Monday's media paints a gloomy picture for Addicks fans ahead of the new season.

Sources close to a possible takeover at the Valley have spoken of a club going through a 'slow, painful death' as the deal is feared to be close to collapsing due to the massive debts the new group would be saddled with.

Former striker Derek Hales meanwhile feels the on-pitch outlook is not that great either.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "We got ourselves in debt and we have to get some sort of side or we'll go into the fourth division."

Manager Phil Parkinson though was pleased with his side's 3-0 win over Wexford Youths on Sunday, telling the official club website: "It was a very good workout for us.

"It was an excellent place where we played, and it was a good decision to play against a team midway through their season. They were very fit, so it was a good test for us."