No curb on spending in January sales

Last Updated : 04-Nov-2005 by Charlton mad

£5million was spent in the summer, landing Darren Bent, Darren Ambrose and Jay Bothroyd. The club re-couped £1.5million by selling Paul Konchesky.

"We didn't spend all of our money in the summer, although I did increase the wage bill. We've been talking, myself and the chairman, and if we can do something we will.

"That month is so difficult because you don't get much time to do business. But I think we'll be quite attractive to players."

Meanwhile, Blackburn Rovers very own £4m summer signing Craig Bellamy reckons Charlton’s visit to Ewood Park will be an evenly matched contest this weekend.

The Welsh international striker told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "I think we are fighting for the same goal as Charlton, which is to try and get into Europe and to try and do the best we can.

Both sides have done what most others have struggled to do by giving Chelsea a scare, although Mark Hughes’ side weren't able to snatch a point at Stamford Bridge finally. Bellamy had scored a first half brace to level the score going in at the break, while the Addicks took Jose Mourinho's side all the way to a penalty shoot out in the last round of the Carling Cup, before going on to set up a fourth round clash against Blackburn at the Valley.

"They are doing very well but I'm not caught up in all this beating Chelsea business. They were very fortunate to hold out (last week). Nine times out of 10 Chelsea would have gone through in that game and don't forget they went through on penalties, so I'm not under this illusion that they went and beat Chelsea. So it's not going to be daunting for us."