Charlton’s final pre-season game away from home ended in an uninspiring goalless draw against League Two side Leyton Orient.

However, to reinvigorate dwindling hopes of fans, here are five key things we learnt from the stalemate with the O’s.

1. Urgent resolution of goalkeeping situation is essential

The departure of both senior goalkeepers Nick Pope and Stephen Henderson within the space of 24 hours left the Addicks rather depleted.

Dillion Phillips looked fairly untroubled for large parts against Orient, but still showed signs of frailty - most noticeably in the kicking department.

Relying on a goalkeeper with Phillips' lack of league experience is a harrowing prospect and Slade must quickly fill this position ahead of the season’s kick off.

2. A noticeable lack of leadership

An ongoing issue which seems to have been missed by the Charlton hierarchy, amongst many other things.

The Addicks have been crying out for a leader for several seasons now and with Bury on the horizon, it seems to have gone unnoticed again.

The problem with playing Roger Johnson alongside Jorge Teixeira, who both featured against Orient, is that they are both ball winners and lack the discipline to communicate effectively.

Johnson’s quality on the ball remains a question mark and although a clean sheet shows the slightest sign of progression, Slade must surely be looking at alternatives.

Captain Johnnie Jackson completed 90 minutes against the O’s and worked as hard as ever, but Charlton cannot rely on the 33-year-old to drag them through an entire League One campaign.

The signing of trialist Andrew Crofts may yet prove an effective one in giving the Addicks a stronger base in midfield.

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3. Konsa ready to step up

Perhaps the biggest positive to come out of pre-season so far is the emergence of several youngsters who are ready to make the step into the first team.

Despite playing in an unfamiliar position at right-back, former youth team captain Ezri Konsa looked fairly unflustered and could provide excellent cover for the injury prone Chris Solly.

At just 18, Konsa has the physicality to be a success in League One and only further game time with the first team will improve his quality both going forward and defensively.

To replicate previous efforts of former academy products, the Addicks must use their youth system effectively but there cannot be an over-reliance on youngsters, as ultimately it will not lead to promotion.

4. Orient’s press box is not for the faint-hearted

So I guess Charlton’s performances in recent seasons have caused me to want to get as far away from the pitch as humanly possible.

However, Orient rather exaggerated this statement, sending us high into the heavens at the top of the West stand.

I’m not afraid of heights by any means, but even Roger Johnson’s rallying outbursts were mere echoes on a scorching afternoon at the Matchroom.

Another press box issue, if you’re going to introduce an air conditioning fan system at the back of the stand, please could you make sure it isn’t churning out hot air? I’ll remember a change of shirt for next time.

5. In Slade we must trust

It’s very easy to get critical when Charlton is the topic of conversation. Despite the controversy surrounding owner Roland Duchatelet, I feel the club is finally in safe hands – on the manager’s front at least.

Following the uneventful draw against Orient, Slade remained very bullish in his assumption of what is deemed as an acceptable performance.

The former O’s boss declared himself very disappointed with certain elements of the Addicks’ display, also suggesting Charlton are still miles away from having a squad capable of achieving their ambitions for this season.

Slade strikes me as the sort of character who will remain undeterred by behind the scenes developments and on the pitch at least, fans can expect full commitment from each player.

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