Jonjo Shelvey; Wunderkid

By Nick Blackbourn
August 20 2009

Jonjo Shelvey, our 17 year-old wunderkid, has been getting hyped up by Charlton Fans and, increasingly, the national press. The question is, as August slowly ebbs away, will he be at the Valley as the transfer window slams shut?

Jonjo did Charlton a great, and I think under appreciated, turn when he signed his first professional contract last year.

Already touted as a Wayne Rooney-esque wunder-kid, he could have signed with any club. Yes, Charlton as a club would have been disappointed, but it happens. (Look at Arsenal/Barcelona and Fabregas). Instead he signs a two year deal that benefited both him and the club.

From his own point of view, if all goes well and he develops into the super-star we all hope he will, then Charlton can sell him for a big-fee. Otherwise he stays with the team he supports and continues to play first team football and develop as a player. Win - win.

He must have seen what happened to Scott Parker when he left for Chelsea. I do honestly feel it is better for him to stay. He has so much to learn as a professional footballer, so why not do it at the club you support in front of supporters who will you to succeed?

So thank you Jonjo, and stay! My secret wish is that he will be captaining us back in the Premier League in a few sort years; we can all dream.

How has Jonjo done so far? Can we keep him?