Amid all the mayhem over Lee Bowyer’s future as the Charlton chief, the Addicks are gearing up for the upcoming campaign following a dramatic return to the Championship defeating Sunderland in the League One playoff final. Roland Duchâtelet, the controversial Charlton owner, has explained the shock announcement of Bowyer’s departure as well as a quick U-turn which saw the gaffer sign a one-year extension to his contract at the Valley.
The club are now aiming to bolster the squad prior to the upcoming campaign but are yet to decide whether to re-sign Jonny Williams following an impressive six-month spell in south-east London. The former Crystal Palace youth sensation spent years in the Championship on loan with Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, MK Dons and Sunderland.
The once-promising 25-year-old Welshman saw his progress thwarted by persistent injury problems but should eye a resurgence after playing his part in Charlton’s promotion defying the odds.
The Wales international was released by the Eagles back in January and Bowyer did not hesitate in tying him down on a short-term deal to add versatility in the centre of the pitch. He made 16 league appearances for the Red Robins and mostly operated as a midfield attacker to open up space and create chances high up the pitch.
Williams also featured down the wide on a few occasions, and despite not managing to find the net during his brief stint, the impact he had in and around the attacking third earned him a cult status among the supporters.
Although the player is keen on a return to Charlton (told the South London Press as quoted by the London News Online), club’s head of recruitment Steve Gallen is focused on strengthening other areas of the squad in spite of admitting Williams’ influence during the decisive months.
“If we have money to use we will throw it in there, try and get a couple of strikers in, and then pick it up in a week or two. Everyone loves Jonny at the club – he is a great lad, enthusiastic and a good player. All I can say are great things about him.”
Stated Gallen while discussing the transfer objectives (as claimed by the London News Online) as he highlighted on the financial limitation that has refrained them from matching the player’s wages in the long run.
Williams, meanwhile, must take a cut to resurrect his career after regaining lost form as well as fitness to some extent. The Addicks, too, should find a way out to tie him down on another short-term contract and boost their chances of extending their stay in one of Europe’s most competitive football leagues.
