Charlton Athletic FC

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• Founded:1905
• Manager:Chris Powell

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Addicks land striking pair

21 May 2007 - 12:17:19

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Charlton Athletic manager Alan Pardew has started shaping his side for next season's Championship challenge by signing strikers Luke Varney and Chris Iwelumo.

The Addicks have agreed to pay Crewe Alexandra an initial £2million for Varney, while Iwelumo has moved to The Valley on a free transfer following the end of his contract at Colchester.

The double signing has also increased speculation that Charlton will cash in on Darren Bent following their relegation from the Premiership.

The England striker has been linked with a £15million transfer to Liverpool, Tottenham and West Ham in recent weeks.

Speaking about his new signings, Pardew told the club's official website: "Luke is an exciting young player and perfectly fits the mould of a Charlton player.

"He's diligent, intelligent, quick and a player who is going to get even better.

"We've beaten off stiff competition from both Championship and Premiership clubs to sign him.

"Chris has a great goalscoring record and the fact he is a free transfer, because he's out of contract, represents a fantastic bit of business for the club.

"He's at the prime of his career and is a big target man and in the Championship you have to have a player of that type."

Varney, 24, netted 25 goals last season and is the latest in a long line of promising youngsters to come off the Crewe production line.

Meanwhile, Iwelumo notched 18 goals in the Championship for the U's last term.