Murray's pledge

Richard Murray has moved to reassure fans that there are no plans to sell midfielder Jose Semedo - and indicated that the club could pay money for a new signing for the first time in 18 months.

Richard Murray says the club is looking to build up its squad ahead of the new season

The Charlton plc chairman announced on Tuesday that he had agreed terms with his fellow directors and bondholders for the purchase of shares which will see him assume sole control of the football club.

The proposed management buy-out is due to be considered at a Extraordinary Meeting of shareholders early next month, but Murray is also conscious that time is of the essence as manager Phil Parkinson attempts to build his squad prior to the new season.

There is less than two weeks to go until the Addicks' opening game of the campaign against AFC Bournemouth at The Valley on Saturday, August 7th (3pm).

But one player who seems likely to line up against the Cherries is Portuguese powerhouse Semedo, with Murray rejecting talk linking the engine-roomer with a move away from SE7.

Semedo was only just pipped to the fans' players of the year vote by central defender Christian Dailly last season, and Murray is keen to retain his services for the coming effort to return to the Championship.

"The last person we would want to sell is Jose," said Richard. "We don't want to lose him, and unless we get a ridiculous offer, he will be staying with us."

Rather than sell players, Murray says the club is looking to build up its squad ahead of the new season, and the plc chairman is anticipating some new signings, especially in the striking department.

At present, the Addicks have just one senior forward, in the shape of Akpo Sodje, plus homegrown youngsters Tamer Tuna and Lewis Perkins.

"I think we are three or four senior players short at the moment, particularly up front," said Richard. "We are looking at two targets in the striking department, and we know we need a proven goalscorer."

Although Parkinson paid a nominal fee to Luton Town for midfielder Matt Spring in January 2009, when injuries and suspensions had left Charlton particularly weak in the middle of the park at a crucial time of the season, the manager has since been forced to recruit only free agents, negotiate free transfers with other clubs and play the loan market.

"I think Phil has done very well on transfers, particularly given the limited resources with which he has been working," added Murray. "He has spent hardly any money on signings in his time at the club due to our financial situation, but he has done a great job.

"I've already said that we intend to be competitive this season, and if we need to pay a small fee to prise one or two people away from their clubs, then we will do that.

"I can assure supporters we're working as hard as we can within the resources we have available."

Read Charlton plc's statement regarding Murray's planned management buy-out here.

There is still time to purchase a season ticket for the 2010/11 campaign, and the Valley commercial centre will again reopen on Saturdays from this weekend. Read the latest season-ticket information, and see a full list of prices, here.

Match tickets for the opening League One fixture of 2010/11 against Bournemouth are on general sale, priced £17, £22 and £25 adults, £13 and £17 over 60s and U21s, and £5 all U18s. Get full ticket and Valley Express information here.