Andrew Crofts said that he expected to still be with Charlton next season at Tuesday’s Sponsors’ Dinner at The Valley.
On Wednesday, the South London Press revealed that there was an option clause in Crofts’ contract that was triggered once he had made a certain number of appearances.
Whatever the figure was, he would have passed it with ease. He has played in every game, with the exception of the FA Cup replay at MK Dons, and the recent league game against the Dons at The Valley.
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Not a crowd pleaser, Cofts is the type of player who is rated highly by the manager and his team mates. He does the ugly things well, and is a natural leader.
The Chatham born Welsh international will be 33 next month, but still has high energy levels. He can play as one of the holding midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 shape, and is ideally suited to sit at the base of a diamond formation.
His only goal for the club came at Southend on New Year’s Eve, his late equaliser rescued a point for the Addicks.
If Karl Robinson manages to bring in the players he wants, Crofts may not start quite so many matches next season. But he will still be a valuable member of the squad.
The Addicks’ recent run of good form has coincided with Crofts’ return to the starting line-up. Robinson will be pleased to secure the midfielder’s services for another season.