Charlton Athletic boss lifts lids on attempts to land Coventry City new boy Abu Ogogo

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lee Bowyer has shed more light on Charlton’s attempts to sign Abu Ogogo – who recently opted for pen a three-year deal at  Coventry City.

The Shrewsbury Town captain opted to leave last season’s play-off finalists when his contract ran out.

Bowyer recently confirmed that Ogogo was a player he wanted to bring to SE7 and that he held talks.

Now the Addicks caretaker chief has explained to the South London Press about how he is confident an agreement could have been struck with just a little more time.

“He was definitely one of our targets. But we had the Lyle [Taylor] thing going at the same time. He [Ogogo] needed to know and we couldn’t stretch to what he wanted. 

“Coventry offered him more. Their offer was on the table and we were still trying to negotiate with Lyle and Ogogo – we had to prioritise one in case we lost the both of them.

“It was unfortunate. If he had given us an extra couple of days then we’d have definitely sorted something out, for sure.

“But I understand – he just wanted to secure himself. I texted him afterwards and said: ‘Good luck, all the best – I hope it works out for you’.

“It happens. I’ve been a player. 

“We had to prioritise with Lyle because he is obviously going to be our main signing this season.”