Last night was needed, by Powell, the team, and most importantly the fans. What has been of most concern during this miserable run of performances, has been the polarisation of views amongst the fans. I expect club employees to be exuberant in their optimism, and some hearty, and indeed hardy souls in the fanbase will echo them. I expect others to have perfect 20/20 hindsight, but the vitriol and poison that has been oozing from the majority of the fanbase, whilst understandable, is as equally unrealistic and illogical as the position taken up by the most optimistic of supporters.
So where are we in reality? The truth is that the season is to all intents and purposes over. Slater's carefully crafted letter alludes to it, and I wonder if the PR / Marketing guru that came in the hand luggage of the takeover takes the credit for it, as it looks as though it has been constructed to push the buttons of Charlton fans at the very essence of their belief. Meanwhile on the pitch, something approaching the strongest side possible is starting to emerge from loan transfer activity, and players recovering from injury.
Solly over Jenkinson at right back has always been my favoured option, although I am not sure what "contract situation" the latter is in that would stop him playing. I suppose if a deal with Woolwich or Newton Heath is on the cards, then that may have something to do with it, and it is indicative of player movement already starting to take shape. Rumours are also widespread that a certain midfielder, out of contract at the end of this season, may well have signed a pre-contract agreement with another club for next season already.
In midfield, Parrett and Semedo in the middle, needs a fit Jackson on the left, and Eccleston instead of Wagstaff on the right to be probably as good as we can get right now. Up front, it will be interesting to see if Nouble's loan is extended to the end of the season to provide a genuine, and different alternative to Anyinsah who I would start with Wright Phillips, assuming of course that the ex-Carlisle man can stay fit!
Last season I produced a contract status update, which I think may be of even more interest this year, given the belief that comings and goings may well be high in the close season. There are a number of players whose contract length is unknown to me, so if you have any knowledge about those, or mistakes elsewhere please let me know.
Contract End 2011
Anyinsah
Dailly
Fortune
Llera
Racon
Semedo
Solly
Stavrinou
Stewart
Youga
Contract End 2012
Benson
Doherty
Elliott
Francis
McCormack
Wagstaff
Wright-Phillips
Contract Length Unknown
Jackson
Reid
Worner
Loan
Bessone (May 2011)
Eccleston (May 2011)
Nouble (April 2011)
Parrett (May 2011)
Sullivan (April 2011)
First Pro Contract
Davisson
Jenkinson
Mambo
Perkins
Tuna
Showing posts with label Southampton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Southampton. Show all posts
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Monday, 27 December 2010
Charlton 0 - D'Urso 1
Well it was all D’Urso’s fault then? Sorry, but my own feeling is that despite the blizzard of communication coming from the club, all with the subtext that the referee was solely to blame in all this, I think the reality was that the club indulged itself in a game of brinkmanship with the elements in a desperate attempt to get the game on, and lost in the ninetieth minute. Whether the need to play the game was to do with off pitch matters relating to the takeover is conjecture, but I suspect the need may have been a lot more prosaic, and that the club needed to generate match day revenue; as well as not wanting to add to a growing backlog of fixtures.
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 January 2010
Half Term Update
With news that Omozusi has had his loan extended until 30th January, I thought it was about time I updated the player contract status table. Also pertinent, given that the transfer window is now open. I must confess that my thoughts are with hoped for imminent moves for Holt and Hoolahan from Norwich, and Beckford, Snodgrass, and Becchio from Leeds. Unlikely that they would all go, I know, but with both Norwich and Leeds showing relentless, and continued form in the league, unlike ourselves, any help is always welcome.
I know we have only lost twice in the league all season, but the stark reality is that we are drawing way too many games, and are still missing the key to unlock obdurate third division defences. Fingers crossed that it can be put right this month. In fairness, it can be argued that Leeds and Norwich must stumble at some stage, but I am not convinced that they will, in any meaningful manner. It also assumes that we are close enough, and have the wherewithal to take advantage of it
The rumour mill regarding our own players, other than McLeod is mercifully quiet, but there is little doubt that our hunt for a striker at the very least will need to see some activity this month. With Mooney injured, and back at Reading, and Sodje Jnr, not really looking to be the answer, my fingers are crossed that McLeod's alleged £8k a week can be removed from the wage bill, and in doing so, at least give Parkinson some head room to bring in one or two more players. Pericard as an option would be interesting, but I suspect Southampton could offer him more money. I also suspect they will make the play offs, and wouldn't a meeting between Parkinson and Pardew at Wembley be fun? Well not for me it wouldn't!
2010
Basey, Burton, Clark, Dailly, Dickson, McKenzie, Randolph, Sam, Sinclair, Sodje S, Solly, Spring, Stavrinou, Wagstaff
2011
Bailey, Fleetwood, Llera, McLeod, Moutaouakil, Racon, Richardson, Semedo, Youga
2012
Elliott, Shelvey
Academy
Davisson, Mambo, Perkins, Tuna
Loan
Omozusi 30/01/10, Sodje A 09/01/10
I know we have only lost twice in the league all season, but the stark reality is that we are drawing way too many games, and are still missing the key to unlock obdurate third division defences. Fingers crossed that it can be put right this month. In fairness, it can be argued that Leeds and Norwich must stumble at some stage, but I am not convinced that they will, in any meaningful manner. It also assumes that we are close enough, and have the wherewithal to take advantage of it
The rumour mill regarding our own players, other than McLeod is mercifully quiet, but there is little doubt that our hunt for a striker at the very least will need to see some activity this month. With Mooney injured, and back at Reading, and Sodje Jnr, not really looking to be the answer, my fingers are crossed that McLeod's alleged £8k a week can be removed from the wage bill, and in doing so, at least give Parkinson some head room to bring in one or two more players. Pericard as an option would be interesting, but I suspect Southampton could offer him more money. I also suspect they will make the play offs, and wouldn't a meeting between Parkinson and Pardew at Wembley be fun? Well not for me it wouldn't!
2010
Basey, Burton, Clark, Dailly, Dickson, McKenzie, Randolph, Sam, Sinclair, Sodje S, Solly, Spring, Stavrinou, Wagstaff
2011
Bailey, Fleetwood, Llera, McLeod, Moutaouakil, Racon, Richardson, Semedo, Youga
2012
Elliott, Shelvey
Academy
Davisson, Mambo, Perkins, Tuna
Loan
Omozusi 30/01/10, Sodje A 09/01/10
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Southampton 2 Charlton 1
Despite having no interest in the Paint Pot, I ended up watching this one on Sky. The performance was woeful, particularly in the first half, and we didn't deserve to score, although it was pleasing that we did. I suspect that the answer to our striker issue, which will have to be resolved in January, if not before, will require Shelvey to be sold. I can't see us raising sufficient funds through the disposal of Dickson and hopefully McLeod, to make it happen any other way.
The team is low on confidence, and on a poor run. I don't see that changing for the visit of Franchise FC, and fully expect to be sitting fourth come the final whistle on Saturday. I only hope the crowd get behind the team, and don't get on their collective backs, but patience is running low, and Parkinson, unfortunately, seems unable to motivate a team in difficulties, which was always my main concern about him earlier in the season. Expectation was rampant off the back of a fine start to the season, but that start, for many, now appears to be the blip, rather than what is happening now. Fingers crossed that they are wrong.
I am now off to Venice for five days to recharge the batteries, so will miss the game on Saturday. With three major players missing for them, who knows, maybe we could get something from that game, but on the evidence of the last month, I just don't see it happening. As ever, I will be delighted to be proved wrong.
The team is low on confidence, and on a poor run. I don't see that changing for the visit of Franchise FC, and fully expect to be sitting fourth come the final whistle on Saturday. I only hope the crowd get behind the team, and don't get on their collective backs, but patience is running low, and Parkinson, unfortunately, seems unable to motivate a team in difficulties, which was always my main concern about him earlier in the season. Expectation was rampant off the back of a fine start to the season, but that start, for many, now appears to be the blip, rather than what is happening now. Fingers crossed that they are wrong.
I am now off to Venice for five days to recharge the batteries, so will miss the game on Saturday. With three major players missing for them, who knows, maybe we could get something from that game, but on the evidence of the last month, I just don't see it happening. As ever, I will be delighted to be proved wrong.
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Charlton 1 Southampton 1
So sure was I that this would be a draw, I even managed to predict the correct scoreline in the pub sweep in the Rose of Denmark before the game. All the portents were there, Sam wins player of the month, Parkinson wins manager of the month, a returning Pardew, the divisions draw specialists. Yep, couldn't be anything other than a draw really could it?
I don't remember Pardew ever setting up a Charlton side to be as physical as the Saints were yesterday though? We were outmuscled occasionally, but never cowed. Everybody worked hard, and as the highlights last night showed, our second disallowed goal was not offside. I have been quite impressed with the standard of refereeing at this level, but yesterdays officials collectively had a shocker.
How we managed to pick up three bookings in the second half, when Southampton had not picked up a single one in the first half was beyond me. Their right back Harding, had obviously been told to "do a job" on both Sam and Shelvey if they ever strayed into his territory, and he went about his task with both vim and venom. He should not have been allowed to stay on the pitch, never mind escape a booking. Add to that, the same player hauling Sam down for a clear penalty that wasn't given, and Lallana escaping scot free after the handbags incident in the second half, which he started, and you have three incidents, which were but the tip of the iceberg, of poorly handled refereeing decisions.
On balance, a draw was a fair result, and unfortunately other teams will now have seen that the best way to try and stop Charlton, is to rough the team up a bit. The good news for Charlton fans, is that the team can handle it.
I don't remember Pardew ever setting up a Charlton side to be as physical as the Saints were yesterday though? We were outmuscled occasionally, but never cowed. Everybody worked hard, and as the highlights last night showed, our second disallowed goal was not offside. I have been quite impressed with the standard of refereeing at this level, but yesterdays officials collectively had a shocker.
How we managed to pick up three bookings in the second half, when Southampton had not picked up a single one in the first half was beyond me. Their right back Harding, had obviously been told to "do a job" on both Sam and Shelvey if they ever strayed into his territory, and he went about his task with both vim and venom. He should not have been allowed to stay on the pitch, never mind escape a booking. Add to that, the same player hauling Sam down for a clear penalty that wasn't given, and Lallana escaping scot free after the handbags incident in the second half, which he started, and you have three incidents, which were but the tip of the iceberg, of poorly handled refereeing decisions.
On balance, a draw was a fair result, and unfortunately other teams will now have seen that the best way to try and stop Charlton, is to rough the team up a bit. The good news for Charlton fans, is that the team can handle it.
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.
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.
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Who Are You?
Two poor teams, put on a very entertaining show yesterday afternoon. I am sure sterner opposition could have seen off either of them, but it felt like a small step to recovery, the first signs that we do have the wherewithal to extricate ourselves from the mess we have got ourselves into. Had it not been for a man of the match performance by Saints keeper Kelvin Davis, Charlton could easily have been three up at the break.
Whilst near half of the starters yesterday were not even Charlton players, I think that this sad indictment of where we are as a club, has a credible contra view, which is that at least three of the loan rangers have not been tainted with the misery that has been served up to us, season to date. Bailey showed yesterday that confidence and form go hand in hand, as his contribution to the game was not good. I don't know if Racon was carrying an injury, but I would be tempted to team him up with Semedo, and let Bailey try and regain his form out of the limelight.
I didn't think that I would ever be glad to hail Fortune as a step in the right direction, but I was happy to see him restored to the side, as our mid table obscurity form at the start of the season, owed much to Fortune and Hudson being at the centre of the back line. McEveley was my pick of the new boys, looking more solid than Youga or Basey defensively, and carrying a real threat going forward. Gillespie also put in a good shift as well.
So, one game out of the essential three down, and a point in the bag. As I have said previously, we need a minimum of six points from Southampton, Blackpool, and Coventry, so on that basis, we need to win the next two games, a feat we have not managed since Noah was a lad. We are still three points behind the fourth from bottom team Norwich, and we have to claw that back pronto, if our bid to escape relegation is to have any credibility at all.
Whilst near half of the starters yesterday were not even Charlton players, I think that this sad indictment of where we are as a club, has a credible contra view, which is that at least three of the loan rangers have not been tainted with the misery that has been served up to us, season to date. Bailey showed yesterday that confidence and form go hand in hand, as his contribution to the game was not good. I don't know if Racon was carrying an injury, but I would be tempted to team him up with Semedo, and let Bailey try and regain his form out of the limelight.
I didn't think that I would ever be glad to hail Fortune as a step in the right direction, but I was happy to see him restored to the side, as our mid table obscurity form at the start of the season, owed much to Fortune and Hudson being at the centre of the back line. McEveley was my pick of the new boys, looking more solid than Youga or Basey defensively, and carrying a real threat going forward. Gillespie also put in a good shift as well.
So, one game out of the essential three down, and a point in the bag. As I have said previously, we need a minimum of six points from Southampton, Blackpool, and Coventry, so on that basis, we need to win the next two games, a feat we have not managed since Noah was a lad. We are still three points behind the fourth from bottom team Norwich, and we have to claw that back pronto, if our bid to escape relegation is to have any credibility at all.
Monday, 10 November 2008
Quiet Desperation
Well, we took a point that could have been three. Two points lost in the blink of a prematurely celebrating eye. I think most of us would have taken a point before the game began, and it does take us out of the bottom three, but once again, it feels like underachievement. On to Birmingham, a game where I suspect expectations of a favourable Charlton outcome will be minimal.
As has been reported elsewhere, Pardew will almost certainly not be with us come Christmas, unless there is a marked upturn in Charlton fortunes, and I am interested in what criteria the board will be using to define "upturn". League position whilst important, is too nebulous, unless we are in the bottom three, so I assume that points will indeed make prizes. For me, the logical decision point would be mid December, as by that stage, we will have played exactly half the season, once the Derby County game has been played. The telling games between now and then, are the three games immediately preceding the Derby game, against Southampton, Blackpool, and Coventry. All of these should be winnable, and a decent haul of points from them would probably save Pardew's job until the summer at least.
Over the past ten seasons, the range of points for the team finishing third bottom, has ranged from 42 - 52. Indeed, Leicester's relegation last season, saw them go down with the highest points total in that ten year period. So, using that as the worst case scenario, means that we should really be sitting at a minimum 26 points at the halfway stage. We currently have 16 points, so three wins and a draw in our next seven games is required. I am assuming here, that the board are accepting survival as a positive result.
Pardew has been oft quoted, regarding his dislike of using loan players, and yet, it would appear that we are about to juggle the books, and bring more of them in. Much will depend on Ambrose going out on loan, as I suspect he still retains a Premier League salary level, but does anybody else on a high salary need to go out? As to who comes in, I think this highlights the poor position we are in, as essentially we are looking for a spine to the team, comprising a central defender, central midfielder, and a striker. Quietly desperate times indeed.
As has been reported elsewhere, Pardew will almost certainly not be with us come Christmas, unless there is a marked upturn in Charlton fortunes, and I am interested in what criteria the board will be using to define "upturn". League position whilst important, is too nebulous, unless we are in the bottom three, so I assume that points will indeed make prizes. For me, the logical decision point would be mid December, as by that stage, we will have played exactly half the season, once the Derby County game has been played. The telling games between now and then, are the three games immediately preceding the Derby game, against Southampton, Blackpool, and Coventry. All of these should be winnable, and a decent haul of points from them would probably save Pardew's job until the summer at least.
Over the past ten seasons, the range of points for the team finishing third bottom, has ranged from 42 - 52. Indeed, Leicester's relegation last season, saw them go down with the highest points total in that ten year period. So, using that as the worst case scenario, means that we should really be sitting at a minimum 26 points at the halfway stage. We currently have 16 points, so three wins and a draw in our next seven games is required. I am assuming here, that the board are accepting survival as a positive result.
Pardew has been oft quoted, regarding his dislike of using loan players, and yet, it would appear that we are about to juggle the books, and bring more of them in. Much will depend on Ambrose going out on loan, as I suspect he still retains a Premier League salary level, but does anybody else on a high salary need to go out? As to who comes in, I think this highlights the poor position we are in, as essentially we are looking for a spine to the team, comprising a central defender, central midfielder, and a striker. Quietly desperate times indeed.
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