Charlton Athletic

Charlton Athletic: Out with the old, in with the new!

Igor Vetokele was confirmed as definitely leaving the Valley by the South London Press today. However the club announced the signing of Lee Novak to replace him.

It is understood that Igor Vetokele is expected to depart the Valley and join SV Zulte Waregem on a season long loan in Belgium.

Vetokele struggled last season with fitness and injuries, and the last exceptional game he had for the Addicks, was against Rotherham away, where Charlton Athletic won 4 – 1, back in January.

From reviewing the forwards performance last season, it does not look like Igor Vetokele is going to ever find his spark again in English football, like he once had when starting.

And the forward position that Igor Vetokele once filled was identified by Russell Slade as a massive weak point for the Addicks.

As a result Slade and Chief Scout, Steve Head, have been getting to work identifying targets, making deals, and securing signings.

Today it was officially announced by Charlton Athletic that former Birmingham City striker, Lee Novak, has put pen to paper, declaring his services for the Addicks for a total of three years.

Novak spent the majority of last season on loan at Chesterfield, where he netted 15 goals in 38 games.

Russell Slade had the following comments on the signing of the forward.

“I’m really pleased to be able to welcome Lee to the club. He has shown a consistency at both Championship and League One level, is a proven goalscorer and his work ethic is phenomenal as well.

“Lee is a real team player, will run and stretch teams, and help us to link our play. He’ll be a real pest to centre-halves and won’t give them a minute’s peace, and that is exactly what we want. All-round Lee will be a really good signing for us.”

Novak had his own personal comments, on his new future at the Valley.

“It’s brilliant to get everything sorted. I came down on Monday and spoke to the gaffer and Katrien and I’m delighted that we have got it signed.

“This is a huge club, the facilities here are brilliant and the gaffer’s plans for the future and his aims for the club were a real attraction for me.

“A club this size needs to be looking for promotion to get up the leagues and I’m hopeful that we can achieve that next season.”

In another interview with CAFC.co.uk, Novak stated he is ready for a promotion fight.

“Promotion has got be our target.

“A club this size, we’ve got to be looking to get promoted and get back up the leagues to where the club belongs.

“I’m really hopeful that we can achieve that next season.

“Like every league, you need to get off to a good start and that is what we want to do here. We want a good start, a good team spirit and the belief that we can challenge for promotion.”

Novak went onto say that Russell Slade had a massive influence on him signing for Charlton.

“He was hugely important in me signing. He was brilliant from the first meeting – I haven’t worked with him before but he was a big part of why I’ve decided to come here.

“This is a huge club, the facilities here are brilliant and the gaffer’s plans for the future and his aims for the club were a real attraction for me.

“We spoke about the way he likes to play, his training methods, what he wants from me as an individual but most importantly what he wants from us as a team.

“I’ll be more than happy to try and get in that team and hopefully can score goals and help the club.”

Novak is confirmed as the second signing for the Addicks, after Northampton Town midfielder, Ricky Holmes, made the switch to Charlton yesterday.

It was also reported recently that top goal scorer from Swindon, Nicky Ajose, has agreed a deal with Charlton at £800,000, but he has not yet signed a contract. Ajose netted 24 goals in League One last season, and fans should expect reports on him arriving at the Valley early next week.

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