The match with Sporting Clube de Portugal has reverted to the original plan and been switched back to Lepe, with an 8.30pm kick-off.

No comment has been made by the club for the reasons behind either switch. This has been the most frustrating pre-season schedule to arrange than many can ever remember.

Rumours of unrest behind the scenes and lack of signings have been a concern for Charlton fans. Chairman, Michael Slater, spoke to the South London Press about the situation and told them this:

“I’ve heard about some gossip about the club, but for the last year and a half we have consistently said that we will operate the club on sound commercial principles, and I believe last season’s success vindicates our approach.”

“Last summer Chris (Powell) signed players to create a team that we believed would be able to compete in the Championship, so although he is looking to bring in a few new players, there is nothing like the urgency of last summer and we will not be rushed into decisions.”

“We are not inactive in the transfer market, but the fact is that in League One we were a big fish in a small pond, whereas in the Championship there are plenty of other big clubs vying for the players we are trying to sign.”

The players will start their pre-season preparations in earnest on Monday with the traditional curtain raiser at Welling taking place next Saturday, so both Powell and the fans will be anxious to see the imminent arrival of some new faces.