Charlton Athletic can be proud of their return to the Championship on many fronts, having survived despite a dismal second half of the season.

The Addicks started the season well, losing only three of their first 14 games before suffering six consecutive defeats, setting the tone for a difficult finish.

Nathan Jones had to rely on some of his League One play-off-winning teammates in the second division, with Lloyd Jones and Greg Docherty among the club’s standouts.

The South East London club spent more than £10 million on players last summer, and if they repeat those mistakes, they will have a challenging season.

Charlton Athletic’s offseason transfer dealings is analysed.

After defeating fellow London side Leyton Orient in the play-off final last year, Charlton started on a crucial transfer window that would influence their season.

The Addicks selected Birmingham City and Wrexham, both of which had significant financial backing, implying that Charlton would have to work extra hard to avoid relegation at the first attempt.

Charlie Kelman, Rob Apter, and Harvey Knibbs were among the newcomers at The Valley, costing a total of £7.3 million, but none of them stole the show.

Kelman, who scored 21 goals while on loan at Orient the previous season, only managed seven league goals, Apter struggled before being farmed out to Bolton Wanderers, and Knibbs was primarily used as a substitute.

Tanto Olaofe and Joe Rankin-Costello, who signed for fees from Stockport County and Blackburn Rovers, were two significant recruits who struggled to make an impact.

Ironically, some of Charlton’s best players come for free, with Sonny Carey and Amari’i Bell becoming key pieces of Jones’ squad.

Why the Addicks cannot afford to make the same mistakes again.

While Charlton almost got away with their terrible business this season, if they repeat the mistakes, they could face relegation.

The Addicks undoubtedly have important business to attend to in the approaching window, particularly in attack, as only two clubs scored less goals than them.

Of course, Kelman has now been at The Valley for a year and may be given the opportunity to establish himself by leading the line next season, while Lynden Dykes may still remain at the club and be another option.

However, what is most alarming is the division’s projected strength, with quality teams emerging in Lincoln City, Cardiff City, and Bolton, while West Ham, Wolves, and Burnley will be extremely difficult to beat.

To top it all off, Birmingham City and Wrexham are expected to improve, while the large clubs who finished around the Addicks would anticipate more.

Charlton’s expected salary bill, which is the lowest in the Championship, will potentially complicate matters.

If they continue to take this approach, they may miss out on players while also risk losing some of their prized assets.

While it does not make for interesting reading, if Charlton can get a recruitment space this summer, there is no reason they cannot improve on their 19th-place position.