Charlton sign Varney and Iwelumo
Alan Pardew has begun strengthening his side already
Also In The News
|
A century from Kevin Pietersen helped England set West Indies an imposing total of 401 to win the first Test after day four at Lord's. |  |
Monday, 21, May 2007 12:46
Newly relegated Charlton Athletic have already begun planning for life in the Championship after securing the signings of two new strikers.
Chris Iwelumo has joined the Valley ranks on a free transfer after rejecting a new contract offered to him by Colchester United - indicating his intention to play for a club with greater prospects than the Essex outfit.
And Luke Varney, League One side Crewe Alexandra's top scorer, has also signed for Alan Pardew's men for an initial fee of £2 million, which could rise to £2.5 million depending on appearances.
The 24-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Addicks after a superb season in the third tier of English football - scoring 25 goals for the midtable Railwaymen.
Charlton manager Pardew, who also raided the Cheshire club for £7 million striker Dean Ashton when he was in charge at West Ham, said Varney would be a "perfect fit" at the Valley.
"Luke is an exciting young player," he told the Charlton website.
"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 - and I'd like to thank the board for backing my judgement on him."
Both players will officially sign on once the transfer window is opened next week.