Pope joins the Clarets.

Last updated : 19 July 2016 By The Editor's Chair

Following the departure of Matt Gilks to Glasgow Rangers, it was obvious the Clarets needed to strengthen the goalkeeping department for their imminent return to the Barclays Premier League.

Burnley have now announced the former Charlton goalkeeper Nick Pope has signed a three year deal with a further option of a one year extension in the Clarets' favour.

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Photo source: PA.

Nick Pope was one of the few successes for the Addicks in a disappointing campaign which saw them relegated from the SKY Bet Championship.

The highly-rated shot stopper made 28 appearances in all competitions for Charlton last season and his impressive performances earned him many new admirers.

Pope’s displays had not gone unnoticed higher up the football food chain. Crystal Palace, Sean Dyche's Clarets, fellow promotion rivals Hull, Nottingham Forest and Glasgow Celtic were all understood to be  keeping an eye on the situation.

Burnley have now confirmed the Addicks shot stopper has been captured by the Clarets.

A number of clubs were thought to be pursuing goalkeeping reinforcements for a variety of reasons this summer. Nick Pope was figuring highly on the wanted lists.

Charlton were understandably reluctant to lose Pope but braced themselves for offers for the young keeper in the wake of their relegation to League One. 

New Addick's boss Russell Slade, had insisted already the Addicks would not be selling any of its assets on the cheap. 

Arriving at Turf Moor simultaneously with his his former team mate Johann Gudmundsson, Nick said, “I want to develop as a goalkeeper and with the keepers that are already here I definitely feel I can learn from them. 

“They’ve both experienced the England set up and it’s only a good thing for me to be around them day to day in training and at games. I’m really looking forward to it.

“Burnley is a club on the way up so they are two of the main reasons amongst many, many more.”

Burnley gaffer Sean Dyche commented: “He’s a young keeper who we think has got a lot of promise.

“He’s a good keeper now but we think he can mature and get even better keeper during his time here.

“We had to add to that department. We’ve got the experience of Paul Robinson and Tom Heaton with one in between and one that is up and coming.

“He’s been out on loan several times so he’s had a lot of experience for a young keeper and he played a number of games in Charlton’s side last year.

“I remember when we took Tom Heaton people were saying about his side being relegated but the challenge of that teaches keepers a lot.

“We felt he’s learnt well during his loan spells and done well last season and we think there is an even better keeper to come in the future.”

Welcome to Turf Moor Nick. May you survive and prosper? (TEC).