Addicks sign Bolanos

Iain Dowie's predictions of further Charlton signings have come true with one of the most exciting signings to date, Costa Rican Christian Bolanos, initially on a one year loan deal, but with an option to buy him before the end of the season. He will, I believe, be Charlton's first player from Central America (although Andy Hunt now lives there).

The signing is subject to a work permit, but that should not be a problem as the winger appeared for his nation in the World Cup. I wish now that I had paid more attention to the exciting opener between hosts Germany and Costa Rica. He was formerly with Deportivo Saprissa. Addicks who have seen him have given good reports of his play.

Costa Rica is an increasingly popular destination for British tourists with its ecological credentials and exotic range of wild life. It is one of the most stable countries in the region. A colleague who has just returned said that it is very humid at the moment, so let us hope that Christian's girl friend and daughter will adjust as well as he hopes to the cooler climes of SE7.

Yet another encouraging sign that Charlton is think more globally and recasting itself as a more cosmopolitan club. Costa Rica is a banana producing country, so cue the return of the inflatable banana.