“We shouldn’t hand out deals willy-nilly” – Charlton manager Lee Bowyer gives his verdict on Barker and Henry contracts
Lee Bowyer does not want to make it easy for Charlton Athletic’s young players to land professional contracts.
The Addicks announced last weekend that Charlie Barker and Aaron Henry had both penned deals until at least 2023.
The 17-year-olds have both had tastes of senior action. Henry made his debut in last season’s FA Cup tie against West Brom.
Centre-back Barker had filled in at right-back at the start of this campaign but was an unused sub in Saturday’s 0-0 home draw with Sunderland.
Bowyer said: “Charlie and Henry, they are the two [young players] who have stood out.
“They are two good, young prospects who have been around us for a little bit. They deserve it.
“As a club we’ve got to give contracts to players who earn it – not just dishing them out willy-nilly.
“They are two I see who could be playing first team in the future, for sure.
“Charlie and Aaron need to be playing U23 football regularly as a minimum. We’ll see if we can get Charlie out on loan. We do have a relationship with clubs in and around our area. That will be one we look at.”
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
