This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Ian Holloway has spoken about Lee Bowyer’s current predicament at Charlton Athletic, highlighting where they need to strengthen in January, as reported by Football League World.
What did he say?
Charlton have had a tough time of it in recent months, having failed to win a single one of their last nine games.
This comes during a period in which they have been crippled by injuries, as was highlighted most when Bowyer was only able to field five substitutes in the 3-1 loss against Sheffield Wednesday.
Players have begun to return, most notably Lyle Taylor, though Holloway has suggested things still need to be done to help Bowyer in January: “Without studying all the injuries, what he will know is that he has a shortage in certain areas.
“He has a lot more shopping to do than a lot of other managers and to be honest I feel for him as he’s going to have almost every position to look at right now.
“Maybe one winger, maybe one central midfielder, maybe one striker, he’s going to need at least four or five players.
“Now Charlton have got new owners, maybe they will bring some in.
“He deserves massive credit, he has united that club, all of those supporters now go to the Valley very proudly.”
Reinforcements are needed
The slight influx of players returning means that Bowyer has at least been able to fill his bench in recent times, though he has still had to rely on youngsters, with big players such as Josh Cullen still out.
Against Huddersfield Town, this was perhaps best highlighted by the substitution of Alfie Doughty for James Vennings.
With the current predicament being faced by Charlton and the lack of options Bowyer has at his disposal, he could certainly use reinforcements.
Following the aforementioned barren run, the Addicks currently sit 17th in the table, so a January window boost could be exactly what Bowyer needs.
In other news, Bowyer has spoken about his striker’s transfer situation ahead of the winter window.
