Charlton: Elliot not worried by takeover talk

By Rob Virtue on July 22, 2009 11:12 AM |

Tagged with:

Takeover is the word on every Charlton fan's lips, but according to goalkeeper Rob Elliot the players are hardly thinking about it.

The Addicks' board are in talks with an interested party over possible investment with fears over the financial future of the club if it falls through.

Elliot, however, is confident the side can do well even if the deal breaks down.

The goalkeeper told The Wharf: "You hear about a takeover maybe coming to the club, and it does affects you - but in a good way. If it happens it will obviously bring more money to the club.

"These talks seem to have gone on for months but we know we've got more than enough talent to do well if it doesn't go through. So we shouldn't worry."

Elliot, who broke into the side in December 2008, has seen a new back-four in front of him in pre-season.

The Addicks had a threadbare defence last season but have added a mix new signings and young talent.

Manager Phil Parkinson has brought in Spanish centre-back Miguel Angel Llera from MK Dons and right-back Frazer Richardson from Leeds United.

Elliot said: "They've improved the squad lots. Miguel has a language barrier but he's funny and a nice guy. He's good in the air and also calm on the ball.

"Frazer has played at a good level and last year was the best right-back in the division.

"Both of them were very close to getting promoted with their clubs. They know this division and they are good acquisitions."

Elliot also believes right-back Chris Solly and towering centre-back Yado Mambo are ready to make the step up from the academy this year.

He said: "Chris Solly is a very good player. And Yado is almost like a freak.

"He's a massive man but it's not just all physical with him.

"He's quiet astute in the way he plays. He's strong, works hard at his game and it's good to see young players like him coming through.

"Chris Solly is a couple of years older so is pushing more, but Yado has done himself no harm and put himself in the manager's mind."

With the season kicking off in just three weeks, Elliot said the players were buoyed by the news that two-thirds of supporters have renewed their season tickets this year.

He said: "We're not stupid. We know there won't be as many people there but hopefully we'll get a good start and encourage more people along.

"We've got a good set of fans. There's not many clubs where you can have 20,000 people cheering you on but we have that potential and we want them there."