Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has claimed he cannot sign any new players at present and feels he is unable to do his job, as reported by London News Online.
The Addicks suffered relegation on the final day of last season, one year after winning promotion from League One. They have only made two signings so far this summer, bringing in former MK Dons midfielder Alex Gilbey and Hearts striker Conor Washington. That comes despite losing 12 senior players over the summer, including Naby Sarr and Lyle Taylor.
Bowyer has now opened up about the situation, claiming his hands are tied amidst a transfer embargo and the new salary cap regulations.
“As it stands we can’t bring anyone in – even if we had all the money in the world,” said the former Leeds United midfielder. “We can’t sign anyone.
“We’re not allowed to sign anyone unless we let players go. We’re working behind the scenes to try and make some spaces available but it’s not easy. I’m being told ‘just be patient’ but it’s driving me mad. I can’t even do my job properly at the moment.”
The Addicks open their campaign on Tuesday against AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Trophy and will be forced to play a strong team. If they were to draft under 23 players in, it would automatically make them a part of the first-team squad under the rules, further restricting Bowyer’s efforts to add to his side.
“If we were to lose three players and had played U23s then they become first-team players,” he added. “They (The EFL) are trying to say they are first-team players, but they are not. That’s why we can’t bring anyone in. We should be able to bring in at least three players because at the moment some of those players aren’t part of the first-team squad in my eyes.
“But the EFL are saying they are because one player played a game two years ago. It’s pathetic.”
Have you tried our brand new Charlton Athletic former player quiz?
| [freshpress-quiz id=”13845″] |
Our View
It looks like being a tough season again at Charlton, which is hard on their supporters having been lumbered with Duchatalet for so long. When he was finally ousted from the club it looked like they could move forward, instead, they seem to be regressing.
Bowyer is a manager with a big future but his hands are tied at The Valley right now. How many more blows will it take before he cuts his losses? The rules do seem to be working against The Addicks right now, and that doesn’t bode well for the opening few fixtures.
Be the first to comment