Football Season Guide

Jake Forster-Caskey was a bright yet flickering light in an otherwise dark and chaotic season for Charlton Athletic. That light continues to flicker as, despite signing a new deal, he faces another lengthy absence following another significant injury. It is an indictment of the 2020/21 campaign that a player blighted by injury was a cause for optimism. Some more light can be seen in the appointment of Nigel Adkins in March, who oversaw a considerable improvement in both performances and results following Lee Bowyer’s decision to leave and take over at Birmingham City. The Addicks have been blighted by off-field problems for too long now and things are starting to look a little brighter now. Stability is sorely needed and Adkins might be the man to provide it. He has overseen a summer of change with several of last season’s squad leaving for pastures new. The influence of Liverpool loanee Liam Millar will certainly be missed. Craig MacGillivray has joined from Portsmouth and will take over from Ben Amos between the sticks. George Dobson will be hoping to establish himself after a disappointing time at Sunderland whilst Akin Famewo has returned for another season on loan from Norwich City and Jayden Stockley’s move from Preston North End has been made permanent. More additions are expected before the end of August and, under the relentlessly positive Adkins, the Addicks can look forward with a sense of hope.