Kenny braced for more exits
TRANSFER talk continues to affect Molineux and Wolves boss Kenny Jackett admits the end of the end of the window can’t come soon enough after watching his side leave it late to clinch their second Championship victory of the season.
Adam Le Fondre, on loan from Cardiff City, notched his first goal for the club with just five minutes remaining after an excellent cross from substitute Sheyi Ojo.
The hosts had gone a goal down on 55 minutes after Johann Berg Gudmundsson struck, but captain Dave Edwards equalised ten minutes later which set up Le Fondre to do the rest.
Jackett confirmed that Richard Stearman and Rajiv van La Parra are likely on their way out – but has underlined the club’s stance that potential suitors can forget about signing star striker Benik Afobe.
“We have accepted a bid from Fulham over the weekend for Richard Stearman and he is now discussing personal terms,” said Jackett.
“We feel that we have some very good young centre-backs at the club and this gives us the opportunity and chance to strengthen in other areas.
“We have also received a bid for Rajiv van La Parra from two clubs. Our chief executive is in talks with them now.
“It’s a tough situation for Benik Afobe, but the club’s statement still stands.We need the dressing room to settle down and get things straight, a lot of the season is left. Saturday to Tuesday is a long time and has affected our club.
“I felt it was a deserved win.We passed the ball well, but couldn’t get the final ball right in the first-half
“I was delighted with the character to come back after that.”
Wolves started the match on the front-foot, with James Henry – heavily linked with a move to the visitors – causing Charlton problems on the left side of midfield.
The Addicks’ best opportunity of the first-half came when Karlan Ahearne-Grant raced on to a Patrick Bauer pass and found Gudmundsson at the back post, but the winger’s header was weak.
Guy Luzon’s side came out stronger after the break and took the lead in the 55th minute, when Igor Vetokele played a lovely pass to Gudmundsson before the Iceland international finishing past Carl Ikeme.
Wolves then equalised when a neatly-worked move on the righthand side found Matt Doherty, whose cross deflected off Alou Diarra and fell for Edwards to tap home.
The hosts almost took the lead four minutes later when Le Fondre – brought on as a substitute for Nouha Dicko, who went off with a knee injury – fired over.
But the forward made amends after 85 minutes, when Ojo caused havoc down Charlton’s right-hand side and crossed in for the 28-year-old to tap home.
It meant Charlton suffered their first loss of the season but after a good start to the campaign, Luzon still hopes to add to his squad.
“I’m disappointed with the result but pleased with the performance,” he said. “Second half, we moved the ball better and had chances to score. I changed the tactics a bit and played with three in midfield, it helped us play better; we deserved more.
“We will see if we sign other players, I have expectation to, but if not we will continue with our squad. I think Henry will stay at Wolves, but I don’t know; he’s a good player.”