Southend 1 Charlton 2

Is everybody around us catching the Charlton disease? Colchester lose, Swindon, Leeds, and Huddersfield draw. We really couldn't have asked for much more could we? A more convincing display at Roots Hall, particularly in the first half would have been nice, but let's not get greedy. I bet the odds of Charlton still sitting third after yesterdays games would have been fairly generous, albeit that Colchester and Swindon can still go above us when the games in hand are played out. Just a shame that the dreaded last ten is fast approaching. For once, could we have a semi sensible end to the season? Somehow I doubt it. Whether it be good or bad, I think we all know it will be anything but sensible

Charlton 1 Brighton 2

I am desperately reminding myself that at the start of the season I genuinely believed we would finish in mid table mediocrity. This prediction was based on the premise that we would lose most of our midfield before the season had even started. When it became obvious that none of them were going, I got a rush of blood to the head, and sent off my predictions to CAFC Picks, which now look wildly optimistic in terms of a points total.

The reality is that we are a third division side for a reason, and the reason is that we are not very good, and we should both acknowledge and live with that. I suspect we will finish in mid table, and as galling as it is watching Charlton do in 2009/10 in the third division, exactly what they did in 2007/08 in the 2nd division, the reality is that we do not have the right calibre of players for this division, and in Parkinson, we do not have a manager capable of driving the team in times of adversity.

Charlton 2 Yeovil 0

Well that felt better didn't it? When I heard the line up before the match, I felt that Parkinson had settled for the best side he could put out, and the players ultimately did not disappoint. This wasn't perfect, but with determination coming from every player, we got our just reward.

Man of the match for me was Elliot, who made no fewer than five match saving stops, so this wasn't a one sided regulation victory, far from it. Yeovil caused problems, and on another day we would have drawn or lost this game. Defensively we still look vulnerable, although Llera did not put a foot wrong, replacing the hapless Sodje Snr. who was confined to the bench, along with his younger brother. Now when was the last time two brothers sat on the same bench, and did not get a kick all game?

In the same way that Racon lost form, and has worked his way back, I would suggest the next player in need of a rest out of the limelight is Bailey. He had a poor game yesterday, albeit by his very high standards, he did not look too out of sorts, but out of sorts he certainly is. I am not sure I would be comfortable with a Semedo / Racon central pairing, but do feel that Bailey has been somewhat below his best recently. Jackson had a solid debut, and he and Reid look a well balanced pair down the left hand side.

Speaking of a well balanced pair, I don't believe a single bloke in the stadium didn't go "ouch" when Tudur Jones, the man with the double barreled name, almost lost his two veg blocking a cross from the Charlton left, that in fairness carried more venom from Reid than the shot that seemed to go through the Glovers goalkeeper in the first half. We rode our luck yesterday, but for once we got some, and hopefully it can continue on Tuesday night.

Bristol Rovers 2 Charlton 1

It is difficult to think what else could have gone wrong last night. Whilst wishing young Basey well, I suspect that his season is effectively over. On the basis of how we have played since the enforced winter break, Charlton's isn't far behind.

Goodnight Irene indeed.

Money For Nothing

When Crystal Palace went into administration, a five year season ticket holder friend of mine had only one question when I met up with him for a beer. "Will I get any of my money back if the administration turns into liquidation?" The answer realistically is no, although he may get "lucky" and salvage a few pence in the pound. As with everything to do with professional football, the average fan will be a long way down the list of priorities when it comes to being a creditor.

On the same theme, I like this with regard to the five year deal from the official site. "Unfortunately, you cannot apply online for a VIP five-year ticket and you cannot pay by credit or debit card, because the card handlers are unwilling to take on legal liability for refunds over a five-year period". Too bloody right they are unwilling. If Charlton were to go into administration or liquidation, and fans who had shown this not inconsiderable level of commitment found themselves staring at a few pence in the pound offer, the queue of punters claiming the balance of their five year outlay would not be palatable for any self respecting card company.

The club seem to be indicating that you should sign up the paperwork, enclose your cheque, and then they will send you a contract. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't write a cheque for in excess of £2,000, and only then receive the t's and c's. I know the club are saying that the contract will be available to view online, but if that's the case why aren't the terms of that contract online now? I bet they don't say that I would be a preferential creditor if the worst were to happen.

I for one will not be taking the club up on this offer, nor indeed will I be renewing my two tickets early for next season either. If we get promoted, then fine I will pay the extra, but if I find my seats have been reallocated to somebody who paid by the end of March, regardless of whether we get promotion or not, I can tell you now, I won't be back at all.

Swindon 1 Charlton 1

Sometimes I struggle to take positives from Charlton performances, but even I cannot deny the indomitable team spirit shown by the team on Saturday. It was the only positive though, as quite frankly the Charlton performance for 90 minutes was execrable. Ketts posting on Dr. Kish sums up exactly my feelings on the whole sorry shambles.


http://www.doctorkish.com/cgi-bin/clinic/display.pl?month=201002&date=20100207&time=2030


As I have mentioned previously, it is only helpful to us when Norwich and Leeds slip up, if we have the wherewithal to take advantage of it. We simply do not have that ability at present, and although they have to win games in hand, we would richly deserve to be in fourth spot come next Monday nights game.