Charlton Athletic trio could be movers before transfer deadline day – as managerial exit doesn’t affect plans

Charlton Athletic’s transfer plans will kick on despite Dean Holden’s dismissal last night – with Jack Payne, Charlie Kirk and Conor McGrandles all players that could be moving on before Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline.

The Addicks made a managerial change on Sunday evening as Holden, appointed manager in December, was relieved of his duties. Coach Danny Senda and goalkeeping coach Glyn Shimell also left their positions.

Former Charlton centre-back Jason Pearce, cutting his coaching teeth in the academy, has been placed in caretaker charge with Anthony Hayes assisting him.

The Addicks are likely to face a financial hit even if they can move Kirk on, still facing the prospect of picking up some of his salary.

The winger was a £500,000 signing from Crewe in August 2021 but he has scored just three goals in 43 appearances for the South London club and has been loaned to Blackpool and Burton Albion.

Kirk spent the second half of the previous campaign with Burton.

Payne, 28, arrived on a free transfer from Swindon Town in July 2022 and is understood to have a number of admirers.

Midfielder McGrandles spent the end of last season on loan at Cambridge United. The former Lincoln man has been desperately unlucky with injuries since signing for Charlton, not helping his cause in nailing down a place in their midfield.

Charlton are looking to add a striker before the cut-off at the end of this week and a right-back to provide competition to Nathan Asiimwe. Former Coventry full-back Fankaty Dabo has been training with the SE7 outfit for an extended period and impressed in a development game last week.

Dabo is a free agent, and so can sign outside of the transfer window.

MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD