Charlton Athletic set to target adding more physical presence in summer transfer window

Johnnie Jackson has admitted that boosting the height and aerial power of his Charlton Athletic side is a key consideration for the summer transfer window.

The Addicks have conceded 10 goals in their last four matches – shipping four in Saturday’s reverse at the hands of Oxford United.

Charlton kept four clean sheets in their opening five matches when Jackson was in caretaker charge following the dismissal of Nigel Adkins.

And the Addicks boss reckons at least part of their vulnerability is down to missing the aerial ability of Jayden Stockley and Chuks Aneke, although all Oxford’s goals at the weekend were low strikes.

Stockley, so dominant in the air, has been out since the start of December.

“We’ve been caught on the counter-attack quite a bit and conceded a few from set-pieces – the personnel doesn’t help with that on certain ones,” said Jackson.

“There are certain ones who make you stronger in your own box. But when you attack you have to be vigilant as well and that is something we’ve maybe gone away from – are we prepared and ready to do our job if there is a turnover?

“I haven’t had the opportunity to put Ryan Inniss, Jayden Stockley and Conor Washington on the pitch together and that would make a big difference in either box.

“We’re not a big side and that has been a little bit of our downfall. If you take Inniss, Stockley and a couple of others out we’re not a big team and set-pieces are a big part of the game. We need to think about that when we plan as well for next season.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS