"He brings leadership to the club. He's a leader in the dressing room and on the pitch," Charlton boss Iain Dowie told the club's website.

"He's played for Holland and his goal record is outstanding."

The 33-year-old is the seventh ranking all-time Premiership goal-scorer with 125 goals in 263 appearances for Boro, Leeds and Chelsea.

Dowie believes the striker's experience will help the Addicks in their Premiership campaign and said he is confident Hasselbaink will retain his "hunger" for the game.

"He was very keen to learn how ambitious everyone at the club was and find out what we were striving towards, and in the latter years of his career he wanted to make sure that there was a purpose and targets for him," the manager said.

Dowie hopes the former Leeds, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea player will bring both personality and a steady striking partnership with Darren Bent to the club.

"He brings goals to the club and also an infectious enthusiasm - he is a bubbly character."

The former Crystal Palace boss has been restructuring the Charlton squad after his appointment as successor to long-serving coach Alan Curbishley.

Dowie has brought in England U-19 international Simon Walton, 18, from Leeds and 21-year-old winger Lloyd Sam is contracted with a long-term deal

As Dowie prepares for the season kick-off against West Ham on August 19th he remains confident over Charlton's future, particularly with Hasselbaink onboard.

"Jimmy is a winner and I think it's a big signing for us, particularly in light of the competition we were up against," said Dowie.