Callum Harriott has had a chequered career at The Valley since breaking on to the scene as a 17-year-old in the Spring of 2011.
After making three appearances at the end of that 2010/11 season, it was nearly two years before Chris Powell gave him another league start. Harriott then played in sixteen successive games spanning the end of the 2012/13 and beginning of the 2013/14 seasons.
Harriott was arguably at his best at the end of the 2013/14 season, following the arrival of Jose Riga. He scored twice in the game against Watford at The Valley that ensured Charlton’s Championship survival, then four days later, he followed it up with a hat-trick in the season finale at Blackpool.
The Lambeth born 22-year-old did not flourish under Bob Peeters or Guy Luzon. He did not figure in Luzon’s plans for this season and was allowed to join Colchester on loan in August.
Harriott enjoyed a successful spell in Essex, scoring seven goals in twenty-three games in all competitions for Colchester.
Karel Fraeye recalled him at the beginning of January and he went straight into the team against Nottingham Forest.
With his contract expiring this summer, the Addicks were happy to cash in on the enigmatic winger. Unfortunately his loan move to Colchester was a standard – rather than emergency – loan, meaning he could not make a permanent move to a third club this season.
Riga’s return to SE7 has coincided with Harriott showing consistent form. He has scored three times in ten appearances since his return to The Valley.
His performances have been full of energy and in a difficult season, he has never gone hiding in matches.
Charlton now seem certain to invoke the year’s option they have to keep Harrriott at the club for another season.
As his exploits at Colchester proved, Harriott has the ability to spearhead a promotion push if the Addicks – as seems certain – find themselves in League One next season.
Things can change very quickly in football. Six months ago, Harriott did not seem to have any future at The Valley, now it looks sure that the club will discuss a long term deal with him in the summer.