Lee Bowyer: Non-league clubs can pay bigger wages than Charlton Athletic allowed to offer

Lee Bowyer has voiced his frustration at Charlton’s transfer embargo – and say there are non-league players on more money than they can offer.

The Addicks can only offer £1,300 a week – including bonuses and agent fees – as the EFL have hardened the embargo.

East Street Investments have failed to secure EFL approval for their takeover, despite taking control of the SE7 outfit in January.

The Addicks have Wealdstone striker Dennon Lewis on trial and the 23-year-old is likely to be the type of player who could fit into the restricted budget.

But Bowyer says that former Charlton left-back Paul Konchesky was earning more at National League South side Billericay.

“How are we meant to bridge the gap between the top six or seven teams?’ said the Addicks boss. “There are non-league players earning more than what we’re allowed to offer. That’s a fact.

“Paul Konchesky was earning more for Billericay. Now we are playing in League One and have got to offer less than that. So who do they want us to bring in? What level do you want us to bring in? It’s not right.

“I get it, I understand it – we’re under an embargo – but the club is ambitious and wants to get out of this division. It is becoming harder and harder and harder all the time.”