CHARLTON started their summer recruitment yesterday with the signing of Gemma Bryan from Crystal Palace.

A familiar face in the dressing room, Bryan spent four years at the club between 2008 and 2012 and was prolific, netting 63 goals in 95 games.

She amassed a spectacular 104 goals in 71 appearances in her three years at Palace and will be hoping to continue finding the back of the net in the newly formed Women’s Championship, though she knows it will be tough.

“Going up a league is going to be more challenging, but that’s what I’m here for,” she said. “It’s something that I am really looking forward to.”

A league winner in her previous spell at the club, Bryan said her aims for this season are to “work alongside the management and, joining the attack, we will have the three leading goalscorers of the Southern Division.”

She added: “That’s something to look forward to, so, if I can complement them and vice versa, I’ll be really really happy.”

On her decision to move across South London, she said: “Charlton had a really good season last year, gaining promotion, so I’m looking forward to being part of what the team is building on in the future.”

A natural finisher, Bryan told fans they can expect to see a lot of “flair” on a weekly basis.

“I’m quite direct in my play, I like to get a lot of shots off, so pretty much a bit more attack to add to what Charlton have got at present.”

Manager Riteesh Mishra said he was pleased to bring Bryan back to the club as she will be a constant threat to the opposition.

He said: “Gemma is a player we’ve known for a while and someone who has been on our radar.

“She has a lot of qualities that will add to our forward play and I think she’s someone who sparks fear in to opponents. I’m excited and pleased she’s decided to join us. I think we can help her improve her game to get even better.

“She will need to work hard and we as staff will expect a lot from her, but our discussions over the summer have been positive and Gemma seems focused and determined to work with us to improve.

“She is one of a number of players we are bringing to add to our current squad to help us be competitive in what is going to be a really tough challenge for us this season as a newly promoted team.”