Charlton’s former Head of Recruitment Steve Gallen has revealed the two best signings he’s made at the club.

Gallen has seen over 50 transfers since arriving as Head of Recruitment at The Valley in April 2017, but may have surprised many with his choice of who he believes to be his shrewdest bit of work.

“Lyle Taylor is the best signing we've made,” Gallen told a fans AGM.

“The second signing was Darren Pratley, who at 34 is getting better.”

Charlton is Taylor’s 11th club having spent spells at Bournemouth, Sheffield United, and Wimbledon as well as stints in Scotland amongst others.

'Look at his stats!'

He arrived on a free transfer from London rivals AFC Wimbledon in the summer of 2018 and was influential in Charlton’s promotion winning campaign having scored 21 goals in 42 appearances in League One.

Charlton fought off strong interest in the summer in their talisman, with Brentford reportedly offering £4million for the forward.

“He's played for a lot of clubs,” Gallen added.

"Have a look at Lyle's stats.

“When I see that I think someone keeps wanting him so he can't be bad.

“Everyone has always seen something in him.

“I wonder whether at times his discipline was an issue.

“Those last few days of the window in August were unbelievably tough, with the well-publicised interest from elsewhere, and Lee (Bowyer) handled it superbly.

“Lyle loves Lee and respects him enormously.”

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'The lads love him!'

Pratley’s arrival on a two-year deal in the same summer raised eye-brows in South East London, but he’s proven to be a key figure under Bowyer, continuing last season’s form into this campaign.

The former Swansea City and Bolton man has made over 40 appearances for the Addicks, appearing in all but two matches on Charlton’s return to the Championship.

“Firstly, experience," he said.

“There are a lot of kids in our squad.

“He's athletic. He's a winner. He's played at a higher level and all I had ever heard was what a great bloke he is.

“The lads - people like George Lapslie - really love him.

“I think Darren's s playing better now in The Championship than in League One.”