Charlton Athletic should sweep up Portsmouth cast off to aid Nathan Jones’ plans

Sean Raggett is likely to leave Fratton Park this summer, and would be an excellent addition to a promotion-chasing Charlton side.
Portsmouth announced their retained list last week, and the League One champions will be waving farewell to several players who helped them return to the second division.

Ten players will leave Fratton Park when their contracts expire this summer, but none will be missed more than defensive powerhouse Sean Raggett.

The behemoth at the back will finish his five-year affiliation with the club, which has seen him make over 200 games in a Pompey shirt, and will be tasked with finding a new club during the offseason.

Charlton Athletic are trying to rebuild over the summer, with new manager Nathan Jones given the opportunity to put his stamp on the team he took over in February, and the centre-back’s availability may play into the Welshman’s hands.

Sean Raggett should be on Charlton Athletic’s radar following the Portsmouth exit.
After being promoted to the Football League with Lincoln City in 2017, Raggett has established himself as one of the most brave defenders in the EFL, thanks to a series of all-or-nothing performances throughout his career.

Although a move to Norwich City didn’t work out, the 30-year-old found a new home for himself at Fratton Park back in 2019, initially on loan before a move was made permanent, and endeared himself to the boisterous home crowd with his no-nonsense approach to keeping the ball out of the back of the net.
Head it, kick it, whatever it takes; Raggett takes no prisoners when dealt with the task of clearing his lines, as many a League One forward has found out to their detriment over the last half-decade when travelling to the south coast.

44 appearances in all competitions this past season proves just how influential he was to a side that secured the third tier title, with Pompey’s defensive record registering as the third-best in the division – Regan Poole’s season-ending injury may have played a part in his renaissance but Raggett took his chance when it was offered.

The silverware won’t make leaving the club any easier, but Raggett is pleased of his accomplishments with the former Premier League club and looks forward to the next challenge.

“I feel privileged to have been able to play for this football club for such an extended period of time,” Raggett told BBC Solent.
“When Tom McIntyre signed, I realized I might be departing, and this appears to be my final year here.

“The reception I received from the crowd was surprising, and it made me emotional. It will be with me forever.

“I’ve played in the Championship and believe I can play in that league but if that doesn’t happen we’ll see where we are.”

If a promotion to the second division does not materialise, Charlton will have plenty of ambition to reach the promised land next season, with Nathan Jones already establishing his worth during his brief stint at The Valley.
The Addicks lost only two of their 16 league games under the Welshman near the end of the season, demonstrating how difficult he has made the South London club to play against, and Raggett may help to tenfold that impact.

The former Southampton manager has a track record of developing a juggernaut of a side that can take a division by storm, as evidenced by his record at Luton Town, and Raggett’s addition would only strengthen their defensive stability.

Charlton Athletic’s departures provide way for defensive reinforcements to be acquired.
Charlton will need to strengthen their defensive line this summer after losing two crucial members of their rearguard when their contracts expire.

Michael Hector and Terrell Thomas are both out of contract at the end of June, and they are free to leave the club after their contracts expire, according to their retained list.

With a combined 79 games played in the previous season, the duo will leave a significant gap in the back line that must be covered, and a player with Raggett’s experience might be the missing piece of the puzzle ahead of a promotion drive next season.

Despite Jones’ record of only two defeats in 16 games, only four of them resulted in victories, with their failure to keep their opponents out costing them dearly throughout the season.
The Addicks had one of the poorest records in the division for maintaining leads, with only 11 of their 23 leads resulting in three points, with nine ending in draws and three in defeat.

That inability to capitalize on dominating positions may cost you dearly over the course of a season, and with a guy like Raggett who has experience grinding out results, such concerns may be alleviated by his solid presence at the back.

There is a nucleus of a solid League One squad developing at The Valley, and the inclusion of the Portsmouth player would significantly boost the camp’s optimism for the coming season.

Over the course of the season, you need players who have been there and done it to make a difference, and Raggett would give that in spades. If Jones can work his magic to tempt him to the club, this Charlton team would undoubtedly A force to be reckoned with next season.