Charlton Athletic fired new Lyndon Dykes warning | OneFootball

FLW's Charlton fan pundit has given his verdict on their pursuit of Lyndon Dykes

Charlton Athletic are preparing for their second season back in the Championship since gaining promotion in 2025.

Nathan Jones’ side avoided the drop back to League One in the previous campaign with a 19th place finish in the table, six points clear of the bottom three.

The Addicks will now be aiming to improve on that position by climbing up the standings and competing for a top half finish.

The London outfit have already added some fresh faces to their squad for next season, including Danny McNamara, Millenix Alli, Ivan Mesik and Billy Koumetio.

Karlan Grant has also returned to the club following his exit from West Brom, having spent five years as part of the first team squad after coming through the academy system.

And it has also been reported that Charlton are preparing an improved contract offer for Lyndon Dykes, who is a free agent after his spell at the Valley ended with the conclusion of the previous campaign.

Charlton warned against Lyndon Dykes reunion

Action Images

When asked whether Dykes is a player that the club should be pursuing, FLW’s Charlton fan pundit Chris Woodward claimed that the Addicks should be moving on to other targets at this stage due to Jones’ shift to a lone striker up front in pre-season.

He believes that there are enough forward options in the squad already, and that their move away from a target man also means that the Scot might not be suited to their change in tactics for the upcoming campaign.

“I think the time to bring Dykes back to the club has passed, and we should be moving on from him,” Woodward told Football League World.

“Dykes did well for us at the back end of last season, and proved his worth, but the way we’re trying to progress as a club and team, there isn’t room for him now.

“This pre-season we’ve switched to a 4-2-3-1, so that limits the amount of striker positions available, and we are also slowly stop playing so direct, and therefore move away from Dykes’ key strengths.

“We have enough forward options in Leaburn, Godden, Kellman — although he’s currently injured — Mbick, Kanu, Olaofe and even Grant can do a job up top as well, so we don’t need another forward at present.

“With Dykes not signing the original offer, and no World Cup on the horizon, I’d question if he’s still motivated as he was last season to play for us.

“I’d thank Dykes because he did a great job when times were tough last year, but now it’s time for player and club to move on in a different direction.”

Dykes is currently a free agent following the end of his short-term contract with the London outfit, having made the switch from Birmingham City earlier this year.

The forward moved to Charlton last January, where he made 20 league appearances, including 16 starts.

The Scot contributed three goals and three assists, helping Jones’ side secure their place in the Championship for another year.

However, it remains to be seen whether he will make the switch to the Valley on a permanent basis, with it being claimed that he has interest from other clubs in England, as well as Scotland.

Due to his free agency, the 1 September transfer deadline does not apply for Charlton as players without a club can sign after this date.

Jones’ side will get their campaign underway on 15 August with a home clash against Derby County.

Action Images

Lyndon Dykes signing doesn’t make as much sense anymore

It’s increasingly likely that Charlton have moved on from the need for Dykes, so it would be a waste of resources to bring him back for next season.

If Jones is reverting to a lone striker, then the Addicks already have plenty of options to choose from.

And if they also want to play less direct, then the Scot likely won’t be as suited to their style of play, making him more of a secondary option.

Given the potential cost of his wages, it might not be the best use of their resources to bring him back if he isn’t going to be a guaranteed starter every week.