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Charlton Athletic: Chris Powell promised “key” role for AFC Bournemouth recruit – he was so accurate
Former Charlton Athletic boss Chris Powell signed Rhoys Wiggin from AFC Bournemouth during the summer transfer window in 2011, and it turned out to be an excellent decision.
Powell was named Charlton manager in January 2011, and later that year he embarked on the first full transfer window of his managerial career.
The Addicks were preparing for their third successive season in League One following relegation from the Championship in 2009, and Powell was trusted to assemble a squad that could compete for a return to the second tier.
Powell had already signed striker Bradley Wright-Phillips from Plymouth Argyle shortly after being appointed, and he made several more encouraging signings in the summer that meant Charlton were among the favourites to win promotion.
Charlton signed goalkeeper Ben Hamer, midfielder Dale Stephens and striker Yann Kermorgant to be part of their new-look squad, three players who would go on to play in the Premier League, alongside many other additions that improved the team, such as Michael Morrison and Danny Hollands.
Powell also brought in a new left-back to fill the position that he himself had played hundreds of times for the Addicks, and it turned out to be an inspired acquisition.
Chris Powell was encouraged by the signing of Rhoys Wiggins
Rhoys Wiggins
After Charlton had finished 13th in League One with a negative goal difference during the 2010/11 season, Powell decided that the defence was an area of the pitch that needed to be bolstered.
Hamer was signed from Reading to play in goal, centre-backs Morrison and Matt Taylor arrived from Sheffield Wednesday and Exeter City respectively, while academy graduate Chris Solly was a solid option at right-back.
AFC Bournemouth left-back Rhoys Wiggins had submitted a transfer request in March 2011 amid interest from Championship side Watford, but it was Charlton that ended up securing his signature for an undisclosed fee during the summer transfer window.
Powell spoke of his delight at the time, explaining that Wiggins was a key part of his plans ahead of the 2011/12 campaign.
“It’s been a long process but I think it’s a process that will be worth it for us,” said Powell.
“He was exceptional last year every time I saw Bournemouth. Whether it was live or on television he showed what an exciting player and talent he is.
“Obviously he is [on] a long list of signings that we are making, but I’m definitely as pleased as punch that he wants to come on board and be part of what we are trying to do here.
“I think he is enthused by that – I definitely am. As you know it’s a big rebuilding process and I think he is a key, key part of the way I want to play.”
Chris Powell was proven right by Rhoys Wiggins
Chris Powell
Powell was correct in his prediction that Wiggins would be a key part of the way he wanted to play, with the full-back’s tireless work on the left-hand side proving to be beneficial at both ends of the pitch.
Charlton won the 2011/12 League One title with 101 points and a positive goal difference of 46, having only lost five games and conceded just 36 goals over the course of the campaign, with Wiggins having started all bar one game.
The left-back provided eight assists that season, showing why his manager had been so desperate to bring him to the club from Bournemouth.
Rhoys Wiggins’ stats for Charlton (Transfermarkt)
Season
Division
League appearances
Assists
Final league position
2011/12
League One
45
8
1st
2012/13
Championship
20
2
9th
2013/14
Championship
38
3
18th
2014/15
Championship
21
1
12th
He played 20 times in the Championship as Charlton finished 9th the following season, which is still their highest finish since being relegated from the Premier League in 2007, and also helped the Addicks reach an FA Cup quarter-final in 2014.
Despite suffering a few injuries during his time in SE7 which limited his appearances, Wiggins was an impressive player for Charlton, and he certainly proved Chris Powell’s prediction right, especially during his debut season