Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has recently stated that he will need to sign several new players to compete in the Championship next season in an interview with talkSPORT.

He also felt that it will be tough for the Addicks to compete to a high standard next season if signings aren’t made before the season gets underway in August.

In our latest FLW Six Pointer, we look into Charlton’s summer plans in more detail...

Firstly, is Bowyer right? Do they need several players to compete?

"They definitely need some depth before the new season starts.

"They’ve only got ten first-team players on their books and they cannot rely on the academy players, otherwise they’ll be heading straight back down into League One.

"It’s far from ideal preparation for next season, and Bowyer needs to be given the funds to strengthen his squad at the earliest of opportunities."

Which position needs addressing first though?

"A centre-back needs to be their first priority in my opinion.

"Patrick Bauer is going to leave a sizeable void in the Charlton defence after moving to Preston North End earlier in the transfer window.

"He’s going to be a difficult player to replace, and it’s a necessity that the Addicks add depth to their defensive options, otherwise I can see teams tearing them apart with ease in the Championship."

Is Bowyer likely to have significant funds available to him?

"In a short answer, no.

"It’s been well-publicised that Charlton’s owners and Bowyer haven’t had the best of relationships in the past.

"There is a glimmer of hope that funds will be available to the Charlton boss next season, and supporters will be fearing the worst if he doesn’t receive backing from the owners.

"Bowyer has already admitted that his side will have one of the smallest budgets in the Championship next season, which won’t fill supporters with much confidence, especially after such an impressive season in League One."

Will the off-the-field issues have delayed any potential deals?

"Without a doubt.

"Charlton should have got Bowyer’s contract sorted as soon as the play-off final finished at Wembley.

"He earned a new deal, and I was stunned that it took so long for the club to offer him a new deal.

"It’s definitely disrupted their plans for next season, and now they’re starting pre-season in difficult circumstances, with the squad being light on numbers.

"Signings are needed, and fast."

Can we expect to see any other players depart before the season starts?

"I wouldn’t expect to see many departures before the season gets underway.

"Joe Aribo looks as though he’s destined for a move elsewhere, and it seems as though it’s only a matter of time before his move to Rangers is confirmed.

"But Bowyer won't want to see any more of his first-team players depart before the season gets underway, and the club will be doing everything they can to keep the core group of players together heading into the 2019/2020 season."

Finally, can you see Charlton staying up next season, even if they are to make new signings?

"I think they’re going to find it difficult to stay afloat if I’m brutally honest.

"I had high hopes for the Addicks after they won promotion last season, but after the well-documented off-the-field problems they’ve had, I just can’t see them being able to compete.

"The delay in Bowyer’s new contract will have impacted any potential incomings, and even if they are to make signings, I just can’t see them being up to the standard required in the Championship when they’re limited with the funds available to them."