Football Season Guide

Charlton Athletic have been treading water in League One for three seasons now and their fans are becoming increasing frustrated. The lack of progress stems from ownership issues and the last takeover was completed in the summer with former Sunderland director Charlie Methven fronting a US-led consortium. He didn’t exactly cover himself in glory whilst in the North East and there will be plenty of scepticism in this particular part of East London. The new owners have inherited Dean Holden as their head coach. He dealt well with the uncertainty above him to guide the club to a top-half finish. He was however indebted to the remarkable talent of Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who outshone most during his season-long loan. Replacing him will be almost impossible. Another positive was the emergence of striker Miles Leaburn, son of former Addicks frontman Karl. He finished with a dozen goals and has already caught the attention of clubs in higher divisions. He could follow in the footsteps of striker Mason Burstow, who signed for Premier League giants Chelsea after bursting on the scene. Holden has to remould his squad and there have been three strong additions so far. Goalkeeper Harry Isted was superb for Barnsley last season; centre-back Lloyd Jones was coveted by many whilst the capture of striker Alfie May is a real coup. He has been integral to Cheltenham Town’s success over the last three years. Left-back Tayo Edun and midfielder Terry Taylor are the latest additions and it seems like the Addicks are finally ready to challenge for promotion again.