The South London Press have reported that Karlan Grant’s proposed move to Huddersfield will go through prior to Thursday’s transfer deadline.
That would leave the Addicks without either Lyle Taylor or Grant for next Saturday’s trip to Fleetwood.
Lee Bowyer and Head of Recruitment, Steve Gallen, have been working hard to bolster the striking options, but may now have to consider bringing two front men in.
Grant’s natural replacement, Nicky Ajose, has gone to Mansfield for the rest of the season, and Igor Vetokele is still recovering from a dislocated shoulder.
If it was to be his last game for the club, Grant hardly went out on a high at Peterborough. After dominating proceedings after the interval, Charlton were given a glorious opportunity to win the game late on.
Josh Cullen was scythed down on the edge of the box, and referee, David Webb, pointed to the spot.
Gramt stepped up to take the kick, but fluffed his lines. His weak shot was easily saved by Posh keeper, Conor O’Malley, and the game fizzled out to a 0-0 draw.
Bowyer covered Taylor’s absence by switching to a 4-3-2-1 formation, with Ben Reeves and Jonny Williams providing the support for lone striker Grant.
It proved to be the last game in charge for Peterborough manager, Steve Evans. The club announced after the game that Evans had been relieved of his duties.
Darren Ferguson will return to London Road for his third spell in charge of the club.
The Addicks received fantastic backing from the large number of fans who made the trip to support them.
Bowyer had this to say after the game:
“The lads gave everything. They deserved to win today, they deserved it. Especially second half we were by far the better side.
“We hit the bar, didn’t quite get on the end of a couple of crosses. We looked dangerous every time we went forward. They were trying to hit us on the break but we deserved to win.
“I’m gutted for everybody, for the fans, for the players – they’ve given everything again, you can’t ask no more from them.
“There have not been many games where we ain’t scored either. Another clean sheet and another game we win two or three I think.
“I’m so gutted for the lads, I can’t say it enough, they’ve just given me everything. At half-time I said ‘Be more confident in possession, be more positive, believe in yourselves more’ because we’re a good side, a good footballing side. I think we’ve shown that again today. I just feel for them.
“Our fans didn’t stop singing for the whole 90 minutes, it was some turnout, the noise was unreal. I’m just disappointed for everybody. Not in a bad way, in a positive way.”
Bowyer and Gallen will be busy ahead of next week’s closing of the transfer window.
Charlton: Phillips; Solly , Bauer, Sarr, Purrington; Cullen, Bielik, Pratley (Hackett-Fairchild, 65) Williams (Fosu, 82), Reeves; Grant.
Subs (not used): Maxwell, Dijksteel, Marshall, Lapslie, Clarke, Fosu.
Booked: Williams 32 (diving), Bielik 68 (foul), Reeves 77 (dissent)
Peterborough: O’Malley; Naismith , White, Bennett, Lafferty; Reed, Dempsey, Tomlin (Cooper 72), Maddison (Ward 87).
Subs (not used): Chapman, Woodyard, Cooke, Ward, Stevens.
Booked: Naismith 86 (foul).
Referee: David Webb (Lancashire).
Attn: 9,002 (2,531 Charlton).
