Charlton sign Varney and Iwelumo
Monday, 21 May 2007 12:46
Alan Pardew has begun strengthening his side already
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.