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Just over a month ago Ricardo Vaz Te was trying to impress Neil Lennon on the training pitch – but tonight he’ll be out to pile more misery on his former club.
The Portuguese striker trained for a few weeks at Euxton after a move to local rivals Bury collapsed but the lack of money available at Wanderers meant a deal was never discussed.
He eventually found sanctuary at The Valley after several months out of contract and is now set to lead the line for Karel Fraeye’s side looking to score his first goal in English football for two years.
Vaz Te, who cut his teeth under Sam Allardyce in the Premier League glory days, last netted a goal on these shores in 2013 for West Ham against Manchester City.
He did score a handful for Turkish club Akhisar during a short spell abroad but has not yet opened his account for Charlton in four attempts.
Tony Cottee, the Sky Sports pundit and ex-West Ham striker, believes Vaz Te could be a good bit of business for the Addicks.
“What’s important at this level is to have players with experience of the league,” he told the News Shopper.
“When you bring in players from Europe you’re taking a massive chance, but in Ricardo, Charlton have signed a player with experience and a lot of talent.
“It’s without a doubt very good business. In the Championship he’s proven he can score goals and that’s what Charlton need.”
Interim manager Fraeye also believes he did not take a risk in bringing the former Portugal Under-23 international back to England.
"If Ricardo was 35 he would be a gamble – but he is 29. He passed his medical very well,” he said.
"What we have seen in training last week confirms the image and profile we have of Ricardo.
"The first thing we have to do is get him match-fit. If we manage that I’m sure his qualities will follow.
"He is fitter than most people think. I hope he starts off well with us. A good start is important for him and for the whole team."
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The Portuguese striker trained for a few weeks at Euxton after a move to local rivals Bury collapsed but the lack of money available at Wanderers meant a deal was never discussed.
He eventually found sanctuary at The Valley after several months out of contract and is now set to lead the line for Karel Fraeye’s side looking to score his first goal in English football for two years.
Vaz Te, who cut his teeth under Sam Allardyce in the Premier League glory days, last netted a goal on these shores in 2013 for West Ham against Manchester City.
He did score a handful for Turkish club Akhisar during a short spell abroad but has not yet opened his account for Charlton in four attempts.
Tony Cottee, the Sky Sports pundit and ex-West Ham striker, believes Vaz Te could be a good bit of business for the Addicks.
“What’s important at this level is to have players with experience of the league,” he told the News Shopper.
“When you bring in players from Europe you’re taking a massive chance, but in Ricardo, Charlton have signed a player with experience and a lot of talent.
“It’s without a doubt very good business. In the Championship he’s proven he can score goals and that’s what Charlton need.”
Interim manager Fraeye also believes he did not take a risk in bringing the former Portugal Under-23 international back to England.
"If Ricardo was 35 he would be a gamble – but he is 29. He passed his medical very well,” he said.
"What we have seen in training last week confirms the image and profile we have of Ricardo.
"The first thing we have to do is get him match-fit. If we manage that I’m sure his qualities will follow.
"He is fitter than most people think. I hope he starts off well with us. A good start is important for him and for the whole team."
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