This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Steve Gallen has indicated that Charlton Athletic’s priority in January will be to keep the players they have on loan, as reported by The News Shopper.
What did he say?
Charlton recruited five loanees during the summer transfer window, with Josh Cullen, Conor Gallagher, Sam Field, Jonathan Leko and Beram Kayal all coming in on a temporary basis.
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These players have certainly had their influence on the side, with their use of the loan market playing an integral part in their success so far this season.
This has led to Gallen indicating that the priority in January is to keep hold of them: “First and foremost we want to keep the group together, Sam Field will be coming back to us.
“Conor Gallagher could go back to Chelsea although I don’t think he will. Claude Makalele and Carlo Cudicini came in to the training ground last week to see their player in the same way that Grant Basey has been to Newport and Colchester, to sit down with their managers and get some feedback.”
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The big priority
It is vital that the Addicks keep hold of these players, especially with Gallagher, Cullen and Leko, due to the impact that they’ve had since arriving at the club.
The team currently sits 11th in the table, just six points away from the play-offs, so it is important to keep hold of those who have contributed to their impressive opening to the season.
Gallagher, the player who was mentioned with the greatest concern in Gallen’s comments, is the greatest example of that.
The teenager has really excelled since moving to the Valley, making 15 starts and one substitute appearance, scoring five goals and getting one assist.
Bowyer’s glowing comment about him, said on talkSPORT, offers an insight into how well he has done since coming in: “He’s hit the ground running.
“Whatever you tell him he does and I just keep encouraging him to get in the box, and things are falling for him at the moment. His willingness and work rate are unreal, so he’s fitted in really well.”
Bringing in further reinforcements would certainly be a help to the Charlton cause, but Gallen is correct in his view that keeping hold of key loanees is a priority for them.