We have now reached the halfway point of the summer – it has been seven weeks since the last games of the regular season were played, and the 2018/19 season kicks-off in just six weeks.

Believe it or not, we are past the longest day of the year, and the nights will slowly begin to draw in.

The release of the 2018/19 fixture list on Thursday means that fans will now start looking ahead to the new season.

There is still much to be done at The Valley. Wednesday’s statement regarding the takeover situation added little clarity, the squad for the new campaign has still to be assembled, and there are numerous staff positions to be filled.

Lee Bowyer and Johnnie Jackson have spoken to a number of goalkeeping coaches, and an appointment is expected soon.

Bowyer has already said he wants to bring four players into the club, which appear to be a keeper, a midfielder, a winger and a striker.

There is speculation that the striker is AFC Wimbledon’s Greenwich born front man, Lyle Taylor.

Taylor was reportedly in talks with promotion favourites, Sunderland, on Thursday. It remains to be seen whether the 28-year-old fancies making the move to the north east. Salary wise, the Black Cats will be able to offer more than any club in the division.

Head of Recruitment, Steve Gallen, will have a vital role to play in the coming weeks. Gallen has a list of targets, and will play a part in selling the club to them.

Bowyer has confirmed he wants the manager’s job on a permanent basis, and will be anxious to get off to a good start to boost his claims.

The Addicks have five League games in August, three at home and two away.

They have the toughest possible start, with the longest trip of the season for that game at the Stadium‎ of Light.

A week later, they will host Shrewsbury. The Shrews will find it difficult to replicate their 2017/18 form now that manager, Paul Hurst, has left to join Ipswich.

On 18 August, Charlton face another long trip, this time to face Accrington for the first time. Then they have two home games in four days.

First Steve Evans’ Peterborough will visit The Valley for an evening game, followed by Fleetwood on the last Saturday of the month.

After the difficult opening day clash, Bowyer will expect ‎to reap a rich harvest of points before the end of the month.

It will be fascinating to see how much has changed at The Valley by the time the Addicks take to the field ‎for that opening game on Wearside.