'We’re at a disadvantage' - Charlton Athletic investment claim made amid Derby County talk | OneFootball

FLW's Charlton fan pundit has given his verdict on whether fresh investment is needed at the club

Charlton Athletic enjoyed a successful first year back in the Championship under Nathan Jones.

The Addicks achieved promotion from League One 12 months ago through the play-offs, and have ensured their survival in the second tier.

The London outfit finished 19th in the table, six points clear of the relegation zone and with multiple games spare.

It was a difficult end to the season, as they won just one of their last nine league fixtures, which saw them fall down the standings in the final weeks.

It could now be a busy summer at the Valley, with the club looking to improve on the first team squad in order to climb back up the Championship next year.

Supporters will be hoping that the owners, Global Football Partners, invest in the team during the transfer market.

Further investment needed at Charlton

Championship rivals Derby County have been linked with a change in the ownership structure amid interest from Turki Alalshikh.

It has been claimed that the Saudi Arabian is seeking a deal with David Clowes that will see him invest in the Rams, which could bolster their chances of competing for promotion back to the Premier League.

When asked about the prospect of potential external investment in the Addicks, FLW’s Charlton fan pundit Chris Woodward claimed that he would look to see more money put into the club.

While he is wary that fresh investment doesn’t equate to success, and that they would still need to spend in a sustainable manner, he believes that they are unable to compete financially with the bigger teams just yet.

“I’d like to see further investment in Charlton but only under the consensus we were very careful in selecting or approving certain individuals who would like to invest,” Woodward told Football League World.

“You can take Chelsea’s current ownership for example, or our previous ownership under Roland Duchâtelet, where more money doesn’t always relate to better or more successful outcomes.

“Our current ownership group have been really intelligent in not just rebuilding the players, but the entire infrastructure of the club itself, while ensuring the club is being run in a sustainable way.

“However, if we are being brutally honest, Charlton doesn’t generate enough income yet to compete with bigger sides at this level, and with the new salary cap rules, we’re at a disadvantage.”

Woodward has claimed he would love some extra financial backing as the current owners won’t be willing to meet the upper limit of the new spending rules, which will put them further behind their rivals.

“Owners can still put in an extra £33 million over three years, which could go a long way,” he added.

“However, our owners, who fair enough willing to invest, aren’t willing to commit that level of money just yet.

“I do think we need, and would love, extra financial backing, but it has to be used very sensibly and smartly, instead of just chucking it away just because it’s there.

“Otherwise it could be very harmful for the long-term future of the club.”

Charlton earned their place back in the Championship last year with victory in the play-offs and have been able to maintain their position in the division.

However, the summer transfer window offers the club the chance to invest in the squad again and it remains to be seen what their plans will be for the months ahead.

Jones will be keen to bolster the squad, as he looks to maintain Charlton’s upwards trajectory under his management.

The transfer window will officially open on 15 June, and close on 1 September, meaning there is still plenty of time left to iron out the details of the summer strategy.

Charlton’s owners will need fresh investment to compete

Charlton face an uphill battle financially if their goal is to compete at the top end of the Championship.

The club will need fresh investment from somewhere in order to fight for promotion in the future, or even just maintain their place in the second tier.

If the current owners aren’t willing to meet the limits of the new spending rules, then they could look to external investors in order to bridge that gap.

But the key will be to maintain a sustainable platform, as Charlton know full well the consequences of spending above your means.