Charlton cash in on late bid

By Rob Virtue on August 1, 2008 10:59 AM |

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CHARLTON benefited financially after Rangers swooped in with a late bid for Algerian international Madjid Bougherra on Thursday, July 31.

Boss Alan Pardew said on Friday, August 1, the club ended up making more money out of the sale of the cente half than newly promoted Premiership side West Brom were prepared to offer.

The Addicks' manager also praised Bougherra for his conduct prior to the £2.5million transfer to the Scottish giants.

Algerian international Bougherra had been linked with both West Brom and Real Betis throughout the summer, but Pardew said the transfer talk didn't affect his attitude.

Pardew said: "He came in, he worked and he seemed very calm about it all and I thought his behaviour was impeccable.

"He was going to West Brom, but went to Rangers at the last minute. But they paid a cost for coming in that late because the price then went up."

Pardew also admitted it was frustrating to lose Bougherra, who was one of the manager's first signings when he joined from West Brom 18 months ago.

He said: "I brought him here because he's a young centre half and I think he's going to get better. However, the agenda here has changed.

"At the end of last year I was asked to get money in and reduce the wage bill which was a bit of a surprise and I've tried to do that."

Pick up The Wharf on Thursday, August 7, for the Charlton season preview.