Holland seeks new arrivals

By Phil Harlow

Holland has made a big impression since arriving at The Valley

Charlton's Matt Holland has called on the club to strengthen their squad to prevent a repeat of the club's disappointing end of season run-in.

After spending much of the season in fourth place, Charlton find themselves out of the running for automatic European qualification.

"If Charlton want to improve on this year's performance then we need to strengthen," Holland told BBC Sport.

"We need players in every area to get some strength in depth."

Holland added: "For instance, Richard Rufus and Gary Rowett would probably have been our first choice pairing at centre-back and they've both been missing all season.

"(Charlton boss) Alan Curbishley has got money to spend obviously after we sold Scott Parker.

Many people would think we're punching above our weight Charlton skipper Matt Holland

"We were disappointed to lose Scott Parker but I understand his reasons for leaving, just as I understand the club's desire to keep him.

"If we were to qualify for Europe for instance then we'd have a lot more games and really need a bigger squad.

With Charlton six points behind fifth-placed Aston Villa with two games to go, Holland concedes they are highly unlikely to secure the last automatic European qualification place.

"It's going to be very difficult now," said Holland.

"Even if we won our last two games it wouldn't guarantee qualification.

"But it would guarantee our biggest-ever points total and highest-ever league finish in the Premiership so that's still our aim.

"Nevertheless, it's a big disappointment especially when we spent so long towards the top of the table."

Addicks eye Europe deadline

But courtesy of their disciplinary record Charlton could find themselves in Europe through the back door.

The Addicks are third behind Chelsea and Arsenal (who have both already qualified for Europe courtesy of their league positions) in England's Fair Play League.

The leading country in Europe's Fair Play League gets an entry to the Uefa Cup while two places are drawn from countries on more than eight points.

"We'll definitely take it if it comes," said Holland.

"It's not ideal and not the way we would have liked to have qualified but Europe is Europe.

"For the fans and players alike it really would be a special achievement.

"We have had a good season. In terms of the size of our squad, the wages we pay out, the size of our crowds - many people would think we're punching above our weight."