Russell Slade has already identified several summer transfer targets as he bids to fire Charlton back into the Championship.

And the new Addicks boss revealed yesterday that he had spoken to three managers regarding the club’s recruitment on his first day of the job.

Slade said one of the managers he called was in charge of a Premier League club.

“Yesterday, we were talking about recruiting and I just picked up the phone and gave the manager a ring straight away,” Slade said.

“There was one Premier League manager and two Championship managers who we’re having conversations with straight away which I’m not sure would have happened in the past.

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“That’s something I can bring to the table – that communication, which hopefully helps the club going forward.”

Slade signed a three-year deal with Charlton on Monday but hopes to waste no time before bolstering his squad.

However, the former Cardiff chief insisted he was willing to be patient in the market.

He added: “It’s always nice as a manger to get your group in earlier rather than waiting to the last minute.

“But at times you have to be patient, it’s about getting the right fit, if that takes a bit longer then fine.

“I’ve identified a few already that we’d like to get. We are on it, shall we say.”

After Charlton faced the drop last season, Slade acknowledged the importance of the summer transfer window in preparing for a successful campaign next year.

Slade says he wants passionate players who have the desire to fire the club back into the second tier of English football.

The 55-year-old said: “Every manager is judged on what happens on the field. What we do in terms of recruiting is vital and what players remain here is important.

“Above all, having a group of players who want to be here, want to be that red shirt on and want to move this club forward and have the desire to get up to the next level – that’s what I’ll be looking for.”

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