Steve Gallen on the signing of Corey Blackett-Taylor and transfer plans

Charlton's Director of Football Steve Gallen

Charlton’s Director of Football Steve Gallen explained he was pleased the Addicks have been able to sign Corey Blackett-Taylor.

The former youth international has been training with Charlton for a few weeks and impressed enough to earn a deal.

Gallen said: “He’s someone that we’ve known about for quite a while and we’re lucky that we got him in. He came in and trained with us, full respect to him for doing that. He’s not from London, he’s paid his own way, he’s trained with us for 10 days and done well. He played in an U23s game on Tuesday night against Dulwich Hamlet, he also did well in that – his fitness is improving. We’ve been pleased with him and offered him a short-term contract.

“This now is a platform for him, we’ve committed to him, it’s just until January to start with and here is a chance for him to prove that he should get a longer term contract and there is no doubt about it, his background suggests he can go an do that. He’s an exciting player, he’s quick, he’s direct, he’s skilful and I’m pleased that he’s committed to us, because he had other options – maybe longer term options elsewhere – and he feels he can use this platform to better himself and help our football club.”

The signing comes after the addition of Charlie Kirk, earlier this month and Gallen said: “We also knew we wanted someone else, as well as DJ [Diallang Jaiyesimi] and Charlie; we need some support there and Corey fits that bill, he’s young, he’s hungry, he’s got a point to prove. 

“He’s direct, he likes to take people on, he runs at people, he likes to get crosses in, so I’m pleased that it’s another good addition for us.”

Blackett-Taylor becomes the seventh signing of the summer and Gallen explained there are more signings to come.

He said: “Our work never stops. We’re always talking to player representatives, I’ve been doing that all day today, which is probably why my voice is a bit gone at the moment – let’s see how it in 10 days’ time. 

“I’m confident that we’ll get the players in that we need to help us. In an ideal world, we’d have everyone in for the first day of pre-season but it never works like that, even with all of us wanting that – a lot of the better deals happen right at the end and you have to be patient. I’m confident that we’re going to get a few more players in, the chairman has said that as well and is going to support us, so fingers cross we get it all done, right by the end.” 

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