Best signing of the summer

By far. This morning Johann Berg Gudmundsson put pen to paper on a new four year contract, which sends fans many positive messages after a summer so far of frustration and concern.

From the club’s point of view it shows ambition and no doubt securing the Icelandic on this improved deal did not come cheap. It also means, rightly, that they should get good money for him when it is time to sell.

From Gudmundsson: “We want to build a squad for the future and I am one part of that,” he said. “It is really nice for all of the squad to know that players are sticking around and that we are getting some new signings as well. We know that the football club are serious about what they want to do.”

JBG talked of ambition at the close of last season and wanting to wait and see what happened in the summer. In my mind not enough has happened yet, but there is still time, and I for one am feeling better than JBG can see positive signs of ambition in what the club intend to do with the current squad and in the transfer market.

I hope now that JBG’s commitment will also encourage Jordan Cousins to also sign an extension. Certainly there has been more speculation this summer regarding Cousins and he may want to wait it out.

Word is that Reza Ghoochannejhad and Piotr Parzyszek have returned to Sparrows Lane, but don’t appear in Guy Luzon’s plans.

News of James Henry has sadly gone a bit cold. I think he would be a very good signing. Talks are taking an age between Charlton and Real Vallodolid for left-back Zakarya Bergdich, but Nancy’s 20-year old centre-half Clement Lenglet is still expected to sign.

In injury news Stephen Henderson will have a scan this week and is not expected to play tonight at Dagenham & Redbridge, whilst Rhoys Wiggins is only set to be out for between 7-10 days with the ankle injury he suffered at Dulwich.