Transfer window key for Charlton Athletic to boost their League One promotion prospects

Ben Garner is looking forward to chatting with Thomas Sandgaard about what the Charlton Athletic owner has planned for the January window.

US-based Dane Sandgaard told Charlton Athletic Supporters’ Trust that he would be meeting with Garner imminently to talk about “getting the bigger framework right”.

Sandgaard added that the plan will be to try to get deals done early so it does not all come down to deadline day.

Charlton’s squad options could be depleted with centre-back Eoghan O’Connell stretchered off with a knee injury in yesterday’s 4-4 draw with Ipswich. Mandela Egbo was also an early casualty with a groin problem.

Asked if he expected to speak to Sandgaard soon about the transfer window, Addicks boss Garner said: “Hopefully. We need to have a sitdown. Thomas has been back in America and I’ve spoken to him a few times on the phone and Zoom calls. I want to look ahead to January now and know, firstly, what pond we’re fishing in. And whatever pond that is, no problem – as long as I know.

“Then we go to work on it and try to strengthen the key areas and we also need to hope and pray the injuries today aren’t serious. In the meantime we have not got a great deal of depth, we’re quite a small squad and that’s going to be key going through to January – keeping the squad fit and everyone available as far as we can.”

Garner added that Charlton’s promotion prospects can be boosted by a productive next transfer window.

Asked about their play-off prospects, he responded: “It will be a huge effort. It depends what we can do in January. If we can strengthen the squad, get more depth and more high-quality players in then we can certainly have a real push in the second half of the season.

“But my mindset at the moment, being completely honest and transparent with everyone, is just try and stay as high up the league as we can until January. If we can be top eight or top 10 and be in touch with the play-offs and the promotion teams, then strengthen in January, we can have a real push in the second half of the season.”

PICTURES: PAUL EDWARDS