Nigel Adkins gives his verdict on Charlton Athletic deal for George Dobson

Charlton Athletic manager Nigel Adkins feels George Dobson has the right mentality to blend perfectly into his squad.

The Addicks made the 23-year-old midfielder their third signing of the summer transfer window.

He still had 12 months to run on his Sunderland contract but saw that terminated early.

Dobson has signed a deal until the summer of 2023

AFC Wimbledon were also keen on Dobson. The former Arsenal and West Ham youngster made 24 appearances after joining them on loan in January.

He clocked up 91 games in two seasons with Walsall before Sunderland handed him a three-year contract in July 2019.

But he had made only five League One appearances last season before the Dons offered a League One lifeline at the start of 2021.

“George is still a very young football player who has played a lot of games of football already in the Football League,” Adkins told the South London Press. “He has captained clubs he has been at.

“He has got the right character we are looking for – he is a combative and tenacious midfield player. He’s got lots to improve on still, which I’ve talked with him about.

“But he’s young and he’s hungry. I’m sure he’ll add to the very good group of players we have got. We’ve got a group who are very good characters.

“We’re trying to get the right people to come and join us on the journey we’re on.”

Dobson can also play as a centre-back.

He told the club’s official website: “I’m delighted, the size of the club, the manager, the fans – it has everything really. When I found out about the interest it was something that really intrigued and interested me. Then obviously once you have conversations and find out the manager’s aspirations for you, it was a no brainer.”

“George is a player our recruitment team have been looking at very closely and highlighted as one of our priorities,” added Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD