Aaron Barnes says Charlton can have a successful season after star man Ricky Holmes decided to stay at the Valley.

The winger signed a new three-year deal last week, ending speculation of a move to Championship new boys Sheffield United.

And Barnes, 20, is pleased that Holmes wants to play for the club.

He said: “I don’t know if you saw Tony Watt on Twitter saying he’d lock him up in a cupboard [if he didn’t sign a new contract].

“But it’s a massive signal of intent from the club to have players like Ricky who want to play for this club. It’s the world of good for us and give us that confidence to be able to have a really good season.”

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With Holmes staying put and the summer arrivals of exciting duo Mark Marshall and Billy Clarke, promotion looks like a realistic possibility.

And Barnes puts the change of mentality down to Addicks boss Karl Robinson.

The full-back added: “There is a really good feeling about this season. The manager came in and he really wanted to change the philosophy and ethos of the club.

“He wanted to have a more positive environment and players who wanted to play here and that’s what we’re getting now.

“That can only mean one thing and that’s hopefully good results.”