Local lad Matty Godden spoke of a full-circle moment as he completed his move to Charlton, a club that is very close to his heart.
“It’s a proud moment,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a very long time, and now I’m finally here.
“I always played at Charlton’s community courses back down towards home when I was younger, and now I’m here as a first-team player.
“Years and years ago I remember jumping on the Redline buses at my local bus stop and coming to watch. I spent a lot of time coming here as a young lad.”
Now 32 years old, Godden is excited to get going in a red shirt. “I enjoyed my time at Coventry. I’ve got a lot of time for the people there,” he said.
“But I needed that fresh start and buzz back again. I couldn’t think of a better club to come to. It’s close to my home, my wife and two boys. It means the world to all of us.”
Last time Godden played in Sky Bet League One he was promoted and named in the PFA Team of the Year, but the striker is confident he can do even better this time.
“I feel I’m a better player now than I was that year. Obviously I’m more experienced because I’ve played the game longer and at a higher level. I’m really excited to be here and achieve something special.”
Brought in as Nathan Jones’ fifth signing, Godden was enthused by his talks with the gaffer.
“They were very positive,” he explained. “The gaffer and I both outlined our targets and they lined up; we both want to achieve the same end goal and that’s something that was really important in me coming here.”
The striker is already familiar with a couple of members of the squad. “Tennai Watson was with me at Coventry the year we got promoted,” he added.
“I’ve played against a lot of the lads. Luke Berry was at Luton – we lost against them in the play-off finals but I played against him for years when he was at Cambridge as well. I’m sure I’ll get to know all the lads quick.”
It is not just players that Godden knows – the striker is also excited to reunite with Steve Brown, who was his Manager at Ebbsfleet United more than a decade ago.
“He brought me back down here actually and signed me at Ebbsfleet. I can’t wait to see Browny!”
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