Charlton Athletic set for ‘wonderful’ injury boost while Birmingham City sent spending warning

Charlton Athletic were busy in League One action last weekend with a 1-1 draw against Rotherham United and the division now returns in full after the international break.

The Addicks travel to Shrewsbury Town on Saturday while Leyton Orient make the short trip down the M4 to Reading.

Charlton Athletic close to injury boost

Charlton Athletic are edging closer to a significant injury boost as the club confirmed that striker Miles Leaburn would feature for the Addicks under-21 side at The Valley on Friday night.

The 20-year-old recently returned to full team training at Sparrows Lane and is set for viral minutes in the Premier League Cup against Leeds United. Leaburn has been working his way back after undergoing hamstring surgery last season.

Praising the player last month, Jones said: “Miles is back in full training and looking very, very good. We’re really pleased. We obviously can’t rush him. It’s difficult to say he’s ahead of schedule because we always had the worst-case scenario and the best-case scenario – he’s nowhere near the worst case.

“He is looking something very, very different and we’re delighted to have him back. It’s a cliché but it is like a new signing for me because I have seen him play – I just haven’t see him play for me.

“He is categorically for me like a new signing – and a wonderful new signing. Because if I could profile a centre-forward he literally ticks all the boxes in terms of what we need.”

Leyton Orient sign former Ipswich Town man

Leyton Orient have snapped up free agent Dominic Ball following the player’s release from Ipswich Town this summer. The former Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate has played for Rotherham United, Rangers and QPR over the years.

The 29-year-old was part of the Tractor Boys squad that won promotion from League One in 2023 and the side which clinched a back-to-back promotion into the Premier League last season. Ball made 10 Championship appearances for Keiran McKenna’s squad last season.

The player was released at the expiration of his contract in June and praised by Ipswich Town as an ‘an important member of the dressing room’ and thanked by the manager for his ‘vital contributions’.

On signing for the club, Leyton Orient Richie Wellens welcomed Ball. He said: “We’re delighted to welcome Dom here to Leyton Orient, with him adding both real quality and depth to our squad.

“He has played the majority of his career in the Championship to date, and not only does he add some more experience to our midfield, he is a real leader, and someone Kieran McKenna has given great credit to regarding the excellent team spirit which saw Ipswich gain back-to-back promotions in recent years.”

Birmingham City sent spending warning

Charlton Athletic striker Chuks Aneke has fired League One rivals Birmingham City a warning message that money won’t buy them promotion to the Championship this season.

The 31-year-old spent six months at Birmingham City in 2021 and now challenges the Blues for promotion with the Addicks. The Midlands spent big money during the summer window, including a reported record breaking £15 million on striker Jay Stansfield from Fulham.

Speaking to the South London Press, Aneke praised Birmingham City but reminded his old club that money won’t necessarily make success. He said: “They are a big club and desperate to get back up to the Champ and beyond.

“Fair play to them – they are putting their money where their mouth is. We’ll see what happens. I’ve played many League One seasons and money doesn’t always ensure success. Let’s see what they do – they’ve got some good players for the level. Let’s see if they can put it all together and produce.”