Charlton Athletic kicked off their pre-season campaign in style yesterday with a 6-1 win over Dartford, a game which featured two well-known trialists.
Eyebrows were raised prior to kick-off when former Lincoln City midfielder Teddy Bishop was revealed in the starting lineup, whilst veteran striker Danny Hylton was named amongst the substitutes.
The Imps had been hoping to keep hold of their number 10 next season. Fresh terms had been offered to the ex-Ipswich Town man but CEO Liam Scully confirmed last month that it was unlikely that he would return to the LNER Stadium. Meanwhile, Hylton was released by Northampton Town following the expiration of his contract at Sixfields.
The 35-year-old previously worked with Jones at Luton Town, where he enjoyed incredible success. He played a huge role in their rise up the divisions, earning promotion twice as they rose from League Two to the Championship in successive seasons between 2018 and 2019.
Hylton had endured an injury hit spell with Northampton, making just four League One appearances last season. However, it appears as if his former boss is keen to give him a lifeline at Charlton. He appeared in the second half yesterday, scoring the Addicks sixth goal.
85' Trialist Danny Hylton adds our sixth 🎯
He converts from close range after Luke Berry's shot was parried into his path.
⚪️ 1-6 🔴 | #cafc pic.twitter.com/Ttv3DiSsr5
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) July 6, 2024
Speaking after the game, Jones was full of praise for the attacker, hinting that he would earn a deal at The Valley. For Bishop though, the 51-year-old refused to give anything away:
“I’m having a look at Teddy Bishop,” he told South London News. “I know everything about Danny Hylton. I know what Danny Hylton can do. I don’t need to look at Danny Hylton. Danny Hylton is possibly my best ever signing in terms of everything.
“So, I’m not having a look at Danny Hylton. We’ve got a lot of young strikers at the football club and if they can have the application and certain things that Danny Hylton has then they’re going to have fantastic careers.
“We’ve got [Daniel] Kanu and if you look at TC (Tyreece Campbell) today up top. No one has really played him up top but that’s where we believe he’s at his best. If he can learn off good pros like Danny then they’re going to have fantastic careers.”
Writer’s View
Charlton are building a very capable squad ahead of next season in what is expected to be a very competitive League One. Danny Hylton is a player that is unlikely to be a difference maker, but his experience at this level will be a major benefit to the younger members of the team. It’s easy to see why Nathan Jones would be keen to bring him in.
Teddy Bishop would be a smart signing. His versatility is an attractive attribute, and he has a lot to offer in this division. Lincoln were keen to keep hold of him after he played a key role in their late push for the play-offs last season. However, their loss could be Charlton’s gain. If not, he is sure to have plenty of offers on the table.
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