Charlton's Head of Recruitment Steve Gallen has admitted that bringing in new strikers has to be the immediate priority for the newly-promoted side.

The Addicks won promotion to the Championship in dramatic fashion against Sunderland at Wembley last month, with preparations now underway to give Lee Bowyer a side that can compete in the second tier.

And, Gallen outlined just how much work needs to be done when speaking to the official site and revealed that finding more options in the final third is the target, with Lyle Taylor the only senior option at The Valley right now.

"Lee and I have been talking all the way through, over the last few months, that when we get to this stage, the first signings, if we can, will be forwards. We’ve lost a lot.

"Josh Parker has left us and I have to say he really helped particularly in the play-off games. Nicky Ajose, Igor Vetokele, Billy Clarke and Karlan Grant have all left, so that’s five that have gone out. We’re going to try and replace those lads."

There has been speculation that Bowyer could leave the club himself, with West Brom and Derby believed to be monitoring his situation.

The Verdict

The Londoners are starting from a very tough position as they prepare for life in the Championship and the comments from Gallen prove just how short they are in key areas.

Fans will take encouragement from his honesty and he clearly recognises that they have a big summer ahead.

Now, it's about delivering on that and it will be interesting to see who they have lined up.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.