Ben Amos and Dillon Phillips to battle it out for Charlton goalkeeping spot
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Ben Amos signed for Charlton Athletic yesterday – with boss Lee Bowyer making it clear that the fight for the number one spot is on.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper was released by Bolton Wanderers at the end of June.
Amos, who spent last season on loan with Millwall, has penned a contract until next summer – with the option of another 12 months.
He played 50 matches for Charlton in the 2017-18 season as they reached the League One play-offs. But hopes of him heading back in the previous campaign were dashed when the Lions snapped him up.
“We didn’t think we’d be able to afford him if I’m honest,” said Bowyer. “But Ben put the financial side of things to one side and just chose us because he loved it here last time.
“He knows we have got Marsh [Andy Marshall] here as goalkeeping coach and he’s seen how well he has done with Dillon [Phillips].
“You put those things as a package and he couldn’t stay away. He wants to be a part of that, part of what we are doing.”
Phillips was understudy to Amos the last time he was with Charlton. But the former Manchester United keeper was an ever-present in the league in the second half of last season. Bowyer said: “Whoever is doing the best will play.
“Dillon did that last season. He started the season, made some mistakes and Jed [Steer] went in. Dillon got another chance and then kept Chris Maxwell out because he didn’t make any mistakes. He played well, he was solid.
“We have got games to go before the start of the season and I’ll be judging them fairly. The best keeper will start – it’s that simple. It is the same in every positon – the best right-back will start, the best left-back will start. You pick your best side.
“We have got two very good goalkeepers. I think it is the best situation the club has been in for years on the goalkeeper front – two permanent goalkeepers who are going to be battling for the number one spot. The good thing is that Ben coming in opens up a loan space. It’s a win-win for us.”
Bowyer has not dismissed a loan link to Liverpool midfielder Herbie Kane, pictured left. The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers. He is also mooted as a target for Hull City and Brentford.
“He is a good player,” said the Charlton manager. “We played against him in the play-offs. I like him, he’s a good footballer.”
Bowyer wants two strikers and up to four midfielders.
“By the end of this week we could have another couple through the door,” he said.