Academy Manager Steve Avory provided a positive report on how Charlton’s prospects are faring with their respective loan clubs.
As many as 10 Academy players have tasted first-team football away from the club during this campaign, with Avory and his staff keeping close tabs on each and every one of them.
Ashley Maynard-Brewer - Ross County (Scottish Premiership)
“It’s fantastic for Ashley to be playing Scottish Premiership football. Ross County is a good developing ground for young players and Ashley has played in quite a number of first-team games already for them this season. When you think he’s getting the experience of playing against the likes of Rangers, Celtic, Hibernian, Hearts and Aberdeen - that’s good quality Scottish football for sure.
“I’ll be interested when he comes back to us in pre-season and so will everybody else to see whether he’s ready in terms of pushing for a first-team place here. Obviously you hope that experience there is going to enable him to compete very strongly for the first spot.”
Ben Dempsey - Ayr United (Scottish Championship)
“Ayr United have got a good reputation for developing young players in terms of their Academy players through to first-team. What I did notice is that their manager Lee Bullen did a good job with Sheffield Wednesday’s U23s and had a couple of spells there as caretaker too. Ben has gone to a club that cares about developing young players and a manager that certainly has an appreciation of them. I’ve had a bit of contact with Ben and he’s thoroughly enjoying it. He says the standard is better than even he thought it would be and, again, playing at places like Kilmarnock and Hamilton is very good for his development.”
Josh Davison - Swindon Town (League Two)
“It’s Josh’s second loan at an EFL club and, again, he’s gone to a club where I feel the manager Ben Garner and one or two of his assistants that I’m familiar with, have got that understanding and belief in bringing young players through. Josh is enjoying his time there as well, he’s developing and he’s scoring goals.”
Aaron Henry and Charles Clayden - Wealdstone (National League)
“We were certainly comfortable with both Aaron and Charles going to Wealdstone. Stuart Maynard, the manager there, took Charlie Barker on loan before, and myself and Anthony Hayes feel that the contact we’ve had with Stuart has always been positive. He was positive about us and the players that we’ve sent to him previously and he was very keen to take Aaron and Charles.
“What we appreciated about Stuart was he had a good knowledge of our players, he had been to see them play and he knew all about the two players. They’re coming on well and we’ve had both of those players watched in recent games and the reports on them are positive. I think the manager is pleased with them there because they’re certainly getting the 90 minutes.”
James Vennings - Aldershot Town (National League)
“Unfortunately because of the rules, James’ loan with Aldershot has ended. I know their manager Mark Molesley has enjoyed having him around in his first spell, as well as the most recent spell. He’s had plenty of 90 minutes at National League level in a team that is competing to survive. The rules don’t prevent James going out on loan to another National League club if that can be accommodated.”
Johl Powell - Maidstone United (National League South)
“Johl played in attacking midfield role for Maidstone on Saturday and the report I’ve had back from their coach about his performance has been very positive, so much so that Johl made Vanarama’s Team of the Week. I’m looking forward to keeping an eye on Johl as he’s part of a successful team at the moment and he’s trying to help that team get to the next level.”
Lucas Ness - Hampton & Richmond (National League South)
“Lucas’ game has been in a strong position since he came back from a long-term injury. Through the course of this season, we’ve always felt that he’s been a very strong defender, both aerially and on the ground. It’s pleasing that this season he’s really developed and he wants to continue to develop his on the ball game. Now he’s gone to Hampton and Richmond and, again, it’s senior football of a different level to what he is used to.”
Dylan Gavin - Billericay Town (National League South)
“Dylan is in a Billericay team that is obviously struggling to survive, but that in itself is all part of the senior football experience. Dylan’s in a team with another Charlton connection in Josh Wright which is pleasing to see, and I’m sure Josh will look after him. It’s a good opportunity for Dylan, he’s enjoying it and because of his age he can come back and play for the Academy when he needs to.”
Nazir Bakrin - Cray Wanderers (Isthmian Premier Division)
“Naz is enjoying that experience of senior football in a team that is managed and coached by our ex-Academy coach Grant Basey. I know Cray Wanderers have got a tradition of playing a game whereby they build and create through the thirds, so it’s not something dissimilar to what Naz has been used to.”
Charlton fans can support the Academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club’s Academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.