Squad strengthened as window closes

All Charlton fans to go to bed this evening encouraged by the fact that we look like we have come through the transfer window as we had all hoped for with Jonjo Shelvey and Nicky Bailey still Addicks. Not only that, but we have strengthened the squad in the key positions needed - centre-half, left wing and up front.

Luke Holden and Leon McKenzie have been signed on as anticipated this morning. Holden gets until January to prove his value and McKenzie has a one year deal. The surprise late signing was that of former loan success Sam Sodje to provide cover at centre-half, although I suspect he might fight his way into a berth with either Llera or Dailly before too much longer.

Yassin Moutouakil has gone to Motherwell for six months which sounds like a further punishment from the Charlton management team (oh how he's upset someone) and Stuart Fleetwood has been given the season long loan at Exeter that I suspect he will be delighted with. You have to hope we have inserted clauses into that deal to ensure he can't score against this season.

Assuming there is no late shock news, the Board must be commended for finding the funds and having the courage to take these decisions. These might not be anything like the signings we had become accustomed to, but I for one am not sad at that. Phil Parkinson has already shown some sound judgement at this level and I am prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt today. Time will tell but I suspect we might find these very shrewd moves, especially if our early season promotion form is sustained.

Elsewhere, Charlton fans will be interested to hear that Celtic are pursuing the capture of Zheng Zhi, a deal that is a marketeer's dream. I look forward to seeing him in the thick of SPL action.

In the meantime, bring on Brentford!