Charlton close to signing QPR striker

Richard Cawley, now driving to Cambridge, has reported that Charlton are closing on a deal to sign QPR striker and US international Charlie Kelman.

Career details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Kelman

'Experts' predict 23rd place relegation

In their season preview Four Four Two magazine forecast that Charlton will be relegated from the Championship in 23rd place.   Admittedly they did forecast we would dice with relegation in the year Chris Powell won the League One championship.

The magazine lists some of the players we have added, 'but still have more work to do to improve on their League One squad.  Will a siege mentality be enough to overcome the talent gap?'

However, in the fan file, Ramsgate-based fan Rick Everitt predicts a 16th place finish and 'we'll be more than happy with that.'

Everitt states 'Charlton are back at the level that fans expect and that the club's history, stadium and size of support merit.  The Addicks hadn't spent so long in the third tier since the1920s.'

'Fans think our ownership is well-intentioned but obscure .... Given that their immediate predecessor liked to play his guitar on the pitch, we're just relieved.'

'Our most underrated player is Kayne Ramsay, a right back we picked up from Harrogate Town in February 2024.   His composure in possession has stood out.'

'Fans think our gaffer has proven himself by turning things around after a difficult spell.  Nathan Jones is a very emotional and animated presence on the touchline, and he was won the fans' trust.'

Moaners' spokesman Desmond from Deal was not convinced by the warm words from around the coast: 'Four Four Two have taken a long, cold hard look at the facts.  Mark my words, six weeks and the wheels will be off and then where will the so-called Welsh Wizard be?   He is no Messiah.'

Biggest signing since 2015

Richard Cawley reports on X: ‘Signing number seven for Charlton is their biggest spend of the transfer window - Rob Apter from Blackpool. Most exciting addition of the summer so far? The 22-year-old Scouser, capped by Scotland at U21 level, has penned a deal until the summer of 2029.’

Cawley states: ‘Transfer fees are very tricky to pin down precisely but Apter’s fee is likely to be the biggest paid by the Addicks since they reportedly parted with £2million to bring in centre-back Naby Sarr from Sporting Lisbon in July 2015. One website has claimed that the transfer of the Tangerines’ prize asset exceeds that sum.

It’s definitely the most expensive outlay by owners Global Football Partners since they took control of the club in July 2023. Before that Gassan Ahadme is believed - this isn’t something I’d stand up and testify in court about (although why I would be in the dock in the first place would be puzzling) - to have cost around £750,000 from Ipswich Town last summer.’

Tom Mayne from a Blackpool podcast says: ‘Exciting is definitely a word to use. He is not the finished article but Nathan Jones and Steve Bruce know that. He played every single game last season, bar one.

He is fearless and has a lot of growing to do, which I think he knows himself. What I love the most is his tenacity, if he gets tackled or loses the ball then he’ll continue to try and do something for the team to create something out of nothing.’

Much more on Richard Cawley’s Substack page.

Signings make it a difficult summer for moaners

Joe Rankin-Costello makes it six signings this summer for the Championship new boys - and this time it's not from Luton..  Charlton have offered a four-year contract to the Blackburn player, who joins for an undisclosed fee.

Richard Cawley notes: ‘Lot of talk about his ability to play all over the place but interestingly Nathan Jones talks in his signing quotes talks about the 25-year-old as "a really versatile and technically excellent midfield player.” NJ: "We're really delighted to get Joe on board. He's a player I've watched for a number of years."’

Cawley adds: ‘He fought his way back into favour at Blackburn Rovers.  He is a goal scoring threat – especially against Millwall.  He is a handyman in a number of different positions.  A move down south can get his career motoring.’

Career details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Rankin-Costello

The speed, number and quality of signings is depriving pessimists of one of their favourite summer narratives.

More links with Luton

I met the local Hatter this morning.   He confirmed that Thomas Kaminski is a very good keeper and that he is a real loss for Luton.   He was certainly their best player last season.  If it hadn't been for his saves, Luton would have been relegated by mid-season.  He is a great shot stopper.   The Hatter thought that he did not have any obvious weaknesses.

Richard Cawley reports on another link with Luton:  'More big Championship experience added to the Charlton squad as they hand a two-year deal to Amari'i Bell.  This signing reunites the Jamaican international with Nathan Jones, who was a key factor in him signing for Luton Town. Bell released by the Hatters at the end of last season.'

More on the left back's career: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amari%27i_Bell

Striker signs as search begins for new home for Kanu

Richard Cawley reports ‘Charlton have signed Stockport County striker Isaac Olaofe on a three-year contract with club option of another 12 months. No fee disclosed but believed to be in the region of £1.5million. This is the third signing of the summer transfer window.’

Stockport County chief executive Simon Wilson on Isaac Olaofe’s departure: “It is with both a heavy but also proud heart that we say goodbye to Tanto, a player who has added so much to our club in the two-and-a-half years he has been here. I remember in his first interview, Liam asked ‘how would you describe yourself?’, to which Tanto replied ‘I like to be a nuisance for defenders’! He has been that for sure, but so much more too.”  

Cawley adds: ‘There will be a piece going up on my Substack today about Olaofe but I’m currently somewhere that doesn’t have the signal to upload it,’   Hopefully this will offset some of the inevitable moans before they gather momentum.

Cawley also reports that the Addicks are interested in a loan move for striker Daniel Kanu. ‘The young forward needs extended game time. Probably going to be a struggle to get that with the Addicks this season’ is Cawley’s assessment.

Unconfirmed reports are stating that Gassan Ahadme is close to signing for Plymouth Argyle.   The streets around SE7 have remained calm and there have been no reports of fans rending their shirts.

Charlton swoop for Hatters keeper

Richard Cawley reports that Charlton are expected to confirm the signing of Luton Town goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski.  A fee of around £1m has been reported.

Cawley comments: 'Very experienced. One of the Hatters' star men during their one-season stay in the Premier League.'

It is anticipated that the Belgian will be No.1 keeper with either Will Mannion or Ashley Maynard-Brewer as back up.   One of them will presumably be loaned or sold/

I expect to meeting our local mad Hatter later in the week, so will seek his opinion.