Charlton Athletic fans must face clear Nathan Jones transfer fear right now | OneFootball

The Addicks are set for a critical summer transfer window.

Charlton Athletic can be proud of their return to the Championship on many fronts after securing their survival despite a disappointing second half of the season.

The Addicks began the campaign in fine fettle, losing just three of their opening 14 matches before they endured a run of six straight defeats that set the tone for a challenging climax.

Nathan Jones had to rely on several of his League One play-off-winning cohort in the second tier, with Lloyd Jones and Greg Docherty among the club's top performers.

Last summer, the South East London club spent north of £10 million on players, and if they cannot avoid the mistakes of that window, they have a difficult campaign ahead.

Charlton Athletic's summer transfer business analysed

After Charlton edged out fellow London side Leyton Orient in the play-off final last year, they embarked on a critical transfer window that would shape their season.

The Addicks came up with Birmingham City and Wrexham, who both had hefty financial backing, meaning that Charlton would have to work extra hard to avoid relegation at the first attempt.

Among the additions at The Valley were Charlie Kelman, Rob Apter and Harvey Knibbs for a combined estimated £7.3million, but none of them set the world alight with their performances.

Kelman, who bagged 21 goals while on loan at Orient the season prior, only managed seven league goals, while Apter struggled before being loaned out to Bolton Wanderers and Knibbs was mainly utilised as a substitute.

Other notable additions who struggled to make an impact were Tanto Olaofe and Joe Rankin-Costello, who arrived for fees from Stockport County and Blackburn Rovers respectively.

Ironically, some of Charlton's best signings arrived for no fee at all, as Sonny Carey and Amari'i Bell both became integral members of Jones' side.

Why the Addicks can't afford to make same mistakes again

While Charlton just about got away with their poor business this season, if they make the same errors this time round, they could be staring down the barrel of relegation.

The Addicks certainly have key business to attend to in the upcoming window, particularly in attack, as only two clubs managed fewer goals than their 44.

Of course, Kelman has now had a year at The Valley and may be given the opportunity to prove himself by leading the line next term, while Lynden Dykes could still remain at the club and would be another option.

However, what is most concerning is the perceived strength of the division, with strong sides coming up in Lincoln City, Cardiff City and Bolton, while West Ham, Wolves and Burnley will prove incredibly difficult to beat.

To top that off, Birmingham City and Wrexham are expected to make progress, while the big clubs that finished around the Addicks will be expecting better.

What will also make things tricky is Charlton's estimated wage bill, as they ranked as the lowest-spending club in the Championship.

If they are to maintain that approach, then it could mean they miss out on players, while there is every chance some of their prized assets could be snatched from their hands.

While it does not make for great reading, if Charlton can get their recruitment spot on this summer, then there is no reason why they cannot improve on their 19th-placed finish.