So, that's it then? The merry go round of league football stops for three months, but as we all know, Chris Powell will be busy formulating his squad for the second division. I enjoy all the rumours and excitement when a new player comes in, (or doesn't), during the summer, and whilst I do not expect anything like the level of activity that we saw last summer, I do believe we will see a certain amount, as the team that Chris built does need strengthening if we are to assume our rightful mid table place in the second tier. So, let's indulge in a bit of fantasy squad tweaking shall we?, and look back in August, and see how accurate, or otherwise our predictions are.
The current squad, and their contract duration is detailed below. So let me see just how wholly inaccurate I can be to kick us all off. I believe that Chris Powell will be looking to sign either as first choice, or cover, for the following positions - centre back, right back, left midfield, central midfield, striker
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso
Alonso has been released. Not an inspired signing as it turned out
Doherty
Doherty has been released. The ginger Pele, can still do a job, but I suspect it is at no higher than third division level.
Euell
Euell has been released. A nostalgic return to AFC Wimbledon perhaps as a player coach?
Mambo
Difficult; as he is theoretically one for the future, but at 21 years old later this year, he hasn't come close to the first team in the third division, so I don't believe he will be considered good enough for the second. I think he may well be released. Another one like Primus or Turner to come back and haunt us in a couple of years time perhaps?
Pritchard
I believe he has done enough to warrant Charlton taking up the option of the second year that is built into his current contract. He made a major step up to play in the third division, and has merited the chance to see if he can step up again
Contract End - June 2013
Clarke
On paper, there wasn't much wrong with this signing. Replace Benson, who Powell obviously did not rate as good enough, with a player who at the time of signing was the third division's fourth top goalscorer. So what went wrong? Whatever the reason, this signing has to go down as a fail. I personally thought Benson was not given a fair chance last season, but nobody can doubt that football's nicest man has a ruthless streak about him as well. I expect him to be equally as ruthless moving Clarke on in the close season if he can.
Cort
Definitely bought with one eye on the second division. Cort was immense in central defence when called on, and much like our favourite Breton at the other end of the pitch, the ball and his head were never far apart. I suspect that signings aside, he will be first choice alongside Morrison next season, with Taylor as back up. I do believe that Powell will make a centre back signing though, who may well be a first choice to line up alongside Morrison instead of either Cort or Taylor.
Evina
Still young enough to be content with his lot as a squad player, I believe that Evina will continue to be the natural understudy to Wiggins next season
Harriott
Difficult decision this one. Harriott did well when introduced in the 2010-11 season, but he did not feature in a single first team squad in league or cups last term. It could be that Powell feels that he needs more time to realise his potential, but Harriott will know that next season is make or break for him at the club. He needs to stop the show boating, and focus on the team. If another club came in for him, I am not convinced that Powell would fight that hard to keep him
Haynes
Another, like Cort, that has been brought in with one eye on the second division. His pace gives options both as a striker, and just as crucially for me, on the right side of midfield as well. I got the feeling that Powell's delighted charge down the touchline when he scored the second against Hartlepool, was as much for the player, as it was for seeing Charlton take the lead.
Hughes
Did he really do enough last season? In October / November when he came in to replace the injured Stephens, the answer would be yes, but other than that, he has been little more than a squad player all season, and there are others out there that can do the same job protecting the back four and more, which was largely his only contribution. He obviously didn't get much of a chance to impress as cover for Solly at right back either. I am not convinced that he will stay. I am not sure who else might want him though, so I wouldn't be too surprised to see him rock up at Sparrows Lane for the first day of pre-season.
Kermorgant
Quand les mouettes volent par la barrière de la Tamise, c'est parce qu'ils ne veulent pas s'approcher trop près de La Vallée de peur d'être dirigé vers le large. Il est magnifique, et si j'étais une fille, je voudrais ses bébés. Je peux juste avoir voté pour lui en tant que joueur de la saison
Osborne
Much like Harriott, Osborne is one for the future, and as a centre back, he may have greater longevity at the club than his cousin. Another, for whom next season is crucial.
Sullivan
Many people I have talked to have a big question mark over whether Hamer and Sullivan can cut it at second division level. As a bench warmer, I believe that there is a splinter with Sullivan's name on it at The Valley next season. If Hamer does have a bad start, I could see Powell looking for a new number one in January at the latest, which would undoubtedly see one or the other of Sullivan or Hamer leaving.
Taylor
Immense for most of the season, Taylor's form did start to desert him mid way through March, after which he didn't really get a sniff, as Cort shone in his place. I don't believe that Taylor will be one of the two first choice centre backs next season, as I believe Powell will be looking either to Cort, or to a new signing to cement their place next to Morrison.
Wagstaff
The right side of midfield is a bit awkward, as both Green and Wagstaff flatter to deceive. I believe that between the pair of them, they will be able to hold the right side of midfield, but I wouldn't be too surprised to see one of them not even in the squad, as Haynes gives a far more varied attacking threat than either Wagstaff or Green, especially from the bench
Wright-Phillips
Well nobody can deny that he deserves his chance at the second division, but this won't be his first time there of course. The reality was that whilst at Southampton, he was not exactly prolific, and he has been injured a few times since those days. I am going to stick my neck out here, and say that I don't believe that Powell will want to use Wright-Phillips as his first choice partner for Kermorgant. I think Haynes will be used as an impact sub, or from the right of midfield, and I don't think N'Guessan will be the new arrival either, but I believe there will be one
Contract End - June 2014
Green
The right side of midfield is a bit awkward, as both Green and Wagstaff flatter to deceive. I believe that between the pair of them, they will be able to hold the right side of midfield, but I wouldn't be too surprised to see one of them not even in the squad, as Haynes gives a far more varied attacking threat than either Wagstaff or Green, especially from the bench
Hamer
A big season ahead for our number one. I believe he is capable of the next step up, but he will be as aware as anyone, that a poor start will see him replaced in fairly short order, and it won't be by Sullivan either.
Hayes
I like Hayes a lot. An intelligent footballer; the subtlety of some of his play is missed by many, including his own team mates, and I for one would be sorry to see him go, but I believe he will. There are too many ahead of him at Charlton, but as his time at Wycombe showed, he can find the net on a regular basis, and if he is to leave I wish him all the best. I also believe he could succeed with us in the second division.
Hollands
An ever present other than during the period of his three match ban, I believe the only question for next season is who plays alongside him? Not the most incisive or creative of passers, but a genuine goal threat, and puts in a shift in the engine room.
Jackson
A number of questions about Jackson that Powell will will be thinking long and hard about. Is he good enough to play on the left in the second division? Answer; probably. Will he stay fit? Answer; probably not. Could Jackson play in the centre of midfield? Answer, possibly; although it is telling that when he has had the opportunity to play Jackson inside with a wide man on the left, Powell hasn't done it. I believe that our manager will want a speciality left sided midfielder, and that man could be Anthony Wordsworth from Colchester. What does that mean for Jackson? More bench appearances than starts potentially, especially if a midfield ball player is also drafted in
Morrison
Nailed on first choice centre back as far as I am concerned. The only question is will it be Cort, or a new signing that lines up alongside him, and will that new signing be Osbourne from Brentford?
Pope
The departure of Gough to Bristol Rovers sent a strong signal to young Pope that although he is one for the future, he can rightfully claim to be Charlton's number three. Steady progression is what is required next season. He graced the bench for two FA Cup games last term, and I would expect to see more bench warming cup action for him next season.
Stephens
Widely acclaimed as the most creative player in the squad, and wih an eye for the killer pass, the pairing of Stephens and Hollands was fundamental to the early season success, but then from mid October until the end of January, there was no Stephens. In his place, Hughes, Pritchard, and Russell filled in, and the promotion bandwagon didn't falter. When Stephens did return from injury though, he was but a pale shadow of the player who had been so crucial to the early season performances. This is another issue that Powell will need to resolve. Is Stephens just lacking fitness even now?, or do Charlton need another creative midfield maestro? I suspect we do, and I believe that Powell will be looking for just such a player during the summer.
Smith
Another likely lad for whom next season is all about steady progression, and loan spells somewhere further down the football pyramid
Solly
There is little doubt in my mind that at the very least, Charlton need cover at right back. Even if Hughes stays, I don't see him as being the regular back up to our current player of the season. I wonder whether it might be Jordan Cousins breakthrough year?, but it would be a lot to ask at second division level. Now for something controversial. I am not convinced that Powell would be looking at just a reserve. I think he will be looking for somebody better. Why? Well, we saw last season that if a team possessed a bruiser who could play at left mid, then Solly was in for a torrid afternoon. It was enough of a concern at Stevenage for Powell to drop him, and play Morrison. Whether the decision was right or not, I could see the logic of why the manager had done it, as it wasn't the first time that Solly had been targeted by the opposition. Last season he was good enough to see most of them off, a notable exception being Ibehre at MK Dons, who doubled up on him with Balanta. It was a testing examination, and eventually drew a penalty when Solly fouled Lewington. I have no doubt that Solly deserves to start next season, but I won't be too surprised if he doesn't, or at the very least has somebody as good, or better, breathing down his neck.
Wiggins
For me, it was a close run thing between Wiggins and Kermorgant for player of the season. I gave it to the Frenchman, but only because it took Wiggins a little time to settle in. The trademark runs that form such a crucial part of his play were not in evidence at the start of the season, and looking back, serves as a reminder of the enormity of the task that Chris Powell had undertaken. I expect him to thrive in the second division, and with Evina as back up, I believe we are in good shape at the left side of defence
Will any of the loan players provide Chris Powell with the "upgrades" he is looking for? Of the three loan rangers, Cook, N'Guessan, and Russell, possibly the first two might add something, but I think Charlton can do better. Of the youngsters, I think Cousins and Bover are the most likely, but I suspect that Powell much like Curbishley will be averse to risking untried talent in anything but the cup competitions.
I am sure there is lots to agree and disagree with in my summary, but one thing is for sure, we are on a roll. I am convinced that next season, we will be competitive, regardless of what players come or go in the next three months.
About Me
- Deepest Darkest
- Old Coulsdon, United Kingdom
- An acquired refugee from the days of exile at Selhurst Park, my first game being a dreary 1-1 draw with Millwall. I followed the team back to The Valley, and have now been with them for over twenty years. You will find me in the Rose of Denmark or in the Lower West. Follow me on Twitter @DeepestDarkest1
Friday, 11 May 2012
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Charlton 3 Hartlepool 2
This is what it was all about! - Thank you Charlton Athletic
A couple of "Ledges" enjoy the day
To comply with the Data Protection Act - this should be pixielated :-)
See you in the Championship!
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Charlton 2 Wycombe 1
As Cameron and I wandered down the road after the celebrations yesterday, it suddenly occurred to me that in the seven years he has been accompanying me to the Valley, he has seen us relegated three times, and yesterday for the first time in his fifteen years on this planet, he has finally seen us promoted. He seemed to be coping with all the calm of a seasoned veteran. No glory boy tag for him! He's done his time, and he deserved yesterday, as did every other man jack of us, new fan or old.
The game itself was forgettable in football terms. It was all about what was unfolding both at the Valley, and at Stadium MK one hundred miles away. It turned out perfectly. I could tell you about Kermorgant's sublime free kick, and Stephen's neatly executed winner, but do you know what? I just don't care. We are the champions, and that's all that matters right now.
Photograph courtesy of Kap Varma
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Charlton 2 Orient 0
This feels like the final run in at the Grand National. Who will stumble and be eliminated?, and who has the stamina for the final lung bursting run to the finishing line? It would be fair to say that Charlton have been hitting the fences fairly hard over the past few weeks, allowing the two Sheffields to gain ground, in a bid to relegate us to the play offs. Oh, and yes, courtesy of yesterday's result we are now guaranteed a place in that lottery at the very least. Should we be unfortunate enough to end up there, I suspect the trauma of throwing away automatic promotion would be enough to ensure a lousy showing, and another year in the third division, but let's not dwell on that.
Yesterday, Huddersfield effectively fell out of contention for the title with a loss at Carlisle, whilst ourselves and the two Sheffields clean jumped the seventh last fence. Yesterday wasn't a match to remain in the memory for long, but at this stage, it is results that matter, and this was a fairly routine victory against a poor Orient side, who despite being only five points above the relegation zone, never played with any real sense of urgency.
For the first fifteen minutes yesterday, Charlton, however, showed a desire that has not always been there over the past month or so, and were duly rewarded with a quickly taken free kick by Stephens that set up the Wiggins and Wagstaff show, to cross and turn in respectively after only seven minutes. The early goal for Charlton is a crucial thing at present. It calmed the players, and the crowd, and the balance of the first half was largely about Charlton, although Lisbie should probably done better with at least one of his efforts. A disallowed goal for handball by Cort, which curiously didn't merit a booking, and an ignored penalty claim by Wright-Phillips, along with two bookings for Orient players were probably the main things of note, as half time came and went.
The second half at least showed that the referee was at least able to keep putting his hand in his pocket, as another three Orient players went into the book, and Kermorgant played no small part in that. It is quite obvious that opposition managers are drumming into their players, that if you stop Kermorgant, you can stop Charlton. In the first half, I was wondering if I was watching the same incidents involving the big Breton as the man in black. Constantly fouled, I was concerned that it was Kermorgant that was going to end up with a yellow, as his frustration at the treatment being dished out was clear for all to see. There were times when he wasn't just receiving the attentions of two players, but on a couple of occasions it was three. As Powell said after the game, Kermorgant "survived" the attention, but referees really do need to give him a bit more protection, otherwise he will be injured by someone before this campaign draws to a close.
So, six more to go. Personally, promotion isn't enough for me any more. Having been top since September, nothing less than to go up as champions will suffice. We deserve it, and we have almost earned it. As to when?, well my money is on us going up as champions away at Preston. For automatic promotion, I think that will happen at Carlisle. Until then we need to get right behind the team, and stay positive, as the only common factor in Charlton not doing well in the run in to any season is us. The managers have been different, the players have been different, but the one common factor is us. Time to be the twelfth man, and keep the faith!
Yesterday, Huddersfield effectively fell out of contention for the title with a loss at Carlisle, whilst ourselves and the two Sheffields clean jumped the seventh last fence. Yesterday wasn't a match to remain in the memory for long, but at this stage, it is results that matter, and this was a fairly routine victory against a poor Orient side, who despite being only five points above the relegation zone, never played with any real sense of urgency.
For the first fifteen minutes yesterday, Charlton, however, showed a desire that has not always been there over the past month or so, and were duly rewarded with a quickly taken free kick by Stephens that set up the Wiggins and Wagstaff show, to cross and turn in respectively after only seven minutes. The early goal for Charlton is a crucial thing at present. It calmed the players, and the crowd, and the balance of the first half was largely about Charlton, although Lisbie should probably done better with at least one of his efforts. A disallowed goal for handball by Cort, which curiously didn't merit a booking, and an ignored penalty claim by Wright-Phillips, along with two bookings for Orient players were probably the main things of note, as half time came and went.
The second half at least showed that the referee was at least able to keep putting his hand in his pocket, as another three Orient players went into the book, and Kermorgant played no small part in that. It is quite obvious that opposition managers are drumming into their players, that if you stop Kermorgant, you can stop Charlton. In the first half, I was wondering if I was watching the same incidents involving the big Breton as the man in black. Constantly fouled, I was concerned that it was Kermorgant that was going to end up with a yellow, as his frustration at the treatment being dished out was clear for all to see. There were times when he wasn't just receiving the attentions of two players, but on a couple of occasions it was three. As Powell said after the game, Kermorgant "survived" the attention, but referees really do need to give him a bit more protection, otherwise he will be injured by someone before this campaign draws to a close.
So, six more to go. Personally, promotion isn't enough for me any more. Having been top since September, nothing less than to go up as champions will suffice. We deserve it, and we have almost earned it. As to when?, well my money is on us going up as champions away at Preston. For automatic promotion, I think that will happen at Carlisle. Until then we need to get right behind the team, and stay positive, as the only common factor in Charlton not doing well in the run in to any season is us. The managers have been different, the players have been different, but the one common factor is us. Time to be the twelfth man, and keep the faith!
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
The Loan Arranger
With two loan signings on board, this is the shape of the squad to see us through the last nine games. Good luck to the lads tonight COYR!
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso
Doherty
Euell
Mambo
Pritchard
Contract End - June 2013
Clarke
Cort
Evina
Harriott
Haynes
Hughes
Kermorgant
Osborne
Sullivan
Taylor
Wagstaff
Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2014
Green
Hamer
Hayes
Hollands
Jackson
Morrison
Pope
Stephens
Smith
Solly
Wiggins
Loan
Cook (May31st 2012)
N'Guessan (May 31st 2012)
Russell (May 31st 2012)
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso
Doherty
Euell
Mambo
Pritchard
Contract End - June 2013
Clarke
Cort
Evina
Harriott
Haynes
Hughes
Kermorgant
Osborne
Sullivan
Taylor
Wagstaff
Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2014
Green
Hamer
Hayes
Hollands
Jackson
Morrison
Pope
Stephens
Smith
Solly
Wiggins
Loan
Cook (May31st 2012)
N'Guessan (May 31st 2012)
Russell (May 31st 2012)
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Charlton 2 Notts County 4
Where on earth do you begin with today's game? Well, the first and most important thing is
DON'T PANIC!!!
The first half was as poor a performance as I have seen in a long time. Hamer and Taylor will not need to be told that at least two of the goals against were down to them. It was as if the team as a whole had only just met each other, such was the lack of communication. If Hamer and Taylor were talking a different language for one of the goals, then cameos of the same malaise were being played out all over the pitch. Judge put County ahead with a 25-yard drive, that he was able to tee up in an acre of space, before Forte grabbed three close-range efforts, the final one a header, to make it 4-0, and all before the break.
So other than Hamer and Taylor, where else were there issues? Undoubtedly for me, the main area of concern today was the central midfield, and Stephens in particular. Both he and Hollands pushed up far too high, and were largely bypassed. Stephens first touch was awful, giving the ball away in a dangerous position twice within the first five minutes alone. He is talented, but let's face it, he has not been the same player since he came back from injury, Today was not an isolated poor performance from him either, and in much the same way that Green has apparently picked up a shoulder knock, it is time Stephens had a similar misfortune. Hughes or Russell are both far more defensively aware, and would cover the protection role that significantly nobody did today, thus exposing Taylor in particular rather badly on more than one occasion.
The half time team talk saw a far better Charlton team return to the pitch, albeit for no more than ten minutes. Wright-Phillips pulled one back with an acrobatic overhead kick, before Wagstaff powered in a header from six yards. Any momentum caused by those two goals vanished when Wright-Phillips had an appeal for a penalty turned down. It was a stonewall penalty, and would have put us in a position for an unlikely 4-4 draw, but it wasn't to be, and quite frankly we did not deserve it either.
Leaving aside all the Powell is the Messiah guff, the manager now really needs to earn his corn. For my money the MK Dons are the team to watch out for, not the two Sheffields, and it will take a minimum of five wins from the last ten games to achieve the title, and yes, I mean the title. Mind you, if we only got five wins, I suspect we would only get it on goal difference. I remember watching Powell motionless on the sidelines like a rabbit in the headlights last season at Stadium MK as the team he had inherited were pulled apart. He was motionless throughout most of the first half today as well. As any Charlton fan will tell you, we do not do the last ten games of a season at all well. Powell will need to break that habit if we are to get the rewards we deserve for the season we have had so far.
COYR!
DON'T PANIC!!!
The first half was as poor a performance as I have seen in a long time. Hamer and Taylor will not need to be told that at least two of the goals against were down to them. It was as if the team as a whole had only just met each other, such was the lack of communication. If Hamer and Taylor were talking a different language for one of the goals, then cameos of the same malaise were being played out all over the pitch. Judge put County ahead with a 25-yard drive, that he was able to tee up in an acre of space, before Forte grabbed three close-range efforts, the final one a header, to make it 4-0, and all before the break.
So other than Hamer and Taylor, where else were there issues? Undoubtedly for me, the main area of concern today was the central midfield, and Stephens in particular. Both he and Hollands pushed up far too high, and were largely bypassed. Stephens first touch was awful, giving the ball away in a dangerous position twice within the first five minutes alone. He is talented, but let's face it, he has not been the same player since he came back from injury, Today was not an isolated poor performance from him either, and in much the same way that Green has apparently picked up a shoulder knock, it is time Stephens had a similar misfortune. Hughes or Russell are both far more defensively aware, and would cover the protection role that significantly nobody did today, thus exposing Taylor in particular rather badly on more than one occasion.
The half time team talk saw a far better Charlton team return to the pitch, albeit for no more than ten minutes. Wright-Phillips pulled one back with an acrobatic overhead kick, before Wagstaff powered in a header from six yards. Any momentum caused by those two goals vanished when Wright-Phillips had an appeal for a penalty turned down. It was a stonewall penalty, and would have put us in a position for an unlikely 4-4 draw, but it wasn't to be, and quite frankly we did not deserve it either.
Leaving aside all the Powell is the Messiah guff, the manager now really needs to earn his corn. For my money the MK Dons are the team to watch out for, not the two Sheffields, and it will take a minimum of five wins from the last ten games to achieve the title, and yes, I mean the title. Mind you, if we only got five wins, I suspect we would only get it on goal difference. I remember watching Powell motionless on the sidelines like a rabbit in the headlights last season at Stadium MK as the team he had inherited were pulled apart. He was motionless throughout most of the first half today as well. As any Charlton fan will tell you, we do not do the last ten games of a season at all well. Powell will need to break that habit if we are to get the rewards we deserve for the season we have had so far.
COYR!
Saturday, 25 February 2012
Charlton 2 Stevenage 0
His head was down as he vanished into the dugout, and he barely acknowledged the pats on the back from Powell and Dyer amongst others. He was being lauded from the North Stand, but Wright-Phillips didn't even glance over. He knew that he had fashioned no fewer than six nailed on chances today, and that the one that did go in via a sizeable deflection off Henry, was likely in retrospect to be attributed as an own goal. He also knew that earlier in the season he would have been taking the matchball home for a richly deserved hat trick at least.
I cannot remember a time when the Charlton faithful were so patient with a misfiring striker, as we are with our current number ten. I hope the support continues as apart from putting it in the net, Wright-Phillips is doing everything else superbly well. The fact that he was still despondent despite having notched his first goal (hopefully) since last November, shows how much he cares.
If he wants a reminder in clinical finishing, he should spend some time with the defence at Sparrows Lane this week, and Morrison in particular. His half volley for the first goal was clinically efficient, and had a "pick that one out" quality about it. Day in the Stevenage goal could only watch helplessly as it hit the top corner of his net. Oh, and while he is at it, Wright-Phillips should also watch Solly as well.
Yesterday saw a terrier like performance of some quality, and a never say die attitude from Solly, that made him my man of the match. One passage of play in particular stood out for me. Late on in the second half, our diminutive number twenty decided he was going to take the ball off Aneke, who for the sake of this story is about one and a half times the size of our right back. Snapping at his ankles, Solly did a full circumnavigation of the Stevenage man, niggling at him all the way round. It was a tour that ended with the ball in Solly's possession, and the man mountain dumped on his back. Alright, so a free kick to Stevenage was the end result, but there was no fear or doubt in Solly's mind at all. It was like watching a feisty little dog attacking a particularly large and juicy bone, and there was no way Solly was walking away without his hard earned prize.
Stevenage should be congratulated for what they have achieved this season, but Charlton made them look both toothless and ordinary yesterday. As the Covered End chanted that we are better than Spurs, the team from Hertfordshire will find out next week if they are as well. They aren't of course, and neither are we, but I wish them well. Meanwhile, we have a trip to Chesterfield on Tuesday as the relentless round of games continues. We have shown we can beat the top teams around us, but we must do the same to those who have a fight of their own to conduct at the other end of the table. Hat trick for Wright-Phillips maybe?
I cannot remember a time when the Charlton faithful were so patient with a misfiring striker, as we are with our current number ten. I hope the support continues as apart from putting it in the net, Wright-Phillips is doing everything else superbly well. The fact that he was still despondent despite having notched his first goal (hopefully) since last November, shows how much he cares.
If he wants a reminder in clinical finishing, he should spend some time with the defence at Sparrows Lane this week, and Morrison in particular. His half volley for the first goal was clinically efficient, and had a "pick that one out" quality about it. Day in the Stevenage goal could only watch helplessly as it hit the top corner of his net. Oh, and while he is at it, Wright-Phillips should also watch Solly as well.
Yesterday saw a terrier like performance of some quality, and a never say die attitude from Solly, that made him my man of the match. One passage of play in particular stood out for me. Late on in the second half, our diminutive number twenty decided he was going to take the ball off Aneke, who for the sake of this story is about one and a half times the size of our right back. Snapping at his ankles, Solly did a full circumnavigation of the Stevenage man, niggling at him all the way round. It was a tour that ended with the ball in Solly's possession, and the man mountain dumped on his back. Alright, so a free kick to Stevenage was the end result, but there was no fear or doubt in Solly's mind at all. It was like watching a feisty little dog attacking a particularly large and juicy bone, and there was no way Solly was walking away without his hard earned prize.
Stevenage should be congratulated for what they have achieved this season, but Charlton made them look both toothless and ordinary yesterday. As the Covered End chanted that we are better than Spurs, the team from Hertfordshire will find out next week if they are as well. They aren't of course, and neither are we, but I wish them well. Meanwhile, we have a trip to Chesterfield on Tuesday as the relentless round of games continues. We have shown we can beat the top teams around us, but we must do the same to those who have a fight of their own to conduct at the other end of the table. Hat trick for Wright-Phillips maybe?
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Charlton 1 Sheffield United 0
In 1974, the golfer Gary Player was asked how he was enjoying the luck that had just culminated in him winning his third Open Championship. His reply was, "You know what?, the harder I practice, the luckier I get". Thirty eight years later, and for the second time in successive matches, Jackson proved that simple truth with a sublime free kick, that Simonsen in the United goal could only admire from afar as it kissed his right hand post and in. I don't know if Gary Player likes football, but he would certainly approve of all the hours Jackson spends at Sparrows Lane honing his dead ball skills.
Charlton have played better than this, and I am sure Sheffield United have as well, but yesterday the spoils went to Charlton, courtesy of our captain's "luck". It was a moment of quality in a game that was cagey for the most part, and courtesy of referee Deadman, and his trigger happy cards routine, produced no less than six yellow, and two red cards. It was never the sort of game that warranted that much colour, or at least it wasn't, until the melee that broke out after Russell was sent off for what I thought was a perfectly good challenge.
If that was a poor call by the referee, the straight red shown to Beattie moments later was inevitable, and correct. His attempt to squeeze the life out of Kermorgant was spotted by the East Stand lino, who hurriedly joined Deadman on the pitch to help restore order, and to report on Beattie's attempts at diplomacy by strangulation. I wonder if United will appeal the straight red? I somehow doubt it.
With regard to the game, and I don't mean to sound overly negative about this, but I personally believe that Hamer had a bit of a nightmare yesterday. I am sure the gusting wind may have had something to do with it, as did the close attention from the opposition he was getting at corner kicks, but our number one did not acquit himself particularly well. His shot stopping was fine, but his catching and punching left a lot to be desired. By the length of his contract, he has been given the nod that Championship football is there for him, but on the strength of his showing both yesterday, and on other occasions recently, I would question his ability to step up to that. Perhaps he just needs some of Jackson's "luck"?
Elsewhere, the back four were immense, and congratulations to Solly on his new deal. Although not at his best, Wright-Phillips, by playing yesterday, has triggered the one year extension to his contract apparently, so that is good news as well, although I wonder with the arrival of Haynes, whether he will be rested, as he is not the same player he was earlier in the season. The arrival of Haynes from the bench certainly gave United a new problem, as his speed drew a foul within minutes of his arrival. A free kick from the edge of the box on the East Stand side, showed that our captain is human after all, as he sent it out for a throw in on the West Stand side. Bad "luck" eh Johnnie?
This, for me, was another of those significant games that will shape our season. It was never just another game, and the team came through with flying colours. Onwards and upwards, COME ON YOU REDS!
Charlton have played better than this, and I am sure Sheffield United have as well, but yesterday the spoils went to Charlton, courtesy of our captain's "luck". It was a moment of quality in a game that was cagey for the most part, and courtesy of referee Deadman, and his trigger happy cards routine, produced no less than six yellow, and two red cards. It was never the sort of game that warranted that much colour, or at least it wasn't, until the melee that broke out after Russell was sent off for what I thought was a perfectly good challenge.
If that was a poor call by the referee, the straight red shown to Beattie moments later was inevitable, and correct. His attempt to squeeze the life out of Kermorgant was spotted by the East Stand lino, who hurriedly joined Deadman on the pitch to help restore order, and to report on Beattie's attempts at diplomacy by strangulation. I wonder if United will appeal the straight red? I somehow doubt it.
With regard to the game, and I don't mean to sound overly negative about this, but I personally believe that Hamer had a bit of a nightmare yesterday. I am sure the gusting wind may have had something to do with it, as did the close attention from the opposition he was getting at corner kicks, but our number one did not acquit himself particularly well. His shot stopping was fine, but his catching and punching left a lot to be desired. By the length of his contract, he has been given the nod that Championship football is there for him, but on the strength of his showing both yesterday, and on other occasions recently, I would question his ability to step up to that. Perhaps he just needs some of Jackson's "luck"?
Elsewhere, the back four were immense, and congratulations to Solly on his new deal. Although not at his best, Wright-Phillips, by playing yesterday, has triggered the one year extension to his contract apparently, so that is good news as well, although I wonder with the arrival of Haynes, whether he will be rested, as he is not the same player he was earlier in the season. The arrival of Haynes from the bench certainly gave United a new problem, as his speed drew a foul within minutes of his arrival. A free kick from the edge of the box on the East Stand side, showed that our captain is human after all, as he sent it out for a throw in on the West Stand side. Bad "luck" eh Johnnie?
This, for me, was another of those significant games that will shape our season. It was never just another game, and the team came through with flying colours. Onwards and upwards, COME ON YOU REDS!
Friday, 13 January 2012
Two More For The Promotion Push
No hanging about then? With Cort and Haynes now onboard, it is good to see that nobody is resting on their laurels in the push for promotion. I am curious though, as five front line strikers does seem a little heavy, compared to say the left side of midfield where I believe strengthening does need to take place. It can be argued that Clarke and Haynes are but replacements for Benson and Euell, but as neither of the latter two has been involved in the first team in any meaningful way in the all important league games, I wonder if we may see one of Wright-Phillips, Kermorgant, or Hayes exiting. I hope not, as I rate them all.
Our squad for the run in now looks like this.
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso
Doherty
Euell
Mambo
Pritchard
Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
Clarke
Cort
Evina
Harriott
Haynes
Hughes
Kermorgant
Osborne
Pope
Solly
Sullivan
Taylor
Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
Green
Hamer
Hayes
Hollands
Jackson
Morrison
Stephens
Smith
Wiggins
First Professional Contract
Cousins
Gough
Bover-Izquierdo
Popo
Warren
Loan
Russell (May 31st 2012)
Our squad for the run in now looks like this.
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso
Doherty
Euell
Mambo
Pritchard
Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
Clarke
Cort
Evina
Harriott
Haynes
Hughes
Kermorgant
Osborne
Pope
Solly
Sullivan
Taylor
Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
Green
Hamer
Hayes
Hollands
Jackson
Morrison
Stephens
Smith
Wiggins
First Professional Contract
Cousins
Gough
Bover-Izquierdo
Popo
Warren
Loan
Russell (May 31st 2012)
Saturday, 7 January 2012
Fulham 4 Charlton 0
Normally I don't post on a match until the following morning. The rationale is that I will have a more balanced view of the game, regardless of whether we have won, drawn or lost. But, you know what? I really am not at all bothered by today, and as regular readers will know, I don't care much for cup games anyway. I do, however, enjoy the atmosphere of a cup game, and 7,000 Charlton fans got behind the team every step of the way today. We did the club proud, and although I am not best pleased at the scoreline, the truth is it seriously flattered Fulham.
Had the game ended 2-1, I think that would have been a fairer reflection, but as a test, which Powell said he wanted, he certainly got that. I haven't seen a Premier League club play since we were relegated, freom the top table, and the difference in quality was marked. The Fulham short game was quick, precise, and most importantly of all incisive. Charlton couldn't really cope with it if truth be told, and Dempsey was just too much of a handful for our back line. Their two centre backs coped with Wright-Phillips and Kermorgant with a minimum of fuss, although I have to say, if any player showed he can play above our current level it was Kermorgant. I also thought Pritchard played very well against much better opposition than he will ever have played against before.
It wasn't as if we didn't have any chances either, Wright-Phillips, Kermorgant, and Green all had good chances to redress the scoring, but were denied mainly by Stockdale. As we sang repeatedly that we didn't really care much for the FA Cup, but we were going up, it was sad that all game I don't remember ever hearing Fulham chant or sing at all. Maybe it was because they never really needed to get out of third gear in order to put this tie to bed, and in terms of building a team Powell will have learnt a lot from this. We may be quality in the third division, but we would almost certainly come straight back down if we were in The Prem right now. I am sure nobody would ever underestimate the size of the task in front of us, but this was certainly a salutory reminder.
We should all be proud of how the boys played today. It was an extremely flattering scoreline which Fulham didn't really deserve, but with our cup jaunt over, the far more important games against the two Sheffield sides await. Now those we really do care about.
Had the game ended 2-1, I think that would have been a fairer reflection, but as a test, which Powell said he wanted, he certainly got that. I haven't seen a Premier League club play since we were relegated, freom the top table, and the difference in quality was marked. The Fulham short game was quick, precise, and most importantly of all incisive. Charlton couldn't really cope with it if truth be told, and Dempsey was just too much of a handful for our back line. Their two centre backs coped with Wright-Phillips and Kermorgant with a minimum of fuss, although I have to say, if any player showed he can play above our current level it was Kermorgant. I also thought Pritchard played very well against much better opposition than he will ever have played against before.
It wasn't as if we didn't have any chances either, Wright-Phillips, Kermorgant, and Green all had good chances to redress the scoring, but were denied mainly by Stockdale. As we sang repeatedly that we didn't really care much for the FA Cup, but we were going up, it was sad that all game I don't remember ever hearing Fulham chant or sing at all. Maybe it was because they never really needed to get out of third gear in order to put this tie to bed, and in terms of building a team Powell will have learnt a lot from this. We may be quality in the third division, but we would almost certainly come straight back down if we were in The Prem right now. I am sure nobody would ever underestimate the size of the task in front of us, but this was certainly a salutory reminder.
We should all be proud of how the boys played today. It was an extremely flattering scoreline which Fulham didn't really deserve, but with our cup jaunt over, the far more important games against the two Sheffield sides await. Now those we really do care about.
Monday, 2 January 2012
Charlton 2 Brentford 0
Both sides played as though jaded after a hectic Christmas schedule, which was inevitable, and the quality or lack of it on show was no real surprise. What was a surprise was hearing the drummers normally to be found in the Upper North transposed due to a power failure to the Upper West. It was all a little odd, as one whole block of the Upper North appeared to have been almost cleared, but people were still ensconced in it's other sections? A fifteen minute delay to the kick off ensued as itinerant North Standers queued to get into the unfamiliar surroundings of the Upper West.
One benefit of this delay was that even as we were kicking off, news was coming through that Carlisle were already two one up against Sheffield United. If it was all goal action in Cumbria, the opening exchanges at The Valley suggested something far more attritional was about to be served up, and this duly transpired. Powell had promised changes would be made during the holiday period, but hadn't really delivered it, other than in enforced circumstances. Today, however, we got Cort instead of Taylor, and a starting berth for Pritchard instead of Russell whose loan finishes tomorrow anyway. New boy Clarke also made the bench in place of an unhappy Hayes, judging by the tweet he put out before kick off.
The first goal was a header by Morrison from a Green cross when one on one with the Bees goalkeeper. I like the idea of using Morrison as a centre forward on occasions, and it is a tactic that Powell seems to be using with increasing regularity. It usually follows a Charlton corner, and instead of haring back when the move breaks down, it is usually Kermorgant that does the running back leaving Morrison upfront, and causing a fair deal of confusion in the opposition ranks in the process. It worked a treat midway through the first half when he received the ball completely unmarked, and headed over the advancing keeper.
Normlly at one up, I feel nervous that Charlton will sit back and invite a shed load of pressure, and a goal and a draw will result. I didn't feel that today, as Brentford offered little more than token attempts on goal. What attempts there were still caused some erratic behaviour from Hamer who appears to be a little out of sorts, punching when he should catch, advancing when he should be holding ground. There is a school of thought that thinks a new keeper should be recruited in the transfer window just opened, but I suspect it is a temporary (hopefully) loss of form, in much the same way that I think Wright-Phillips is also suffering.
The second goal came from a long kick forward that Green got on the end of whilst playing at left midfield in place of Jackson who had been replaced by Wagstaff. He gathered it well, and cut back inside evading two defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the net. As a game, it was as near to a regulation two nil as it gets, and now we can all look forward to our day trip up the Thames to Fulham on Saturday.
One benefit of this delay was that even as we were kicking off, news was coming through that Carlisle were already two one up against Sheffield United. If it was all goal action in Cumbria, the opening exchanges at The Valley suggested something far more attritional was about to be served up, and this duly transpired. Powell had promised changes would be made during the holiday period, but hadn't really delivered it, other than in enforced circumstances. Today, however, we got Cort instead of Taylor, and a starting berth for Pritchard instead of Russell whose loan finishes tomorrow anyway. New boy Clarke also made the bench in place of an unhappy Hayes, judging by the tweet he put out before kick off.
The first goal was a header by Morrison from a Green cross when one on one with the Bees goalkeeper. I like the idea of using Morrison as a centre forward on occasions, and it is a tactic that Powell seems to be using with increasing regularity. It usually follows a Charlton corner, and instead of haring back when the move breaks down, it is usually Kermorgant that does the running back leaving Morrison upfront, and causing a fair deal of confusion in the opposition ranks in the process. It worked a treat midway through the first half when he received the ball completely unmarked, and headed over the advancing keeper.
Normlly at one up, I feel nervous that Charlton will sit back and invite a shed load of pressure, and a goal and a draw will result. I didn't feel that today, as Brentford offered little more than token attempts on goal. What attempts there were still caused some erratic behaviour from Hamer who appears to be a little out of sorts, punching when he should catch, advancing when he should be holding ground. There is a school of thought that thinks a new keeper should be recruited in the transfer window just opened, but I suspect it is a temporary (hopefully) loss of form, in much the same way that I think Wright-Phillips is also suffering.
The second goal came from a long kick forward that Green got on the end of whilst playing at left midfield in place of Jackson who had been replaced by Wagstaff. He gathered it well, and cut back inside evading two defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the net. As a game, it was as near to a regulation two nil as it gets, and now we can all look forward to our day trip up the Thames to Fulham on Saturday.
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Leyton Orient 1 Charlton 0
First, and most importantly, may I wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2012. Thank you for taking the time out to read my ramblings. A special mention to all the other Charlton bloggers as well. May you all continue with this labour of love, as I enjoy reading you all, as I know many hundreds of Charlton fans do as well.
Nothing of any consequence should be read into last night's result. The reality was that Hamer left the referee with no choice but to send him off, and in return the lino flagged Smith's effort to put Orient two up as offside when it was not. After the sending off it was always likely to be backs to the wall, and so it proved, although Charlton looked by far the most likely to score in the final ten minutes. It could have been irrelevant, as Orient had created enough chances to be four or five to the good by that point. Much like last year, that game has gone, and we look forward to Brentford at home tomorrow, and Fulham away on Saturday.
Even before the fireworks had climaxed to such spectacular effect in central London, Charlton had already done one bit of business that I personally believe is a masterstroke. We exchange an out of favour Benson, for the division's fourth top scorer in the shape of Clarke. I really don't understand the negativity in some quarters to this one. What's not to like? I wish Benson all the best at Swindon, as he is a player I liked. He may have been limited, but he was wholehearted, and gave his all in a poor and misfiring Charlton team last season. A warm welcome to Clarke who joins on an eighteen month deal, and let's hope the only exchanges in the tunnel he has with Powell are high fives.
I do wonder whether any other Charlton business will occur during this transfer window. As Powell has pointed out, there is really no rush, as our status in the football pyramid means that we can still do business on a loan basis from 8th February until 24th March, even if any transfer targets are not concluded by the end of January. There are however some loose ends to be tied up in-house. Both Ephraim and Russell are due to return to their parent clubs after the Brentford game tomorrow. Will Powell want, or be be able to extend or make permanent either player's deal? Will Francis get a permanent deal at Bournemouth? And what of Davisson, as he is now out of contract. Has he done enough to be given an extended deal, or has he now gone? An update to the squad list is below.
Contract End - Dec 2011
Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso
Doherty
Euell
Francis
Mambo
Pritchard
Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
Clarke
Evina
Harriott
Hughes
Kermorgant
Osborne
Pope
Solly
Sullivan
Taylor
Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
Green
Hamer
Hayes
Hollands
Jackson
Morrison
Stephens
Smith
Wiggins
First Professional Contract
Cousins
Gough
Bover-Izquierdo
Popo
Warren
Loan
Cort (May 31st 2012)
Ephraim (January 3rd 2012)
Russell (January 3rd 2012)
Nothing of any consequence should be read into last night's result. The reality was that Hamer left the referee with no choice but to send him off, and in return the lino flagged Smith's effort to put Orient two up as offside when it was not. After the sending off it was always likely to be backs to the wall, and so it proved, although Charlton looked by far the most likely to score in the final ten minutes. It could have been irrelevant, as Orient had created enough chances to be four or five to the good by that point. Much like last year, that game has gone, and we look forward to Brentford at home tomorrow, and Fulham away on Saturday.
Even before the fireworks had climaxed to such spectacular effect in central London, Charlton had already done one bit of business that I personally believe is a masterstroke. We exchange an out of favour Benson, for the division's fourth top scorer in the shape of Clarke. I really don't understand the negativity in some quarters to this one. What's not to like? I wish Benson all the best at Swindon, as he is a player I liked. He may have been limited, but he was wholehearted, and gave his all in a poor and misfiring Charlton team last season. A warm welcome to Clarke who joins on an eighteen month deal, and let's hope the only exchanges in the tunnel he has with Powell are high fives.
I do wonder whether any other Charlton business will occur during this transfer window. As Powell has pointed out, there is really no rush, as our status in the football pyramid means that we can still do business on a loan basis from 8th February until 24th March, even if any transfer targets are not concluded by the end of January. There are however some loose ends to be tied up in-house. Both Ephraim and Russell are due to return to their parent clubs after the Brentford game tomorrow. Will Powell want, or be be able to extend or make permanent either player's deal? Will Francis get a permanent deal at Bournemouth? And what of Davisson, as he is now out of contract. Has he done enough to be given an extended deal, or has he now gone? An update to the squad list is below.
Contract End - Dec 2011
Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso
Doherty
Euell
Francis
Mambo
Pritchard
Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
Clarke
Evina
Harriott
Hughes
Kermorgant
Osborne
Pope
Solly
Sullivan
Taylor
Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
Green
Hamer
Hayes
Hollands
Jackson
Morrison
Stephens
Smith
Wiggins
First Professional Contract
Cousins
Gough
Bover-Izquierdo
Popo
Warren
Loan
Cort (May 31st 2012)
Ephraim (January 3rd 2012)
Russell (January 3rd 2012)
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Charlton 2 Carlisle 0
The benefit of a small crowd meant that I got served at lightning speed in the Rose of Denmark. albeit that dodging tumbleweed is a sport that I am not used to, even in these third division days. If the pub was low key, then The Valley was no more lively, as two surprisingly strong teams took to the turf, Charlton with five men on show from Monday night's heroics, and Carlisle with nine of the men who had started against us in the league game, all in action in this second round FA Cup tie.
I also had the joy of a "bloke behind me", which is something I am normally spared, but got one today in the unfamiliar surroundings of B block in the lower west. I had forgotten how annoying they can be, and is it always the case that the person with the loudest voice, is usually the one that knows the least?
The fact that there was little of note in a quiet first half, didn't help the atmosphere, with only just over seven thousand in attendance. A very quiet affair indeed. The one thing that was clear, was that Powell was not going to risk a replay, the seven man bench stuffed with attacking endeavour, Wright-Phillips, Kermorgant, and Euell all made it on, Smith and Bover didn't. The man of the match for me though was there for the full ninety. Step forward Pritchard; industrious, and with attacking threat, he richly deserves the second year option on his contract being exercised on the basis of what I have seen of him this season. Yesterday will have done his longer term chances of future employ at Charlton no harm at all.
I was also impressed with Evina, covering left midfield in the absence of our captain Jackson, and an inelligible Ephraim. He showed some great touches, and I suspect that with more game time, we would see a whole lot more. After a quiet first half, the team came to life in the second, with Morrison getting a true centre back style goal from two yards out. After being thwarted once by the visiting keeper, the rebound was dispatched into the goal with minimum fuss. Euell then rolled back the years with a scrambling goal late on to seal it, and so we move on to the third round.
A nice tie against a strong Premiership or Championship side would be good, and if we can bow out at that stage to focus on the league, then yes please. For some reason though, I have it in my head that we will be drawn against Doncaster Rovers (16) away. We are the last ball number at 64, and below are some numbers to watch out for when the draw is made this afternoon.
1 Arsenal
12 Chelsea
23 Liverpool
24 Manchester City
25 Manchester United
28 Newcastle United
39 Tottenham Hotspur
45 Salisbury City or Grimsby Town
49 Chelmsford City or Macclesfield Town
51 Crawley Town
53 Fleetwood Town or Yeovil Town
54 Wrexham
59 Tamworth
61 Sutton United or Notts County
63 AFC Totton or Bristol Rovers
I also had the joy of a "bloke behind me", which is something I am normally spared, but got one today in the unfamiliar surroundings of B block in the lower west. I had forgotten how annoying they can be, and is it always the case that the person with the loudest voice, is usually the one that knows the least?
The fact that there was little of note in a quiet first half, didn't help the atmosphere, with only just over seven thousand in attendance. A very quiet affair indeed. The one thing that was clear, was that Powell was not going to risk a replay, the seven man bench stuffed with attacking endeavour, Wright-Phillips, Kermorgant, and Euell all made it on, Smith and Bover didn't. The man of the match for me though was there for the full ninety. Step forward Pritchard; industrious, and with attacking threat, he richly deserves the second year option on his contract being exercised on the basis of what I have seen of him this season. Yesterday will have done his longer term chances of future employ at Charlton no harm at all.
I was also impressed with Evina, covering left midfield in the absence of our captain Jackson, and an inelligible Ephraim. He showed some great touches, and I suspect that with more game time, we would see a whole lot more. After a quiet first half, the team came to life in the second, with Morrison getting a true centre back style goal from two yards out. After being thwarted once by the visiting keeper, the rebound was dispatched into the goal with minimum fuss. Euell then rolled back the years with a scrambling goal late on to seal it, and so we move on to the third round.
A nice tie against a strong Premiership or Championship side would be good, and if we can bow out at that stage to focus on the league, then yes please. For some reason though, I have it in my head that we will be drawn against Doncaster Rovers (16) away. We are the last ball number at 64, and below are some numbers to watch out for when the draw is made this afternoon.
1 Arsenal
12 Chelsea
23 Liverpool
24 Manchester City
25 Manchester United
28 Newcastle United
39 Tottenham Hotspur
45 Salisbury City or Grimsby Town
49 Chelmsford City or Macclesfield Town
51 Crawley Town
53 Fleetwood Town or Yeovil Town
54 Wrexham
59 Tamworth
61 Sutton United or Notts County
63 AFC Totton or Bristol Rovers
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Charlton 2 Huddersfield 0
The R.N.L.I are better off by $20 this morning, the result of a bet with a "Terrya" friend based in Montreal, and it was Huddersfield who were all at sea in need of rescuing last night. (I am sorry, I promise I will not do cheesy openings like that ever again). I won't repeat the plaudits, as you will have seen the performance, or certainly read about it, but I will say this; for me, there have been two season defining games this year.
The first was at Sheffield United, and the second was last night. Both were immense performances, and the message they have sent to the rest of the division is that Charlton are in the driving seat, and intend staying there. Not a weak link to be seen in the Charlton team last night, and I hope Powell wraps most of them up in cotton wool, and gives them this weekend off. I know it is the FA Cup, but I still don't care whether we are in it or not.
Powell is of course correct to damp down all those indulging in premature celebration, as there are after all twenty seven games to go. Had Charlton lost last night, the R.S.P.C.A would have been $20 better off, but as it turned out we were the dogs. (I am sorry, I promise I will not do cheesy endings like that ever again). I am just a bit happy today, that's all.
The first was at Sheffield United, and the second was last night. Both were immense performances, and the message they have sent to the rest of the division is that Charlton are in the driving seat, and intend staying there. Not a weak link to be seen in the Charlton team last night, and I hope Powell wraps most of them up in cotton wool, and gives them this weekend off. I know it is the FA Cup, but I still don't care whether we are in it or not.
Powell is of course correct to damp down all those indulging in premature celebration, as there are after all twenty seven games to go. Had Charlton lost last night, the R.S.P.C.A would have been $20 better off, but as it turned out we were the dogs. (I am sorry, I promise I will not do cheesy endings like that ever again). I am just a bit happy today, that's all.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
21 Today
Darel Russell, an essentially defensive midfielder joins on loan until January 3rd. Very much a cover signing, my only concern about him is his disciplinary record. Only four games played this season, and already two yellow cards collected doesn't bode well, but it could be argued that he has had such little game time that he is being caught out due to lack of match fitness. The contra to that is that historically he doesn't have a very good record with referees either, having also managed to pick up two back to back red cards that effectively took him out for nearly a quarter of a season three years ago at Norwich.
What he does have though is experience at getting out of this division, and that combined with a tenacious fighting spirit are qualities that Charlton may well need to call on in the next month or so. Does this also mean that we will never see Alonso in the first team?
Contract End - Dec 2011
Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso
Benson
Doherty
Euell
Francis
Mambo
Pritchard
Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
Evina
Harriott
Hughes
Kermorgant
Osborne
Pope
Solly
Sullivan
Taylor
Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
Green
Hamer
Hayes
Hollands
Jackson
Morrison
Stephens
Smith
Wiggins
First Professional Contract
Cousins
Gough
Bover-Izquierdo
Popo
Warren
Loan
Cort (May 31st 2012)
Ephraim (January 3rd 2012)
Russell (January 3rd 2012
What he does have though is experience at getting out of this division, and that combined with a tenacious fighting spirit are qualities that Charlton may well need to call on in the next month or so. Does this also mean that we will never see Alonso in the first team?
Contract End - Dec 2011
Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso
Benson
Doherty
Euell
Francis
Mambo
Pritchard
Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
Evina
Harriott
Hughes
Kermorgant
Osborne
Pope
Solly
Sullivan
Taylor
Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
Green
Hamer
Hayes
Hollands
Jackson
Morrison
Stephens
Smith
Wiggins
First Professional Contract
Cousins
Gough
Bover-Izquierdo
Popo
Warren
Loan
Cort (May 31st 2012)
Ephraim (January 3rd 2012)
Russell (January 3rd 2012
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
20:20 Vision At Charlton
With the arrival of Hogan Ephraim from QPR on loan until January, Charlton have now recruited twenty new players since the end of last season. Very much a cover signing, Ephraim is comfortable along the full length of the midfield, and with his preference to play on the left flank, this gives Powell the option of moving Jackson inside, as well as providing an impact substitution from the bench.
I have no doubt in my my own mind that Euell will be the player to give way on the bench, but will that be for Ephraim or Pritchard? Short term it may well be the latter, as first priority will be to get Ephraim match fit. This should be achieved in time for the manic Christmas fixture schedule, which I am sure he has been brought in to provide cover for.
Looking at the squad list now, the most striking thing is that Wright-Phillips is still only contracted to the end of this season. Although any mention of it by the club is low key and relaxed, I have to believe that Charlton will have spoken to him, but that our prolific striker is keeping his options open. You can't blame him I suppose, but it does suggest that he considers his value to be upper end Championship at least. If such a club came in during the January transfer window, I suspect he may well go.
Contract End - Dec 2011
Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso
Benson
Doherty
Euell
Francis
Mambo
Pritchard
Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
Evina
Harriott
Hughes
Kermorgant
Osborne
Pope
Solly
Sullivan
Taylor
Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
Green
Hamer
Hayes
Hollands
Jackson
Morrison
Stephens
Smith
Wiggins
First Professional Contract
Cousins
Gough
Bover-Izquierdo
Popo
Warren
Loan
Cort (May 31st 2012)
Ephraim (January 3rd 2012)
I have no doubt in my my own mind that Euell will be the player to give way on the bench, but will that be for Ephraim or Pritchard? Short term it may well be the latter, as first priority will be to get Ephraim match fit. This should be achieved in time for the manic Christmas fixture schedule, which I am sure he has been brought in to provide cover for.
Looking at the squad list now, the most striking thing is that Wright-Phillips is still only contracted to the end of this season. Although any mention of it by the club is low key and relaxed, I have to believe that Charlton will have spoken to him, but that our prolific striker is keeping his options open. You can't blame him I suppose, but it does suggest that he considers his value to be upper end Championship at least. If such a club came in during the January transfer window, I suspect he may well go.
Contract End - Dec 2011
Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso
Benson
Doherty
Euell
Francis
Mambo
Pritchard
Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
Evina
Harriott
Hughes
Kermorgant
Osborne
Pope
Solly
Sullivan
Taylor
Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
Green
Hamer
Hayes
Hollands
Jackson
Morrison
Stephens
Smith
Wiggins
First Professional Contract
Cousins
Gough
Bover-Izquierdo
Popo
Warren
Loan
Cort (May 31st 2012)
Ephraim (January 3rd 2012)
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Charlton 5 Preston 2
Various reports today see Powell warning against complacency, and judging by the slightly downbeat exit from the pitch yesterday, the team were I hope, acutely aware that they were about to incur some verbals from the manager, about letting in two goals in the last five minutes of a game that Charlton had completely dominated. In some senses it is a timely reminder that the prize still remains a long way off, as for most of this one sided encounter, Charlton threatened to embarass the former second division side.
For the first fifteen minutes it had all looked so different. I believed we were likely to be in for a war of attrition against a physically strong Preston side, and the expected 4-5-1 for the visitors duly presented itself at the kickoff. I really didn't see it as being anything other than a dour affair with Preston defending en masse against the marauding Charlton attack and midfield. For the first fifteen, Preston had the edge in terms of stroking the ball around, but even at that stage there was no threat in the final third. Perhaps no surprise, given that their preferred pair up top were both injured.
When the goal came, it was a clever dink of the ball inside by Wright-Phillips that saw Green haring away from the halfway line scattering all before him. The shot when it came was fierce, and the ball was also turning in the air when Arestidou palmed it away, but only as far as the onrushing Jackson, who swept it home without breaking stride. With that, the floodgates opened, and Preston didn't get a look in until five minutes before the end.
Next up was a first goal for the club by Morrison. This one would have pleased Powell possibly more than any other, as it was a first goal of the season from either of the two centre backs, and only the second of the season for the entire back four. Never mind that it was a stab home after a Wright-Phillips shot had been repelled, he was in the right place at the right time, and made no mistake.
Speaking of mistakes, if the Preston goalkeeper had culpability in the first two goals, then he certainly had it for the third, bringing down Kermorgant for a clear penalty. That he escaped without even a yellow card was a bit of a mystery to me, but given the gifts he was presenting us with, Charlton at least would have been happy enough to see him stay on the pitch, but surely a yellow card was merited? Jackson stepped up to the spot once more, and gave him no chance, lashing the ball in to make it three up, and only twenty six minutes played. We didn't have long to wait for number four either, as Wright-Phillips arrived at the back post completely unmarked to meet a corner that should never have reached him.
It couldn't continue like this in the second half, which was a much more subdued affair from a Charlton perspective, but it did give us the goal of the match. A delightful run down the left flank, and a dinked pass over the head of the Preston right back to himself that left the Preston man grasping at thin air, saw Wiggins put in a peach of a cross that Hollands met on the dive with his head, glancing it with some power into the top right hand corner of the net. And that was that, or at least it probably should have been, except that for the last five minutes of the game, Charlton seemed to switch off, allowing Preston the consolation of two goals that they were not entitled to, based on their performance in the match up until that point.
As mentioned earlier, it will give the team something to think about, as it took the edge off what had been up until that point, a superb afternoon of footballing entertainment. Powell said that he was disappointed by it, and so was I, but as he also went on to say, if you can't enjoy a 5-2 at home when top of the league, you probably never will. Hear hear to that, and just think, only twenty nine more games to go!
For the first fifteen minutes it had all looked so different. I believed we were likely to be in for a war of attrition against a physically strong Preston side, and the expected 4-5-1 for the visitors duly presented itself at the kickoff. I really didn't see it as being anything other than a dour affair with Preston defending en masse against the marauding Charlton attack and midfield. For the first fifteen, Preston had the edge in terms of stroking the ball around, but even at that stage there was no threat in the final third. Perhaps no surprise, given that their preferred pair up top were both injured.
When the goal came, it was a clever dink of the ball inside by Wright-Phillips that saw Green haring away from the halfway line scattering all before him. The shot when it came was fierce, and the ball was also turning in the air when Arestidou palmed it away, but only as far as the onrushing Jackson, who swept it home without breaking stride. With that, the floodgates opened, and Preston didn't get a look in until five minutes before the end.
Next up was a first goal for the club by Morrison. This one would have pleased Powell possibly more than any other, as it was a first goal of the season from either of the two centre backs, and only the second of the season for the entire back four. Never mind that it was a stab home after a Wright-Phillips shot had been repelled, he was in the right place at the right time, and made no mistake.
Speaking of mistakes, if the Preston goalkeeper had culpability in the first two goals, then he certainly had it for the third, bringing down Kermorgant for a clear penalty. That he escaped without even a yellow card was a bit of a mystery to me, but given the gifts he was presenting us with, Charlton at least would have been happy enough to see him stay on the pitch, but surely a yellow card was merited? Jackson stepped up to the spot once more, and gave him no chance, lashing the ball in to make it three up, and only twenty six minutes played. We didn't have long to wait for number four either, as Wright-Phillips arrived at the back post completely unmarked to meet a corner that should never have reached him.
It couldn't continue like this in the second half, which was a much more subdued affair from a Charlton perspective, but it did give us the goal of the match. A delightful run down the left flank, and a dinked pass over the head of the Preston right back to himself that left the Preston man grasping at thin air, saw Wiggins put in a peach of a cross that Hollands met on the dive with his head, glancing it with some power into the top right hand corner of the net. And that was that, or at least it probably should have been, except that for the last five minutes of the game, Charlton seemed to switch off, allowing Preston the consolation of two goals that they were not entitled to, based on their performance in the match up until that point.
As mentioned earlier, it will give the team something to think about, as it took the edge off what had been up until that point, a superb afternoon of footballing entertainment. Powell said that he was disappointed by it, and so was I, but as he also went on to say, if you can't enjoy a 5-2 at home when top of the league, you probably never will. Hear hear to that, and just think, only twenty nine more games to go!
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Charlton 1 Tranmere 1
I had a feeling that yesterday was likely to feel a bit like after the Lord Mayor's show. A stellar performance in South Yorkshire a week ago that will rightly be hailed as one of the games of the season, if, or when we win promotion, followed by a dreadful showing on Tuesday night in the Paint Pot, albeit with a much changed team. I actually feel that what happened against Brentford was just as significant as what happened at Sheffield United. At least the forced inclusion of six first teamers for a meaningless cup competition will not prove our undoing in terms of injuries or suspensions, but nobody will have been happy with the nature of the performance.
And so to yesterday. The antics of Fon-Williams time wasting took me straight back to the corresponding fixture last season, when the whole Tranmere team had obviously been instructed to waste time right from the very first whistle. It wasn't as bad as that yesterday, but how the Tranmere keeper did not end up with a yellow card is beyond me. Give Rovers manager Parry his due, he had done his homework. He came with a game plan to go tight on the marking, and hustle the midfield out of any rhythm, and hit on the break. His team stuck to it, and they deserved the draw.
Robbed of the ability to play fluent passing football, Charlton were having a bad day at the office, particularly in the first half. No one player shone, but starting Kermogant showed just how powerful he is in the air throughout a match. I don't believe he lost a single aerial encounter, but unfortunately his team mates, and Wright-Philips in particular, couldn't read where the ball was going to end up. Some focus on that next week at Sparrows lane methinks.
Green was the other starter, in place of Wagstaff, who eventually replaced him anyway two thirds in. He did not have a good game, but in fairness it would be unreasonable to single any one player out as having a bad game, as none of them really rose to the occasion yesterday. Much like Arsene Wenger I did not see who the penalty winner was, but I am told it was Wright-Philips. The real winner was Jackson though. Tranmere pulled out every trick in the book to disrupt the captain from his job, and it must have been a full three minutes of pantomime deviancy before he cooly wrong footed the keeper and slid the ball home for the equaliser.
It was probably just about what Charlton deserved for the second half performance where they at last put Rovers under some concerted pressure, and could have gone on to win it. That would have been unfair on Tranmere, in the same way that losing to a heavily deflected shot from McGurk via Solly would have been an unjust way to lose our undefeated league record. Even when not playing well, we are picking up points, and that is the best Charlton can take out of yesterday.
And so to yesterday. The antics of Fon-Williams time wasting took me straight back to the corresponding fixture last season, when the whole Tranmere team had obviously been instructed to waste time right from the very first whistle. It wasn't as bad as that yesterday, but how the Tranmere keeper did not end up with a yellow card is beyond me. Give Rovers manager Parry his due, he had done his homework. He came with a game plan to go tight on the marking, and hustle the midfield out of any rhythm, and hit on the break. His team stuck to it, and they deserved the draw.
Robbed of the ability to play fluent passing football, Charlton were having a bad day at the office, particularly in the first half. No one player shone, but starting Kermogant showed just how powerful he is in the air throughout a match. I don't believe he lost a single aerial encounter, but unfortunately his team mates, and Wright-Philips in particular, couldn't read where the ball was going to end up. Some focus on that next week at Sparrows lane methinks.
Green was the other starter, in place of Wagstaff, who eventually replaced him anyway two thirds in. He did not have a good game, but in fairness it would be unreasonable to single any one player out as having a bad game, as none of them really rose to the occasion yesterday. Much like Arsene Wenger I did not see who the penalty winner was, but I am told it was Wright-Philips. The real winner was Jackson though. Tranmere pulled out every trick in the book to disrupt the captain from his job, and it must have been a full three minutes of pantomime deviancy before he cooly wrong footed the keeper and slid the ball home for the equaliser.
It was probably just about what Charlton deserved for the second half performance where they at last put Rovers under some concerted pressure, and could have gone on to win it. That would have been unfair on Tranmere, in the same way that losing to a heavily deflected shot from McGurk via Solly would have been an unjust way to lose our undefeated league record. Even when not playing well, we are picking up points, and that is the best Charlton can take out of yesterday.
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
MK Dons 1 Charlton 1
It's a funny old game isn't it? For most of the first half last Saturday, Charlton played some of the best football I have seen at The Valley for many a year. Last night at the comfortable if soulless home of the MK Dons, we were unable to replicate it, or indeed get anywhere near the same level of performance. Much of the "credit" for that has to go to Robinson and Gorman, whose five man midfield set out to frustrate and nullify the threat of Hollands and Stephens, and for the first half they were very successful at it.
The second part of the strategy was to exploit Wagstaff and Solly down our right side. Solly stuck gamely to the task of containing Lewington and Balanta amongst others. Wagstaff was not so successful at it, and was caught in possession all too frequently by the hard working MK Dons midfield. It was a shame that it was Solly who brought down Lewington for the penalty, as he deserved better for a battling and whole hearted performance.
The replacement of Wagstaff by Green mid way through the second half had an immediate effect, stiffening up an embattled right flank, but with Kermorgant replacing Hayes just after the introduction of Green, came the equaliser. The feint that Green pulled on Lewington was a joy to see. The former Wimbledon man had controlled his left (and our right) flank all match with an authoritative display, but within minutes of being on, Green mugged him completely and was scampering away towards the goal before the MK Dons number three knew what had happened. His cross was a beauty, and the onrushing Kermorgant got his head to it. Martin in The MK Dons goal will probably wince when he sees the replay of the ball hitting him, bouncing onto the post and in, but it was just reward for a far better second half display from Charlton.
On balance a draw was a fair result, and both sides could have gone on to win it in the closing stages. When the final whistle came, it was the first half of a difficult week over. I said in an earlier post that I would be happy with two draws from this week, and I see little reason to change that expectation now.
The second part of the strategy was to exploit Wagstaff and Solly down our right side. Solly stuck gamely to the task of containing Lewington and Balanta amongst others. Wagstaff was not so successful at it, and was caught in possession all too frequently by the hard working MK Dons midfield. It was a shame that it was Solly who brought down Lewington for the penalty, as he deserved better for a battling and whole hearted performance.
The replacement of Wagstaff by Green mid way through the second half had an immediate effect, stiffening up an embattled right flank, but with Kermorgant replacing Hayes just after the introduction of Green, came the equaliser. The feint that Green pulled on Lewington was a joy to see. The former Wimbledon man had controlled his left (and our right) flank all match with an authoritative display, but within minutes of being on, Green mugged him completely and was scampering away towards the goal before the MK Dons number three knew what had happened. His cross was a beauty, and the onrushing Kermorgant got his head to it. Martin in The MK Dons goal will probably wince when he sees the replay of the ball hitting him, bouncing onto the post and in, but it was just reward for a far better second half display from Charlton.
On balance a draw was a fair result, and both sides could have gone on to win it in the closing stages. When the final whistle came, it was the first half of a difficult week over. I said in an earlier post that I would be happy with two draws from this week, and I see little reason to change that expectation now.
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Charlton 3 Chesterfield 1
It was a good day at the office yesterday, and after the initial ten minutes, when Chesterfield were in the ascendancy, the rest of the first half was dominated by a purposeful Charlton side, whose passing and movement were just too much for John Sheridan's side. The two goals that seperated the side at the break could easily have been six, such was the superiority of the hosts.
As with all things Charlton, you sort of knew it wouldn't last of course, and the second half saw both teams emerge in a very lacklustre manner. It was Chesterfield that woke up first, and nobody could argue that it was a penalty. I am sure Morrison slipped slightly, which contributed to the mistimed tackle that led to Chesterfield's consolation goal from the penalty spot.
If that was an obvious penalty, then the incident that led to Sheridan being sent to the stands was just as obviously not a penalty. Wiggins going to ground, with his back to the attacking player would have known nothing of the ball that hit his arm, but that didn't stop the Chesterfield manager going into one with any official within hearing distance. There was no intent on Wiggins part, and to have conceded a penalty would have been unjust, and a sour note for our left back, who, for me, had his best game in a Charlton shirt yesterday.
Charlton's first goal was a clever piece of improvisation by Hayes, who flicked a ball from Wright-Phillips under his standing leg, and through a crowded penalty area into the net. If that was instinctive, then goal number two looked to be straight from the training ground, Jackson burying a quickly taken free kick cleverly slid to him by Stephens. It was good to see Powell berating Wagstaff soon after for leaving one of the opposition's strikers free on the edge of the penalty area at a Chesterfield corner, so messages about not switching off when 2-0 up are obviously being conveyed to the players at Sparrows Lane.
It took the penalty for Chesterfield to wake Charlton up, and even though the team were not playing with the same fluidity as in the first half, they started to make chances again. The third goal came courtesy of new boy Kermorgant. A straight replacement for Hayes, the former Leicester man had a very useful cameo in the last ten minutes. It was his clever precision pass that split the back line allowing Wagstaff all the time he needed to flight a ball across to Wright-Phillips to put the game beyond reach.
So, as per the form book, Charlton reach the end of September (nearly) on top of the pile. Three points ahead of second placed Sheffield United, and with a game in hand. But as all Addicks know, this coming week is the real acid test. MK Dons on Tuesday is a game I will be attending, as I did last year, when the performance was little short of dreadful. Sheffield United away on Saturday will be a true top of the table clash. Am I the only one that would settle for a draw in both right now?
As with all things Charlton, you sort of knew it wouldn't last of course, and the second half saw both teams emerge in a very lacklustre manner. It was Chesterfield that woke up first, and nobody could argue that it was a penalty. I am sure Morrison slipped slightly, which contributed to the mistimed tackle that led to Chesterfield's consolation goal from the penalty spot.
If that was an obvious penalty, then the incident that led to Sheridan being sent to the stands was just as obviously not a penalty. Wiggins going to ground, with his back to the attacking player would have known nothing of the ball that hit his arm, but that didn't stop the Chesterfield manager going into one with any official within hearing distance. There was no intent on Wiggins part, and to have conceded a penalty would have been unjust, and a sour note for our left back, who, for me, had his best game in a Charlton shirt yesterday.
Charlton's first goal was a clever piece of improvisation by Hayes, who flicked a ball from Wright-Phillips under his standing leg, and through a crowded penalty area into the net. If that was instinctive, then goal number two looked to be straight from the training ground, Jackson burying a quickly taken free kick cleverly slid to him by Stephens. It was good to see Powell berating Wagstaff soon after for leaving one of the opposition's strikers free on the edge of the penalty area at a Chesterfield corner, so messages about not switching off when 2-0 up are obviously being conveyed to the players at Sparrows Lane.
It took the penalty for Chesterfield to wake Charlton up, and even though the team were not playing with the same fluidity as in the first half, they started to make chances again. The third goal came courtesy of new boy Kermorgant. A straight replacement for Hayes, the former Leicester man had a very useful cameo in the last ten minutes. It was his clever precision pass that split the back line allowing Wagstaff all the time he needed to flight a ball across to Wright-Phillips to put the game beyond reach.
So, as per the form book, Charlton reach the end of September (nearly) on top of the pile. Three points ahead of second placed Sheffield United, and with a game in hand. But as all Addicks know, this coming week is the real acid test. MK Dons on Tuesday is a game I will be attending, as I did last year, when the performance was little short of dreadful. Sheffield United away on Saturday will be a true top of the table clash. Am I the only one that would settle for a draw in both right now?
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
N-N-N-N-Nineteen
Famed for a spectacularly soft penalty miss in a Leicester City versus Cardiff City play off game in 2010, most Leicester fans conveniently forget that they actually missed two penalties that night, not just the one belonging to Kermorgant. Martyn Waghorn missed the other one, but has seemingly escaped the ire of the Foxes fans. Signed for two years, his parting shot, (as indeed the penalty miss turned out to be), played its part in costing Leicester a return to the top table, but is putting it in Row Z any better really? I wish him well, and no, I don't really expect him to be taking penalties for Charlton.
Contract End - Dec 2011
(25) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(17) Euell
(19) Francis
(15) Mambo
(18) Pritchard
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(3) Evina
(32) Harriott
(2) Hughes
(36) Kermorgant
(33) Osborne
(30) Pope
(20) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(6) Taylor
(11) Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(1) Hamer
(9) Hayes
(22) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(5) Morrison
(8) Stephens
(34) Smith
(16) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(31) Cousins
(29) Gough
(21) Bover-Izquierdo
(26) Popo
(27) Warren
Loan
(28) Cort (May 2012)
Contract End - Dec 2011
(25) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(17) Euell
(19) Francis
(15) Mambo
(18) Pritchard
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(3) Evina
(32) Harriott
(2) Hughes
(36) Kermorgant
(33) Osborne
(30) Pope
(20) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(6) Taylor
(11) Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(1) Hamer
(9) Hayes
(22) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(5) Morrison
(8) Stephens
(34) Smith
(16) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(31) Cousins
(29) Gough
(21) Bover-Izquierdo
(26) Popo
(27) Warren
Loan
(28) Cort (May 2012)
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Charlton 2 Exeter 0
If the sign of a team headed for promotion is the ability to grind out a result when not playing well, then Charlton are in good shape for a return to the second division. This was not a good game, and Charlton did not play well, but still sit second in the table this morning, a single goal being the difference separating them from top spot. Was I the only one though that felt a little flat at the conclusion yesterday?
On Tuesday night I watched Charlton on Sky, in a spit and sawdust pub in Northampton, labouring to a draw against a well organised Sheffield Wednesday side. What was telling for me was the difference in how Powell and Megson reacted when things weren't going their way. Twenty minutes in and Megson knew his side were in trouble, unable to cope with Charlton's free flowing play, so what did he do? He changed it of course, and whilst Wednesday never looked like winning, neither did they look like they were going to be the losing side after their manager had altered the formation that had struggled in the early period of play.
Powell, however, never looked like he was able to change the side that had started so well. Euell for Hayes does not constitute tactical thinking, and so the game petered out as a contest, both sides seemingly content with the stalemate. Others have mentioned it, and I agree with the theory that Powell really doesn't seem to have a Plan B. This may in part be down to personnel, but I also believe he needs to exercise some tactical nous, and I am not convinced that he has that ability in his armoury yet.
Robinson at MK Dons is voted manager of the month for August, and he would be the first to admit that the award is as much for the wise old head, and shrewd tactician that is his number two. Powell does not have a Gorman to consult, and sorry but no, Peacock does not fall into that category. The problem that Charlton are now facing is that our newly rebuilt team is no longer an unknown to the other teams in the division. They now know who we are, and they know where we live, and unless Powell starts to mix it up a little, someone is going to find us out.
I doubt if it would have been yesterday, as Exeter lacked the cutting edge to cause Charlton too many problems. This lack of bite was compounded when Nardiello, incensed after a perfectly good goal had not been given, decided to abuse the East Stand lino to the extent that he got a straight red for his efforts. After that, it was only a question of when Charlton's patient but on occasions frustratingly ineffective probing would produce a result.
My man of the match yesterday eventually found a way through, after some clever interplay between himself and the underrated Hayes, saw Wright-Philips tuck away his fifth goal of the season. He should have been more careful about his goal "celebration" though, as he could easily have picked up a yellow for taunting the Exeter fans who had been giving him abuse all match. Stephens attoned for his miss on Tuesday night, by ensuring that his shot never left the deck to rack up the second with ten minutes to go, and that was that. Game over.
Hopefully the second string will get the chance against Preston in the Carling Darling Cup on Tuesday, and in one sense this otherwise meaningless competition is important. Players like Bover and Evina may well be the answer to Charlton's need for renewed and varied impact. The return of Green would also be welcome, if only to provide an alternative to Wagstaff, who I would also rate as an impact option. I believe the time to change things a little is upon us. I just wonder if Powell will take the opportunity.
On Tuesday night I watched Charlton on Sky, in a spit and sawdust pub in Northampton, labouring to a draw against a well organised Sheffield Wednesday side. What was telling for me was the difference in how Powell and Megson reacted when things weren't going their way. Twenty minutes in and Megson knew his side were in trouble, unable to cope with Charlton's free flowing play, so what did he do? He changed it of course, and whilst Wednesday never looked like winning, neither did they look like they were going to be the losing side after their manager had altered the formation that had struggled in the early period of play.
Powell, however, never looked like he was able to change the side that had started so well. Euell for Hayes does not constitute tactical thinking, and so the game petered out as a contest, both sides seemingly content with the stalemate. Others have mentioned it, and I agree with the theory that Powell really doesn't seem to have a Plan B. This may in part be down to personnel, but I also believe he needs to exercise some tactical nous, and I am not convinced that he has that ability in his armoury yet.
Robinson at MK Dons is voted manager of the month for August, and he would be the first to admit that the award is as much for the wise old head, and shrewd tactician that is his number two. Powell does not have a Gorman to consult, and sorry but no, Peacock does not fall into that category. The problem that Charlton are now facing is that our newly rebuilt team is no longer an unknown to the other teams in the division. They now know who we are, and they know where we live, and unless Powell starts to mix it up a little, someone is going to find us out.
I doubt if it would have been yesterday, as Exeter lacked the cutting edge to cause Charlton too many problems. This lack of bite was compounded when Nardiello, incensed after a perfectly good goal had not been given, decided to abuse the East Stand lino to the extent that he got a straight red for his efforts. After that, it was only a question of when Charlton's patient but on occasions frustratingly ineffective probing would produce a result.
My man of the match yesterday eventually found a way through, after some clever interplay between himself and the underrated Hayes, saw Wright-Philips tuck away his fifth goal of the season. He should have been more careful about his goal "celebration" though, as he could easily have picked up a yellow for taunting the Exeter fans who had been giving him abuse all match. Stephens attoned for his miss on Tuesday night, by ensuring that his shot never left the deck to rack up the second with ten minutes to go, and that was that. Game over.
Hopefully the second string will get the chance against Preston in the Carling Darling Cup on Tuesday, and in one sense this otherwise meaningless competition is important. Players like Bover and Evina may well be the answer to Charlton's need for renewed and varied impact. The return of Green would also be welcome, if only to provide an alternative to Wagstaff, who I would also rate as an impact option. I believe the time to change things a little is upon us. I just wonder if Powell will take the opportunity.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Elliot Less
The transfer window is about to close, and out goes Elliot; eventually. I wish him well at Newcastle, and regardless of the salary involved, the one thing we do know is that it will be considerably more than he was earning at Charlton. The concept of a player being a club man through and through is not a concept I pay much attention or credence to, and Elliot is a case in point.
Lauded as being "one of us", the reality is that a footballers professional career is a short one, and if you have the opportunity to double or treble your wages, the chances are you are going to take it, irrespective of how much you love jumping out of a tunnel at the end of a game. I wish him well, although I suspect his chances may be very limited.
A good friend of mine oop North used to drink with a certain Leeds United goalkeeper, a backup stopper initially for John Lukic, and then Nigel Martyn, for several years in the 90's. They became good friends, and my friend asked him if he was frustrated at not playing first team football, and didn't he want to try elsewhere? The answer was simple if somewhat unromantic to the average football fan. Why would he want to go somewhere else, when he could turn up, do the training, play in a reserve game, and sit on the bench, and all for a monthly salary in excess of what the average bloke in the street was likely to earn in a year?
I am not saying that Elliot has similar motivations in joining Newcastle, but you couldn't really blame him if he did. I don't really need to wish him good luck, as he has just had it, and in the process secured himself both a five year deal, and the rest of his life financially. As he said himself, the chance to join the Premier League from the third division was a "no brainer".
Contract End - Dec 2011
(25) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(17) Euell
(19) Francis
(15) Mambo
(18) Pritchard
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(3) Evina
(32) Harriott
(2) Hughes
(33) Osborne
(30) Pope
(20) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(6) Taylor
(11) Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(1) Hamer
(9) Hayes
(22) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(5) Morrison
(8) Stephens
(34) Smith
(16) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(31) Cousins
(29) Gough
(21) Bover-Izquierdo
(26) Popo
(27) Warren
Loan
(28) Cort (May 2012)
Lauded as being "one of us", the reality is that a footballers professional career is a short one, and if you have the opportunity to double or treble your wages, the chances are you are going to take it, irrespective of how much you love jumping out of a tunnel at the end of a game. I wish him well, although I suspect his chances may be very limited.
A good friend of mine oop North used to drink with a certain Leeds United goalkeeper, a backup stopper initially for John Lukic, and then Nigel Martyn, for several years in the 90's. They became good friends, and my friend asked him if he was frustrated at not playing first team football, and didn't he want to try elsewhere? The answer was simple if somewhat unromantic to the average football fan. Why would he want to go somewhere else, when he could turn up, do the training, play in a reserve game, and sit on the bench, and all for a monthly salary in excess of what the average bloke in the street was likely to earn in a year?
I am not saying that Elliot has similar motivations in joining Newcastle, but you couldn't really blame him if he did. I don't really need to wish him good luck, as he has just had it, and in the process secured himself both a five year deal, and the rest of his life financially. As he said himself, the chance to join the Premier League from the third division was a "no brainer".
Contract End - Dec 2011
(25) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(17) Euell
(19) Francis
(15) Mambo
(18) Pritchard
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(3) Evina
(32) Harriott
(2) Hughes
(33) Osborne
(30) Pope
(20) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(6) Taylor
(11) Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(1) Hamer
(9) Hayes
(22) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(5) Morrison
(8) Stephens
(34) Smith
(16) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(31) Cousins
(29) Gough
(21) Bover-Izquierdo
(26) Popo
(27) Warren
Loan
(28) Cort (May 2012)
Monday, 29 August 2011
At Seventeen
I go away on holiday, and look what happens! We have our best start in a couple of seasons, (although we haven't played anybody in the current top ten in fairness). We knock Reading's finest second string out of a largely meaningless cup competition with what is largely our own second string, so that's good, and Elliot has still not moved to Newcastle. Oh, and the point of this update to the squad, is that we have signed Leon Cort on loan from Burnley for the season.
This was a needed addition to the back four, as we were light on first choice centre backs. In fairness, we are probably only an out and out striker, or more accurately a player capable of holding the ball up with his back to goal, short of a full squad now. The feelgood factor remains, and looking at the fixture list, I could see it staying that way until we face MK Dons away on 27th September. The subject of an abject horror show last season, I shall again be present to see how Charlton fare against a side I expect to see there or thereabouts come the end of the season.
Before that though, we have probably our biggest test to date after Scunthorpe, when we face the blue side of Sheffield next week. It will be a game where we reacquaint ourselvess with our former player of the year Semedo, as well as goalkeeper Weaver. It is quite possible that we will go into that game with the red side of Sheffield atop the table. Hopefully removing them from that position will be consolation for Wednesday next Monday.
Contract End - Dec 2011
(25) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(44) Elliot
(17) Euell
(19) Francis
(15) Mambo
(18) Pritchard
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(3) Evina
(32) Harriott
(2) Hughes
(33) Osborne
(30) Pope
(20) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(6) Taylor
(11) Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(1) Hamer
(9) Hayes
(22) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(5) Morrison
(8) Stephens
(16) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(31) Cousins
(29) Gough
(21) Bover-Izquierdo
(26) Popo
(27) Warren
Loan
(??) Cort (May 2012)
This was a needed addition to the back four, as we were light on first choice centre backs. In fairness, we are probably only an out and out striker, or more accurately a player capable of holding the ball up with his back to goal, short of a full squad now. The feelgood factor remains, and looking at the fixture list, I could see it staying that way until we face MK Dons away on 27th September. The subject of an abject horror show last season, I shall again be present to see how Charlton fare against a side I expect to see there or thereabouts come the end of the season.
Before that though, we have probably our biggest test to date after Scunthorpe, when we face the blue side of Sheffield next week. It will be a game where we reacquaint ourselvess with our former player of the year Semedo, as well as goalkeeper Weaver. It is quite possible that we will go into that game with the red side of Sheffield atop the table. Hopefully removing them from that position will be consolation for Wednesday next Monday.
Contract End - Dec 2011
(25) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(44) Elliot
(17) Euell
(19) Francis
(15) Mambo
(18) Pritchard
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(3) Evina
(32) Harriott
(2) Hughes
(33) Osborne
(30) Pope
(20) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(6) Taylor
(11) Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(1) Hamer
(9) Hayes
(22) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(5) Morrison
(8) Stephens
(16) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(31) Cousins
(29) Gough
(21) Bover-Izquierdo
(26) Popo
(27) Warren
Loan
(??) Cort (May 2012)
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Euell Be Number 16 Then
Signing a one year contract, Jason Euell today becomes the 16th signing of what has already been an incredibly busy summer. Having kept him on the back burner whilst Charlton pursued a fourth striker, I have to assume that that he has been signed to fulfill that role. I can't say that I am particularly enthused by this, as Euell always operated better as a forward midfielder rather than as an out and out striker.
I also have to assume that Powell's stated requirement for a target man who could hold the ball up and play in other team mates has also been compromised by this signing, although in a forward midfield role it does give the team another option to play 4-5-1.
Contract End - Dec 2011
(25) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(44) Elliot
(17) Euell
(19) Francis
(15) Mambo
(18) Pritchard
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(3) Evina
(32) Harriott
(2) Hughes
(33) Osborne
(30) Pope
(20) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(6) Taylor
(11) Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(1) Hamer
(9) Hayes
(22) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(5) Morrison
(8) Stephens
(16) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(31) Cousins
(29) Gough
(21) Bover-Izquierdo
(26) Popo
(27) Warren
Loan
None
I also have to assume that Powell's stated requirement for a target man who could hold the ball up and play in other team mates has also been compromised by this signing, although in a forward midfield role it does give the team another option to play 4-5-1.
Contract End - Dec 2011
(25) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(44) Elliot
(17) Euell
(19) Francis
(15) Mambo
(18) Pritchard
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(3) Evina
(32) Harriott
(2) Hughes
(33) Osborne
(30) Pope
(20) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(6) Taylor
(11) Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(1) Hamer
(9) Hayes
(22) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(5) Morrison
(8) Stephens
(16) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(31) Cousins
(29) Gough
(21) Bover-Izquierdo
(26) Popo
(27) Warren
Loan
None
Sunday, 7 August 2011
Charlton 3 Bournemouth 0
After about fifteen minutes of yesterday's opener I was a little concerned for both our full backs, but for completely different reasons. Wiggins mercilessly booed by the large Bournemouth contingent throughout seemed subdued, and showed none of the forward overlapping play which is his trademark. This shouldn't really have been a surprise however, because if there is one team that knows what he is capable of, and will plan accordingly to subdue it, it is Bournemouth. He did settle though, and a thirty yard screamer that Flahavan had to parry away was a suitable reminder of his potent attacking threat, and a painful reminder to the Cherries faithful as to what they have lost. They know better than us that there is a lot more to come from him.
Of more concern to me was Solly. It was blatantly obvious that Flahavan had been told to hit his wing at every opportunity, and for the first fifteen it seemed a sensible thing to do, as Solly rarely managed to win first ball possession, and under pressure squandered what possession he did have on a couple of occasions. If ever a riposte was required to show that our diminutive home grown right back intends to be a threat to Hughes for the slot, then Solly certainly delivered that in the 23rd minute.
A constant theme of the afternoon was that Charlton did not allow Bournemouth to settle, and chased and harried the player on the ball at every opportunity. Solly epitomised that ethos when he robbed a Bournemouth player in possession just inside the Charlton half, and fed Wright-Phillips down the right flank. Not content with that, Solly hared forward to receive the return pass from our number ten, and then cleverly dummied the delivered ball into the path of Stephens who placed his ball precisely beyond the Cherries goalkeeper's right hand into the bottom corner of the net. It was the confidence booster he required, and with a little judicious help from Taylor on high balls, his flank was rarely threatened again.
What I liked most about the team was that they were just that; a team. For me, there was no standout performance, but what we got was a display that was both industrious, and in flashes inventive beyond anything Bournemouth could control. One such moment came with the second goal which Wagstaff lashed on the volley into the top corner of the net from twenty yards out from a Stephens pass from the left hand side of the box. Now we all know that most of the time, that sort of effort is more likely to find row Z, but like Solly, Wagstaff has a player ahead of him in the pecking order. What better way to deliver a message to the manager than a contender for goal of the month definitely, if not the season.
Elsewhere, Wright-Phillips and Hayes played with an intelligence that I have not seen from a Charlton forward line for some time now. They may not have had standout performances, but Wright-Phillips can be justifiably pleased with his days efforts, making one goal, and winning the penalty for another. His applause for his fellow strike partner Hayes when the latter was substituted was his recognition that the former Preston man is a good foil for our number ten, causing the Bournemouth rearguard problems aplenty with his movement, distribution and hold up play.
As for Bournemouth, I do feel that they will become this seasons Swindon. Over achievement in their first third division term, they have been stripped of most of their crown jewels in the close season. With the exception of the substitute Molesley, they had little to offer yesterday. I wish them well, but if I was a Bournemouth fan I would be worried about the lack of reinforcements. No consolation I know, but I don't think Charlton should be looking at Ings. A good player, certainly, but another little 'un. We need something a lot bigger as a fourth striker.
So a good start for the Addicks, but let's not get carried away, as there will be far harder tests than yesterday to overcome. On the evidence put before us yesterday though, it looks promising. Top of the table clash next week anyone?
Of more concern to me was Solly. It was blatantly obvious that Flahavan had been told to hit his wing at every opportunity, and for the first fifteen it seemed a sensible thing to do, as Solly rarely managed to win first ball possession, and under pressure squandered what possession he did have on a couple of occasions. If ever a riposte was required to show that our diminutive home grown right back intends to be a threat to Hughes for the slot, then Solly certainly delivered that in the 23rd minute.
A constant theme of the afternoon was that Charlton did not allow Bournemouth to settle, and chased and harried the player on the ball at every opportunity. Solly epitomised that ethos when he robbed a Bournemouth player in possession just inside the Charlton half, and fed Wright-Phillips down the right flank. Not content with that, Solly hared forward to receive the return pass from our number ten, and then cleverly dummied the delivered ball into the path of Stephens who placed his ball precisely beyond the Cherries goalkeeper's right hand into the bottom corner of the net. It was the confidence booster he required, and with a little judicious help from Taylor on high balls, his flank was rarely threatened again.
What I liked most about the team was that they were just that; a team. For me, there was no standout performance, but what we got was a display that was both industrious, and in flashes inventive beyond anything Bournemouth could control. One such moment came with the second goal which Wagstaff lashed on the volley into the top corner of the net from twenty yards out from a Stephens pass from the left hand side of the box. Now we all know that most of the time, that sort of effort is more likely to find row Z, but like Solly, Wagstaff has a player ahead of him in the pecking order. What better way to deliver a message to the manager than a contender for goal of the month definitely, if not the season.
Elsewhere, Wright-Phillips and Hayes played with an intelligence that I have not seen from a Charlton forward line for some time now. They may not have had standout performances, but Wright-Phillips can be justifiably pleased with his days efforts, making one goal, and winning the penalty for another. His applause for his fellow strike partner Hayes when the latter was substituted was his recognition that the former Preston man is a good foil for our number ten, causing the Bournemouth rearguard problems aplenty with his movement, distribution and hold up play.
This Charlton team is very much a work in progress, and there were times when only the paucity of Bournemouth's attacking options didn't test our new look back line more seriously. The goalkeeping situation is an odd one as well. Although I didn't know that Hamer was injured, I would still have put Sullivan ahead of the wantaway Elliott. I do like the civilised way both keeper and club are maintaining the "We don't want him to go", and "I don't want to leave" routine, but the fact is that for money (lack of), or ambition (over), reasons, he does want to go, and with the signing of Hamer, the club are saying he can. I hope it gets resolved soon, but judging by his continued presence, there is no queue for his talents.
As for Bournemouth, I do feel that they will become this seasons Swindon. Over achievement in their first third division term, they have been stripped of most of their crown jewels in the close season. With the exception of the substitute Molesley, they had little to offer yesterday. I wish them well, but if I was a Bournemouth fan I would be worried about the lack of reinforcements. No consolation I know, but I don't think Charlton should be looking at Ings. A good player, certainly, but another little 'un. We need something a lot bigger as a fourth striker.
So a good start for the Addicks, but let's not get carried away, as there will be far harder tests than yesterday to overcome. On the evidence put before us yesterday though, it looks promising. Top of the table clash next week anyone?
Friday, 5 August 2011
Once More With Feeling
Well, almost time once more, for the Saturday ritual to begin. It will be good to see old friends and new in the Rose of Denmark again, and I do get a buzz from seeing The Valley turf in pristine condition, ready for another season of toil.
Fifteen new signings, most of whom will be hoping to make an impact on Saturday, and I suspect no less than eight will be in the starting lineup, with at least one other on a reduced five man bench. Had Green been available, I would have expected nine starters to have been on the pitch at 3pm on Saturday. A new beginning for the club, most certainly. A new dawn?, possibly, but let's not get carried away just yet. Whilst it is undoubtedly true that Powell has pretty much got the parts, it would be unrealistic to say that he had the finished article in terms of a team.
I occasionally wonder whether the players or management understand how a good or bad result makes, or messes up the rest of the weekend for us fans. Win this one, and I will seek press coverage of the game, and read it avidly. I will also convince my long suffering eldest son that compiling a league table after one game is a meaningful exercise. In a mood of largesse, I will offer to take the DD family out for lunch on Sunday. They will almost certainly refuse this random act of kindness, as they have no desire to be seen with a broadly grinning loon. Lose, and I will probably have to cut the grass. Being a balanced sort of chap, I believe it will be a draw :-)
Good luck to Powell, the squad, and all of us - Come on you Addicks!!
Contract End - Dec 2011
(25) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(44) Elliot
(19) Francis
(15) Mambo
(18) Pritchard
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(3) Evina
(32) Harriott
(2) Hughes
(33) Osborne
(30) Pope
(20) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(6) Taylor
(11) Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(1) Hamer
(9) Hayes
(22) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(5) Morrison
(8) Stephens
(16) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(31) Cousins
(29) Gough
(21) Bover-Izquierdo
(26) Popo
(27) Warren
Loan
None
Fifteen new signings, most of whom will be hoping to make an impact on Saturday, and I suspect no less than eight will be in the starting lineup, with at least one other on a reduced five man bench. Had Green been available, I would have expected nine starters to have been on the pitch at 3pm on Saturday. A new beginning for the club, most certainly. A new dawn?, possibly, but let's not get carried away just yet. Whilst it is undoubtedly true that Powell has pretty much got the parts, it would be unrealistic to say that he had the finished article in terms of a team.
I occasionally wonder whether the players or management understand how a good or bad result makes, or messes up the rest of the weekend for us fans. Win this one, and I will seek press coverage of the game, and read it avidly. I will also convince my long suffering eldest son that compiling a league table after one game is a meaningful exercise. In a mood of largesse, I will offer to take the DD family out for lunch on Sunday. They will almost certainly refuse this random act of kindness, as they have no desire to be seen with a broadly grinning loon. Lose, and I will probably have to cut the grass. Being a balanced sort of chap, I believe it will be a draw :-)
Good luck to Powell, the squad, and all of us - Come on you Addicks!!
Contract End - Dec 2011
(25) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(44) Elliot
(19) Francis
(15) Mambo
(18) Pritchard
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(3) Evina
(32) Harriott
(2) Hughes
(33) Osborne
(30) Pope
(20) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(6) Taylor
(11) Wagstaff
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(1) Hamer
(9) Hayes
(22) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(5) Morrison
(8) Stephens
(16) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(31) Cousins
(29) Gough
(21) Bover-Izquierdo
(26) Popo
(27) Warren
Loan
None
Monday, 1 August 2011
Two More In With One About To Go
So Stabilo Boss joins us on a three year deal. For those of you who were unfortunate enough to see the game against Exeter at The Valley last season, you will no doubt understand why I call our new goalkeeper that, but for those of you who may have quite reasonably forgotten the experience of being beaten 3-1 by them, Hamer stood out like a marker pen, wearing a fluorescent green top in one half, and an equally bright pink version in the other half.
With Elliot being touted as moving to Newcastle earlier in the summer, this signing can come as no surprise. I think it is more likely to be West Ham rather than Newcastle that will be the recipients of his signature though. Apparently he was watched by West Ham at the Den Bosch game, so in the interests of maximising our return, let's hope the same scouts weren't at the Millwall game where by all accounts Elliot was at fault for one if not two of the goals conceded.
I suspect the reason for the move is purely down to the terms of the deal extension Charlton were willing to give him, as I am pretty sure other clubs were notified of his availability at the start of the close season. The fact that he is still with us tells me that there wasn't a huge queue for his services. Having said that, I suspect his departure will be within hours, or at most a couple of days given the speed that the club has moved to sign a replacement.
As for the signing of Hughes, this is one for the short term, given that he is already 33 years old, even though he has been signed for two years, which no doubt was the last big payday carrot that enticed him to us in the first place. At best he is a utility player, experienced at both left and right back positions, but also comfortable in midfield. He is naturally left footed, and I can't say that I am wildly enthused by him. My concerns about Solly remain, and I am not sure whether Hughes will be seen as the first choice right back. Time will tell.
I still believe that one new centre back is required, and one big lump up front also. Schlupp of Leicester is one name in the frame for the latter position, and how about Howard from the same club as an alternative name in the same frame?
Contract End - Dec 2011
(25) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(44) Elliot
(19) Francis
(15) Mambo
(18) Pritchard
(11) Wagstaff
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(3) Evina
(32) Harriott
(2) Hughes
(33) Osborne
(30) Pope
(20) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(6) Taylor
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(1) Hamer
(9) Hayes
(22) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(5) Morrison
(8) Stephens
(16) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(31) Cousins
(29) Gough
(21) Bover-Izquierdo
(26) Popo
(27) Warren
Loan
None
With Elliot being touted as moving to Newcastle earlier in the summer, this signing can come as no surprise. I think it is more likely to be West Ham rather than Newcastle that will be the recipients of his signature though. Apparently he was watched by West Ham at the Den Bosch game, so in the interests of maximising our return, let's hope the same scouts weren't at the Millwall game where by all accounts Elliot was at fault for one if not two of the goals conceded.
I suspect the reason for the move is purely down to the terms of the deal extension Charlton were willing to give him, as I am pretty sure other clubs were notified of his availability at the start of the close season. The fact that he is still with us tells me that there wasn't a huge queue for his services. Having said that, I suspect his departure will be within hours, or at most a couple of days given the speed that the club has moved to sign a replacement.
As for the signing of Hughes, this is one for the short term, given that he is already 33 years old, even though he has been signed for two years, which no doubt was the last big payday carrot that enticed him to us in the first place. At best he is a utility player, experienced at both left and right back positions, but also comfortable in midfield. He is naturally left footed, and I can't say that I am wildly enthused by him. My concerns about Solly remain, and I am not sure whether Hughes will be seen as the first choice right back. Time will tell.
I still believe that one new centre back is required, and one big lump up front also. Schlupp of Leicester is one name in the frame for the latter position, and how about Howard from the same club as an alternative name in the same frame?
Contract End - Dec 2011
(25) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(44) Elliot
(19) Francis
(15) Mambo
(18) Pritchard
(11) Wagstaff
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(3) Evina
(32) Harriott
(2) Hughes
(33) Osborne
(30) Pope
(20) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(6) Taylor
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(1) Hamer
(9) Hayes
(22) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(5) Morrison
(8) Stephens
(16) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(31) Cousins
(29) Gough
(21) Bover-Izquierdo
(26) Popo
(27) Warren
Loan
None
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Jackson Extends
For me, tieing Jackson up with a two year extension to his contract rates as the deal of the summer. Well deserved, and with the influx of new players who are expected not just to survive, but thrive in the Championship, he now joins that happy band with a contract until 2014. With Powell openly stating that a fourth striker is required, the squad is almost ready for the new season, a season in which nothing other than promotion will suffice.
I still believe we need a first choice right back as well as a striker. Francis was obviously told that he could go, and but for a failure to agree personal terms with Bournemouth he would have done. I somehow doubt that Powell has had a Damascene conversion on the road to Woking, even though reports suggest that Francis had a good game. Whilst Solly would be very good cover, his lack of height will be exploited in the third division, as it was on occasions last season. It would take more than one good game in pre-season to convince me that Francis is the answer.
Contract End - Dec 2011
(31) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso*
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(1) Elliott
(34) Francis
(15) Mambo
(25) Pritchard
(11) Wagstaff
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(24) Evina
(17) Harriott
(32) Osborne
(33) Pope
(2) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(5) Taylor
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(9) Hayes
(8) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(6) Morrison
(20) Stephens
(3) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(16) Cousins
(30) Gough
(18) Bover-Izquierdo
(29) Popo
(22) Warren
Loan
None
(* = contract length unknown)
I still believe we need a first choice right back as well as a striker. Francis was obviously told that he could go, and but for a failure to agree personal terms with Bournemouth he would have done. I somehow doubt that Powell has had a Damascene conversion on the road to Woking, even though reports suggest that Francis had a good game. Whilst Solly would be very good cover, his lack of height will be exploited in the third division, as it was on occasions last season. It would take more than one good game in pre-season to convince me that Francis is the answer.
Contract End - Dec 2011
(31) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso*
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(1) Elliott
(34) Francis
(15) Mambo
(25) Pritchard
(11) Wagstaff
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(24) Evina
(17) Harriott
(32) Osborne
(33) Pope
(2) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(5) Taylor
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(9) Hayes
(8) Hollands
(4) Jackson
(6) Morrison
(20) Stephens
(3) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(16) Cousins
(30) Gough
(18) Bover-Izquierdo
(29) Popo
(22) Warren
Loan
None
(* = contract length unknown)
Thursday, 21 July 2011
McCormack Departs - Francis Lingers
McCormack leaving Charlton by "mutual consent" sounds like money changed hands to get him out of the door, which is fair enough given that he had a year to run on his contract. I suspect that both he and Francis had a simple financial decision to make before rejecting Dagenham & Redbridge in the case of McCormack, and Bournemouth in the case of Francis.
Both joined from a relegated Southend side a year ago on two year deals, and I think it would be fair to say that both would have felt they had struck the jackpot joining Charlton, where despite the financial problems, we still had one of the biggest wage bills in the third division. A year later, and it can come as no surprise that any club likely to come calling for them, would not be in a position to offer them a similar payday.
The fact that Francis could not agree personal terms with Bournemouth, who are after all in the same division, says something about the gulf that must exist in basic pay offered if nothing else. In fairness to him though, it can also be argued that Bournemouth are likely to be next season's Swindon. Stripped of some of their best players, which Charlton had more than a passing involvement in, I suspect Bournemouth will suffer for it in the season to come. Francis meanwhile has a squad number, but unsurprisingly it is right at the bottom of the pile.
Speaking of Swindon, reports are rife that McCormack will soon be unveiled as a new signing there. I believe that the fourth division is probably where he is best suited, and if the rumour is true, then I wish him well,
Contract End - Dec 2011
(31) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso*
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(1) Elliott
(34) Francis
(4) Jackson
(15) Mambo
(25) Pritchard
(11) Wagstaff
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(24) Evina
(17) Harriott
(32) Osborne
(33) Pope
(2) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(5) Taylor
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(9) Hayes
(8) Hollands
(6) Morrison
(20) Stephens
(3) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(16) Cousins
(30) Gough
(18) Bover-Izquierdo
(29) Popo
(22) Warren
Loan
None
(* = contract length unknown)
Both joined from a relegated Southend side a year ago on two year deals, and I think it would be fair to say that both would have felt they had struck the jackpot joining Charlton, where despite the financial problems, we still had one of the biggest wage bills in the third division. A year later, and it can come as no surprise that any club likely to come calling for them, would not be in a position to offer them a similar payday.
The fact that Francis could not agree personal terms with Bournemouth, who are after all in the same division, says something about the gulf that must exist in basic pay offered if nothing else. In fairness to him though, it can also be argued that Bournemouth are likely to be next season's Swindon. Stripped of some of their best players, which Charlton had more than a passing involvement in, I suspect Bournemouth will suffer for it in the season to come. Francis meanwhile has a squad number, but unsurprisingly it is right at the bottom of the pile.
Speaking of Swindon, reports are rife that McCormack will soon be unveiled as a new signing there. I believe that the fourth division is probably where he is best suited, and if the rumour is true, then I wish him well,
Contract End - Dec 2011
(31) Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
(23) Alonso*
(14) Benson
(12) Doherty
(1) Elliott
(34) Francis
(4) Jackson
(15) Mambo
(25) Pritchard
(11) Wagstaff
(10) Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
(24) Evina
(17) Harriott
(32) Osborne
(33) Pope
(2) Solly
(13) Sullivan
(5) Taylor
Contract End - June 2014
(7) Green
(9) Hayes
(8) Hollands
(6) Morrison
(20) Stephens
(3) Wiggins
First Professional Contract
(16) Cousins
(30) Gough
(18) Bover-Izquierdo
(29) Popo
(22) Warren
Loan
None
(* = contract length unknown)
Friday, 8 July 2011
Case For The Defence
Palace have Sainsburys, Charlton have Morrison. Another piece of the jigsaw slotted in today, as the Sheffield Wednesday centre back passed Jose Semedo on the M1, and signed a three year deal. I don't remember a summer of transfer activity at The Valley quite as intensive as this one, but the rebuilding work continues at breakneck speed.
With news of Francis imminent departure as well, it has been quite a week. As regular readers of this blog know, I have never been a fan of either Francis or McCormack, but if both do go, (McCormack is being linked with Dagenham & Redbridge), then I genuinely wish them well. For whatever reason, last season is one that they, and us will want to forget. So let's just do that, and move on. For now though, both remain as Charlton players, hence their continued presence in the squad list below.
Looking to the future, I have also updated the status of Harriott and Osborne to reflect the two year deals they signed earlier this week.
Contract End - Dec 2011
Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso*
Benson
Doherty
Elliott
Francis
Jackson
Mambo
McCormack
Pritchard
Wagstaff
Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
Evina
Harriott
Osborne
Pope
Solly
Sullivan
Taylor
Contract End - June 2014
Green
Hayes
Hollands
Morrison
Stephens
Wiggins
First Professional Contract
Cousins
Gough
Izquierdo
Popo
Warren
Loan
None
(* = contract length unknown)
With news of Francis imminent departure as well, it has been quite a week. As regular readers of this blog know, I have never been a fan of either Francis or McCormack, but if both do go, (McCormack is being linked with Dagenham & Redbridge), then I genuinely wish them well. For whatever reason, last season is one that they, and us will want to forget. So let's just do that, and move on. For now though, both remain as Charlton players, hence their continued presence in the squad list below.
Looking to the future, I have also updated the status of Harriott and Osborne to reflect the two year deals they signed earlier this week.
Contract End - Dec 2011
Davisson
Contract End - June 2012
Alonso*
Benson
Doherty
Elliott
Francis
Jackson
Mambo
McCormack
Pritchard
Wagstaff
Wright-Phillips
Contract End - June 2013
Evina
Harriott
Osborne
Pope
Solly
Sullivan
Taylor
Contract End - June 2014
Green
Hayes
Hollands
Morrison
Stephens
Wiggins
First Professional Contract
Cousins
Gough
Izquierdo
Popo
Warren
Loan
None
(* = contract length unknown)
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