MATTY Godden believes missing so much of the last campaign could work in his favour in 2026-27 after he signed a new one-year deal with Charlton Athletic this week.
Godden, who will turn 35 at the end of July, said it was a “proud day” and revealed the poignant moment he experienced on the morning of signing the contract.
After 22 goals in his first season at Charlton following his move from Peterborough United, Godden was restricted to eleven appearances in 2025-26.
He then broke his right leg in the Addicks’ 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town in April, shortly after coming on in the 78th minute.
That was after he only made his first appearance of the season in January following a knee injury.
Godden still netted two crucial goals to earn a point against Watford and Sheffield Wednesday as Charlton battled to retain their Championship status.
Godden said he had positive discussions with boss Nathan Jones, who assured him a deal would be done despite his injury.
“When I woke up this morning I thought, ‘hold on a minute, this is seven years since my mum unfortunately passed away and I’m going in to sign my new contract’,” Godden said. “It was written in the stars and it’s a proud day.
“It’s something that we’ve been really keen to get done from the end of the League One season, but obviously with the circumstances surrounding my situation with my knee injury, it took a back seat naturally. When I returned it was something that was mentioned, we just had to get to the end of the season. It’s something that I was really keen to get done and I’m just glad it’s sorted now.
“My boys are going to be buzzing to get their new shirts on! Carrying on coming to watch their dad play at The Valley is something they’re going to love and I’m sure they’re going to be buzzing just as much as I am.”
Godden has at least one clear goal in the 2026-27 season.
“Unfortunately I missed out on scoring in front of the Covered End last year,” Godden said. “My two goals came away from home, so that’s something that I can’t wait for. To hear my name sung, like it is every week, will be special.
“My conversations with the gaffer have been really positive and he wanted me around the place. Arguably last year could’ve done me a favour because I’ve not had the wear and tear on my body from playing 46 games, so it’s a season now where I’m looking forward to putting last year behind me.
“I’ve not had a season like that before where everything just seemed to be against me, obviously with two surgeries and then fracturing my leg in the game against Ipswich which I didn’t expect to happen.
“I’ve obviously been in over the summer to rehab this leg and the skip [Greg Docherty] has been in with his groin injury. We went away together and it wasn’t nice trying to keep up with him in the running because he’s an animal when it comes to his long-distance running. It was tough for me but really good and something that I enjoyed doing.”
Jones believes Godden can be among the goals next season.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to agree a new contract with Matty. He’s been instrumental in our progression since he came to the football club,” Jones said. “Last year was a tough season for him and a frustrating one in terms of the injuries he had, but he still came back and showed that when he does play, he impacts significantly. Matty’s an important part of the culture and the environment. I know he still has goals in him and that’s why we wanted to extend his stay at the football club.”
Charlton managing director James Rodwell added: “We’re really pleased that Matty has committed himself to the football club once again. His experience and professionalism has made him an important part of our continued progress, and he’s scored some vital goals during his time with us.
“He’s hungry to play more games and score more goals, and we’re looking forward to seeing him fit, firing and ready to go for the season ahead.”
