Charlton’s preparations for the 2008/09 campaign continued in earnest on Friday afternoon as last season’s player of the year Matt Holland signed a new deal with the club – less than an hour after the Addicks clinched the signature of centre-half Mark Hudson.

The contract of midfielder Holland was due to end this summer, but the experienced campaigner has now put pen to paper on a new one-year deal to help the Addicks’ push for promotion.

And Charlton completed their first signing of the summer by swooping to capture commanding centre-half Mark Hudson on a free transfer.

The former Crystal Palace skipper, who was an influential presence as the Eagles reached the Championship play-offs last season, is out of contract and has signed a three-year deal.

Manager Alan Pardew said: “I’m absolutely overjoyed with Mark’s signing, and I am really pleased to secure our player of the year for another season.

“It’s been a good day for the club. Both players are genuine leaders, something I felt we lacked at times last year, and both have been captains of their respective sides.”