Charlton Athletic Season Preview 2021/22: Mr Positive

There are not many people in the world who can make Mr Motivator look like a sourpuss but Nigel Adkins is that kind of guy.

During a global pandemic, the word ‘transmissible’ has been well used, but no facemask can prevent an infectious personality like that of the Charlton manager from lifting the mood of the whole club.

Despite their issues at the start of last season, the Addicks only missed out on a play-off spot on goal difference and with a summer to build under new ownership, the 2021/22 campaign should bring with it a lot of excitement.

Adkins is the perfect manager for a side replete with several talented youngsters, and adding a core of solid pros around them will be key to getting this side a top-six finish.

With all the off-field woes experienced at The Valley in recent seasons, it is easy to forget what a big club Charlton are. They have a great opportunity with Thomas Sangaard at the helm, to push into the Championship and find some much-needed stability.

The Squad

Charlton’s academy is a petri dish of talent. The club have enjoyed a lot of success at bringing youngsters into the first-team set-up and allowing them to thrive. Expect this to continue in 2021/22.

There will be plenty of opportunities for the likes of Charles Claydon and Deji Elerewe to quickly develop this season under the guidance of Nigel Adkins. He won’t be afraid to play the youth and with the experience of Ben Watson, Jason Pearce and Chris Gunter already in the squad, there are leaders to offer guidance. Conor Washington also deserves a mention for his performances last season, netting 11 goals in 36 league games.

The loss of Ben Amos to Wigan has been mitigated by the arrival of talented stopper Craig MacGillivray from Portsmouth and Akin Famewo returns on loan from Norwich.

George Dobson is an interesting addition. He failed to reach his potential at Sunderland after showing a lot of promise for Walsall and this move could be just what he needs to kick start his career. Akin Famewo returns on loan from Norwich City having made 22 league appearances for the Addicks last season.

Sean Clare has also joined the Adkins revolution, signing for an undisclosed fee from Oxford. The 24-year-old didn’t have a great time at the Kassam Stadium but he was excellent while on loan at Burton last season. He played as an energetic midfielder, highlighting his quality and versatility as Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink inspired a great escape for the Brewers.

Newcomer to watch: Jayden Stockley

Stockley was an excellent signing for Charlton last January. The striker decided to join the Addicks on loan rather than sign permanently for Bristol Rovers, and he won’t be regretting that choice.

Eight goals in 22 games and some impressive performances saw Charlton agree a fee with Preston to make his move permanent this summer. With a three-year deal ahead of him, Stockley could be a key player in any future success the South London club enjoy.

His hold up game is excellent and his aerial ability allows him to be the focal point in attack while also bringing others into play. He is a top signing for Charlton.

Verdict

A bright new era lies ahead for the South London side in 2021/22 and if any fanbase deserves it, it is Charlton’s. The club can finally focus purely on football and with this in mind, you have to expect big things from them.

They have an excellent manager and a strong squad that, with a bit more depth, could be formidable. The Addicks could well be in the promotion mix up this season with an attack on the top-six a realistic target.

words James Richards, D3D4 Football