This will be the first full week of training for many EPL clubs, culminating with a game at the end of it.
The qualifying stages for the European club competitions have already started, and Bolton are amongst the clubs who played their first friendly on Saturday.
Russell Slade will want to complete his back room staff as a matter of urgency now. Paul Trollope’s elevation at Cardiff, together with Lennie Lawrence returning to the Bluebirds, has seen Scott Young switched to an academy role at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Young is a Cardiff legend. He played for the club for eleven years, and is probably best remembered for scoring the winning goal in the Bluebirds’ shock FA Cup win over Leeds in 2002.
Young, along with and Danny Gabbidon, took the reins temporarily following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure from the Cardiff City Stadium in late 2014.
Slade got the job on a permanent basis, with Young becoming his assistant.
It is unclear whether the 40-year-old is happy with his new role at Cardiff. If he is looking for first team involvement, he would seem an ideal candidate to join Slade’s team at The Valley.
Simon Clark impressed when promoted to first team duties by Jose Riga last season, and looks certain to continue in his coaching role.
One position that looks certain to be filled in the early part of the week is that of head physiotherapist.
The physio is a vital component in every club, and Slade will want to fill the void left by Erol Umut’s departure quickly.
It is of course the playing staff that is of most interest to fans. Patrick Bauer will return to Sparrows Lane on Monday, and could even get a run out at Welling on Saturday.
There is still plenty of wheeling-and-dealing to be done before the season kicks-off, but new arrivals will be largely dictated by who leaves.
It may be a week or two before there is any significant movement.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic