‘I don’t like a big squad’ – Charlton boss Ben Garner on whether there needs to be transfer outgoings

Ben Garner has admitted there are probably a couple of areas of his Charlton Athletic squad that could do with thinning before the transfer window closes.

The Addicks kick off their League One campaign at Accrington Stanley today.

Charlton are thought to be receptive to offers for Jake Forster-Caskey and Alex Gilbey with their midfield options boosted by the signings of Jack Payne and Conor McGrandles.

Asked about whether there needs to be outgoings to help balance plans to strengthen further, Garner told the South London Press: “It wasn’t a big squad when I walked in, I think there were 12 or 13 that had gone from last season. I have an optimum squad number that I like to work with. I don’t like a big squad.

“I wouldn’t have, for example, 25 or 26 professional players because I think it’s hard to get the unity, togetherness and the team spirit right when you’ve got too many who don’t feature.

“I want a pathway for young players to progress from our academy.

“We certainly need to add in one or two areas still. But there are one or two areas where probably there are one or two players over what we’d like and that competition is strong. It’s good for me, in some ways, that I’ve got that depth. But I also have to be realistic and understand if a player is not going to play enough that he may want to go elsewhere.

“I have to be respectful of the player and what is best for his family as well.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS