Exclusive: Sky pundit praises “excellent” Charlton Athletic recruitment after Watford win | OneFootball

Don Goodman spoke exclusively with FLW to discuss Charlton's strong summer transfer window so far being evident in their opening day win over Watford.

New Charlton Athletic recruit Harvey Knibbs could scarcely have hoped for a better debut after netting the winner against Watford on the opening day.

The 26-year-old signed a four-year deal at The Valley at the beginning of this month and made the bench for the Addicks’ first game back in the Championship.

He replaced Joshua Edwards in the 80th minute and wasted no time introducing himself, poking home a stoppage-time winner to claim all three points for his new side.

We asked Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman how big a player Knibbs could be for Charlton this season.

Don Goodman drops Charlton Athletic, Harvey Knibbs claim

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman said: “What a dream day it was on Saturday for Charlton Athletic, back in the Championship.

“And more than that, what a dream debut it was for Harvey Knibbs, who will be desperately keen to prove that he can operate at Championship level.

“It was a dream start, and it was typical Harvey Knibbs, arriving on the scene and putting the ball in the net.

“I think that's exactly the reason Nathan Jones has bought him, and he repaid him instantly.

“So great day, all round for both Harvey Knibbs, Nathan Jones and Charlton Athletic.

“I think there were many people’s favourites to struggle this year, but they look very, very competitive to me, and I think their recruitment has been excellent."

Jones will hope to recapture Knibbs’ Reading form

Knibbs is one of those rare players who can do a job to a very high standard almost anywhere on the pitch; a desirable trait for managers who can use that adaptability to their advantage when working under squad-size restrictions.

Whether it’s out on the wing, through the middle, up front or ever deeper in midfield, Knibbs has the quality to fill any role required.

He’s never too far from a goal, either, notching 14 and supplying a further six for Reading in League One last season.

Having taken just over 10 minutes to open his account for the Addicks, Jones will hope this is just the start of that form transferring to The Valley.

Charlton will pray distinct transfer tactic comes off

Many teams, when they get promoted, aim to target players with experience in their new division, potentially looking at older heads looking to stay in the league.

The Addicks have gone down a slightly different road, instead bringing with them the best talents from the league they’ve just left.

That includes Tanto Olaofe from Stockport County, Knibbs, Rob Apter from Blackpool and Charlie Kelman, who was signed from QPR but made his name on loan at League One Leyton Orient, with 27 goals in 61 appearances in all competitions.

Alongside former Blackburn Rovers man Joe Rankin-Costello, they have also raided relegated Luton Town for Thomas Kaminski, Amari’i Bell and Reece Burke respectively.

It gives Jones plenty of work to do in bringing all that talent together to make a cohesive squad, but Knibbs’ last-minute winner has ensured they’ve got off on the right foot.