The Charlton Athletic boss benefited from a player on loan from West Ham United this season.
Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has paid tribute to ‘outstanding’ Josh Cullen on the club’s official website as the loanee returns to parent club West Ham United.
The 23-year-old midfielder moved to the Valley on a season-long deal last summer and he made a huge impact at the London club, who sealed an emotional return to the Championship by beating Sunderland in the play-off final on Sunday.
Cullen played 35 games for Charlton in all competitions and provided seven assists. And he will be missed by Bowyer and co, who have become reliant on his energy and quality in the centre of the park.
“The loanees that came, they were all outstanding, every single one of them. Josh Cullen, Krystian Bielik, Ben Purrington, they’ve all gone back better players than when they arrived, I think that is clear to see,” Bowyer said.
“Josh Cullen became a full international (for the Republic of Ireland), which is a great achievement for a young lad, so I think West Ham will be happy.”
Charlton would surely jump at the chance to sign Cullen again if they can but the Standard reports that Manuel Pellegrini is willing to give the academy graduate a chance to prove himself in pre-season as he looks to establish himself at West Ham.
So far, Cullen has played three Premier League games for the Hammers and he could provide support for the ageing Mark Noble and the injury prone Jack Wilshere in the centre of the park if required.
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