Charlton handed boost as Ricky Holmes signs new contract

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)

Charlton have been handed a massive boost with the news Ricky Holmes has signed a new three-year deal with the club.

The 30-year-old winger was named the London club’s 2016-17 Player of the Season after scoring 13 goals, and registering six assists, in 38 appearances during the last campaign.

That brilliant form made him a fans-favourite at The Valley, and led to transfer speculation that linked him with a move to Championship newcomers Sheffield United, but the former Pompey man said the decision to sign a new contract was a ‘no brainer”.

Speaking to Charlton’s official club website, Holmes said: “With the signings we’ve made this year and the enjoyment I had personally last season with the goals I scored and being in and around the club, it was a no brainer for me to sign a new contract and get this club back up to where it belongs.

“I want to play for this football club and there seems to be a better vibe around the whole place.

“Hopefully, we can all get together and get promoted this season.”

So far this summer, the Addicks have made some encouraging signings, with the likes of Bradford City duo Mark Marshall and Billy Clarke joining Karl Robinson‘s squad as he plots a promotion assault during the upcoming campaign.

After Holmes followed centre-back Jason Pearce in committing his future to the club, Robinson said: “The board were very clear, and I was clear to them, that Ricky Holmes was not for sale.

“He wanted to be here. I understood that there were worries about the rumours, but it was clear to see that he was happy, but it’s great news. I’m happy for him, for the club and for the fans, because they’ve got their man who they wanted to stay.

“We talk like a big club, so we have to act like it and this is a statement of intent.”