Charlton Athletic’s first season back in the Championship has been strong, despite a recent hiccup in form, and they appear to be on track to remain in the second division next season.

Nathan Jones has converted Charlton from League One to Championship survivalists in a matter of years, and the Welsh coach is getting closer to securing safety with the Addicks this season.

With four games remaining, they have a five-point lead above Oxford United in the relegation zone, and a win in their next games will almost certainly ensure their survival.

Jones has done an outstanding job at The Valley and is well deserved of the acclaim he has received for his performance from the dugout this season, despite the fact that he is not the most popular man in the sport.

Plans for who stays and who goes in the capital have already begun, as Football League World looks at three players who might potentially depart the club this summer, despite the fact that their contracts are not due to expire soon.

Joe Rankin–Costello

Joe Rankin-Costello, a utility player from Stockport, joined Charlton from rival Championship side Blackburn Rovers this summer, but has struggled to make an impact in the capital.

Rankin-Costello is somewhat cursed by his job as a jack of all crafts but a master of none, since he can play practically anywhere in midfield and defence, but has struggled to establish a consistent role since joining Charlton.

The 26-year-old has played little over 700 minutes in 20 league matches, making just six starts out of a potential 42.

Joining on a deal until the summer of 2029, Rankin-Costello is unlikely to be in a hurry to leave the Addicks this summer; yet, considering his lack of playing time, Jones may try to move him on and shorten his stint at The Valley.

Tanto Olaofe.

Tanto Olaofe, a nomadic striker, joined Charlton from Stockport County in the summer but struggled to adjust to life in the Championship, and the 26-year-old returned to Edgeley Park on loan in January for the remainder of the season, with Jayden Fevrier heading the other way.

Olaofe scored over 30 goals in his final two seasons with Stockport, earning him a transfer to the capital this summer for more than £1 million.

However, with only one goal and one assist in 22 league games, six of which were starts, the Englishman was allowed to leave in the winter when Lyndon Dykes arrived from Birmingham City.

Dykes has been brilliant since joining The Valley, casting doubt on Olaofe’s long-term future, with the striker perhaps leaving the club permanently this summer.

Rob Apter

Rob Apter, like Rankin-Costello and Olaofe, was another summer signing made by Jones for Charlton, and his time in London has yet to pay off.

The winger joined the Addicks after scoring eight goals and assisted three in 45 league outings for Blackpool. One in the previous season, and was anticipated to give competition on the flanks under the Welsh manager.

However, as the season progressed, Jones reverted to a three-centre back system with wing-backs, leaving Apter with no obvious role in the side, and he was loaned out to League One promotion hopefuls Bolton Wanderers for the remainder of the season after only 13 games.

He has failed to make an impression at Bolton, failing to score in any of his 13 league outings, but will be looking to help the Trotters secure a long-awaited return to the Championship.

In terms of his Charlton career, if Jones stays with his wing-back formation next season, Apter will almost definitely be surplus to requirements, allowing him to depart the club this summer.