Born in Harlow but raised in Waltham Forest, Charlie attended Highams Park School (as did my wife Jo). This left sided midfielder originally trained with Norwich. Charlie scored twice in seven appearances for Tottenham's Under-17s in 2002/03 and made one appearance as substitute for the Under-19s.

Charlie was loaned to Chesterfield during the early part of 2007, making his league debut against Leyton Orient - but had to return early due to a knee ligament injury.

Charlie joined Leyton Orient on a season long loan on 5th August 2007. "The left-sided positions were ones that needed strengthening," said Orient boss Martin Ling "Spurs value him as one for the future - he has just signed a new two-year contract with them."