Jonathan Fortune in action for Charlton in 2009 Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Chatham boss Kevin Watson believes the signing of former Charlton Athletic defender Jonathan Fortune is a win-win deal for all concerned.

Fortune has made than 100 appearances in the Premier League and has been friends with player-boss Watson since the pair played together in the youth team at Charlton.

They were back playing together last weekend as 32-year-old Fortune made his Chatham debut – as a striker – in the 1-1 draw at AFC Sudbury.

Fortune has been out of action since leaving League 2 Barnet in January. He started the season as captain under former Bees boss Mark Robson.

Watson said: "It’s probably not long-term but he wasn’t playing and wanted to stay fit.

"It works both ways. It’s beneficial to him and us and when he arrived, it brought a lift to the players.

"He comes with a big reputation because of what he had done in the past. There has been pressure on him throughout his professional career but he’s come here to enjoy himself and to play with more of a free spirit."

Chatham are at home to Soham Town in Ryman League, Division 1 North on Saturday.