Strike trio leave Charlton

Charlton have released strikers Shaun Bartlett, Jonatan Johansson and Francis Jeffers as the Addicks prepare for a fresh start following the departure of long-serving manager Alan Curbishley.

The trio hardly featured last season, with Jeffers spending a period on loan at Rangers while Johansson ended the campaign at Coca-Cola Championship side Norwich.

With the search continuing for Curbishley’s successor – former Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie is reportedly now the front-runner – the south-east London club were keen to resolve the future of their out-of-contract players as soon as possible.

It is no real surprise to see any of the three forwards leave.

Former England striker Jeffers, 25, has been a huge disappointment since his arrival from Arsenal in a £2.6million deal during the summer of 2004, and the ending of commitment to his hefty wages will release much-needed funds for new talent.

South African Bartlett, now 33, made 139 appearances for the Addicks and scored 26 goals, including a double on his home debut in a 3-3 draw with Manchester United during December 2000.

He said: “I have always been made to feel very welcome at Charlton, and want to thank the club and fans for that. I had a great time.

“It is the end of an era, with Curbs leaving as well.

“I have got quite a few options now, but I have not made any decisions yet.”

Finland striker Johansson should also find several clubs are interested in his services, with Norwich said to be keen to recruit the 30-year-old former Rangers striker on a permanent basis.

He told the club’s official website, www.cafc.co.uk: “It has been a great six years, but football has its ups and downs and everything has to come to an end. Looking back I had a great time.”

Jeffers, though, will hardly be able to look back on his time at The Valley with fond memories.

The one-time Everton prodigy made only 25 appearances in two seasons at The Valley – all of which came in the 2004-05 campaign.

After failing to force his way back into Curbishley’s first-team plans, Jeffers was loaned out to Rangers at the end of August – but could not make an impact at Ibrox, where he did not manage a single goal before returning south in January.

Jason Euell is another player whose time at The Valley may be up, with Cardiff the latest club linked with the wantaway 29-year-old Jamaica international.

Charlton, though, have already moved to strengthen their squad, with the signing of United States defender Cory Gibbs and Uruguay centre-back Gonzalo Sorondo, who spent an injury-hit campaign on loan at the club last year.

The Addicks are still awaiting on a work permit for Gibbs, who has this week been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.