Football Season Guide

It’s been yet another summer of change at the Valley as Charlton Athletic try and find their way out of League One. It was a miserable campaign for Addicks fans as they made a desperate start under manager Nigel Adkins and a renaissance under replacement Johnnie Jackson led only to a mediocre second half of the season. It meant a joint-lowest finish since 1974. Jackson paid for it with his job and Ben Garner has been appointed his successor following an encouraging season as head coach at Swindon Town. Garner’s reputation within football hasn’t really been illustrated by results, especially during a disappointingly short spell at Bristol Rovers but he did enough at the County Ground to earn this move to East London. Garner will be under pressure to bring brighter times and he has already plundered his former club for goalkeeper Joe Wollacott and full-back Mandela Egbo. It came as no surprise when midfielder Jack Payne followed in their footsteps and signed a deal at the Valley. He could make himself unpopular if press reports are proved accurate and midfield playmaker Jake Forster-Caskey is allowed to leave the club. He is a fans favourite despite having suffered two long-term injuries in recent years. It’s unlikely any of the other departures this summer will be missed by the fans however. The additions of centre-back Eoghan O’Connell, wing-back Steven Sessegnon and midfielder Conor McGrandles will certainly strengthen the squad and all that seems missing at the moment in another season to support Jayden Stockley.