Charlton Athletic must compete for a place in the League One top six next season if manager Karl Robinson is to maintain his position at the Valley, but will have to do so with a new number one between the sticks.

Norwich City goalkeeper Declan Rudd spent the season in south London, but will link up with Preston on 1st July after opting to move north to Lancashire.

Karl Robinson will scour the divisions for his new favoured shot stopper, and should turn to Middlesbrough for 24-year-old Connor Ripley.

The young goalkeeper enjoyed a phenomenal spell in League One with Oldham last season, and his clean sheet ensured the Latics retained their place in the division.

Despite being relegation candidates for most of the campaign, Oldham boasted the fourth best defence in the league; one which even bettered runaway champions Sheffield United.

Ripley played every league game for his loan side, and received a number of plaudits for a number of standout performances.

The player should be available on another loan next season, and Robinson should do what it takes to bring him into the squad.

The son of former England international Stuart Ripley, Connor has a bright career ahead of him, and a successful season with Charlton could see the player make strides towards a top flight career of his own and perhaps one day, an England cap.