Charlton Athletic backed to sign ex-Bristol City star who 'has no major red flags' | OneFootball

FLW's Charlton fan pundit hopes his side goes after Mark Sykes this summer if Bristol City decide against extending his contract

Charlton Athletic are set to begin their second consecutive campaign in the Championship for the first time in over a decade next season, following a solid first year back under Nathan Jones.

The Addicks' strong start to the season meant they were never in any real relegation danger until the final few weeks, but they managed to keep the likes of Oxford United and Leicester City at arm's length en route to a 19th-placed finish.

Now, the focus, as it will be with every side that finished in the lower mid-table, will be on improvement to ensure that they aren't in any relegation danger next season. At Charlton, that has to include signing some proven Championship players.

A lot of the new arrivals last summer at the Valley were players who were on the cusp of breaking into the second tier from League One. Sonny Carey, Tanto Olaofe, Harvey Knibbs, Rob Apter, and third-tier top scorer Charlie Kelman were all recruited after good seasons in the same division as Charlton, and almost all of them disappointed.

Charlton Athletic fan pundit wants Addicks to go after Mark Sykes this summer

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Now that Charlton can say they're a somewhat established second-tier outfit again, following their survival in their first season back at the level, more players with that Championship quality could be tempted over to the Valley this summer.

FLW's Addicks fan pundit, Chris Woodward, hopes that Mark Sykes, who has spent the four seasons playing regularly in the second tier with Bristol City, can find his next home at the Valley.

It's worth noting that the 28-year-old is not yet confirmed to be leaving Ashton Gate, with out-of-contract players said to not have discussions until they have a new head coach in post. That spot has been filled by Michael Skubala, and Woodward hopes that the former Lincoln City boss won't see the midfielder in his plans.

"I think that Mark Sykes would be the best choice for Charlton out of the free agent pool," he said. "He wouldn't be the most exciting of players, nor do I think he carries the most quality out of the free agent list.

"But he will offer quality, versatility, an area that Charlton needs cover in, affordable wages, Championship experience, and he's in his prime years, something that the other free agents lack.

"Sykes would have plenty to offer, and would be a very low-risk signing given his profile and background, nor would he have high wage demands, so Charlton should be able to compete for him."

The Irishman was a key part of the Robins side under Liam Manning, and if not for a quad injury ahead of a game against QPR towards the latter stages of the campaign, he'd have played a part in their play-off semi-final matchups against Sheffield United back in 2024/25.

It's that experience and quality towards the top end of the division that would make Sykes a great signing who would improve the Addicks, according to the fan pundit.

"Sykes would be a smart bit of business, covering an area that we need while freeing up funds for other areas of the pitch," he continued.

"At Bristol City, he's played upper mid-table in the Championship, so wouldn't lack the quality for a club like Charlton, who would likely be fighting relegation again next season.

"Sykes has no major red flags, which is why he'd be a solid signing out of the current free agents available."

Mark Sykes would be a brilliant signing for Charlton Athletic if he leaves Bristol City

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Charlton may have to fight to bring Sykes to the Valley this summer if Michael Skubala expresses an interest in keeping the Irishman at Ashton Gate ahead of his first season in the dugout.

Sykes started the majority of games last season in the Championship, but did find himself coming off the bench 13 times under both Gerhard Struber and Roy Hodgson.

At Charlton, you'd imagine that someone like the 28-year-old would be one of the first names on the teamsheet, as Nathan Jones aims to add more experienced heads who still have a lot to offer in terms of quality in the Championship.

As those who finished around the Addicks look to improve and push away from the relegation zone, the Welsh manager will be aware that his side has to do the same, and as a free transfer, Sykes would be a perfect way to kick off the summer's business.

But it all depends on Bristol City's stance. If the Robins offer him fresh terms to continue his stay into its fifth season, Charlton may be powerless to watch him sign an extension at Ashton Gate.