Charlton have completed the signing of academy goalkeeper Lennon MacLorg from Rochdale AFC.
MacLorg, who played seven games for the Addicks’ U18s at the end of last season, has now formally completed his move to the club.
The 18-year-old impressed with three clean sheets in his first four games for Jason Pearce’s side, and in joining Charlton signs his first professional deal.
“I’m over the moon,” he said. “When I heard that Charlton were interested, I knew it was a massive step for me. It’s a massive club and I just can’t wait to get going.”
The U18s won the Professional Development League Two – South title for the fourth year in a row last season, before being narrowly beaten in the play-off final by Birmingham City.
“Last season’s team was amazing, I really enjoyed playing with them. I’m gutted we couldn’t get it over the line in the final but once you’re on the coach back you look at it and you think how well they’ve done. Obviously I came in at the back end of the season, but I’m so proud.”
“I want to thank Jack Hadley – he’s a brilliant person as well as a brilliant goalkeeping coach.
“I also want to thank Kevin James and Jason Pearce for letting me come in and play for that team straight away, given how successful they’d been over the season. I just can’t thank them enough for giving me that opportunity.”
Having played as an outfielder until he was 15, one of MacLorg’s greatest strengths is his ability with his feet.
“I’m quite a modern goalkeeper,” he said. “I like to be around my centre-halves as a third centre-back, helping them out and always supporting them, so if ever they want to come back they know they’ve got someone who they can trust with the ball.”