Charlton Athletic Confirm Paul Smyth Loan Signing

Charlton Confirm Smyth Signing

League One Pedigree

Smyth had been at QPR for a few years already, but last year he went on loan to Wycombe Wanderers, who were also in League One at the time. Linking up with established lower-league players such as Adebayo Ankinfewa, a man known for his imperious strength, he was able to have a very successful season at Wycombe.

He was not a starter, and he did not play in the Championship playoffs, but he was a solid bench player who contributed to the squad and did his part when it mattered. He is blessed with impressive pace, so he can play anywhere along the front line. This includes the wings, where he played much of that season, running in behind the veteran Akinfenwa.

The 23-year-old may have only scored one goal in the league, but his influence was much more than that. His sheer pace helped to stretch teams and worry the opposing backline, so he could run at defenders whenever he needed to and play his part in the run-in.

His role wasn’t to be the man to get the winning goal to send them up to the Championship, it was that of a role player, and he performed very well in that role.

On Brand With Charlton’s Play Style

With manager Lee Bowyer at the helm, he has been very clear about how he wants to play: fast-paced, attacking football. While that may seem a bit out of place in League One, it is usually those sides who wind up having the most success in the long run.

He has a pacey, skillful striker, who can certainly have a big impact on a game, so he’ll fit right in at Charlton. It remains to be seen whether he’ll be a starter or an impact player like in his time at Wycombe, but whatever the case he’ll be an important member of the squad, and it’s a smart move by the Addicks to pick him up.