Who's up for the step up?

Minutes after Charlton Athletic sealed their return to the Championship following five gruelling years in League One, manager Nathan Jones spoke of tough decisions ahead, the need to adapt, and the importance of adding quality for the challenges to come.

That's been reflected in a busy summer of recruitment, with a wave of signings combining high-level experience and raw potential.

But what about the existing squad members who put in the hard yards to earn promotion? Are they ready for the demands of the Championship?

Deep down, goalkeeper Will Mannion will know that new signing Thomas Kaminski - who played every minute of Luton Town's 2023-24 Premier League campaign - is likely to be handed the No1 jersey.

A defence that kept 26 clean sheets last season will now be looking over its shoulder, with the arrivals of Amari'i Bell and Reece Burke adding competition to an already strong back line.

Most Charlton fans will feel that Josh Edwards, Lloyd Jones, and Kayne Ramsay are capable of making the step-up, while Macaulay Gillesphey's prospects were covered in a previous article.

Conor Coventry will back himself to make an impact in midfield, but Greg Docherty - released by Championship side Hull City before joining in August 2024 - faces tough competition from new arrivals Joe Rankin-Costello and Sonny Carey.

Luke Berry brings valuable top-flight experience, but at this stage of his career, his role may be more limited to squad contributions.

Up front, new signings Tanto Olaofe and Rob Apter arrive with strong reputations following standout seasons at Stockport County and Blackpool respectively.

They add to an already promising attacking lineup featuring Tyreece Campbell, Miles Leaburn and Matt Godden - last season's top scorer with 18 league goals - who may find the return to the Championship more challenging, despite his previous experience with Coventry City.

The new signings are crucial in helping establish Charlton as a genuine Championship side, but the players who earned promotion still have a key role to play. As Nathan Jones rebuilds for a tougher tier, it's no longer just about the starting Xl - impact off the bench matters just as much. Together, old and new can drive the revival of this proud football club.

Paul Sullivan provides commentary on Charlton Athletic games for the visually impaired.