Charlton Athletic could look to ex-Chelsea and West Ham player to provide attacking spark: View | OneFootball

Charlton Athletic's preparations for a first full season under Nathan Jones will be well underway after promising signs in the second half of the League One campaign.

The Addicks' upturn in fortunes coincided with the former Southampton manager's arrival at The Valley after a 14-match winless run under Michael Appleton left the club precariously close to the relegation places in February.

And while his first game in charge resulted in an away defeat to Reading, Jones was able to steady the ship with the players at his disposal, going unbeaten until the final day of the campaign when they lost to Wycombe Wanderers, a streak that included 10 draws.

But the Welshman has laid down solid foundations for the London club to build on next term, with the focus shifting to the summer transfer window and improving the current squad to improve on a rather underwhelming season as a whole.

Charlton's over reliance on Alfie May needs to be addressed

While scoring goals has not been a problem for the Addicks this season, their overreliance on top scorer, Alfie May, has been evident.

The 30-year-old scooped the League One Golden Boot in his first season for the club, finishing the campaign with 27 goals in all competitions, vastly ahead of anyone within Charlton's ranks.

Corey Blackett-Taylor, who completed a move to newly-promoted Championship side Derby County in January, finished as the club's second top goalscorer despite having only played half a season.

Daniel Kanu and Miles Leaburn sit in joint-third, despite the former having joined Southend United on loan in October before returning to the Valley in December and the latter missing long periods with injury, while George Dobson, who scored four times this term, will join Fehérvár after a deal was agreed in January.

It is clear that Jones is in need of more attacking options to take the pressure off May, should he remain at the club next term, particularly with goals from midfield players, with the potential of picking up a player who has impressed in the division below this season.

Dan Kemp could be the answer to Nathan Jones' problems

Former Chelsea and West Ham United academy star Dan Kemp has been in fine form for Mike Williamson's MK Dons side this season, as they prepare for the play-offs next week.

Having joined the Dons in January 2022, Kemp would make 10 appearances in his first year with the club, resulting in a move to Hartlepool United in the next mid-season transfer window.

And his time at Victoria Park unveiled the attacking prowess he possessed, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances, staking a claim to feature in the first-team at MK Dons the following season. However, that failed to transpire at first.

Kemp would complete a season-long loan move to Swindon Town at the start of the season and would impress under Michael Flynn, netting an impressive 14 goals, and providing eight assists in 25 games, resulting in his subsequent return to the Stadium MK, with the appointment of Williamson in October helping the club produce an upturn in results.

While the 25-year-old has not been as prolific upon his return to the Dons, his importance to the team has been signified, featuring in all but one of their league encounters.

Kemp's performances have showcased his ability to score goals from midfield, while also being able to play comfortably in a possession-based side, something that Jones will be keen to further instill during pre-season, and Kemp could be a shrewd addition to their ranks.

It is clear that the Addicks lack a threat from midfield, and it is something that the recruitment team have been quick to identify heading into the new term.

While his availability in the summer is still in question, with MK Dons facing Crawley Town for a place in the League Two play-off final next week, it could prove difficult to lure him away from the possibility of third tier football next term under a manager who evidently holds him in high regard.

But with the impression Jones has already made during his time, the project he has started could be a key factor should they choose to pursue a move for Kemp, and he could play a key role for the Addicks should they land him in the summer.