Charlton boss: We’d have liked to sign Gilbey and Washington in January transfer window

Lee Bowyer has revealed he wanted to sign Alex Gilbey in January – but Charlton’s transfer embargo prevented a deal from progressing.

The midfielder signed last week from Milton Keynes for an undisclosed fee.

Gilbey won back-to-back Player of the Year awards before heading to SE7 and looks a quality addition to the Addicks’ midfield ranks.

“He was one we looked at in January but we were under an embargo and couldn’t sign anyone,” said Charlton boss Bowyer. “We couldn’t spend any money – not that we had any!

“We’d have had to pay for him and it became impossible.

“We were interesting in him and Conor [Washington] when we were in the Championship. Now we have them. It’s good business for the club – two good players who will improve our squad.

“Both of them score goals, which is something we lacked at the end of last season.

“Gilbey is a box-to-box player. He’s a fighter and he can finish, although we need to work on that side of his game. But he’s definitely going to bring us energy and we’re going to need that in the middle of the park.

“Washington brings us pace, experience and a threat up top. He will create chances on his own. I’m looking for him to bring some experience at the top end.

“Both will improve here – that’s 100 per cent. We have to be mindful it is a change of scenery and a different way of playing – a different mentality to where they’ve been before. It might take them a few weeks to settle in. But it won’t take long until they get going again.”