League One outfit Charlton Athletic will be focusing on appointing a successor for Johnnie Jackson following the departure of the 39-year-old earlier this month.

Although the Addicks have been linked with a few managers, the third-tier side's supporters will want to see something more concrete in the coming days considering they are at risk of falling behind some of their league rivals in terms of pursuing transfer targets.

The free-agent market could prove to be particularly fruitful for Jackson's successor as they look to build a side ready to compete for promotion back to the Championship at the third time of asking.

 

 

Starting the 2021/22 campaign poorly despite a promising end to 2020/21, they experienced a resurgence under the stewardship of Jackson when he took charge, but a winless run during February and March killed their momentum and any chance of securing a top-six spot.

With this, the club's hierarchy may be seeking fresh blood ahead of the next campaign and although they can do this by entering the transfer market once again, they may also look internally for someone to step up to the plate.

Bearing this in mind, we're taking a look at two Charlton players to keep an eye out for during the 2022/23 season.

Chuks Aneke

28-year-old Aneke has endured a frustrating time since his return to The Valley, suffering with fitness issues following his move from Birmingham City and this is why he has only been able to make nine league appearances for the Addicks this term.

During this time though, he has managed to record four goals and an assist, a promising goals-to-game ratio and one he will be hoping to replicate next season if he can overcome recent setbacks.

Speaking about his frustrations to the South London Press last month, it's clear to see he wants to come back firing and with a full pre-season of football under his belt, you would certainly back him to become one of their top scorers alongside the likes of Jayden Stockley and Conor Washington.

The presence of the forward duo could end up limiting his playing time, but with Stockley potentially the subject of interest following a fruitful season and Washington set to leave on the expiration of his contract in the summer as things stand, he could be provided with plenty of starting opportunities next term.

A 20+ goal season certainly isn't out of the question during 2022/23 and he will not only be provided with motivation by his recent injury struggles, but also by his failed spell at Birmingham with the forward not receiving a sufficient opportunity to shine.

Deji Elerewe

The contract situation this summer may also influence 18-year-old Elerewe's fortunes next term, with both Jason Pearce and Ryan Inniss' deals expiring in under two months.

In fairness, that doesn't mean they are leaving because officials at the club are yet to offer contracts to anyone as things stand but there's still a chance one or both will go with interested sides potentially ready to swoop in for their signature.

Making 11 appearances in all competitions during the 2021/22 season, centre-back Elerewe can be pleased with his progress considering he's only 18 but only three of those displays came in the third tier.

He is likely to have plenty of opportunities once again next term with the Addicks set to compete in the Papa John's Trophy - but he will want to make far more league appearances in his quest to make his full breakthrough into the first team.

His first priority has to be getting more senior football under his belt regardless of where he plays though - because going out on loan will probably be more beneficial for his development than being stuck in the club's youth system.

If he can be more involved in the first team at Charlton though, that's a bonus.