Which Charlton players will survive a much needed squad overhaul?

Covid-19 has halted all sport in the U.K with uncertainty over when the season will resume, but if and when it does, the Addicks will find themselves 22nd in the league with just seven games to save their second tier status.  

Whether Bowyer can pull another rabbit out of the hat and keep his side in the Championship remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain and that is they’ll need to re-build, re-energise, and re-struture their squad regardless of what division they're in.

Below we look at the current squad and look at if they're likely to remain at The Valley depending on what the end of season brings.

Dillon Phillips, 24

Arguably Charlton’s top performer this season. There were huge question marks over the shot stopper following his Wembley-howler, but he’s answered his critics emphatically.

Survival will be the only way Charlton can keep hold of Phillips. Despite having another year on his contract, there will be no shortage of clubs looking at the academy product. No one can deny his commitment and bond with the Addicks, but having tasted and excelled in the second tier, you’d imagine he’ll want to prove himself once again, possibly in the top tier.

Verdict: Unsure

Ben Amos, 29

Having suffered a finger injury earlier in the season he’s spent much of the campaign out of the squad. When fit he’s played second choice to Phillips with just a handful of appearances to his name.

His contract is up in the summer and unless Phillips departs you’d imagine Amos will be heading out the door. A solid keeper with a long and impressive CV, but in name only.

Verdict:Gone

Ashley Maynard-Brewer, 20

Very much one for the future.

Filled in on the bench in Amos’ absence and was sent out to Dover Athletic on-loan. Goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall has high hopes for the Australian and next season could be his breakout year.

With a year left on his contract you’ll expect Maynard-Brewer to play understudy to Phillips if they avoid the drop. If they do go down to League One and Phillips leaves, he could be thrust into the number one jersey.

Verdict:Stay

Tom Lockyer, 25

Lee Bowyer’s first-choice defender this season. Following his move from Bristol Rovers in the summer, the Welshman has handled his debut season in the Championship well, emerging as a leader at the back.

Lockyer knows League One well from his time with Rovers, and Charlton would look to keep hold of him should they go down. Harbouring aspirations of playing regularly for Wales however, you sense he’d be open to a move elsewhere in the second tier to fulfil his international aims.

Verdict:Unsure

Naby Sarr, 26

Sarr has turned into a cult-figure at The Valley this term, earning a regular starting spot at the back whether in a 442 or a 352 formation. Popping up with the odd vital goal, he has grown to be crucial to Bowyer’s plans.

His contract is up at the end of the season but you feel the Addicks will offer the Senegal man fresh terms regardless of what division they find themselves in.

Verdict: Stay

Jason Pearce, 32

The captain has blown hot and cold this season and no longer commands a starting berth if fit. On his day he’s possibly the best central defender in the squad, but has been found wanting on occasions this season.

He has another year left on his contract, but you feel he’d be a squad player at best should the Addicks remain in the second tier. Portsmouth were reportedly interested in their former player earlier in the season, and should they re-ignite that interest, I don’t think Charlton would put up much of a fight to keep hold of him.

Verdict:Gone

Deji Oshilaja, 27

He’s struggled with injuries since his move from Wimbledon and failed to showcase his range of talents. When he has been selected he’s looked like a bonafide Championship player, showing his versatility by playing across the backline and in midfield.

With another year on his contract he will be at The Valley next season. Having proven himself in League One and now the Championship, he could be a real asset for Charlton next season, in either division.

Verdict:Stay

Ben Purrington, 23

Had a dip in form midway through this season which saw him dropped by Bowyer. Looked to have regained confidence in recent weeks before the season’s postponement.

Offering the left-back a ‘long-term’ contract at The Valley seems to now be a wise move. Excelling in League One last season whilst on-loan, his deal which runs until 2022 looks to be one of the best bits of business the club have made in its recent dealings.

Verdict:Stay

Lewis Page, 23

Injuries have ruined his season unfortunately.

Despite his undoubted talent, you expect Charlton will be happy to get him off the wage bill at the end of the season having barely featured since signing his contract 18 months ago.

Verdict:Gone

Adam Matthews, 28

Questions were asked when he arrived in January but he’s made the right back berth his own. Despite the Addicks leaking goals, the Welshman has stood out for his performances both in defence and attack.

His contract is up at the end of the season and you’d think Charlton would be itching to tie him down long term. If they drop a division however you’d expect other Championship clubs to jump at the opportunity to sign the former Celtic man.  

Verdict:Gone

Chris Solly, 29

Game time has been limited for the long serving right back since Matthews’ arrival.

His contract is up in the summer and the only way you see it being extended is if the Addicks are relegated. His versatility is a redeeming factor in the relentless League One, but in the Championship you’ll expect Bowyer to be wanting to add some out and out wingbacks to his squad.

Verdict:Gone

Jake Forster-Cakey, 25

Has found the season difficult with a knee injury extending his spell on the sidelines after a tough season last time out. With just seven appearances Bowyer has yet to see his undoubted quality in this division.

There’s an option of extending his deal beyond the summer and you’ll expect the club to take up that offer. Bowyer is aware of his qualities and given a run of games he could be influential.

Verdict:Stay

Darren Pratley, 34

Alongside Philips, Pratley has been Charlton’s stand out player this season. Defying his age he’s featured 29 times for the Addicks in a season ravaged by injury. His leadership and experience have been priceless this season.

He has one year left on his deal and he will be at The Valley next season, regardless of what division. Adored by the fans and more importantly Bowyer, Pratley has had a new lease of life in SE7 and you think he’ll have a crucial role over the next 12 months.

Verdict:Stay

George Lapslie, 22

Similar to Pratley, Lapslie is a player who is loving his football at Charlton. Breaking into the side last season, Lapslie’s work ethic has earned Bowyer’s trust. He’s suffered a niggling groin injury this season but having got to the bottom of it, the academy graduate will have a part to play in the run in.

With a deal keeping him at Charlton until next summer, Lapslie will be crucial for Bowyer, even more so if they are relegated with his battling qualities a perfect fit for League One.

Verdict:Stay

Jonny Williams, 26

Chipped in with a handful of assist this season but you sense the fans want more. The Welshman is well liked at The Valley and has a touch of class that seems to be lacking in the squad. Injury sidelined the former Crystal Palace man for two months this season which proved costly. Now he’s back, the Addicks will need him at his best to avoid the drop.

I can’t see Williams staying with the club next season if they go down. If Charlton avoid the drop they will have a chance of keeping him but when fit he’s a real gem, and you’d think there’ll be plenty of teams willing to pay more money for his services.

Verdict:Gone

Erhun Oztumer, 28

A bit part player this season and not really had a run of games to show what he has to offer.

He’s contracted until next summer but with such little game time he may want to move on. I’d like to see him stay at The Valley and given more of a chance to show why Bowyer chased him over three transfer windows.

Verdict:Stay

Albie Morgan, 20

Given a run of games during the injury crisis that ravaged the squad. Bowyer, although a huge fan of the youngster admits he needs to work on his defensive side if he’s to make inroads into the first XI. On the ball Bowyer admits there’s few technically better than the academy product, but he needs to improve without it, which is why players like George Lapslie are ahead in the pecking order.

His contract expires in the summer and I expect a new one to be offered. He’s held his own this season and doesn’t look out of place in the Championship. A season in League One would benefit the midfielder massively, whether that be with Charlton or not.

Verdict:Stay

Chuks Aneke, 26

There was high hopes for the man they signed from MK Dons in the summer, but injuries have curtailed his season. A midfielder who can play as an attacker, Bowyer felt he had a perfect number 10 during pre-season. Having shone during under23 matches on his return to fitness, his exclusion from match day squads over the last few months have been baffling.

He’ll be at Charlton next season.

Verdict:Stay

Lyle Taylor, 29

The prize asset. Where would Charlton be without Taylor? Relegated, surely. And that’s with him having missed nearly half the season with injury. Don’t underestimate his affect on and off the pitch. With 11 goals in 22 games, you sense it’s down to him to keep them in the division.

Taylor was denied a move in the summer but didn’t grumble. He’s knuckled down and has given the Addicks a chance of survival this year. Clubs will be wanting him regardless if Charlton stay up or not, and what Addick would begrudge him a move and a pay-day after all he’s had to deal with regarding his contract at The Valley.

Verdict:Gone

Macauley Bonne, 24

Took his chance when Taylor was injured and proved he’s capable of scoring at this level. Described as a ‘work in progress’ by Bowyer having made the leap from non-league with Leyton Orient to the Championship, but has passed the test with flying colours and can now lay claim to being a bonafide Championship player.

He has another 18 months on his contract which works well for Charlton with a number of clubs sniffing around the goal-poacher. Charlton would demand a hefty return on the £250k they paid for him but with just one season in the second tier under his belt, some clubs will be reluctant to take a punt on him.

Verdict: Stay

 

Loan Signings:

Tomer Hemed, 32

Works hard but little end product where it matters for a striker.

Aidne McGeady, 33

Still looks well short of match sharpness.

Andre Green, 21

If the Addicks avoid relegation, they’ll look to bring him back to The Valley, on any sort of deal.

Josh Cullen, 23

Would be the first name on Lee Bowyer’s wishlist this summer. Cullen however feels he’s capable of playing in the top tier and is eager to get his chance with West Ham, or any other side willing to give it to him.

Sam Field, 21

Rumours are the West Brom man loved his time at The Valley despite being cut short by injury. I’d expect Steve Gallen and Bowyer to go back in for the midfielder come the summer.

Jonathan Leko, 21

Flourished under Bowyer and with game time set to be limited further if West Brom are promoted, a move for the attacker would make sense, if they stay in the Championship.

Matt Smith and David Davis

Little time to make an impact.

Beram Kayal

Charlton have enough contracted players with injury issues to worry about before delving back in the market for another.

Conor Gallagher

Chances of getting Gallagher back? Zero.

Gave everything for the cause and as Bowyer put it: “We were lucky to have him, a diamond.”