Pardew fires warning to players

Alan Pardew is hoping his Charlton side learn from their lesson last season and make a fast start to the new Championship campaign.

For the second season in a row, the Addicks have been drawn against the League One champions and will kick off their new season against Swansea on August 9.

Scunthorpe United were the opposition last year when they surprised Pardew and his players by coming from behind to clinch a 1-1 draw at The Valley and the Charlton boss is eager not to see a repeat of the result.

Pardew told the club's official website: "Obviously it's a tough start for us but it should be a good game and there should be a great atmosphere. I'm looking forward to it.

"Swansea impressed a lot of people last season and finished 10 points clear of their nearest rivals, which just shows what a good job their manager Roberto Martinez did.

"Last year we were surprised by how well Scunthorpe played on the opening day at The Valley, but hopefully we've learned our lessons from that and can get off to a winning start.