Charlton Athletic boss Dean Holden has confirmed contract offers have been made to young players but refused to be drawn on the identity of said talents.
Charlton Athletic’s youth academy has produced a selection of first-team players over the years and under Holden, some fresh talents have been able to nail down places in the starting XI.
Ashley Maynard-Brewer made good on his chance to impress in Joe Wollacott’s absence and has become the go-to ‘keeper, also earning a new contract. Centre-back Lucas Ness has thoroughly impressed since being recalled from Torquay United too, while Aaron Henry is also pushing for a starting spot.
The Addicks have been keen to tie down some of their young players to new deals too, succeeding with their efforts to do so with Maynard-Brewer. And, in the wake of the new agreement with the Australian, Holden has now been quizzed on further talks with young players.
However, while speaking with the South London Press, Holden refused to be drawn on further details. He said:
“Yeah, Ash was one of the three. We’re delighted Ash has agreed his contract.
“It would be the wrong thing for me to do, while we are still in talks with these players, to now come out and say who they are, because it probably puts more pressure on them than we want to at the moment. They are young players. Offers have gone in to them and their agents and we’re still in discussions with them.
“There is no really big news on any of that, really.”
Securing the next generation…
Regardless of who the unnamed players are, it remains to be seen whether or not the Addicks are successful in their bids to tie down these emerging talents to new deals. The academy’s productivity has been important to Charlton Athletic over recent years, producing first-team quality players while also providing a steady income through player sales.
Losing high potential players at the end of their contracts is a worst case scenario. Obviously, it removes any chance of them becoming regulars for the club, but it also means they’ll only receive a nominal development fee as they move on free transfers.
It will be hoped the Addicks can avoid that this summer, and with Maynard-Brewer penning a new deal, fingers will be crossed that other starlets can follow suit.
