Addicks strengthen midfield

Iain Dowie has been as good as his word and has signed Andy Reid from Spurs for a reported £3m on a four year contract to strengthen Charlton's midfield. It is the fifth signing in nine days by the Charlton supremo. I seem to remember the Irish Republic international being a target when he was a highly rated player at Nottingham Forest.

Dowie said: 'Everyone is aware that the Premier League is about quality and ability on the ball. So we are delighted to clinch Andy's signing.'

I think this is good news and the final piece in the jigsaw for a season that is now looking more promising, especially given Dean Ashton's injury and the suspensions of Scholes and Rooney at Manure (even though the absence of the latter will diminish the appeal of next week's game).

What does this mean for the future of Dennis Rommedahl who made an ineffectual late appearance at Utrecht?

Our dog reporters are busy preparing for the new season. Hooch the Pooch has now left his canalside home at Long Itchington for intensive pre-season training at Egg Chasers Road and tells me that there may soon be an announcement about a major breakthrough for canine reporters in national print journalism.