Ex Charlton Athletic promotion hero made free agent after Championship release

Former Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Ben Hamer is available on a free transfer this summer after being released by Championship outfit Watford.

The Watford Observer confirmed today that a trio of first team players would quit Vicarage Road on the expiry of their contracts this summer with Jake Livermore and Ashley Fletcher also leaving the club with Hamer. The 36-year-old joined the Hornets from Swansea City in 2022 on a free transfer.

The former Leicester City and Brentford man went on to make 22 appearances for Watford over two seasons. Hamer featured in 19 Championship matches this term, starting and finishing the season on the bench as second-choice behind Daniel Bachmann.

Taking to social media to bid farewell to the club on Thursday, the goalkeeper wrote: "Been a pleasure Watford. I wish you all the best for the future. Thanks to all the supporters who made me feel at home every time I got out on the turf. And most of all thanks to the staff and boys in the changies who I will miss the most. Good luck."

Between 2011 and 2014, Hamer made 121 appearances for Charlton Athletic, more than he has made at any other previous club. He was a key part of the Addicks side that secured promotion to the Championship by winning League One in 2012.

The shot-stopper played 41 times in the league during that promotion-winning year and kept his place as first choice between the sticks for the following second-tier campaign. Hamer eventually lost his place to David Button in 2013.

Reflecting on that moment at the time, Hamer said: "When the gaffer drops you from the team it does knock your confidence. I think he got the right reaction out of me. I realised how much it hurt not to be in the team. It was horrible watching, I just wanted to be out there playing.

"I had to train hard and try and show him I wanted to be in there, I am here for the cause and I want us to stay up. I do like playing for this club.

"It was a hard one to take. I was playing with a few injuries, it was getting tough and maybe I was getting a bit sloppy. He has given me the kick up the backside I probably needed. I appreciate it but it made me sharper and made me want it more, that's for sure."