NOT unlike a superhero changing into his favourite costume, Charlton Athletic have spun so much in the summer they are barely recognisable from last season.

But rather than emerging as a team of supermen it appears Iain Dowie has created a bag of broken biscuits from a solid, if uninspiring, packet of Rich Tea.

The opening games of the new season will be vital for Dowie as he strives to earn the respect of The Valley faithful.

However, he has been dealt a tough start with matches against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal before the end of September.

Signing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will get Dowie goals but remember the Dutchman's 24 league goals at Athletico Madrid did not stop them being relegated.

The arrival of the unreliable Djimi Traore from Liverpool and journeyman Amady Faye from Newcastle for a combined amount of £4m has done little to inspire.

Even the Costa Rican winger Christian Bolanos, who impressed against Welling United, appears too light-weight for a long, hard season in the Premiership.

And in Simon Walton, Dowie has signed a hot-head liable to spend more time suspended than playing.

Perhaps the best news for Addicks fans over the summer was the news Luke Young and Darren Bent had committed their future to the club.

And it was their dedication which convinced Traore to sign on the dotted line.

The Mali international said: "I don't really know any of the Charlton players but I've played against them a lot and I know they are a good team.

"Games against them have always been tough, especially away from home.

"They've kept hold of Darren Bent and Luke Young and this is one of the reasons why I've signed."

He added: "When you can keep that kind of player, internationals and two top English players, on long contracts it shows the club has some ambition.

"From the outside it looks like a young team and one with a big future."

Of fellow new boy Faye he said: "I've played against him in France and in England and he's an experienced player.

"He's a tough lad and he works hard on the pitch.

"I think it's good for everybody to bring some fresh blood into the club and I think Charlton have made the right choice with their new manager.

"I think he can do a great job for the club and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Opinion is divided on whether Dowie can do a great job as his only experience of management at the top level is relegation.

However, a good start will silence critics but it is vitally important his new-look team gel as quickly as possible and pre-season results suggest things are slowly working.

An indifferent pre-season campaign ended on a good note after Addicks went three games unbeaten following a 1-0 defeat at Welling.

On the games against Utrecht and Germinal Beerschot Dowie said: "It's been a good trip.

"We haven't taken on easy games, they've all been decent opposition and we are not turning up and rolling teams over 7 or 8-0.

"Utrecht are at same level as us and we finished strongly.

"They were both good games and good work outs and we've got some fitness out of it."

As for his starting XI at Upton Park he said: "I won't give much away but I'm a lot closer to knowing what it might be."