Charlton Athletic sign former Forest and Palace midfielder Ben Watson – to kick off Thomas Sandgaard reign in style

Charlton Athletic will make Ben Watson the first signing of the Thomas Sandgaard era.

The 35-year-old midfielder, who left Nottingham Forest at the end of last season, has been lined up for a number of weeks but could not sign because the League One outfit were under a transfer embargo.

Sandgaard announced he had taken control of the Addicks today and that he had passed the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test.

The embargo, which has been in place since January, has been lifted.

The signing of Watson is a coup for the Addicks as the former Crystal Palace man was one of the standout performers for Sabri Lamouchi’s side.

It was suggested that personal circumstances were behind the Camberwell-born players leaving the City Ground.

And Lamouchi’s comments in September backed that up: “He had an amazing season – probably one of the best midfielders in the Championship.

“He was fantastic.

“But for personal reasons – his family is living in London – he is looking at a club in London.

“He was my captain and my brain on the pitch, so just for that, ‘thank you so much’.

“If we can do something with him, we will do it. If not, I will just say ‘all the best’, because he was a fantastic player and a fantastic captain.”