A couple of high profile departures saw the storm clouds return to The Valley after they had lifted briefly when news of an on trial striker appearing at Wimbledon had surfaced.

After just a season as development coach, Nathan Jones is leaving Charlton for Brighton. The advertisement on the club’s website for a Senior Development Coach earlier in the week, did raise eyebrows, so the news was not a total shock.

Whether Jones has left for money or better prospects is conjecture, but he did have an outstanding season with the Addicks. His Under-21 side won their league and also the national play-off competition, where the top two in the northern and southern sections meet.

Charlton won the final at Cardiff in May. Interestingly, eight of Cardiff’s sixteen man squad for that match had made first team appearances.

The Addicks Under-18 also won their league, but were unluckily eliminated by Huddersfield on penalties in the play-off semi-final.

Long term communications manager, Matt Wright, resigned on Thursday according to the Newsshopper, which carried a tribute to Wright from club CEO, Steve Bradshaw.

Wright was as dedicated an employee as you could ever wish to meet, often working ridiculous hours to meet deadlines. He never failed to promptly answer any query I emailed him with and he will be a hard – if not impossible – act to follow. Wright has been with the club for thirteen years.

On the playing front, there are possibilities of four signings. Trialist defender, Richard Wood, has signed a one year deal. A left-footed central defender, Wood will add natural balance to the back line.

Cedric Evina is likely to sign a new deal shortly and Ricardo Fuller may also follow suit. The Jamaican is currently training at Sparrows Lane and has expressed a desire to sign a new deal with the club.

Charlton are amongst a clutch of Championship clubs reported by Sky to be interested in Hull winger, Cameron Stewart.

Stewart is a former Manchester United youngster and still has a year to run on his contract. Hull are willing to let the player go, but a fee is likely to be involved and his salary demands may put him out of Charlton’s reach.