Garner says Addicks will work within budget constraints when asked if Aneke knock highlights need for extra striker

Charlton boss Ben Garner says he will have to work within budget constraints set by the club and EFL financial restrictions when asked if he’ll be looking to bolster his frontline options.

The Addicks parted ways with strikers Conor Washington, Mason Burstow and Josh Davison this summer. The emergence of Miles Leaburn in pre-season is the only addition to the forward line – with last season’s top-scorer Jayden Stockley and Chuks Aneke at the top of the pecking order.

Aneke, who has suffered with injuries throughout his career, is set for a scan on his calf this morning after hobbling out of Friday evening’s friendly with non-league Welling United.

When asked if this brings back into focus the need for further recruitment up top, Garner said: “We’re still looking to strengthen without doubt. First port of call, we’re hoping that isn’t serious with Chuks.

“In terms of recruitment, in terms of the squad – we’re working hard behind the scenes in terms of players that we feel will strengthen us further.

“Alongside that, we’ve probably got to balance the books a little bit. That will be ongoing until the window closes. Hopefully we will get that done before the last day of the window, in advance. But we’ll keep going until we get it where we want to.

“Not necessarily before,” added Garner when asked if that meant there would need to be some outgoings before more players will arrive at The Valley.

“But I think we do need to balance the squad a little bit and obviously you’ve got the financial fair play, the SCMP (salary cost management protocols) etc. We need to make sure that we’re within those criteria and I need to make sure I’m inside the budget that I’ve been set. We need to look at that – it’s not a case of go and sign who you want and get players in. It needs to be within the budget set by the club.”

Garner has favoured a 4-3-3 formation throughout pre-season. The shape sees one out and out striker operate alongside two wide men – and the manager is confident that Stockley is well-suited for the system he intends to play.

Nigel Adkins also played Stockley as the main focal point in a front three at the start of last season but dropped the former Exeter City man from his starting 11 after a difficult start to the campaign. Stockley then went on to forge a decent partnership with Washington as Johnnie Jackson switched to two up top when he replaced the outgoing Adkins.

Speaking after Saturday’s 2-1 pre-season loss at home to Swansea City, Garner said: “Yes, I do [feel Stockley fits the system]. I feel today was by far and away the best he’s looked in pre-season. He looked fitter, he’s looked sharper. His link-up play and some of his ability to bring others into the game was fantastic today.

“He’s really bought into the approach of how we’re going to play without the ball and being a lot more aggressive. He’s fantastic around the place. He’s been, not a surprise, but a real bonus in terms of his character and leadership. The way he is in the dressing room. I’ve been really impressed with him since day one.”

PHOTOS: KEITH GILLARD