Charlton Athletic striker hoping for contract talks early in 2022

Charlton striker Conor Washington is hoping that talks over a new contract will start in the early part of 2022.

The Northern Ireland international, 29, is due to be a free agent in July.

“It’s never a nice situation as a footballer, coming towards the end of your contract,” Washington told the South London Press.

“But I’m enjoying playing here – especially under Jacko [Johnnie Jackson]. It’s probably as good a rapport that I’ve had with any set of fans. I know I’ve still got to score more goals. That’s not something I’m going to shy away from.

“It’s a massive club and a proud one for me, to be a part of it. My family is settled. My little man goes to school next year.

“I’d like to think contract talks would open up in the next couple of months. But you never know in football, you have to take each day as it comes. It’s not going to affect the way I play or train.”

Washington recently celebrated in front of a packed Covered End after scoring the second goal in a 2-0 win over then League One leaders Plymouth.

“That moment was fantastic,” he said. “When I signed for Charlton, it is those type of games you want to play in. I watched the play-offs and it was some atmosphere then and it’s in the back of your mind. So it was great to be involved, especially in a real assured and professional performance against a really good side that had been 16 games unbeaten.

“We want to give the fans more things to shout about because it is easy for us to say we need them, but we need to give them something for them to get behind us.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS