

Partido is yet to make a WSL appearance and spent the second half of last season on loan at DUX Logrono.

Defender Grace Johnson has penned a two-year contract with a club option for a further 12 months. The 21-year-old had been on the books of Perth Glory and was voted their 2026 Young Player of the Year.

Glory’s football director Stan Lazaridis said: “She has worked incredibly hard on her game and has very much earned what is an incredible opportunity to play in what is widely regarded as the best women’s competition in the world.”

Charlton announced a number of contract renewals last week - Lucia Lobato, Lucy Fitzgerald, Gillian Kenney, Gloria Siber, Anna Pedersen, Ellie Mason, Elish N’Dow and Carla Humphrey.

Gracie Pearse has signed a two-year deal at Sheffield United. The 23-year-old started seven WSL 2 matches for the Addicks last season.

Konsa helps England finish third at World Cup

Ezri Konsa became the first Charlton Athletic academy graduate to score at a World Cup.

The centre-back headed in England’s second goal in their 6-4 victory over France on Saturday night in what FIFA dubbed the ‘bronze final’.

England official website’s coverage of the France match (above)

The Three Lions’ hopes of reaching the final were dashed by a 2-1 loss to Argentina on Wednesday.

Konsa had been an ever-present starter prior to the meeting with the South Americans but was benched by Thomas Tuchel. The Aston Villa man came on for Anthony Gordon in the 71st minute as the England boss desperately tried to defend a 1-0 lead.

But unlike against Mexico, their under-siege defence was breached twice in the closing stages.

England’s thrilling victory over France made it their best finish at a World Cup in 60 years, since winning the trophy at the old Wembley in 1966.

Konsa has been capped 28 times by his country.

The Daily Mail reported on Sunday that Arsenal are weighing up a move for Konsa, who has two years left on his Villa contract.

Callum Harriott playing against Middlesbrough in March 2016/Picture: Keith Gillard

Harriott hangs up his boots

Callum Harriott has announced his retirement.

The 32-year-old came through Charlton’s academy and made his first-team debut in April 2011.

Harriott scored 12 goals in 95 matches for the Addicks and won Young Player of the Year in 2011.

He joined Reading for an undisclosed fee in 2016 and also had spells with Gillingham and Colchester United.

“After 16 incredible years, the time has come for me to officially retire from professional football,” Harriott posted on X.

”As a young boy from south London, all I ever dreamed of was becoming a professional footballer. To have lived that dream is something I’ll never take for granted.

“The highs, the lows, the lessons and the memories have shaped who I am today. To my family, thank you for every sacrifice you made to help me chase my dream.”

Former managers and players attend Peter Burrowes’ funeral

As expected there was an extremely strong Charlton Athletic presence at the funeral of Peter ‘Scoop’ Burrowes on Thursday at Kemnal Park crematorium.

Among those in attendance included two former managers of the Addicks - Lennie Lawrence and Steve Gritt - as well as Keith Peacock, Colin Powell, Steve Brown and Paul Elliott.

Ex-Charlton chairman Richard Murray and Peter Varney, the club’s former chief executive, also paid their respects.

Jarrod Bowen celebrates a Premier League goal last season/Picture: Keith Gillard

Charlton will face West Ham danger man Bowen

Charlton Athletic look set to face the challenge of subduing Jarrod Bowen in their second Championship match of the season, after West Ham’s captain announced he will be staying.

There had been rumours the 29-year-old could leave following the east Londoners’ relegation from the Premier League.

But the Hammers posted a story on Friday with Bowen making clear he wanted to help fire them to instant promotion.

“For me, when you're here for a longer amount of time, you gain more affection, you grow into the club more, you grow into your role more and more, and I think that’s what I’ve done,” said Bowen, who played in the Championship for Hull City before joining West Ham in 2020.

Bowen scored for Hull in a 2-2 draw at Charlton just weeks before he was transferred to West Ham.

The Addicks head to London Stadium on August 22.

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Beadle a Blue

James Beadle has joined Birmingham City on loan again.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who turned down a pro deal with Charlton to sign for Brighton in 2022, also spent last season with the Blues.

Birmingham boss Chris Davies said: “Every season he has played at this level, he has continued to develop, and we’re looking forward to helping him take the next step again this year.”

Charlie Kirk/Picture: Keith Gillard

Kirk extends Alty stay

Charlie Kirk has signed a new contract with Altrincham.

The 28-year-old winger, who struggled to make any real impact after joining Charlton from Crewe in 2021, featured 40 times for the National League club last season.

Kirk was the final player on Alty’s retained list to make the decision to stay on.

Manager Neil Gibson said: “I’m really pleased to get Charlie back in for a second season as I believe he’ll be a real asset to the squad.

“Charlie has an excellent character and he’s someone who sets really high standards as a senior pro within the squad. I’m looking forward to working with him again.”

Midfielder Aaron Henry, 22, has signed for Wealdstone after his contract with Boreham Wood was terminated by mutual consent.

The 21-year-old, contracted with the Addicks until the summer of 2027, scored 18 goals on loan for Walsall in League Two last season.

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The former England U19 international, who started his career with the Addicks before a big-money switch to Huddersfield Town in 2019, was a free agent after leaving West Bromwich Albion.

Grant, 28, has joined on a two-year deal.

Karlan Grant played 174 matches for West Brom/Picture: Alamy

He is the first offensive signing made by the Addicks in the current window after the defensive additions of Ivan Mesik and Billy Koumetio.

“Karlan has been on my radar since he was 15,” Jones told South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition. “I was aware of Karlan when I coached here with the U21s. I really took an interest in him.

“I spoke to Harty (Paul Hart, then academy boss) about him and he said: ‘This kid has got it all - he can be a bit special’. He has proved that. He went through the Charlton age groups quickly and got into the first team.

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The 23-year-old winger featured in the first two tune-up matches and scored the only goal in the victory against Dartford earlier this month.

Rob Apter/Picture: Kyle Andrews

But Apter, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, did not feature in Kent this afternoon.

“We’re hoping it is not too long,” Jones told South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition. “It is just a bit of bone bruising in his knee. It hasn’t been an impact thing, it’s just the work done in pre-season and the off season. He worked really hard to get back.

“Once he has come back into pre-season it is the hard grounds and the volume of work that we’ve put into them. He’s just had a little flare-up, so we’ve got to let that settle down.”

Josh Edwards has not played in any of the friendlies and has been out since suffering ankle ligament damage in September.

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The Addicks opened the scoring in the 65th minute - Reece Burke heading home from Sonny Carey’s deep corner.

On this pod we look back at the action in Kent and also hear from manager Nathan Jones, including asking about rumours that Charlton are tryi…

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The 25-year-old defender became the Addicks’ first incoming business of the current window when his transfer was confirmed on June 30.

South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition exclusively spoke to Faber, who is also head coach of the Dutch club, about Mesik.

Heracles, based in the eastern section of the Netherlands, were relegated from the Eredivisie at the end of last season.

Ivan Mesik takes a throw during the pre-season match at Dartford/Picture: Kyle Andrews

Mesik has featured in both of Charlton’s opening friendlies as a left-back, playing 45 minutes in each.

Faber is convinced that the deal taking the Slovakian international to SE7 is one that is beneficial to all parties. And he confirmed there were other bidders for Mesik, whose career had already taken him to Italy, Norway and Denmark before he joined Heracles in 2024.

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Carla Humphrey has signed a new 12-month contract with Charlton Athletic Women.

The 29-year-old made her first appearance of the 2025-26 campaign in the play-off victory over Leicester City on May 23.

Humphrey came on in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time, replacing Jodie Hutton.

The midfielder had not featured for the Addicks in the last campaign. Humphrey gave birth to her first child - Seb - in September 2025. She had missed part of the previous season after undergoing minor knee surgery in December 2024.

Charlton defeated Leicester 2-1 on penalties to reach the top flight in England for the first time since 2007.

Humphrey has previously played for Liverpool, Bristol City, Doncaster Belles and Arsenal, winning two FA Youth Cups. She has also been capped by England at a number of age groups ranging from U15 to U23.

Charlton moved to add Humphrey to their ranks after her departure from Liverpool in August 2023.

“There was no question about where I wanted to be, so I’m absolutely delighted to extend my stay,” Humphrey told the club’s official website.

“I’ve played in the WSL for a lot of my career. I’m so excited. I’m four appearances off 100, so I’m really hoping that I get to 100. It feels where the club should be right now, we deserve to be there.”

Humphrey’s return coincided with Karen Hills’ side defeating the Foxes to secure their place in the Super League.

“That day was so special, with my son being in the stands, and to do it with this team and for the club who have been so supportive to me throughout that journey,” said Humphrey. “I’m grateful that Karen put her trust in me for that 30 minutes or whatever it was, I wanted to make an impact and do the best I could for the team.”

The fixtures for the 2026-27 WSL season will be released on July 30 (10am).

Picture: Keith Gillard

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Got your attention? Yeah, I bet.

Sometimes, as a journalist, you do interviews where you are left wondering if there is even a good angle to intro on.

But you have the opposite problem after chatting to Mark Aizlewood. Where do you start?

Head-butting German superstar Jurgen Klinsmann. Flipping the V to his own supporters, at Charlton Athletic and after transferring to Leeds United. Alcoholism. Contemplating committing suicide by jumping from a bridge in Rome. Being jailed after being found guilty of fraud.

You could write a book on Aizlewood’s life…and he did.

Mark Aizlewood makes a challenge during a 2-1 win over Oldham at The Valley on September 15 1984/Picture: Tom Morris

Aizlewood started at hometown club Newport County and transferred to Luton Town in 1978. Charlton Athletic made their move for him in November 1982, paying £50,000. He made 170 appearances, scoring 10 goals, before being sold to Leeds.

A thread about the former Wales international, now 66, on the Charlton Life forum saw one poster describe him as “a fine mixture of steel and finesse”.

“There were two Mark Aizlewoods, really,” he told South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition. “When I played international football I was surrounded by world-class footballers with great technical ability. At that level, I would say I couldn’t play - but I could stop those that could.

“Once you went down into the Football League, my technical ability was as good as anybody but I still retained the ability to be able to stop those who could play.

“At international level the manager would say to me: ‘There is a number 10 out there called Ruud Gullit. I want you to stop him kicking the ball and I’m not interested in anything else you do’.

“At Charlton, or any of my other clubs, I never had that man-marking role specifically. But I had it in my locker that I could destroy their best player. Sometimes in a legal way, but a lot of times in an illegal way. In those days all you had to worry about was two linesmen and a referee. There weren’t cameras all around the ground.

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This update includes details on the Addicks’ pre-season friendly against Maribor in Slovenia on Friday and the Hall of Fame event which took place at The Valley on Wednesday.

Plus there are details on some former Charlton players securing their next moves and Ezri Konsa helping England to the World Cup semi-finals.

Lyndon Dykes celebrates scoring against Bristol City in early April/Picture: Paul Edwards

Sharp-eyed spot shows Dykes has other plans

It’s been radio silence on the club future of Lyndon Dykes since the end of last season.

What we do know is that Charlton Athletic had offered the Scotland international, a free agent after his short-term deal expired on July 1, fresh terms.

But Dykes now appears to be on trial with Bristol City.

How do we know? Well, one of the perils these days of trying to keep new faces in a squad under wraps is that they only have to creep into the background of some video footage for a split second and a supporter will, more often than not, identify them.

That happened this summer with Nathan Redmond, who is on trial with the Addicks and has played in their opening two friendly matches.

Now Dykes has been caught on camera.

“Bristol City fans are convinced they’ve signed a Scotland star after training ground footage sparked a massive social media frenzy,” reported The Scottish Sun, not sparing the hyperbole.

City players were being stopped before a training session to get their predictions ahead of England’s match against Norway on Saturday night and Dykes appeared in shot for just a split second.

The 30-year-old scored for Charlton against Bristol City in early April at The Valley but the visitors, playing their first match under new boss Roy Hodgson, won 2-1.

Dykes netted three times in 20 appearances for the Addicks.

Leaburn nets in Maribor

Charlton drew 1-1 with Maribor in their friendly on Friday.

We recorded a post-match pod discussing the game which can be found here.

The Addicks once again named two completely different sides for each half. Goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski and midfielder Karoy Anderson, the subject of transfer interest from Blackpool, played their first minutes of pre-season at the Stadion Ljudski vrt (below).

It’s very hard to pick much out of a friendly, particularly when Charlton still have another four matches before they play a competitive fixture, the EFL Cup tie at Cheltenham on August 8.

Yet again it was a back four in both halves and looked to be a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Miles Leaburn put the visitors into a 50th-minute lead, the striker converted first time from Tyreece Campbell’s left-wing cross.

Isaac Tshipamba levelled up the score 10 minutes from the end as he raced onto a dinked ball over the Addicks backline and beat Will Mannion.

“It was an excellent runout,” Charlton boss Nathan Jones told the club’s X account. “They start their league season next week, so they are considerably ahead of us in their pre-season.

“We’ve had a wonderful week here (in Slovenia). No injuries. Everyone has come through it. People like Josh Edwards, Micah (Mbick), (Matty) Godden and Doc (Greg Docherty) are all closer to being back.

“We wanted a good test. Every week will be a different test - a more physical test. This was a technical test because they are a very good European side.”

Charlton are back in friendly action at Gillingham on Saturday (3pm).

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Charlton Hall of Fame

South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition went to the Hall Of Fame event held in Charlton Museum.

Mordor would probably have been a cooler location.

My car’s temperature gauge kept increasing as I drew closer to SE7 and it was just as hot as I feared inside the room. It was a case of sweating more than Leicester City’s accountants looking at their financial figures after back-to-back relegations.

There were four inductees into the Hall of Fame. Billy Kiernan (pre 1955), Bob Bolder (1956-1990), Chris Solly (1991-present) and Kim Dixson (women’s team).

Sols, who played 313 first-team matches for Charlton, has agreed to do an in-depth interview with us on The Stack but I still had a brief chat with the former right-back.

“It’s a real honour,” he said. “I was looking at the names on the board - to join them now is a really proud moment.

“I’ve pretty much been a one-club man, even though I know I ended it with three years as a player-coach in non-league after I left here. Loads more good memories than bad memories.

Chris Solly breaks forward against Fulham in 2019 at Craven Cottage/Picture: Paul Edwards

“The bad memories almost go into the role I’m in now, to help me to understand what players might be going through.

“It’s so hard to pick one moment or one game as a highlight, because there were so many good ones, but probably the first year when we got promoted in the 2011-12 season. The lads we had, the management staff….everything we had was just so enjoyable. We won most weeks and broke the record for the points total.”

Solly was twice voted Player of the Year by supporters in 2012 and 2013. He did the double in 2012, also lifting the Young Player of the Year award.

Ian Wallis, a trustee of the museum, told those in attendance that only one other Addicks player had won both accolades in the same year - Richard Rufus (in 1995).

“Someone did tell me that before,” said Solly, asked about that achievement. “I’ve never really looked back on personal accolades too much but when people read that out it makes you feel proud.”

Goalkeeper Bolder kindly agreed to stay around after proceedings to chat about his career and that will go out as a long read (and a pod too at some point).

Bolder, who made 296 appearances for the Addicks, said: “It’s marvellous (to be in the Hall of Fame). I know I’m appreciated by fans at Charlton but it’s nice to have that little bit of backing from people that still remember you.

“I’m one of four or five goalkeepers in it - Dean Kiely, Nicky Johns and obviously Sam Bartram. Whenever you get a bit of praise like that - you’re on the scoreboard so to speak - it is lovely.

“Two-thirds of my whole life have been spent here. It is 40 years this July that I’ve been at Charlton. Playing, coaching and stepping into the community trust and hospitality.

“There have been ups and downs over that period but we’re still here and looking well-balanced as a club now. Hopefully we can crack on this year.”

Winger Kiernan, who featured for England B in 1955, is one of only eight players to make more than 400 appearances for Charlton, playing for them between 1940 and 1960. He passed away two decades ago. Kiernan’s family flew in from Canada to attend the Hall of Fame induction.

Wallis said: “People who saw him play said that when he jumped it was like he was on a trampoline - scoring headers at the far post.”

Kiernan’s son Peter said: “It is well-deserved. The stats basically speak for themselves - 400 games, 100 goals, playing on the left wing, club captain and a one-club player.”

Wallis said: “The three names that have now been engraved on there bring us to 45 players. To put that in context, that is 45 players out of 1,023, the number of men who have played for Charlton first team since we became a Football League club in 1921.

“There are still some very good players who aren’t in there and the fun will be voting them in, year by year.

“If you look at the board, I don’t think you will find anyone on there that shouldn’t be on there.”

Kim Dixson at a Charlton photocall in 2020/Picture: Keith Gillard

Dixson, a former England U23 international, was in the Charlton side which won the 2015 Premier League Cup. She joined their Centre of Excellence as a nine-year-old and made her first-team debut at the age of 17, in 2005, and was part of the squad for the next 17 years.

“We talk about Keith Peacock being Mr Charlton and I think you are Mrs Charlton,” said Wallis.

If you haven’t checked out Charlton’s Museum, I would definitely recommend it. It is open every Friday (11am-2.30pm) and on a match day (11am-1pm) but entry is by appointment only outside those opening hours.

Katie Bradley on the ball against Leicester City in May/Picture: Keith Gillard

Bradley ‘sad’ after ending spell with Addicks

Katie Bradley has left Charlton Athletic Women.

The 24-year-old played 53 times for the Addicks and scored 13 goals.

Bradley played the full 120 minutes of Charlton’s play-off victory against Leicester City which took Karen Hills’ team into the top flight.

She scored four goals last season, three of them from the penalty spot.

“I’d like to wish Katie Bradley all the very best,” Hills told the club’s official website. “She has been instrumental over the past couple of seasons and has played a huge part in the club's success.

“Her impact has been unbelievable this season and helped Charlton Women secure promotion.

“Katie is a player who has set fantastic standards in training and on the pitch, played an integral role in our team, and I wish her all the best in her new adventure.”

Bradley posted a message on her Instagram.

“I’m sad to say my time at Charlton has come to an end. This has been a very hard decision and one that hasn’t been easy. Thank you to everyone who made my time special at the club, past and present players and staff.

”Through the highs and lows we stuck together. Achieving 27 WSL 2 games unbeaten was a huge achievement for the club. And ending with promotion to WSL1, which the fans and this team deserve. Your amazing support did not go unnoticed.”

The size of the challenge facing Charlton has been underlined by London City Lionesses landing Spanish star Alexia Putellas on a three-year contract.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner left Barcelona in May. Reports claim she is earning a base salary of just under £1million a year.

Lionesses are owned by US billionaire Michele Kang.

Gunter follows Ramsey to Oxford United

Former Charlton defender Chris Gunter has joined Aaron Ramsey’s backroom team at Oxford United.

Ramsey, who played for Arsenal and Wales, was appointed the U’s head coach in June.

Gunter, 36, retired from playing in 2023.

Ramsey told Oxford’s official website: “I’m delighted to bring Chris and Tom (Hutton) to the club to add to the already strong coaching staff we have in the building.

“Having worked closely with both, particularly Chris, I know the qualities they will bring. They’ll add fresh ideas, a huge amount of energy and an incredible attention to detail that will help drive us forward.”

Chris Gunter playing for Charlton against Plymouth in December 2020/Picture: Keith Gillard

Oxford announced earlier in the week that they had been placed under a transfer embargo by the EFL. They are not allowed to sign any players until the January transfer window.

Gunter signed for Charlton from Reading in October 2020 on a free transfer. He made 54 appearances during his two-year stay. The Addicks did not take up the option of an extra 12 months and the defender moved to AFC Wimbledon.

Urchins move for Inniss

Ryan Inniss has signed for Hornchurch following his recent release by Forest Green Rovers.

The defender played 64 times for Charlton before departing in the summer of 2023.

Urchins manager Daryl McMahon said: “We’ve managed to convince him that this project is one that he can buy into with the plan we have long term for the football club.

“We’re over the moon that he’s decided to join us. He’s had offers from other places.”

Hornchurch won the National League South play-off final in May. Ex-Addicks midfielder Rob Lee was appointed director of football in June.

Ryan Inniss has joined Hornchurch

Ty-me for a loan

Charlton’s teenage defender Ty Ewens-Findlay has signed a new 12-month contract and joined Crawley Town on loan. The full story is here.

World Cup semi-finals for Ez

Ezri Konsa was part of the England side which defeated Norway 2-1 to reach the last four of the World Cup.

The Three Lions will face Argentina next on Wednesday evening in Atlanta.

Konsa had played every minute for his country at the tournament before Saturday’s quarter-final but was substituted for Morgan Rogers in the 88th minute.

The former Charlton Athletic defender has 26 caps. He played at right-back against Norway, shifting across due to Jarell Quansah’s suspension.

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We discuss the pre-season friendly action - Miles Leaburn scored the Addicks’ goal - and also the fact that Lyndon Dykes has been spotted by an eagle-eyed Bristol City supporter in his…

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The 19-year-old defender is set to spend the whole campaign with the League Two side.

Ty Ewens-Findlay/Picture: Kyle Andrews

Ewens-Findlay joined the Addicks after being let go at U18 level by Cambridge United in May 2025.

The teenager had signed for the U’s at the beginning of his U16 year.

Charlton announced Ewens-Findlay’s arrival in August.

Then academy boss Tom Pell told the club’s website: “Bringing new players into the academy is always exciting and to do this within the U21s squad is great.

“We work a lot on identifying the right characters, players that align with our player profiles, and those that we feel ultimately have the potential to impact our men’s first-team squad in the coming years.”

Ewens-Findlay was named in the first-team squad for the EFL Cup tie at Cambridge United in August but was an unused substitute.

Charlton’s lead U21s coach Chris Lock said: “He is strong, explosive, aerially dominant and aggressive. He also possesses excellent technique. Last season we spent a lot of time developing him, and over the course of the season, he grew from strength to strength. This loan to Crawley gives him the chance to test himself in the EFL against established, seasoned professionals.

“Hopefully, he comes back to Charlton and is able to challenge for a place. He is a talented lad with high potential.”

Crawley narrowly avoided relegation to the National League in the previous campaign as they finished 22nd in the table.

The West Sussex-based club signed Charlton winger Kaheim Dixon on loan last season but the Jamaican international was recalled at the start of February after falling out of the first-team picture under manager Scott Lindsey.

Lindsey was sacked in March and replaced by Colin Kazim-Richards on a short-term deal. Kazim-Richards agreed a new deal in May.

“Ty is yet another excellent acquisition to the playing squad, and we are delighted to get this one over the line,” said Kazim-Richard. “Ty is very versatile, and can play in a variety of different roles across the defence and midfield if needed.

“He is very athletic and gives us a lot of ability, so we are very pleased that he is with us for the season.”

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But if the former Norwich and Southampton winger does not do enough to land a contract with the Addicks, it could mean the 32-year-old is forced to set his sights below England’s top two divisions for the first time in his career.

Nathan Redmond played for Charlton at Dartford on Friday night/Picture: Keith Gillard

Redmond’s footballing CV is impressive. One England cap but also 10 goals and 39 appearances at U21 level. He has made 276 Premier League appearances and completed 115 matches in the Championship. Plus he had a productive time playing for Besiktas in Turkey.

But that only tells part of the story….the good times.

That spell in the Super Lig, in the 2022-23 season, is the last time Redmond, who made his debut for Birmingham City at the age of 16 years and 173 days, played regularly (more than 1,000 minutes in a single campaign) and produced attacking returns.

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In this 10th instalment, Varney talks about his attempts to bring a buyer to the table that would allow Roland Duchatelet to end his ownership of the Addicks and also his involvement in Thomas Sandgaard’s takeover in September 2020.

Thomas Sandgaard at a Charlton game in September 2020/Picture: Kyle Andrews

MEIRE MISSED MEETINGS, DUCHATELET CLAIMED I WAS A CARD MEMBER AND SANDGAARD WAS ANNOYED BY HOME TRUTHS

Peter Varney has mentioned before that he would always try to help Charlton Athletic if they looked in trouble - especially when it came to ownership issues. But dealing with Roland Duchatelet and Thomas Sandgaard proved to be a tricky business - especially when it came to the former, whose running of the football club left supporters in mutinous mood.

Before I discuss my attempts to speak to Roland Duchatelet, the first email I sent to him was in 2015, there is a need to provide a bit of context first.

This will partly serve to explain my motives and also an issue which surfaced once I tried to reach out to Duchatelet.

In January 2008 there was a massive breakdown in the relationships of the main directors which led to Richard Murray being replaced as chairman on the most powerful committee at Charlton, which was the PLC one.

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Charlton boss trialling back four set-up

Reece Burke makes a tackle against Dartford/Picture: Keith Gillard

Charlton Athletic started their pre-season friendlies with a 1-0 victory at Dartford on Friday night - and one of the main talking points to come out of the match was the formation.

The Addicks set up as a back four at Princes Park Stadium. I’ve got to thank Charlie Kelman for letting me quickly know that inside the opening minutes, as myself and pod host Louis Mendez had been deep in discussion about the set-up, wondering if Rob Apter, who scored the only goal, was playing as a right wing-back.

Charlton’s second-half team sat behind the press row and Kelman explained that it had been a shape they had worked on during their first week back in training.

We broke down the way the side played in the first post-match pod of the season.

“Last year we were 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 - we didn’t change,” said Charlton boss Nathan Jones. “Today we played a four and have gone with wide ones.

Charlton played 4-3-3 in the first 45 minutes at Dartford (above) and persisted with a back four in the second period but with totally different playing personnel (below)/Graphics from FotMob

“We need an influx of one or two players, in terms of quality, in certain areas but we have to be flexible.”

One player returning with extra motivation is Apter, a 2025 summer signing from Blackpool.

The 23-year-old winger opted for a loan move away from Charlton in the January transfer window after just 13 appearances in the first half of the campaign.

But his temporary switch to Bolton Wanderers proved to be even more frustrating as he played just 707 minutes and did not make their squad for any of their League One play-off matches.

Rob Apter scores for Charlton/Picture: Keith Gillard

Jones spoke about Charlton needing to make ruthless decisions and execute excellent recruitment after their final game of last season at Swansea.

The Welshman was asked if pre-season represented a second chance for some of the players who had been on the fringes last time around.

“Being ruthless is not getting rid of players,” responded Jones. “Rob was a victim last year. We played a certain way last year. Then we signed James Bree who, for me, is a Premier League player.

“Rob just got frustrated that someone was playing ahead of him. Breezer went back and he (Apter) could’ve played but he wanted to go and get game time, so we allowed him to do that.

“This year now it is about all those that had their first seasons in the Championship last year. It was a big step up for a lot of them. The Championship is a ruthless level.

“We had to get them a bit more up to speed. A few of them are going to have to do a hell of a lot to get to Championship level. That is what pre-season is about.”

Next stop for the Addicks was Slovenia. The squad flew on Saturday and play Maribor on Friday evening.

“We’d have liked one or two more in for that bonding week but that’s fine,” Jones told the club’s X account.

Trialist Nathan Redmond has jetted out with Charlton for their training camp.

Ivan Mesik puts a pen to paper/Picture: Charlton Athletic/Focus Images

Ins and outs

Charlton’s transfer window cranked into gear last week.

There were two incoming deals with Slovakian international defender Ivan Mesik arriving first on Tuesday. The 25-year-old left-footer, who signed until the summer of 2030, joined from Dutch club Heracles Almelo.

South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition spoke to Mesik about his switch to SE7 and you can find it here.

Thursday saw another new face added to the squad, Dundee’s Billy Koumetio, 23, making a permanent transfer.

The former Liverpool centre-back also had a chat with us about his return to English football - click here to read more.

Charlton’s 2025 League One play-off hero Macaulay Gillesphey has signed a two-year contract with Bradford City.

Striker Gassan Ahadme is back out on loan for the coming campaign - this time a return to Cambridge United and a reunion with boss Neil Harris.

Zach Mitchell playing for Charlton in last season’s friendly opener at Dartford/Picture: Keith Gillard

Zach Mitchell set to be a Saint

Charlton are expected to confirm the loan exit of Zach Mitchell this week to St Johnstone.

The 21-year-old centre-back is contracted to the Addicks until next summer.

Charlton have a 12-month extension option but there has to be a major question mark whether they will activate that.

Mitchell is coming off the back of a very unproductive loan at Hibernian in the first half of last season.

He made just two appearances in the Scottish Premiership before he was recalled by Charlton in January. His only first-team involvement after returning to his parent club was as an unused substitute at Oxford United in March.

Mitchell played the two EFL Cup ties before joining Hibs. He previously spent time with St Johnstone at the end of the 2024-25 season.

One of Cambridge United’s X posts after they added Patrick Bauer to their playing squad

Ex-Addicks on the move

Patrick Bauer has signed a one-year contract with Cambridge United after leaving AFC Wimbledon. U’s boss Neil Harris said: “He brings the experience of the position, leadership qualities, and a real desire to help us develop and improve as a football club in this division.”

Championship new boys Bolton Wanderers have added Akin Famewo to their playing ranks. The centre-back has signed a three-year deal and joins for an undisclosed fee.

Eoghan O’Connell has signed a two-year contract with Stockport County. The defender, 30, was a free agent after rejecting a new deal at Barnsley.

Crawley have confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Joe Wollacott. The West Sussex side had been in discussions to try and agree an extension.

Wollacott, Tom McIntyre and Jonny Williams were all on week one of the PFA pre-season training camp, which aims to help free agents secure a new club.

Abraham Odoh has signed for Salford for an undisclosed fee from Peterborough.

You only sing when you’re winning

But not in Sean Clare’s case.

The ex-Charlton Athletic player, now at Leyton Orient, appears to have his sights set on a musical career judging by his Instagram posts of late.

Clare hosted a live music event in May, in memory of one of his closest friends, James Barker.

Click below to have a listen.

TV dates

Charlton’s opening game of the 2026-27 season - Cheltenham away in the EFL Cup on August 8 - will kick off at 5.30pm after being selected for coverage on Sky Sports+.

The broadcaster has also picked the away matches at Stoke City (September 5) and Cardiff City (September 19) to be shown on Sky Sports+ as well with 12.30pm kick offs.

The home match against QPR will be on Sky Sports Football and is an 8pm start.

Picture: Kyle Andrews

RSK agree new sponsorship deal

Charlton will have RSK Group as their front of shirt sponsor in the 2026-27 season.

The Addicks announced on Wednesday that they had extended their agreement. RSK, whose chief executive Alan Ryder is a Charlton fan, are also the club’s sustainability partner.

Ryder said: “Seeing our name on the front of the shirts is a real privilege and reflects a shared commitment not only to success on the pitch but also to making a positive impact beyond it, including the club’s environmental work.”

TodayTix have become the club’s new ‘official experience partner’. I’ve got absolutely no idea what that means. But what I do know is that their logo will be on the back of the men and women’s first-team shirts.

Brian Fenty, chief executive and co-founder of TodayTix Group, said: “Partnering with Charlton Athletic is a significant moment for TodayTix - it marks our commitment to bringing live events to new audiences, and we couldn't have found a better club to do it with.”

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The striker is now a free agent after his short-term contract with the Addicks expired on July 1.

Dykes had been with Scotland at the World Cup but they were knocked out of the competition at the group stage. Their final fixture was on June 24 - a 3-0 loss to Brazil.

The 30-year-old scored three goals in 20 matches for the Addicks after signing from Birmingham City in the middle of January.

Charlton announced in early May that they had made a contract offer to Dykes.

Jones was quizzed after last night’s 1-0 friendly victory over Dartford where things stood with the big frontman.

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The 32-year-old winger, capped once by England and formerly in the Premier League with Norwich City and Southampton, is a free agent after leaving Blackburn Rovers at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Redmond played the second 45 minutes of the 1-0 victory at Princes Park. Rob Apter scored the only goal before half-time.

Manager Jones was asked by South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition whether Redmond would be joining the Addicks for their training camp in Slovenia.

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Rob Apter opened the scoring for the Addicks shortly before half-time. Miles Leaburn had failed to convert a penalty in the 11th minute.

Former Southampton and Norwich winger Nathan Redmond is on trial with the south Londoners and played the secon…

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Patrick Casey celebrates scoring for Charlton’s U18s in May 2024/Picture: Keith Gillard

The Addicks announced in the middle of May that the 20-year-old had been offered new terms as part of an update they provided on their academy retained list.

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The Addicks confirmed the acquisition of the 23-year-old centre-back from Dundee for an undisclosed fee. Scottish media reported that the Championship club had multiple six-figure bids knocked back before striking an agreement, reportedly in the region of £500,000.

Koumetio has signed a four-year contract.

The Daily Record claimed in late April that Phil Chapple, Charlton’s head of recruitment, had attended Dundee United’s 3-0 derby win over Dundee to run the rule over Will Ferry and Luke Graham.

But regular listeners to the South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition podcast were told that the duo were not the reason for Chapple’s trip across the border. Koumetio played the full 90 minutes in the derby.

Billy Koumetio has impressed for Dundee/Picture: Alamy

This website caught up with Koumetio to discuss his switch to SE7.

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No fee has been disclosed for the centre-back, 30. He has signed a two-year contract with the Bantams, who lost in last season’s League One play-off semi-finals against Bolton Wanderers.

Gillesphey was the hero for Charlton in the same knockout competition in 2025. It was his 31st-minute free-kick which proved the difference as the south Londoners won promotion to the Championship as they squeezed past Leyton Orient.

Macaulay Gillesphey (right) with Greg Docherty after Charlton’s League One play-off final win/Picture: Kyle Andrews

Gillesphey, signed from Plymouth Argyle in January 2024, signed a new two-year contract after the Addicks bade farewell to England’s third tier.

In total he made 109 appearances for Charlton and scored eight times, none more important than the set-piece finish at the national stadium.

Gillesphey looked shaky in his opening months on the club’s payroll but was pretty much a constant presence in their defence as the team kept 26 clean sheets in the 2024-25 season.

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He played the full 90 minutes in all three of their play-off ties, Nathan Jones’ side posting shutouts in all of them, and started 43 of their matches in the regulation campaign.

Gillesphey’s left-sided central defensive spot came under fresh threat from Amari’i Bell, signed on a free transfer from Luton Town last season. The Jamaican international had a few periods sidelined with injury and Gillesphey was the natural replacement. The biggest concern was that he looked vulnerable to pacey or powerful attackers.

Gillesphey scored in 3-0 wins over Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town last season. His final outing for Charlton was the 3-1 loss at Swansea on the final day, the ex-Carlisle United and Newcastle player completed the full 90 minutes.

Bradford finished fourth in League One in the previous campaign, level on 77 points with third-placed Stockport County. They lost 2-0 on aggregate to Bolton, who went on to win the final against the Hatters and join Lincoln City and Cardiff City in the Championship.

Bantams boss Graham Alexander is confident they can bounce back from their play-off heartbreak. It was their first season at League One level after promotion in May 2025, ending six years in League Two.

"I just think we need to double down on what we are,” said Alexander after their loss to Wanderers. “We need to improve, but we've got the blueprint for something that can be successful and the supporters can be part of.”

Alexander spoke to Bradford’s official website after the addition of Gillesphey. He said: “Macaulay joins us after a successful spell at Charlton, following on from another at Plymouth, winning promotion to the Championship at both.

“He is a very good defender with excellent ability in possession. His attributes will help us progress, and he was very determined to join us. We are excited to work with him.”

Macaulay Gillesphey celebrates his play-off final goal with Alex Gilbert, Thierry Small and Conor Coventry/Picture: Kyle Andrews

Gillesphey told Charlton’s official website: “The last two-and-a-half years have been some of the best of my life and I’ll always look back at my time here with a huge amount of pride. We went through plenty of ups and downs, but those ups have been something else.

“The play-off semi-final against Wycombe was obviously special, but for me to be the one to score the winner at Wembley, in front of nearly 40,000 Addicks, is something me and my family will always treasure.

“Charlton quickly became our home and my daughter was born here, so we’ll always have a special connection with this club and the area. Thank you for everything.”

Addicks boss Jones added: “We’d like to thank Macca.

“We’ve had two-and-a-half really productive years since he first came in. We had some real open and honest conversations about what he needed to do to play in our team and he adjusted quickly. He then had a fantastic year in League One, which culminated in him scoring one of the most important goals in Charlton’s recent history. He then proved that he could also play in the Championship.

“We wish him all the best. He’s going to a fantastic football club with a wonderful manager, because I know Graham Alexander very well.

“I’m sure he’ll be at the top end of League One again and fighting for another promotion. We wish him all the best and thank him for all that he’s done for the club.”

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