Two Friday signings
Like waiting for a bus. The Addicks made two signings today. Tom Lockyer, a centre back from Bristol Rovers and striker Chuks Aneke from MK Dons. Both players pictured and are free agents after turning down deals at their current clubs.
25-year old Aneke came through Arsenal’s academy and has been at MK Dons three years scoring 33 goals, 17 last season as MK won promotion. It’s a big step up but the boy has been talked about as a talent for a few years, but did suffer some injury problems. He has played 76 games in the last two seasons though.
Steve Gallen said: “He’s definitely a different type of player, an attacking player, he’s skilful, a big strong boy. He can get a hold of the ball so he can cope in The Championship physically.”
Welsh international Lockyer has been at Bristol Rovers 8 years and has played over 280 games, often captaining them.
Steve Gallen said: “He is definitely a leader, that is what springs to my mind and I’ve seen him at Bristol Rovers with the armband the last couple of years and he plays like that, he plays like a captain. He’s a winner, he’s got a great attitude. He’s a good football player, he’s mobile and someone I’ve been following really for the last couple of years and we’ve worked hard on it over the summer.”
Lockyer wrote a fond farewell to Rovers fans and sounds a well rounded young man. Also what he said about meeting Lee Bowyer for the first time, really reverberated: “The first time I sat down with Lee it was quite surreal to be honest, I was hanging off every word he said. I left the meeting thinking ‘Wow, this is a challenge I want to be a part of’. I’ve had meetings with other managers and compared them but it wasn’t quite something like that. I’m really excited to be working with him.”
Welcome Tom and Chuks. Both players have signed two-year deals.
Chicago Addick 
Chuks is a tank! Probably not the fastest but he seems to have a decent first touch and he’s not afraid to take shots on goal. Tom Lockyer has been on our radar for sometime. Both look to be “Bow signings” – hard workers, team players and there’s some quality there too in both, the sort of players who can develop their game.
Sounds very promising. Thanks SP.
I think we have done well so far with the three signings. Bonne, Aneke and Lockyer all have scope to improve under Bowyer’s guidance. Aneke can give us cover for Taylor and also play the no.10 role behind Taylor his height should also help in set plays at both ends of the pitch. Lockyer is a strong mobile defender and should prove a useful replacement for Bauer. .Bonne is a worthwhile gamble and hopefully can develop into a replacement for Grant. Well done Gallen so far so good keep ’em coming.
I wonder if Oztumer is next?