Charlton Athletic have completed the signing of Adam Matthews on a free transfer. It was a deal which may have left Derby County supporters wondering why they didn’t go in for him.
Addicks boss Lee Bowyer has told the South London Press he can’t believe the right-back was a free agent. Matthews arrives at Charlton on a 12-month contract following his release from Sunderland.
I can’t believe it [that he was still available]. He is only 27 and has still got so much more to offer. He is a Welsh international and is going to bring us something different. He is definitely going to give us more going forward – his end product is very, very good. He has experience at club level and internationally. For me it is a no brainer. He came in and impressed us straight away.
Derby suffer from Jayden Bogle’s early season injury at Swansea City:
Derby have one of the best right-backs outside the Premier League in Jayden Bogle. The 19-year-old scored twice and grabbed nine assists for the Rams in his debut season last year.
Beyond Bogle, however, Derby are down to the bare bones in the right-back position. The youngster’s current injury ruling him out for over a month has had a big impact on the side.
Fellow academy graduate Max Lowe has filled in on the right. The natural left-back has been impressive, but as a left-footer, he is restricted in what he can do going forward.
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Derby have lost so much attacking impetus down their right flank. Phillip Cocu’s side have only scored three goals from open play in their last six games in all competitions. They look short on ideas.
Matthews could have been a simple solution. The 27-year-old former Celtic man is a natural attacking right-back. He has overcome injuries and is fit enough to jump right in at Charlton following his move to London.
Derby missed the chance to sign Matthews on a cheap, short-term deal. Providing adequate cover for Bogle has now become a future priority for the Rams, and not many of Matthews’ ability will be available on a free transfer.
