Charlton Athletic manager Ben Garner has admitted that they're hoping they can convince George Dobson to sign a long-term contract extension with the club. 

Dobson's current contract runs out this summer with the Addicks able to extend by a further 12 months.

The midfielder won the club’s Player of the Year award last season and the former Sunderland and AFC Wimbledon player has been a key cog for Garner this season, starting 16 of their opening 17 League One matches.

With his contract situation unclear, it left a number of supporters calling for Dobson to be given a new contract and significantly extending his stay at the Valley.

This is something that manager Garner agrees with, as he told London News Online: “I agree 100 percent with the supporters. He has done really well at this football club – he’s a top player who is getting better and better.

"He’s one of our key figures and he’s a great leader in the team as well.

“From a manager’s point of view I’d love to have him tied down on a longer contract and that will be conversations I have with Thomas [Sandgaard, Charlton’s owner] along with recruitment."

At just 24 years old, Dobson is close to entering his prime years so ensuring Charlton benefit from that is important.

The Addicks are pushing for a playoff place this season and currently find themselves in ninth, just four points off the top six.

The Verdict

Dobson has once again proven to be a key performer for Charlton this season. Ensuring he's tied down to a long-term deal will not only ensure his future is clearer, but also protects his value from a Charlton perspective.

It will also mean they wouldn't be under pressure to sell ensuring they hold the cards in any negotiation.

As he's shown this season, as well as last season, he's a key player for Charlton, and a consistent performer, so rewarding Dobson for his efforts will go a long way to convincing both the player and the club that the long-term success of the club is on course.