First Movement - 24th May 2011

Much the same as racehorses have their official birthday on the 1st of January, it is also the norm that players contracted to the end of a season, are usually under terms until the end of June. Thus it is that player movement at this point in time is not something I really expected. A sign of the board's intent to do its business early perhaps, brings ex Bournemouth defensive midfielder Hollands to SE7 on a three year deal.  Pritchard, also a midfielder, is a speculative punt from Hayes & Yeading, and I suspect is next season's equivalent of Ross Worner. I need to find out what length of contract he has been offered, but I suspect it is probably only the one season

If there is a mould that Powell is sticking with, then Hollands I suspect fits it. An ex Chelsea youngster, so well brought up, so to speak; blooded in the realities of third division football, and with the ability to play at a higher level, Hollands I suspect is the replacement for either Semedo or Racon. As you would expect at this time of year, there are a lot of rumours flying about, and although Semedo would seem to be the obvious candidate to be moving on based on this signing, and rumours about moving to Greece, I am not convinced that he will be. Remember Semedo is naturally at home at centre back, and I don't think any Charlton fan would argue that we could do with some of those.

So what of the other rumours? Elliot moving on sounds like an agent reacting to the news that our number one has been told that he will not be automatic first choice next year. Although it will be couched in terms of fighting for his place, I suspect Elliot is fully aware that in footballing parlance Powell doesn't "fancy" him as much as he believes he should do. With Worner already gone, we always knew a new keeper would be coming in, so if the recruitment is aimed at bringing in a new number one, it would be no surprise that Elliot is reacting.

Dailly not being offered a new contract, or at least not one on acceptable financial terms sounds plausible. As much as we love him, the big Scot is too slow, and I would far prefer to see him retained in a coaching role if one was sensibly available. Youga being allowed to prove his fitness in pre-season also makes a lot of sense; no commitment from either party at this stage, and it would be a fine thing if we could see our marauding left back restored to his best.

Anyinsah and Reid have both made it known that they have not been offered new deals, and I think it is a great pity that Anyinsah cannot stay injury free. A fully (and consistently) fit Anyinsah would definitely have been worth a new deal. Reid sadly has flattered to deceive once more. I wish him well, but his final pass was consistently woeful, and I don't believe he has done enough in a Charlton shirt to merit a new deal.   

Having started this piece by saying that players are normally contracted until the end of June, I have removed all those from the contracted list who are due to go next month. I find it helps focus the mind on the size of the task Powell faces. Even if some stay, and to be honest, of those out of contract in a months time I would probably only keep Semedo, and at a push Llera, a big rebuilding task lies ahead. With the early signing of Hollands, the club is on the move early. More of the same please!


Contract End - Dec 2011

Davisson

Contract End - June 2012

Benson
Doherty
Elliott
Francis
Jackson
Mambo
McCormack
Pritchard
Wagstaff
Wright-Phillips

Contract End - June 2013

Solly

Contract End - June 2014
 
Hollands

Loan


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