Russell Slade insists a positive pre-season schedule can take Charlton into the new campaign with momentum.

Following the club’s relegation from the Championship and a much-needed summer break, the squad will resume training at Sparrows Lane on Monday.

The Addicks will play several pre-season friendlies – including local clashes against Welling United and Bromley – before spending a week in Austria.

Slade believes the six weeks leading up to the first game on August 6 are vital and can set a platform for a successful season.

He said: “The start of the season is massive for us. We are looking forward to that and to pre-season, too.

“That is so important – those six weeks that you have together in terms of bonding, getting to know each other, organising each other and everything we do.

“It is the longest time that we’ll spend together as a group and within that we have got a week away in Austria, which will be ideal - particularly for the new players.

“All of the players should see pre-season as an opportunity and a challenge but one that they should embrace.”

The South Londoners visit Bury for their season opener and will travel to the Den to take on local rivals Millwall on October 8, before welcoming Neil Harris’ side to SE7 on January 14.

Slade says he is aware of the significance of the fixtures against the Lions and will do all he can to get two positive results.

The 55-year-old added: “Local derbies are great for supporters and are really good for players to play in as well.

“You have to stay in control in those types of games and they are great games to be a part of.

“That is what it is all about, and all of us wanting to turn up to work on a Monday morning with a smile on our faces.

“That’s what we’ll be looking to do – win those two games – but also the other 44 as well.”