NICKY Ajose’s goals can give Charlton Athletic an immediate return to the Championship according to manager Russell Slade, after securing the services of the Swindon Town striker yesterday afternoon.

Ajose scored 25 goals for Town last season, including 24 in League One, which helped the club stave off relegation after a poor start to the campaign.

Now Slade is hoping that the 24-year-old forward can replicate that form at the Valley as he became the third summer signing for Town’s League One rivals.

“Nicky is a fantastic addition for the club. He’s a proven goalscorer and was very good for Swindon in this league last season,” Slade told the Charlton Athletic website.

“He is very strong in the box, if a defender misses the ball, Nicky is normally the next man there to stick it away. He’s got a great work ethic as well.

“He’ll bring a lot in terms of the team, he’s a real team player and he’ll work exceptionally hard. “I was impressed by his enthusiasm. I couldn’t get rid of him when I met him, we sat there talking for an hour and ten minutes.

“He was talking about the club, he wanted to know everything and that is fantastic. His thirst for knowledge of Charlton and his thirst for getting started and getting cracking was really pleasing.”