CHARLTON'S elected fans director Ben Hayes believes Addicks supporters will get behind new goalkeeper Nicky Weaver, despite the former Manchester City player's controversial relationship with the Valley faithful.

Weaver sparked fury as a Manchester City player when he appeared to gesture to the Charlton fans behind the goal in a match during the 2000 title-winning campaign.

He has been the subject of fierce criticism and vocal abuse on every return to Floyd Road in City colours ever since, although Mr Hayes told News Shopper he didn't think his past would be held against him.

He said: "Nicky is a pantomime villain and will probably end up a hero as soon as he has his first good game for us.

"He came back last season and had a good game. Nicky appeared to take the stick which came his way in good humour and I'm sure Charlton fans will get behind him quickly."

Weaver signed a three-year deal and was joined at the club by Bulgarian striker Svetoslav Todorov, who has arrived from Portsmouth on a one-yaer contract.

Todorov is no stranger to this division after finishing as top scorer in 2003 with 26 goals when he helped fire Portsmouth to the title.

Manager Alan Pardew said: "They are two great Bosman signings for Charlton. They are two proven Premiership players who are now Championship players.

"Nicky hasn't had the breaks in his career he has deserved, but this is a great opportunity for him while Svetoslav's quality and precision, which is proven in this division, will be very important to us, especially in home games."

Todorov, who has also played at West Ham and Wigan since arriving in England from his native Bulgaria in 2001, claimed Pardew's influence was a big factor in his decision to step down from the top flight.

He said: "I like the way Alan Pardew's teams play. I saw his teams at Reading and at West Ham and liked their style.

"Charlton is a great club with great support and now I need to perform on the pitch.

"It won't be easy because it's a hard division and every game is important, but I'm looking forward to helping the club get back into the Premiership."