League One club Charlton Athletic have published the list of players they are offering new contracts and those who will be leaving this summer, with confirmation that striker Macauley Bonne is set to leave the Addicks.
The Zimbabwe international’s departure seemed inevitable after he was dropped from the matchday squad last month due to disciplinary reasons, having only joined on a short-term contract in January. However, his second spell at the Addicks proved to be a disappointment as he only scored two goals in 16 league appearances. Despite this, a more prolific loan spell at Ipswich Town in 2021-22 (where he scored 12 league goals) means he could still be on several club’s shopping lists as they look to add an experienced striker to their ranks. Newly promoted clubs Leyton Orient (where he enjoyed a very successful spell during their Conference days) and Stevenage have been mentioned as possible destinations for the 29-year-old.
Five Potential Destinations For Charlton Athletic Forward Macauley Bonne This Summer – Opinion
Who else is leaving?
Amongst the other players who will not be extending their stays at Charlton this season include midfielder Alex Gilbey, who has spent this season on loan at Stevenage, helping the Hertfordshire side to automatic promotion from League Two. His departure could now pave the way forward for manager Steve Evans to sign the former Colchester United and Wigan Athletic man on a permanent contract, whose performances this season have lead to him becoming a very popular figure amongst Boro fans.
Reserve goalkeeper Nathan Harness, defender Ryan Inniss, utility player Sean Clare and long-serving young midfielder Albie Morgan have also been told that they will be looking for new clubs when their contracts expire next month. Meanwhile, loanees Todd Kane, Gavin Kilkenny, Matt Penney, Jes Rak-Sakyi and Steven Sessegnon have all now returned to their parent clubs upon the ending of the season.
Who is being offered new deals?
In the same statement, the Addicks announced that three players whose contracts expire are currently in talks with the club over new deals. Amongst these are Jamaican international defender Michael Hector, who can count Chelsea, Fulham and Eintract Frankfurt amongst his previous clubs. The 30-year-old centre-back has featured 17 times for the London club since signing on a short-term contract in January and if he commits to the club for next season, he is sure to provide valuable experience to what is currently a young squad.
Saint Lucian defender Terell Thomas, currently in his second spell at Charlton having previously come through the club’s academy, is also having discussions regarding a new contract, as is 19-year-old midfielder Aaron Henry following what could be described as a breakthrough season for him.
Charlton ended the League One season in 10th position, fifteen points off the play-off places after a hugely inconsistent campaign that saw highs such as a 6-0 thrashing of Shrewsbury as well as alarming lows such as a defeat by the same score at Ipswich. There is also uncertainly around the club’s ownership situation as the club has been up for sale throughout the season but two takeover attempts failed in recent months.
Writer’s View
Going into what will be a fourth successive season in the third tier, it is clear that more consistent performances will be the aim for Charlton next season as they look to make a more sustained promotion challenge. In order to achieve this, I feel Dean Holden should look to add a couple of more experienced players to his squad especially as in a recent interview, captain George Dobson seemed to indicate that being one of the youngest squads in the division was a factor in the often widely contrasting results and performances.
