Will Mannion spoke of his excitement at joining a team on the rise after the goalkeeper signed a three-year deal with the Addicks, with a club option of an additional year.
“It feels great to be here,” he said. "When the Manager called me, it definitely perked my ears up.
“I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago and he sold the vision of the club and the vision for myself in terms of being involved. I’m excited for what may be this season.”
The 26-year-old is originally from London, and cannot wait to represent a club from his home city.
“Coming back home and being with the family, it will be a proud moment to be stepping out at that stadium in front of them,” he explained.
Mannion’s family won’t be the only ones singing him on, and having played at The Valley as an opposition player, the goalkeeper is eager to have the Charlton faithful on his side this time.
“It’s obviously a proud fanbase, and full of voice. So I really can’t wait to get out at The Valley and see them all,” he smiled.
The new signing is under no illusions over what the target is this season. “It’s obviously a massive club - definitely not a club that should be in this league,” he said.
“Collectively, the goal is to push for promotion. That was made clear when I spoke to the gaffer, and that’s something that drew me to the club, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do this season.”
Helping him settle in will be Lloyd Jones, who knows Mannion from their time at Cambridge United. “Lloydy is a good lad, and I’m really excited to see everyone else,” said the goalkeeper.
Those who watched the Addicks’ 1-1 draw at Cambridge in April will have seen Mannion’s qualities. For those that did not, the new signing’s description of himself was spot on: “I’m an all-rounder,” he said. “I’ll be there when you need me.”
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