Charlton were “very close” to signing Rotherham striker David Ball, according to Karl Robinson.
Ball, 27, joined the Millers on a two-year deal in June after snubbing a contract offer from old club Fleetwood.
Charlton were in the mix for the former Manchester City trainee, and identified him as a target towards the end of last season.
But Ball chose newly-relegated Rotherham, and could line-up against the Addicks on Saturday.
Charlton chief Robinson said: “We were very close [to signing him]. We just got pipped at the final post so you win some, you lose some.
MORE: Robinson backs striker to come good for Charlton this season
“He’s not going to play against us - they’ll go with Jamie Proctor and Kieffer Moore up front. They’ll go with two strikers.”
When asked if it was frustrating to miss out on Ball, the Liverpudlian added: “No - we’ve got Ben Reeves!”
Ball, who scored 14 goals for Fleetwood last season, is likely to start on the bench when Charlton make the trip to Rotherham.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here