The Eagles has landed

A number 9. At last. The shirt that has been left on a hanger in the dressing room all season finally has an owner. Today Chris Eagles has signed as a free agent until the end of the season.

Eagles was heavily linked with the Addicks in the summer before he signed a short term deal for Blackpool. At the time it was believed that he was expecting to earn the £30k a week he was on at Bolton. I’m not sure how true that is, and he won’t be earning anywhere near that in SE7.

The more likely story was that he was in some kind of dispute with Bolton and breaking his contract early would have resulted in forfeiting an element of his contractual wages.

After leaving Watford’s youth system at 14 he joined the famed Manchester United academy and after making 6 first team appearances in 5 years, Eagles has spent his whole time in the north-east with Burnley, Bolton and Blackpool this season, where he scored his one goal of this season at The Valley. Of course.

I’m happy to have the attacking midfielder who has good knowledge of the league. If he can bring hard work and hunger then I’m looking forward to seeing him play in a red shirt. Eagles will travel with the squad to Wigan tomorrow, although his last league game was before the new year.

Eagles also has an honourary doctorate from the University of Bolton for his services to sport.