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
Showing posts with label Norwich City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Norwich City. Show all posts
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Charlton 0 Norwich 1
There was a pleasing symmetry to yesterday from a Norwich perspective. Twelve months ago we had sent them down to third tier football, and yesterday we sent them back to the second tier despite our best efforts to stop them. All this without their two best players, as Holt was suspended, and Hoolahan injured, and yet Norwich still had sufficient class in their ranks to shut us out, and nick the points. In some ways it was the story of our season; we were good, but not that good. The stats regarding possession speak for themselves at 68% us, 32% them, and to put it into perspective, they only managed to get into our final third four times in a fifty minute second half.
The lack of a true predatory striker at this level came back to haunt us yet again, with the hapless Sodje Jnr coming off after forty two minutes, having spent most of the first half on his back. Most of our chances fell to Bailey, and although the Norwich goalkeeper had a good game, the saves he produced were all regulation, the ball coming at him at a good goalkeeping height, and with little venom. Much like ourselves, he was good, but not that good.
Was I the only one puzzled by Parkinson's substitutions? Burton for Sodje Jnr - fine, but removing Semedo for Reid? All this did was relieve pressure on the midfield from a Norwich perspective, not to mention remove our best player from the pitch. It would have made more sense to sub Racon at that point, or even (heresy of heresies) Bailey. Team shape was then thrown out the window completely when Parkinson brought on Shelvey for Bailey, but by that stage he was desperately trying to chase the game.
Results elsewhere mean that we are still in with a shout for second place, which is both astonishing and barely deserved. I genuinely did not believe that we would get more than one point from the last two games though, so hats off to a solid display against Colchester on Tuesday night that has left us pretty much nailed on for the playoffs. It would take a collapse of Charltonesque proportions to deny us at least two more post season games. On the evidence of yesterday, it is difficult to predict whether we would get a third.
The lack of a true predatory striker at this level came back to haunt us yet again, with the hapless Sodje Jnr coming off after forty two minutes, having spent most of the first half on his back. Most of our chances fell to Bailey, and although the Norwich goalkeeper had a good game, the saves he produced were all regulation, the ball coming at him at a good goalkeeping height, and with little venom. Much like ourselves, he was good, but not that good.
Was I the only one puzzled by Parkinson's substitutions? Burton for Sodje Jnr - fine, but removing Semedo for Reid? All this did was relieve pressure on the midfield from a Norwich perspective, not to mention remove our best player from the pitch. It would have made more sense to sub Racon at that point, or even (heresy of heresies) Bailey. Team shape was then thrown out the window completely when Parkinson brought on Shelvey for Bailey, but by that stage he was desperately trying to chase the game.
Results elsewhere mean that we are still in with a shout for second place, which is both astonishing and barely deserved. I genuinely did not believe that we would get more than one point from the last two games though, so hats off to a solid display against Colchester on Tuesday night that has left us pretty much nailed on for the playoffs. It would take a collapse of Charltonesque proportions to deny us at least two more post season games. On the evidence of yesterday, it is difficult to predict whether we would get a third.
Monday, 12 April 2010
Looking Up or Looking Down?
The fact that Charlton blinked first in the race for second place was no surprise to me, and that it should be Pardew's Southampton that caused it, even less so. Most people seem to believe that the play offs are the most likely outcome to the season, and that may well be the case, but I am not convinced that Parkinson or the players are necessarily capable even of that. The remainder of this week is crucial to whether even the play offs are a realistic ambition.
Our own performances against Colchester and Norwich are crucial, as even one point from those two games could well be the difference between sixth and seventh come season end. The game on Friday night between Huddersfield and Millwall is also crucial to our chances, and strangely a Millwall win would be better for Charlton than the reverse. How ironic would that be!
Our own performances against Colchester and Norwich are crucial, as even one point from those two games could well be the difference between sixth and seventh come season end. The game on Friday night between Huddersfield and Millwall is also crucial to our chances, and strangely a Millwall win would be better for Charlton than the reverse. How ironic would that be!
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Finance or Football?
Personally, I would rather not see Norwich descend into administration. To win on the field of play is a far more honourable way of escaping this division at the first time of asking. Having said that, I suspect Norwich have the wherewithal on the playing side to continue a promotion push, albeit with a play off place looking more likely than automatic promotion, should they be deducted ten points for calling in the men in suits. I really don't see administration happening though.
Better to focus on our own somewhat hesitant return to competitive action, which has seen the collection of a maximum points haul for two essentially sub-standard displays. I am pleased to see Mooney back with us, but what of Sodje Jnr? Back on the blue side of Sheffield, he is warming the bench more often than not, so it is possible we may see him again before the end of the month. As I have said previously, I do not think he, or Dickson are the answer, but there is little doubt that we do need a striker who can be prolific for the second half of the season. A look at the goal differences of the top three sides, shows that we are effectively a further point down on the top two, courtesy of their goal scoring proclivity.
For all our recent focus on the fortunes of Norwich, it is looking more likely that Leeds are a more vulnerable, and likely target to overhaul. Helped once again by their love of cup competitions, Spurs will test the weary legs of the Yorkshire side once more when they go to Elland Road for the FA Cup replay. It is looking more and more likely that by the seasons conclusion, Leeds will have played sixty games. I don't believe their squad is strong enough to support such a schedule, well at least I hope not anyway.
I worked in Leeds for many years, and to a man, my Leeds supporting friends are growing increasingly pessimistic about their prospects in the League. History supports their collective view that the play offs beckon for them once again. For them, cup competitions are a curse they could do without, so maybe Hereford, Southampton, and Northwich Victoria did us a favour. Time will tell, but of more immediate importance, our game against Leyton Orient on Monday, will see the Addicks once again try to cling to the coat tails of Norwich. I suspect we will have to play somewhat better than we have done since the enforced break, and I rather fancy we will.
Whilst I appreciate that Charlton get paid for live televised games, it is yet another game I will be unable to make. I just wish the football was more important than the finances, but ultimately it is not. I genuinely hope Norwich don't find that out on Thursday.
Better to focus on our own somewhat hesitant return to competitive action, which has seen the collection of a maximum points haul for two essentially sub-standard displays. I am pleased to see Mooney back with us, but what of Sodje Jnr? Back on the blue side of Sheffield, he is warming the bench more often than not, so it is possible we may see him again before the end of the month. As I have said previously, I do not think he, or Dickson are the answer, but there is little doubt that we do need a striker who can be prolific for the second half of the season. A look at the goal differences of the top three sides, shows that we are effectively a further point down on the top two, courtesy of their goal scoring proclivity.
For all our recent focus on the fortunes of Norwich, it is looking more likely that Leeds are a more vulnerable, and likely target to overhaul. Helped once again by their love of cup competitions, Spurs will test the weary legs of the Yorkshire side once more when they go to Elland Road for the FA Cup replay. It is looking more and more likely that by the seasons conclusion, Leeds will have played sixty games. I don't believe their squad is strong enough to support such a schedule, well at least I hope not anyway.
I worked in Leeds for many years, and to a man, my Leeds supporting friends are growing increasingly pessimistic about their prospects in the League. History supports their collective view that the play offs beckon for them once again. For them, cup competitions are a curse they could do without, so maybe Hereford, Southampton, and Northwich Victoria did us a favour. Time will tell, but of more immediate importance, our game against Leyton Orient on Monday, will see the Addicks once again try to cling to the coat tails of Norwich. I suspect we will have to play somewhat better than we have done since the enforced break, and I rather fancy we will.
Whilst I appreciate that Charlton get paid for live televised games, it is yet another game I will be unable to make. I just wish the football was more important than the finances, but ultimately it is not. I genuinely hope Norwich don't find that out on Thursday.
Monday, 4 May 2009
Fun In The Sun
Well it was, wasn't it? Great banter in the Rose of Denmark beforehand with the Norwich boys and girls. Good fun, and as it turned out, we will see them again next year, or at least I hope so, but more of that later. The game had an end of season feel to it, which given what was at stake for Norwich struck me as a bit strange. In fairness, their chances of survival were very poor, and much like us, the general feeling was that they knew they were going to be relegated in November last year. For me it was November 1st, when I genuinely believed we were likely to go down after the abject performance against Barnsley.
Even after a 4-2 victory, I still felt a tad irked. Once again, as for most of the season, we had let in two soft goals, one from a woeful piece of defending that left a Norwich player unmarked in the six yard box, and the second from a free kick awarded for a panic tackle on the edge of our area. Nevertheless I enjoyed the game, but I didn't wait around to see if the players did a lap of honour.
So now the summer, and the great clear out, both of players and staff will begin in earnest. I have kept the table showing when the players contracts expire updated, and if correct, the following first team squad players will be out of contract in a months time.
Ambrose, Burton, Dickson, Fortune, Holland, Randolph, Todorov, Wagstaff, Wright, Weaver, Zhi
Of these, the only one I am expecting to be offered a new deal is Fortune. It is also possible that Wright and / or Wagstaff may be offered new terms. I am not convinced that either Holland or Randolph will be. In addition to these, the candidates to be invited to seek employment elsewhere will probably be Gray, Moutaouakil, Fleetwood, and McLeod. Sadly, we will also lose players, albeit for a transfer fee, and so a probable goodbye to at least three of Shelvey, Racon, Hudson, Bailey, and Sam.
It could be worse, we could be Norwich. As has been widely reported, they have managed to attract 18,000 season ticket holders for next season, which sounds like great news for them, but unfortunately part of the deal was that if Norwich got relegated, then they would receive 20% of their money back. According to a Norwich fan in the Rose of Denmark yesterday, the club is already asking the fans to waive their right to the refund. It has been reported that if Norwich were to pay the 20% refund back, it would tip them into administration. There is also considerable doubt as to whether Southampton are going to be able to avoid full blown liquidation.
As for talk of Peter Varney riding white knight like into the Valley, well it is just that for now.....talk. Silly season now begins, and I hope you all have a great summer, and that we all return invigorated for the new season.
Even after a 4-2 victory, I still felt a tad irked. Once again, as for most of the season, we had let in two soft goals, one from a woeful piece of defending that left a Norwich player unmarked in the six yard box, and the second from a free kick awarded for a panic tackle on the edge of our area. Nevertheless I enjoyed the game, but I didn't wait around to see if the players did a lap of honour.
So now the summer, and the great clear out, both of players and staff will begin in earnest. I have kept the table showing when the players contracts expire updated, and if correct, the following first team squad players will be out of contract in a months time.
Ambrose, Burton, Dickson, Fortune, Holland, Randolph, Todorov, Wagstaff, Wright, Weaver, Zhi
Of these, the only one I am expecting to be offered a new deal is Fortune. It is also possible that Wright and / or Wagstaff may be offered new terms. I am not convinced that either Holland or Randolph will be. In addition to these, the candidates to be invited to seek employment elsewhere will probably be Gray, Moutaouakil, Fleetwood, and McLeod. Sadly, we will also lose players, albeit for a transfer fee, and so a probable goodbye to at least three of Shelvey, Racon, Hudson, Bailey, and Sam.
It could be worse, we could be Norwich. As has been widely reported, they have managed to attract 18,000 season ticket holders for next season, which sounds like great news for them, but unfortunately part of the deal was that if Norwich got relegated, then they would receive 20% of their money back. According to a Norwich fan in the Rose of Denmark yesterday, the club is already asking the fans to waive their right to the refund. It has been reported that if Norwich were to pay the 20% refund back, it would tip them into administration. There is also considerable doubt as to whether Southampton are going to be able to avoid full blown liquidation.
As for talk of Peter Varney riding white knight like into the Valley, well it is just that for now.....talk. Silly season now begins, and I hope you all have a great summer, and that we all return invigorated for the new season.
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Really?
Do you think Wikipedia could be the new way to start loan move and transfer gossip? as I reckon Wiki almost beat Sky Sports to the news
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Soares
Yet again, the move is only for a month, and just as with Graeme Murty, I don't agree with it. When are we going to learn that this short term speculate to accumulate thinking is very rarely ever productive. The lack of loanees in the team that won at Norwich should really tell us something shouldn't it?
Speaking of which, the decision to let McLeod go on loan to the Spanners for the rest of the season is a good one. He can rejoin us if we slip into tier three, and he has shown himself capable of scoring goals at that level. With Eastwood also out on loan, and Dickson looking to go as well, Pardew's record in the speculation game is a big fat zero so far. With Gray also being linked with a move, even Pardew's apparent star performers aren't er.... performing. The inclusion of Gray in the team, is a habit the club really should break, but please don't bring in a striker for a month, it will almost certainly end up in tears....ours.
As for the Norwich game, well done to the lads, but it will only mean something if it gives the team confidence to beat Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. A return to our more usual performance there, and the FA Cup becomes an even more unnecessary distraction.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Soares
Yet again, the move is only for a month, and just as with Graeme Murty, I don't agree with it. When are we going to learn that this short term speculate to accumulate thinking is very rarely ever productive. The lack of loanees in the team that won at Norwich should really tell us something shouldn't it?
Speaking of which, the decision to let McLeod go on loan to the Spanners for the rest of the season is a good one. He can rejoin us if we slip into tier three, and he has shown himself capable of scoring goals at that level. With Eastwood also out on loan, and Dickson looking to go as well, Pardew's record in the speculation game is a big fat zero so far. With Gray also being linked with a move, even Pardew's apparent star performers aren't er.... performing. The inclusion of Gray in the team, is a habit the club really should break, but please don't bring in a striker for a month, it will almost certainly end up in tears....ours.
As for the Norwich game, well done to the lads, but it will only mean something if it gives the team confidence to beat Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. A return to our more usual performance there, and the FA Cup becomes an even more unnecessary distraction.
Saturday, 3 January 2009
It's Official
Phew! - we made it. Now without question, the worst performing team in Charlton's history, after seventeen games without a win. Having had the high of Wembley, I can now say I have seen the other side of the coin. Now can we all stop messing about, and go back to playing football please?
As regular readers may remember, I didn't go to this one. I really could not care less for the FA Cup at present, and yes, I know it brings in revenue, (not much given the sub 13,000 crowd figure reported), and yes, I know that a win may have had some positive impact on team morale, (difficult to see that, given the result), and ooh, we get to do it all again, and no, I won't be going to that one either.
Meanwhile Nottingham Forest, inspired by having a new manager on board, were tonking the blue side of Manchester. The very bounce that the Board must have hoped Parkinson would enjoy, was being lapped up at the Mancs stadium this afternoon. I bet Billy Davies side can't wait to get to The Valley next weekend, and yes, I will be at that one. It is beyond important.
As regular readers may remember, I didn't go to this one. I really could not care less for the FA Cup at present, and yes, I know it brings in revenue, (not much given the sub 13,000 crowd figure reported), and yes, I know that a win may have had some positive impact on team morale, (difficult to see that, given the result), and ooh, we get to do it all again, and no, I won't be going to that one either.
Meanwhile Nottingham Forest, inspired by having a new manager on board, were tonking the blue side of Manchester. The very bounce that the Board must have hoped Parkinson would enjoy, was being lapped up at the Mancs stadium this afternoon. I bet Billy Davies side can't wait to get to The Valley next weekend, and yes, I will be at that one. It is beyond important.
Saturday, 20 December 2008
Pantomime Season
How else should I rationalise the rumour that the Spanners current manager Kenny Jackett will be coming to Charlton in January? or indeed that Lennie Lawrence may also put in an appearance from his current berth at Bristol Rovers? Fortunately the Currant Bun also cites that perennial favourite Billy Davies as another wise man potentially to travel to SE7. Pantomime season may start in earnest in January, but nothing beats a little pre-season marketing eh?
And so to Norwich, buoyed (falsely I believe) by cheerier thoughts off the back of the performance against Derby. This was another team in our neck of the league table that really had to be beaten to get any sort of credibility behind statements about escaping the clutches of the bottom three. The fact that we didn't beat them had nothing to do with luck, and everything to do with poor defending, it doesn't really matter whether it was in the 4th or 94th minute, the result is another leaked goal, and another two points dropped.
We cannot afford to draw against teams like Southampton and Derby, and hope to survive. The same is true of Norwich. Nothing less than three points today will be good enough.
And so to Norwich, buoyed (falsely I believe) by cheerier thoughts off the back of the performance against Derby. This was another team in our neck of the league table that really had to be beaten to get any sort of credibility behind statements about escaping the clutches of the bottom three. The fact that we didn't beat them had nothing to do with luck, and everything to do with poor defending, it doesn't really matter whether it was in the 4th or 94th minute, the result is another leaked goal, and another two points dropped.
We cannot afford to draw against teams like Southampton and Derby, and hope to survive. The same is true of Norwich. Nothing less than three points today will be good enough.
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