Charlton Athletic have announced their first-choice goalkeeper, Ashley Maynard-Brewer has signed a new long-term contract with the club. The deal sees the Australian stay at the club until at least 2026, according to the club’s official website.Â
The academy graduate made 18 first-team appearances so far this season – 15 of which have come in Sky Bet League One. After signing his new deal, Maynard-Brewer spoke of the joy he is feeling: “I’m really happy to sign on for the next three years. I’ve had some amazing experiences and met some great people involved in the club. Now, I want to continue to play games, progress and hopefully be a part of the successes of the club moving forward”.
Ashley Maynard-Brewer arrived as a 14-year-old, joining from Western Australian outfit ECU Joondalup. Since then, he has impressed at Sparrows Lane, working his way through the youth ranks and regularly training with the first-team, which culminated with him making his senior debut in November 2018 against Swansea City U21s in the EFL Trophy. He began his loan journey during the 2018/19 campaign, enjoying spells with National League South sides Chelmsford City and Hampton & Richmond Borough before joining another National League South outfit in Dulwich Hamlet in August 2019.
✍️ We're delighted to announce that Ash Maynard-Brewer has signed a new long-term contract with the club.
🙌 Congratulations, Ash!
🔴⚪️ #cafc | #MadeInCharlton
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) March 10, 2023
He then signed a loan deal with Dover Athletic in the National League, where he made four appearances prior to the season being halted and suspended due to COVID-19. He spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan with Ross County in the Scottish Premiership, with 17 appearances to his name. In June 2022, Maynard-Brewer joined League Two side Gillingham on a season-long loan, but he unfortunately suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Gills’ pre-season friendly against Dover Athletic and was subsequently recalled in November of that year.
Charlton Athletic’s 2022/23 season so far has been intriguing, on and off the pitch. The manager who began the season, Ben Garner (who is now manager of Colchester United), was sacked after six months in the role, after the Addicks took only two points from five League One matches, as they slipped to 17th, just seven points above the relegation zone at the time.
First-team coach Anthony Hayes was put in caretaker charge, with former club captain Jason Pearce assisting him, until Dean Holden took over on 20th December 2022. The former Stoke City caretaker and assistant manager has won five of his 15 games in charge, but the Addicks are currently on a five-game winless run, which has left them 16th in the table. After their home draw this previous weekend with John Coleman’s Accrington Stanley, they sit nine points above the relegation zone with a game in hand on some teams in the division.Â
Academy Director Steve Avory couldn’t hold his excitement, saying: “I’m so pleased for him because he is such a well-rounded individual and he’s come through the journey here. I know he fully respects and appreciates everything that’s been done for him here, whether it be with the coaching staff, anyone in the department and of course people like Tracey Leaburn who have been so important to him over the years as well”.
Goalkeeping Coach Glyn Shimell was in delight over the new deal, speaking to the club after the news was announced: “It’s really pleasing for me and all of the staff. The other staff have to take credit, too. The medical and sports science staff have got Ash through his rehab to get him in this place and it’s a real team effort. It’s credit to himself where he’s got to. He’s a great lad, he’s very level-headed and he’s got a thirst to get better. His application and determination on the training pitch is second to none and he’s very mature for his age. His work ethic and his desire to keep the ball out of the net are two of his great assets”.
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Writer’s View
At the time of writing this, Charlton Athletic are 16th in Sky Bet League One. The Addicks are currently in a situation where they won’t challenge the top of the table, the playoffs or the relegation battle. For Charlton, it is all about rebuilding ready for their first full season under manager Dean Holden. To keep the core of their team that the manager can build his team around is crucial to the team’s restructure on the pitch and this is a huge step in the right direction. Ashley Maynard-Brewer is an Addicks player for the long term now and someone Holden can really utilise as a key part of his side going forward.
