Ryan Inniss grateful for Crystal Palace’s support – as he targets putting down roots at Charlton Athletic

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Ryan Inniss is hoping to put down roots at Charlton Athletic – but has expressed his gratitude for Crystal Palace’s support.

The 25-year-old centre-back spent more than a decade on the Eagles’ books but made the switch across South London on Tuesday afternoon.

Inniss, capped at England U16 and U17 level, has signed a deal until at least 2022. There is the option of extending that by a further 12 months. The Penge-born defender has had loan spells at nine different clubs.

Inniss attracted Premier League interest when he came through the ranks at Palace – gaining a reputation as one of the leading young players in the country. There was talk of him rejecting Manchester City when he penned his first professional contract at the age of 16.

Inniss was banned for five games for biting an opposing player while playing for Newport County against West Ham U21s in the EFL Trophy.

He was jailed in 2015 while on a season-long loan at Southend United after admitting assault in a nightclub incident. But days later a judge suspended the 18-month sentence following an appeal.

“I spent a lot of time at Palace and I can’t thank them enough,” said Inniss. “They stuck by me on and off the pitch through different challenges I’ve had in my life. I’ve made great strides with their help. I feel like I can go out on my own, with the help of Charlton, and kick right on.

“It’s a permanent move for me and I’m hoping I can find myself a home and be part of the project here, because it’s definitely going to be a big one.”

Inniss has played 39 games in League One and 42 times in League Two.

He also made 13 appearances for Dundee.

“I’m whole-hearted and I like to give everything I’ve got,” he said. “I won’t leave anything out there on the pitch.

“I’m a good leader but I’ve still got a lot to learn in terms of the playing side. At my age and in my position I feel I have got a lot left in me.”

Charlton have once again taken advantage of their good relationship with Chelsea to bring in Ian Maatsen on a season-long loan.

The 18-year-old left-back was signed by the Blues in 2018 from PSV Eindhoven.

Charlton’s previous recent additions from the west London side have worked out well. Atttacking midfielder Conor Gallagher was such a success in the first half of last season that Swansea moved for him in the January transfer window. And Jay Dasilva had two temporary stints with the Addicks, winning Fans’ Player of the Year in the 2017-18 campaign.

Maatsen was released by Feyenoord at the age of seven but then joined Sparta Rotterdam for two years before arriving at PSV in 2015.

His sole senior appearance for Chelsea came in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby in the EFL Cup.

Maatsen’s arrival means there is now a natural left-back to compete with Ben Purrington, who has played every minute this season in the league.

PICTURES: CAFC