Charlton confirm transfer for Coventry striker

Charlton Athletic have announced the signing of Matty Godden from Coventry City for an undisclosed fee.

The experienced striker, who scored nine goals in 25 starts for the Sky Bet Championship side last season, has agreed a two-year deal, with a club option of a further year.

Godden lifted the Sky Bet League One title with Coventry during his last season at this level and finished as the Sky Blues’ top scorer, which earned him a place in the 2019/20 PFA League One Team of the Year.

“The gaffer and I both outlined our targets and they lined up; we both want to achieve the same end goal and that’s something that was really important in me coming here,” Godden said.

Manager Nathan Jones is delighted to make Godden his fifth summer signing.

He added: “Matt’s a fantastic acquisition for the football club. He has proven pedigree and is a proven goalscorer at every level he has played.

“We’ve chased him all summer and he’s shown a real desire to want to come and sign for the football club, so I’m delighted he’s joining us.”

Technical director Andy Scott commented: “We’re really pleased to bring Matt to Charlton. He’s a player that has played a large part of his career in a Championship team, in Coventry City, who have been progressing to challenge at the top of the league.

“He scores goals – his record wherever he has played highlights that and he also contributes with his physicality and hold-up play. He’s a team player who has an incredible attitude to the game and his career. Off the ball he works hard for the team and his pressing ability should fit in well with the way that Nathan wants us to play.

“As I said when we signed Luke Berry, throughout this summer we want to add quality, experience and a winning mentality to the young talent we have in our squad. Like Luke, Matt brings exactly that and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact he can have.”

The Canterbury-born forward began his career with Scunthorpe United, where he progressed through the youth ranks to make his professional debut in September 2010 in an EFL Cup tie against Manchester United.

While with Scunthorpe, he gained first-team experience during a series of loan spells at Brigg Town, Ilkeston Town, Gainsborough Trinity, Ebbsfleet United, Dartford and Tamworth.

Godden rejoined Ebbsfleet on a permanent basis in May 2014 and immediately impressed. The prolific frontman scored 43 goals in 82 appearances for the Fleet and was named in the 2015/16 National League South Team of the Year.

He signed for Stevenage in the summer of 2016 and continued his scoring form, scoring 21 goals in his debut season at the Lamex Stadium to win the club’s 2016/17 Player of the Year award.

Godden netted another 14 times during the following campaign before joining Sky Bet League One outfit Peterborough United.

After bagging 18 goals in his debut season with Posh, he made the move to Coventry where he tasted promotion to the Championship in his inaugural campaign and has since remained a key part of the Sky Blues’ squad.

Bringing a wealth of experience with 460 career appearances, Godden joins the Addicks following a successful five-year spell at the Coventry Building Society Arena, where he scored 50 goals in 110 starts.