Charlton defensive prospect signs new two-year deal – but midfielder James Vennings released

Charlton Athletic have announced their academy retained list – with Lucas Ness signing a new two-year contract. But midfielder James Vennings, who helped Bromley win the FA Trophy yesterday afternoon, has been released.

Ness joined the Addicks in 2020 and featured 13 times during a loan spell at Hampton & Richmond Borough this season.

Academy director Steve Avory, said: “I’m delighted that Lucas has accepted.

“He’s a centre-back who has progressed very well this season. He’s a good defender essentially, he’s got the physical profile and the height as well that is needed for that centre-back position but his strengths are that he is a very good one-versus-one defender, who certainly has the pace that is needed to play in that position as well.

“What’s developed pretty well this season is his ability on the ball, in terms of the work that he’s doing with Anthony Hayes and Dan Senda and the U23s group and the way he’s become a much better centre-back in terms of starting our attacks and building the attacks, so his in possession game has much improved this season.”

Billy French, also a defender, has signed a one-year contract with the club. 

Avory said: “He deserves that opportunity because I know that Billy French is a player who can play at a good level of senior football and obviously I’m optimistic that that can be with this club.”

The club have triggered contract options for an additional year for Nazir Bakrin, Charles Clayden, Dylan Gavin, Sam Oguntayo and Harris O’Connor. Euan Williams and Nathan Harvey have been offered fresh terms.

The following academy players will leave the club following the expiration of their contracts.

Charlton are releasing Vennings, Terrell Agyemang, Wassim Aouachria, Jimmy Appiah, Hady Ghandour, Johl Powell and Harry Whitling.