Hector is out of contract with The Valley at the conclusion of the season.
This post is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which features personal comments from FLW Fan Pundits on breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings, and more.
Charlton Athletic are currently in a perilous situation in League One, with relegation looming.
Despite assembling a group that many would argue, on paper, should be challenging considerably higher than what their league standing shows, the Addicks are now outside the third tier drop zone by one point ahead of Cheltenham Town
Former Luton Town and Southampton manager Nathan Jones has lately taken over at The Valley and confronts the difficult task of turning around the club’s fortunes.
Nathan Jones must resolve Michael Hector’s contract situation.
The Welshman’s first priority is to secure the club’s League One status, but before a pivotal summer, Jones must speak with individuals who are currently unsure of their futures in SE6.
One of such is former Chelsea centre-back Michael Hector, who has been with the club since January 2023, signing on a short-term agreement under then-head coach Dean Holden.
The Jamaican then extended his stay till this summer, but with only four months remaining, should he be given new terms?
“I think…” – Fan Pundit takes stand on Charlton Athletic and Michael Hector affair.
Here at Football League World, we asked our Addicks fan pundit, Ben Fleming, if the 31-year-old will still be a Charlton Athletic player at the start of next season.
“I guess not. “I don’t believe Michael Hector has done much to earn an extension,” Fleming said. “For the past seven games, he has not been on the squad or started.
“Even with the switch to a back three, Appleton and Jones have liked Terrell Thomas in there, and we already have Jones, Gillesphey, Edmonds-Green, and Ness, so there are plenty of options.
“I believe we noticed early this season, when he began a lot, that he was physically struggling. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s one of our highest-paid players, so unless something changes dramatically between now and the conclusion of the season in which he comes in and plays exceptionally well, he’ll most likely leave at the end of the season,” Fleming added.
“I believe he has been fine during his stay here. However, he has presided over a period of decline in our history. He’ll just get worse over time. So, unless we can negotiate a lower compensation for him, I don’t see the point in keeping him around. I’d rather free up that money to sign a younger central defender and give them a chance.
He said, “We have others starting now who are definitely better, but they aren’t showing it right now. “I believe he will not be offered a new contract at the end of the season.”
This has put him at a disadvantage when it comes to impressing the new manager during a critical stage of the season, making it incredibly difficult for him to build a claim for a new contract.
Regardless of which division the club finds itself in next season, a significant overhaul is required. As a result, it is reasonable to remove Hector from the payroll. Having played at a higher level with Fulham, Reading, and Hull City, he would still be an adequate signing at League One level.
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