Charlton Athletic

Charlton insist Rommedahl to stay
Charlton have insisted Denmark winger Dennis Rommedahl is not set to leave The Valley after just one season. The 26-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place since his £2m switch last July and has been linked with a return to his old Dutch club. But Addicks chairman Richard Murray said: "I think Dennis has been linked with PSV because he was training before an international match. "We'll see a better Dennis Rommedahl next year. I expect him to be here." Following the £3m signing of England Under-21 striker Darren Bent from Ipswich last week, Murray admits he expects some of the current squad to be sold as well as more new talent coming in. But he insisted Rommedahl would not be one of the men to leave The Valley. "I think what we've got to remember with Dennis is that he's shown glimpses of his form this year and very often players that come from abroad do take a year to settle," he added. But Murray revealed: "I think there is a chance of some players being sold. "We like to run a squad of at least 24 senior players and I think if we get five signings in, one or two of our players will realise they've gone down the pecking order and they'll probably ask to go - and we'll let them." Reports have linked striker Francis Jeffers, who arrived from Arsenal for £2.6m last summer, with a switch to newly-promoted Wigan. Unsettled midfielder Jason Euell and veteran defender Mark Fish are two others who could look to continue their career elsewhere next season.

Charlton chief eyes stadium boost
Charlton chief executive Peter Varney believes The Valley's continued redevelopment is vital to help boost boss Alan Curbishley's transfer funds. Greenwich Council is set to vote in June on an application to extend the East Stand boosting capacity to 31,000. Varney said: "For us to continue to grow, we have to get the capacity up to 31,000 - it is an absolute priority. "If we have got an extra 4,000 fans that's all additional income which will ultimately end up back with Alan." The plans include 4,000 more seats, as well as a new business information centre, crèche and college facilities, an extra 30 executive boxes and a 'green-noise' barrier, like those at Wimbledon and The Oval. "We would then be a bigger club, that then helps us to attract better players," Varney added. Charlton had a poor finish to last season with just one victory from their final 14 Premiership games. The club have already spent £3m to bring Darren Bent in from Ipswich and Varney promised Charlton's fans they would see a new-look side. "We know the fans have got some issues from last year, and so have we - but we are determined to get it right in the summer, so that when they come back, they will see a different start to the end of last season."

Unhappy Euell set to quit Addicks
Charlton striker Jason Euell looks set to leave after admitting his future may now lie elsewhere as he prepares for talk with boss Alan Curbishley. The 28-year-old started just seven Premiership games last season, and is under contract for another year. And agent Tony Finnigan said: "From what Jason has said, he would like pastures new - players want to play." He added: "Charlton are a great club, but it may turn out he will get a change of environment." Euell is expected to press for a move, but Finnigan stressed: "If he does report back for pre-season training, then he will roll his sleeves up and get on with it, giving 110% if he is selected." The Jamaican-born star was Charlton's record signing when he joined them from Wimbledon for £4.75m in the summer of 2001. Since then, he has scored 36 goals in 144 league and cup appearances for the Addicks.

Curbishley marks 10th anniversary
Alan Curbishley is determined not to rest on his laurels as he celebrates 10 years in sole charge of Charlton. After Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson Curbishley is the second longest-serving Premiership manager. "I look around the Valley and see what great strides we've made," Curbishley told Charlton's website. "But they're still to be made in the future. If we extend the capacity to 35,000 it will give us a greater opportunity to improve the team." Curbishley's anniversary coincides with Charlton's centenary, but he has probably packed as much into his 10 years as the club have in the other 90. During his time in sole control, Curbishley guided Charlton into the Premiership for the first time and after suffering the agonies of relegation, he bounced them back up. Not only has he kept The Addicks up, he has established them as a Premiership club. And he has also nicely rounded off a circle by bringing Steve Gritt back to the club. CURBISHLEY'S CHARLTON CAREER 1984: Joins Charlton as a player from Aston Villa 1987: Sold to Brighton 1990: Returns to Charlton as player-coach 1991: Appointed joint manager with Steve Gritt 1995: Is named sole manager 1998: Wins epic play-off v Sunderland 2000: After relegation, bounces Charlton back up 2004: Gritt returns as academy manager Curbishley and Gritt were probably football's most unusual double act with dual managerial control. They took over in 1991, just as Charlton were emerging from their darkest hours of bankruptcy hearings and painful exile from the Valley. Together Curbishley and Gritt were there on the emotional day Charlton returned to their home, and for most of their four years in charge, like Ernie Wise's alleged wig, it was difficult to see the join. But two managers was one too many, and in June 1995, Curbishley was given sole control by then chairman Martin Simons. Like any divorce, the break-up of the partnership led to inevitable painful recriminations, acrimonious accusation and fervent finger-pointing. Harsh it may have been for Gritt, but Curbishley justified Charlton's faith in him although Curbishley will readily acknowledge that he benefited from a board that learned the virtues of patience the hard way during their darkest years. Within three years of being given control, Curbishley got Charlton into the top-flight via a memorable play-off victory over Sunderland at Wembley in 1998. As a team and club, Charlton were patently under-powered for Premiership football, a fact thankfully - for Curbishley - recognised by the board who refused to take knee-jerk reaction following their instant relegation. Proving that he was a fast learner, Curbishley masterminded an instant return, and more importantly, clung on to their Premiership status in that all important first year back. Curbishley has rightly earned his reputation as one of the game's best young managers and in a Premiership populated by stellar foreign names like Mourinho, Benitez and Wenger, has proved that there are still good English coaches. During his 10 years, with shrewd investment of limited money available to him, he has carefully and patiently crafted a side that relies very much on the team ethic. Charlton work hard, pass the ball neatly and are effective, as if Curbishley has etched his own personal qualities on his team. Aftrer 10 years, Charlton stand as an established Premiership club, and if Curbishley is not careful, he could create the sort of dynasty Ferguson has created at Old Trafford. And almost as an act of completion, Steve Gritt is back at Charlton, as youth academy manager. But not quite. Having proved beyond doubt over 10 years that he can make it as a solo act, Curbishley won't be reforming the partnership.

Share issue boosts Addicks budget
Charlton have unveiled details of a new share issue which will boost their transfer budget by over £5.5m. The club informed the Stock Exchange of a share issue under-written by existing backers and new investor Derek Chappell who becomes a non-executive director. The news was announced on the day manager Alan Curbishley marked 10 years in charge at The Valley. He has already spent £3m this summer, signing England U21 striker Darren Bent from Ipswich.

Charlton hand Fish free transfer
South African defender Mark Fish has been given a free transfer by Charlton. Last season the 33-year-old defender made just six starts for the club due to a succession of injury problems. Boss Alan Curbishley said: "Mark is looking for new pastures and we didn't want to stand in his way. We thank him and wish him well in the future." Fish. who has also played for Lazio in Italy, made 109 appearances for Charlton, who paid Bolton £700,000 for the defender in October 2000.

Charlton to raise ground capacity
Charlton have been granted planning permission to increase capacity at The Valley by more than 4,000 to 30,900. Greenwich Council granted approval for the proposals at a meeting of its planning board on Thursday. "This decision is vital to the ongoing development of our football club and our ambition is to have a capacity of 40,600," said chairman Peter Varney. A second tier will be added to the east stand and a new quadrant constructed in the south-east corner of the ground. Among the new facilities available will be a business information centre, creche and college facilities plus an extra 30 executive boxes, according to the club's website.

Charlton complete Youga signing
Charlton Athletic have completed the signing of French left-back Kelly Youga on a free transfer from Lyon. The 19-year-old's contract with the French champions ended on 30 June, and he has now moved to England after a spell on trial at Charlton last season. He will join up with the Addicks squad after completing his baccalaureat - the French equivalent of A-level exams. The rest of Alan Curbishley's squad have now begun fitness tests ahead of the start of pre-season training.

Hammers swoop for defensive trio
West Ham have completed a triple swoop for Cardiff centre-back pair Danny Gabbidon and James Collins and Charlton full-back Paul Konchesky. Gabbidon, 25, Collins, 21 and Konchesky, 24, have signed long-term contracts at the Upton Park club. "Danny has shown he can compete at the highest level and James is an excellent prospect," said boss Alan Pardew. "Paul is a major signing for the club, he is a top young player who will integrate well into our young squad." The total fee for Gabbidon and Collins is thought to top £3m, but this is likely to rise depending on clauses in the deal and appearances. Pardew added: "With the signing of James and Danny we now have five of the best young centre backs in the country. "Danny comes to West Ham United with a lot of experience for a player of his age. "At just 25 years old he is already a key player for the Welsh national team and has shown a lot of maturity in his performances. "Pace and agility will be his major assets as Danny makes the transition to the Premier League. "James is probably lacking experience as he joins the club, but do not underestimate his potential." The moves leave new Cardiff boss Dave Jones with a huge hole in his defence, but goes some way towards his task of cutting the cash-strapped Bluebirds' wage bill by a third. "Clearly sacrifices have to be made and this is a summer of sacrifices", Cardiff City owner Sam Hammam said. As well as lowering the wage bill, Hammam said the club needed to raise a minimum of £2.5m. Konchesky has made 168 appearances for Charlton and Pardew is delighted to have captured a player with so much Premiership experience. "He is only 24, but has well over 100 Premier League games to his name and I feel he can only get better from here. "His great strength is going forward from full-back and that could be a real asset this season."

Bees manager looking at trialists
Barnet boss Paul Fairclough is running the rule over strikers Zema Abbey and Mark Rawle and midfielder Ben Bowditch. Abbey, 28, played for four clubs last season after leaving Norwich - and ended the campaign at Torquay. Rawle, 26, has rejected a new contract at Kidderminster, while Bowditch, 21, was released by Colchester. Fairclough, who has named former Bees keeper and manager Gary Phillips as reserve team boss, is also looking at ex-Charlton youngster Adam Gross, 19.

Bowyer linked with Charlton move
Charlton are poised to make a £1.5m move for Newcastle's Lee Bowyer, according to the Sun newspaper. Bowyer, 28, started his career with the Addicks after joining as a trainee. The midfielder left the club for Leeds for £2.8m in 1996 but is seen by Charlton boss Alan Curbishley as a player to add steel to his side. But BBC Sport understands that no formal approach has been made to the player, who turned down a move to Birmingham earlier in the summer. Newcastle had accepted a bid for the London-born player but Bowyer turned it down as he feared for his physical safety. Bowyer is currently in pre-season training with Newcastle as they prepare for the new Premiership season. But his future in the north east has been in doubt since his on-the-field bust-up with team-mate Kieron Dyer during a match last season.

Charlton agree a fee for Ambrose
Charlton have had a bid accepted by Newcastle for 21-year-old midfielder Darren Ambrose. Addicks boss Alan Curbishley is now set to hold talks with the player, who moved to St James' Park in 2003 from boyhood club Ipswich Town. "Charlton have made an offer that matches our valuation of the player," said Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd. "We have given Darren permission to speak to Charlton to discuss a possible move," Shepherd added. Ambrose has found it difficult to hold down a regular place in Newcastle's midfield, making 29 of his 56 appearances from the bench. Craig Bellamy has already left Newcastle this summer and Lee Bowyer could still follow, as manager Graeme Souness attempts to re-build the squad left by Sir Bobby Robson.

Powell makes return to Charlton
Charlton have re-signed defender Chris Powell on a year's contract. Powell, 35, left the Addicks last summer to join West Ham, who he helped to promotion from the Championship via the play-offs. Powell made 200 League appearances for Charlton in his first stint and joined them from Derby County in June 1998. When leaving Charlton, Powell said: "I always felt I would finish my career at Charlton but I had a decision to make and West Ham offered regular football." The left-back initially joined the Hammers on loan before completing a free transfer to Upton Park in December 2004. He seemed likely to stay with the Premiership newcomers but the lure of his former club has proved too much too resist. Powell has earned five England caps during his career which saw his start out at Crystal Palace. He had a spell on loan at Aldershot before joining Southend and then Derby.

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