Charlton’s players report back to Sparrows Lane today, to begin preparations for the new season, which kicks-off in less than ‎six weeks time.

Before then, they will travel to Portmarnock in Ireland for a training camp, then play three games in three days against Crumlin United, Limerick and UCD.

Following their Irish jaunt, the Addicks‎ will complete their build up with games against Welling, Greenwich Borough, Dover, Stevenage, Norwich and Ipswich.

It is an intense campaign which should see them well prepared for the season ahead.

There is new medical monitoring equipment at Sparrows Lane this season. The equipment should flag up potential problems, and help cut down on the lengthy injury list that has plagued Charlton over recent seasons.

‎Though it is possible to come off the pace, managers obviously prefer to hit the ground running.

Karl Robinson fears no team in League One, and will be looking for a rich harvest of points from his team’s four league games in August.

The Valley has not been the fortress it should
have‎ been recently, and the manager will be looking for his side’s home form to underpin a promotion push.

The two home games in August are against Bristol Rovers and Northampton, and Robinson will certainly be looking to take maximum points from them.

The two away games are at newly promoted Plymouth, and relegated Rotherham‎. Robinson will expect to take something from both games.

Recovery time is key in the modern game, and it is unfortunate that the season’s longest trip – to Plymouth – will be preceded by a midweek trip to Exeter in the Carabao Cup.

Like many clubs, the Addicks have fielded weakened teams in the competition over in recent years. It can be safely assumed that policy will continue against the Grecians‎.