Steve Gallen was a guest on the Monday night Charlton fans’ show on Love Sport Radio.
Gallen gave a great insight into what goes on behind the scenes at the club. He explained that he and manager, Lee Bowyer, had spent six hours at Sparrows Lane looking at video clips of various players on Monday afternoon.
He explained how well the club had done with its budget in the summer, and was particularly pleased with the “cheap” additions, Krystian Bielik and Josh Cullen. Gallen praised Arsenal and West Ham for their help with the deals.
He detailed how he and Bowyer watched Crystal Palace play Charlton in an Under-23 game prior to Jonny Williams signing.
Bowyer spoke to Roy Hodgson, while Gallen engaged with Palace Director of Football, Dougie Freeman. Again, the deal happened thanks to Palace’s generosity.
Gallen believes Williams is sure to stay if Charlton go up, and could well remain at The Valley even if the Addicks kick-off in League One next season.
Gallen is confident Joe Aribo will stay:
”I’m confident Joe Aribo signs a new contract.
“I’ve sat down with his agent a few times and been texting. We haven’t had a focus on it the last few weeks because of all the other things going on in the window.”
Gallen also thinks both Dillon Phillips and George Lapslie will pen new deals:
“Dillon Phillips, I think we’re very close to having a deal.
“It is something being discussed with his agent.
”There have been discussions with George’s agent and I don’t think that’s far away.”
Gallen was fairly tight lipped about Karlan Grant’s likely departure to Huddersfield, but conceded that contingency plans are in place in case the player does move on.
He also confirmed that Nicky Ajose had played his last game for the club, but Charlton will get a payment if he helps Mansfield win promotion this season:
“We, I mean us a club, get a few quid if they (Mansfield) get promoted,” said Gallen, and added:
“If we bring in one, or hopefully two, this week then hopefully they will be more suited to Lee.”
It sounds as if Gallen and Bowyer believe that Charlton were the wrong club at the wrong time for Ajose.
“One or hopefully two” suggests that Grant will depart this week. No surprise, but it seems the Addicks’ front line at Fleetwood on Saturday will comprise of two players who have not yet even signed for the club.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic