The Charlton lowdown ahead of 2023-24 season

 The South London Press rounds up the transfer activity at Charlton along with predicting the players and teams who could be at the top and bottom of the League One standings.

CHARLTON STATS + VERDICT

Last season’s league position: 10th (League One)

Top-scorer: Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (15)

Most appearances: George Dobson (53 in all competitions)

Players in: Harry Isted (Luton, free), Lloyd Jones (Cambridge, free), Tayo Edun (Blackburn), Alfie May (Cheltenham), Terry Taylor, Burton), Panutche Camara (Ipswich, loan)

Players out: Sean Clare (Wigan, free), Albie Morgan (Blackpool, free), Alex Gilbey (MK Dons, free), Nathan Harness (MK Dons, free), Joe Wollacott (Hibernian), Sam Lavelle (Carlisle, free), Macauley Bonne (free)

KEY PLAYER: Alfie May – The striker has been prolific in the past couple of campaigns at Cheltenham and should be heavily in the goals again. His mobility also allows the Addicks to press from the front.

THE PROSPECT: Karoy Anderson. Could easily have plumped for Nathan Asiimwe but the 18-year-old midfielder has looked super exciting in friendly outings. Getting him signed on a new deal – he is out of contract next summer – is a priority.

TOP TWO: Derby, Bolton

PLAY-OFFS: Charlton, Oxford, Blackpool, Portsmouth

RELEGATED: Cambridge, Cheltenham, Carlisle, Northampton

OPINION: Gavin Billenness (My Only Desire Magazine): “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t cautiously optimistic. Despite some exciting acquisitions this summer, due to the takeover dragging its heels, it yet again feels like we’re not quite ready. However if we can get a few results under our belts in the opening month or so while players get up to fitness and the squad is added to, with Dean Holden’s energy and enthusiasm I don’t think a promotion challenging season is beyond the realms of possibility.”

Prediction: Fifth.

OPENING FIXTURES

August 5 – Charlton Athletic v Leyton Orient (League One)

August 8 – Newport County v Charlton Athletic (EFL Cup)

August 12 – Peterborough v Charlton Athletic (League One)

August 19 -Charlton Athletic v Port Vale (League One)

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD