A sparkling performance from the Addicks saw them romp home 6-1 winners against Ipswich at The Valley on Saturday.
Goals from Patrick Bauer, Terique Fosu, Josh Magennis (2) and Ricky Holmes (2) did the damage.
Ben Reeves and his agent were amongst the crowd, and the Valley faithful will await developments on that front with interest.
But there was transfer news ahead of the game.
Charlton’s quest to sign a senior keeper was resolved when they announced the signing of Bolton’s Ben Amos on a season long loan.
The 27-year-old came through the Manchester United academy and has played most of his football in the Championship.
The deal has taken a while to complete, and Karl Robinson was naturally delighted to have finally
got his man. This is what he had to say:
“We’re delighted to bring in a goalkeeper of the experience and pedigree that Ben has. He’s played a lot of games in the Championship. I’ve spoken with Ben and he has a real drive and determination to help get this club promoted.”
Amos – who went straight into the starting line-up gainst Ipswich – added:
“I’m really happy to have signed and I’m looking forward to getting back playing again. This is a massive club, promotion is our ultimate goal and I hope that I can play my part in helping Charlton to be successful.”
The deal took longer than expected to complete as CEO, Katrien Meire, explained:
“The goalkeeper position was an important one for us this summer. We’re very pleased to be able to bring in Ben, especially as It has taken a bit longer than we wanted to get everything complete.”
Chris Solly, Ezri Konsa, Jay Dasilva and Ahmed Kashi all returned to Robinson’s starting line-up.
For once, the fans were not supporting the team in red. With the hosts wearing their away kit, the visitors were forced to wear their red change strip.
The Addicks dominated the game, and could have scored more than six.
Patrick Bauer opened the scoring after 11 minutes, when he headed home a Ricky Holmes free-kick from the left.
A slip by Jonas Knudsen let Billy Clarke steal the ball, advance into the area and pick out Terique Fosu. The former Reading man thundered the ball home from close range.
Trickery by Holmes allowed him to get to the byline and dink the ball up for Magennis to head home the third.
Six minutes from the break, Clarke pulled the ball back for Magennis to head home the fourth.
Understandably, Mick McCarthy had a face like thunder as he made his way to the dressing room at half-time.
It was more of the same after the break as Charlton continued in the ascendency.
Holmes made it 5-0 with a belter of a goal after 51 minutes. He smashed home Fosu’s low cross from just inside the area.
There were ironic cheers from the Ipswich fans when Jason Dozell pulled a goal back from close range after 73 minutes.
Five minutes later, Tony Watt was brought down on the edge of the box. Holmes fired home a trademark free-kick.
The Addicks should have added a seventh. A slick passing move between Forster-Caskey and Magennis put Forster-Caskey clear with just the keeper to beat, but he fluffed his lines.
Based on this display, Charlton can look forward to the season with optimism, but it will be a long hard winter for the Tractor Boys.
Charlton: Amos; Solly, Konsa, Bauer (Sarr 84), Dasilva (Barnes 89); Kashi (Dijksteel 85), Forster-Caskey (Ahearne-Grant 85), Fosu (Crofts 85), Clarke (Watt 71)n Holmes (Jackson 85); Magennis.
Subs (not used): Maynard-Brewer.
Goals: Bauer 11, Fosu 27, Magennis 31, 39, Holmes 51, 77.
Ipswich: Bialkowski; Spence (Iorfa 46), Chambers (Webster 46), Smith, Knudsen (Kenlock 74); Downes, Ward, Skuse (Nydam 74), Garner (Folami 77); Sears, Rowe (Dozzell 46).
Subs (not used): Gerken, Bru, McKendry, Patterson.
Goal: Dozzell 73.
Referee: Gavin Ward (Surrey).
