CHARLTON will be backed by a record 21,000 season ticket holders for Saturday's Barclays Premier League opening home game of the season against Portsmouth.

That figure includes more than 1,300 new season ticket holders who had never previously made the investment.

Under Premier League rules, Charlton are allowed to issue 22,300 season tickets. That ceiling will almost certainly be reached should the club clinch another major signing before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Within a week of signing of Paulo Di Canio last season, 500 fans had purchased season tickets.

Charlton development officer Ian Cartwright confirmed: "We have sold more than at the corresponding time last season and are on course to sell the highest number of season tickets ever.

"The signing of Paulo Di Canio prompted a rush of sales and if the club sign another big-name player, especially if it's a striker, then I believe sales will go through the roof."