Varney & Iwelumo Join Charlton

Charlton have confirmed the £2million signing of Crewe hotshot Luke Varney and the free-transfer capture of Colchester striker Chris Iwelumo.

Varney’s fee includes add-ons and may eventually rise beyond the initial figure, while Iwelumo has cost the Addicks nothing after he saw out his contract at Layer Road.

Alan Pardew hopes the duo will help provide the goals needed to lift us straight back into Premiership.

Pardew said: ‘Luke is an exciting young player and perfectly fits the mould of a Charlton player.

‘He’s diligent, intelligent, quick and a player that is going to get even better.

‘We’ve beaten off stiff competition from both Championship and Premiership clubs to sign him.

‘Chris has a great goal scoring record and the fact he is a free transfer because he’s out of contract represents a fantastic bit of business for the club.’

Charlton have moved to bolster their attacking options early on and it is expected Darren Bent will now move on, with the club bringing in two ideal replacements.

The club are resigned to losing Bent, and they are looking for a bid in the region of £15 million to allow the England man to leave.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink left The Valley at the end of the season after being released, leaving us with just Marcus ‘useless’ Bent as the only front-line forward until Monday’s signings.

Pardew has revealed there will more new arrivals as he targets an immediate return to the top flight.

He said: ‘I’m sure the signings of Luke and Chris will excite Charlton fans and I’m hoping to announce more as we go through the summer.’

What do you think of our two new players? Have your say now…