Long time Karl Robinson target, David Martin, has accompanied the Addicks on their trip to Ireland.
Martin started his senior career with Wimbledon, then MK Dons, before switching to Anfield in 2006. He failed to make a league appearance for Liverpool, but had various loan spells during his four years there.
He returned to MK Dons in 2010 and quickly became a fixture in the team, making 274 league appearances for the Buckinghamshire side.
He is a free agent who Robinson knows well, and at 31, a keeper should be in his prime. Martin’s presence on the Irish trip suggests a deal is likely.
The club’s new website launched on Saturday carried the long overdue news of Lee Bowyer and Johnnie Jackson’s new roles.
Bowyer will be Robinson’s assistant, and Jackson will be first team player coach.
Robinson had this to say about the appointments:
“They’re very good at what they do and the players love them both.
“I know Jacko will be a top coach and will, one day, become a great manager and I’m sure Bow will do the same.
“It’s the first step for them and hopefully they’ll flourish and we can be successful together.”
Bowyer was delighted with his first senior mangement job, and added:
“It feels great to be asked to do this and to work alongside Karl and I’m really looking forward to it.
“It was an easy decision to make. We worked closely towards the end of last season, so I know the ins and the outs, and it’s felt a bit like a homecoming because there are a few faces who are still here from when I was a kid.
“I have a lot more experience now that I can pass onto the lads. I’ve worked under a lot of good people in my career and Charlton is where it all started, so it’s a bit of a fairytale for me.”
Jackson triggered a one year option clause in his contract after making a certain number of appearances last season.
As well as his coaching duties, he will still be available as a player and said this about his new role:
“Over a long season, there will be a time and a place when I can still be utilised and I still feel as if I have some miles left in the tank.
“I’ll be training every day and will still be match fit to ensure I will be an asset when I’m needed.
“I’m excited to take on this new role and experience the other side of things. It’s always where I’ve seen my future lie and I’m delighted that I can begin that journey at this club.”
Carl Serrant has left the club. Josh Hornby and Ian Jones will step up and and be responsible for first team sports science and conditioning.