Squad Status Update

Two further signings see Hughes contract extended until the end of next season, and Gower makes the loan switch permanent, also with a one year deal. I am a little surprised to see both of them offered extensions, but it is probably a further indication of how tight money is, and any chance of a marquee signing are undoubtedly fanciful given the financial position of the club anyway.

Evina stalling on a one year deal was more predictable given his comments on Twitter a few weeks ago, and as yet, nothing on the future of Wright-Phillips, but again I would expect him to be shown the door. What is of more concern to me is the perfect storm that is brewing for the end of next season, when technically Charlton could be left with just two senior pro players. Unlikely to happen I know, but it does leave the club looking vulnerable, and in the case of our more saleable assets, will decrease any transfer fee value that might be commanded for a player who was on a longer deal than just one year.

Contract End - June 2013

Evina
Fuller (Released)
Haynes (Released)
Kerkar (Released)
Mambo (Released)
Sullivan (Released)
Taylor (Released)
Wagstaff (Released)
Wright-Phillips

Contract End - June 2014

Button
Cook
Cort
Dervite
Gower
Green
Hamer
Hollands
Hughes
Jackson
Kermorgant
Morrison
Pope
Pritchard
Smith
Solly
Stephens
Wiggins

Contract End - June 2015

Wilson

Contract End - June 2016

Harriott

Loans

Obika (30/06/13)
Rouamba (30/06/13)

Charlton Athletic - Squad Status

Just a quick reminder on the squad status following the announcement yesterday about new deals for Dervite and Harriott.

Contract End - June 2013

Evina
Fuller (Released)
Haynes (Released)
Hughes
Kerkar (Released)
Mambo (Released)
Sullivan (Released)
Taylor (Released)
Wagstaff (Released)
Wright-Phillips

Contract End - June 2014

Button
Cook
Cort
Dervite
Green
Hamer
Hollands
Jackson
Kermorgant
Morrison
Pope
Pritchard
Smith
Solly
Stephens
Wiggins

Contract End - June 2015

Wilson

Contract End - June 2016

Harriott

Loans

Gower (30/06/13)
Obika (30/06/13)
Rouamba (30/06/13)

Squad Movement

It is always preferable for any manager to get his squad as near finalised as possible at the earliest opportunity, and Chris Powell is no exception. If, as seems likely, there is minimal investment into the club over the close season, the only way the manager can refresh the squad is by moving players on, and he has certainly wasted little time in doing that. With Mambo and Sullivan deemed surplus to requirement last week, this week sees the release of Fuller, Kerkar, Taylor, and Wagstaff.

Wagstaff had openly stated that he was not going to be around next season, and although it is always sad to see one of the former youth players leave, it is absolutely the right decision. I suspect the two biggest wage earners at the club are Fuller and Wright-Phillips, and with the former on his way, I would be surprised if Wright-Phillips is not shown the exit as well. The release of these two will free up some significant wages for new signings, albeit that any new arrivals may well have to be free transfers in the first place.

The release of Kerkar is no surprise, as he is at best a squad player, and with Powell under pressure to run with a smaller squad, Taylor is also no surprise, although I believe we do need four centre backs at this level. Could Feely be considered ready to be given that fourth man role? I am sorry to see Taylor go, as he was a stalwart of the third division winning team, but although he would never let anybody down, it was fairly obvious that he was not considered up to the job of Championship level football.

So, what of the rest? Of those players who will be out of contract at the end of this season, the surprise package to some extent is Hughes. His presence during the final run in, and the results the team achieved with him in it, made a very big statement in his favour for a new one year deal. If that transpires, then any interest Powell may have harboured for Gower will surely evaporate. I would expect Cort, Dervite, Evina, Harriott, and Haynes to be given new deals. I would not be surprised, however, to see Evina go. An unguarded comment on Twitter that he stepped back from rather rapidly, did seem to lend weight to his leaving rather than staying, and if he did go, is Cousins considered ready for the step up to be Wiggins understudy as Evina himself has so patiently been for the last two years?.

Of those in the squad with contracts that don't expire this summer, I think that Green and Hollands may well be on their way if any club comes in for them, a suspicion confirmed for me when Green almost joined Swindon on loan in January, and Hollands did. I am also not convinced that an offer for Stephens would be rejected in the same way it was in January, Indeed, if Jimenez had not been so bullish shall we say, as to the players value, he would have been gone already.

Let us hope that if we are to lose Solly this summer, Jimenez will show more commercial finesse than the Stephens episode showed. Jimenez efforts aside, I think we probably do have to resign ourselves to losing our double winning player of the year. As with just about all clubs bar four or five, we are a selling club, and if we are able to gather in circa £4m, then that would fund a lot of the strengthening work that the squad needs, albeit I suspect that cash up front is likely to be nearer the £2m mark.

Contract End - June 2013

Cort
Dervite
Evina
Fuller (Released)
Harriott
Haynes
Hughes
Kerkar (Released)
Mambo (Released)
Sullivan (Released)
Taylor (Released)
Wagstaff (Released)
Wright-Phillips

Contract End - June 2014

Button
Cook
Green
Hamer
Hollands
Jackson
Kermorgant
Morrison
Pope
Pritchard
Stephens
Smith
Solly
Wiggins

Contract End - June 2015

Wilson

Loans

Gower (30/06/13)
Obika (30/06/13)
Rouamba (30/06/13)

Charlton 4 Bristol City 1

With nothing on it for either side, yesterday could easily have turned into a damp squib. If the first half was anything to go by, a dull stalemate seemed to be the only fair result, as players toiled in the sun with minimal effect. All that was to change in the first five minutes of the second half, as Charlton patiently started to move the ball from back to front seamlessly.

The first goal by Kermogant was a beauty, and fully deserves consideration as goal of the season. In the same way that in the final game of last season against Harlepool, our favourite Frenchman produced something very special; this season he did it again. A move from deep within the Charlton half, saw Gower float in a peach of a ball that Kermoragant hit on the full volley. The delivery was so exquisite, and the execution so clinically brutal, that Heaton in the City goal did not even have time to react before it had rocketed past him into the back of the net.

If the first was a masterclass in finishing, the second had added teamwork to recommend it. Two right footed players in Solly and Harriett operating on the left flank, combined in one fluid movement to set up a left footed cross from Solly that evaded Pritchard in the centre of the Bristol City six yard box, but not the predatory Kermorgant who rose unchallenged, and powered an unstoppable header past the hapless City keeper.

At 2-0 up, and cruising, it was pehaps inevitable that somebody was going to make a mistake. Step forward messers (sic) Wilson and Morrison, who between them failed with both control and strength of backpass to allow in Reid to chip the stranded Button, and give the scoreline a respectability that the away team quite frankly did not deserve. Keen to make amends, Kermorgant almost made amends with a delicate lob moments later, which bounced back off the crossbar to be met by the head of an onrushing Obika inside the six yard box. At 3-1 it was game over, and the only thing that anyone connected to Charlton wanted to see was Kermorgant get the hat trick his performance so richly deserved.

Twice in the last ten minutes he almost got his wish. He may not have been too pleased at Pritchard selflessly passing to Jackson at the far post to slide in and make it 4-1, but when Charlton were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position with two minutes on the clock, both Jackson and Kermorgant stepped up to take it. You could see by the huge smile on the captain's face that there was no way that big Yann was going to let anybody other than himself take it. It hit the wall, and went out for a corner, which then led to an almighty game of pinball in the City six yard box. Morrison almost got it in, as did Wagstaff, in what was probably his last game for the club. More of that in a bit.

And so, the season ends on a high; a season that in fairness has had far more highs than lows. Chris Powell has learnt a lot, and his players have learnt even more. In much the same way that a band has to deal with producing the difficult second album, the Charlton team has to rest, recuperate, and go again. If there continues to be minimal investment, I believe next season will be far harder than this one has turned out to be. For all the plaudits rightly being heaped on the boss and his players, my concern is that the team that did exactly what it was put together to do, may fall short next term for the lack of maybe three Championship quality first team players.

There are thirteen senior players out of contract this summer. We already know that Sullivan and Mambo have been released. Jungle drums are suggesting that Evina may be a third. Wagstaff has also been cited as stating that he will be gone this summer as well. If you include the three loanees, Gower, Obika, and Rouamba, then Chris Powell will obviously have to at least replace some of those. For the record, the full list of senior Charlton players whose contracts end this summer is:-

Cort
Dervite-Vaussoue
Evina
Fuller
Harriott
Haynes
Hughes
Kerkar
Mambo (Released)
Sullivan (Released)
Taylor
Wagstaff
Wright-Phillips (On loan to Brentford)

So, a lot of work to be done then! The day ended back in the Rose of Denmark, and after near on a decade of e-mail, Twitter, and Facebook contact, I finally met the legend that is BDL. A great end to a good season. See you all in July for hopefully more of the same :-)

Charlton 2 Wolves 1

It seemed wholly appropriate, that a scrappy game should be won by two scrappy goals. Apart from Henry's speculative forty five yard effort that almost caught Hamer napping, and a Fuller drive pushed away by De Vries there was not a single other shot on goal in the first half. Indeed, if it hadn't been for the Henry shot hitting the junction between crossbar and post, waking the crowd up at least, I suspect most fans of both teams could have slept through the first half, and not missed anything else of any particular note.

It took until ten minutes into the second half for Charlton to even register another shot on goal, but there then followed three in quick succession, as a jaded Charlton finally started to exert some pressure. The reward was a goal line scramble from a mishit Green corner that eventually Dervitte managed to poke home in a crowded goalmouth. Three minutes later, and all was level again, as Doyle headed in a cross. Given the lack of ambition shown by Wolves, and the inability of Charlton to break down a five man midfield, a draw seemed to be on the cards. It would have been unfair on Charlton though, as Wolves this week, were every bit as bad as Leeds were two weeks ago,

The only shining lights in this miserable game were Green and Dervitte. On for the injured Jackson, Green caused problems with his crosses from the minute he came on, and was involved in both Charlton goals'. Dervitte also did a good job today defensively, as well as getting the first goal, and probably just edged it as man of the match for me. Meanwhile, impact sub Obika, made it a copycat end to the game, scoring once more late on to secure the three points, just as he did against Leeds. 

Charlton Athletic 2 Leeds United 1

I've never watched a live basketball game before, but after yesterday, I am not so sure. Fortunately, referee Atwell was as blind to a hand ball committed by Charlton as he was for one committed by Leeds. On another day, with another referee, the Leeds goal wouldn't have counted, and we would have had a penalty awarded against us. Whilst intent and advantage may have been debatable on some of them, there were many where the infringement should have been called by the referee.

Very rarely do I get to see a match where within the first ten minutes I am confident that Charlton will get something from the game,  such was the limited fare being offered by Leeds yesterday, I knew it was only a matter of time before we scored. The early exchanges were largely toothless by both sides, but in a game of limited opportunity, Charlton always looked by the far the most likely to get a goal, although it took until early in the second half before it arrived.

As each game goes by Hughes has shown an increase in both fitness and performance, and it is no coincidence that this has also corresponded with a significant stiffening up of the Charlton midfield. Whilst he does not have the ability of Stephens, he has a far more needed commodity, and that is the ability to win it, keep it, and pass it. All done with a minimum of fuss, and a maximum of impact. Warmly applauded by both sets of fans when announced on the pitch, it was Hughes daisycutter that caused the Leeds backline to freeze momentarily as it took a dangerous deflection on its way towards goal. Fortunately Jackson did not freeze, and was able to rifle in a left foot shot from the rebound. There was more than a hint of offside about it, but the goal stood.

Leeds then went 4-3-3 with the introduction of Varney, and Powell countered it by bringing on Kerkar for Fuller to go 4-5-1. It almost proved Charlton's undoing, as the team sank deeper into their own half and allowed Leeds the chance to attack. Whilst Varney has been credited for the resulting Leeds goal, it was most definitely an own goal, although I can't make out from the Football League Show which Charlton player the ball hit.

Realising that perhaps a 4-5-1 was a mistake, Powell immediately reverted back to 4-4-2 with the introduction of Obika for the tiring Harriott, and that substitution won Charlton the match. Solly almost did it himself, not once but twice, but his first went inches wide, and the second brought a fine save from Kenny in the Leeds goal. As telling, was that the second effort was created by Obika beating his man on the right, and pulling the ball back for Solly to shoot. The winner however, was destined to come from the other side of the park. The cross from Wiggins deep into injury time was a beauty, and Obika centre goal only had to give it the merest glance with his head to see it sail beyond Kenny's reach and into the net. It was a deserved win, and all but secures us Championship football for next season.

Charlton 3 Bolton 2

"We really aren't always as bad as this - honest". There was an air of desperation about the commentator, a middle aged man talking to his two daughters. In the space of the first four minutes of the game, he had felt it necessary to reassure his children that Charlton were better than the early showing, which had promised to deliver an afternoon of footballing purgatory. Despite it being so early in the proceedings, Bolton had already attacked three times, and scored once, courtesy of Sordell turning a flat footed Dervite before calmly slotting home past the returning Hamer.

After the international break, it was Charlton that looked like they were still in the dressing room for the first half an hour, and it would be difficult to say who was having the worst 'mare, as each member of the team did their level best to outdo the others in an attempt to claim the title as leader of the mafia of the mediocre. Things got even worse after twenty minutes when Kamara totally unchallenged by the Charlton midfield was able to send in a long range effort that didn't give Hamer much chance.

So, there we were, twenty minutes in, two down, and looking like none of the players had any idea what to do about it. Inexplicably, and as so often happens when a team is winning by two goals, Bolton took their foot off the loud pedal, and went into cruise control. Step forward Jackson, who proceeded to score what I can only describe as a true captain's goal if ever there was one. A poorly cleared Charlton corner found him just outside the box. Taking the ball forward and left of the goal, he went past two defenders, and produced a sublime cross goal shot that ended up in the bottom corner, and suddenly, improbably, it was game on.

The second half was something else altogether. If Charlton fans were upset by being kettled by the police at Selhurst, it was nothing compared to the anger Bolton fans felt as they were Kettled by Trevor the referee. The game changed dramatically after Ricketts was shown a second yellow for a foul on Fuller outside the box. Up stepped both Kermorgant and Jackson, and either could have taken it, and it was the Breton that did. It crashed back off the post to be met by an inrushing Dervite who made amends for his poor showing up until that point by sticking it firmly in the back of the net from close in.

Having dominated for an hour, Bolton suddenly found themselves level, and down to ten men to boot. They were made to pay for their disarray when three minutes later, Fuller was sent flying in the box by Pratley. Keen to amend for hitting the post, Kermorgant dispatched a penalty into Lonergan's right hand corner, and unbelievably we were in the lead. I didn't realise that the penalty was the first one Kermorgant had taken since the infamous chipped one for Leicester two years ago. The fun didn't stop there either. Kermorgant could have had another as he rose to meet a cross that Lonergan saved at point blank range. Harriott too, should have troubled the scorer when he just failed to connect with a far post cross.

If the tale of the tape says that Bolton ended with nine men, then it could so easily have been eight after Dawson decided to strangle a flying Solly to the ground on the right wing in what looked more like an assault than a tackle. He was also the last defender, but as there were at least two central defenders tracking back it is debatable whether it was a clear goal scoring opportunity. I felt that the "tackle" alone was worthy of a sending off, and Dawson was lucky to escape with a yellow. Add to that Davies being banished for two stoppage-time offences in quick succession, the first on Morrison, and the second a challenge on Wiggins, and Bolton's misery was complete. Or was it?, as an unconfirmed story suggests that Knight was sent off in the tunnel after the game, so maybe they did end with eight after all?

Charlton 0 Burnley 1

When the team with the second poorest run of form meets the team with the poorest run of form, you know that the fare offered isn't going to be pretty or clever, and both Burnley and Charlton did nothing to dispel the theory. Only Charlie Austin forgot the script, and that was only on the one occasion, with the resulting goal being probably the only thing of any class to come out of a performance that did not flatter either team.

He may only have a limited deck when it comes to quality, but Chris Powell certainly tried to mix it up  yesterday, with no fewer than five changes from the team that had capitulated against Nottingham Forest a week earlier. It made no difference, but at least he tried. Whilst honest endeavour was undoubtedly present, any quality was noticeably absent. Going for aerial bombardment towards the latter part of the game smacked of desperation, and a complete lack of faith in the pudding that is our pitch. It is even more galling when you consider that there was nobody up front whose natural game is to receive a hoofed ball. The whole thing was profoundly depressing to watch.

There was a young German lad sat near me yesterday, and he seemed genuinely shocked that Charlton were even allowed to play on a pitch in that state. It would never be allowed in Germany he said. Most Charlton fans probably wish it wasn't allowed in the UK either. Thankfully the next two games are away from home, and both are winnable. Charlton really need to get something from both, because whilst it is unthinkable that we could be relegated, our current form suggests that we just might. Not to worry though, as we are one game away from entering the last ten games of the season, and we all know how good we are at those historically. Sorry to sound so negative, but I am really struggling to see anything that was positive about yesterday's performance.

Charlton 0 Nottingham Forest 2

The only surprise for me after watching yesterdays abject performance by Charlton, was how Forest were only two points above us before yesterday's kick off? This was probably the most one sided performance I have seen Charlton involved in this season, and all for all the wrong reasons. If two players playing in the same position for their respective sides can sum yesterday up, and I think they can, then step forward Andy Reid and Dale Stephens.

Reid calmly controlled the entire game, whilst Stephens was rightly hauled off at half time for a performance that was little short of woeful. Those that went to Leicester on Tuesday night spoke of Stephens having had one of his best games in a Charlton shirt, and yet here we were four days later, and a showing that was beyond dreadful. I am struggling to think of a completed pass of any note that he might have made in the first half.

His wasn't the only poor performance, but take nothing away from Forest, as a large part of the reason we looked so poor, was because they are a very good side, and made us look poor. Yesterday was a little puzzling to some of their fans as well. The same players that had been having an indifferent season are suddenly pulling up trees since the second coming of Billy Davies. I often wonder what would have become of Charlton had the Board coughed up the higher basic salary Davies wanted after Curbishley left us. Instead we ended up with Dowie, and the rest as they say is history.

I should be feeling annoyed at how bad Charlton were yesterday, but I am not, and the reason is that I can accept a footballing lesson like that if we have been completely outplayed by a far better team, and that is exactly what happened. With the possible exception of Wiggins, nobody in a Charlton shirt should be feeling any satisfaction with their performance yesterday, least of all Kermorgant, who spoilt a great week for himself, by petulantly kicking out at former Addick Greg Halford, and getting sent off for his troubles. I personally didn't have a problem with the referee consulting with his West Stand lino about it either, as I would rather the man in charge took on all views available before making a decision to send a player off. That is what he did, and the decision, as Chris Powell has subsequently admitted was the correct one.

Moving swiftly on; a fond farewell to Bradley Wright-Phillips. As regular readers will know, even before the season started, I didn't believe Bradders would be a first choice striker this season, and so it has proved. I wish him well at Brentford, and I am sure he will score goals again at third division level. On the basis of one out, one in, a welcome to Jonathan Obika. The loanee from Spurs' introduction to Charlton being a cameo in yesterdays horror show, and who could blame him if he was looking up bus times back to White Hart Lane even as I type. In Chris we trust, of course, but I can't get too excited by this signing, and I wonder who we would have brought in had Wright-Phillips and Green joined Swindon during the transfer window as originally planned. With all due respect to him, I am not convinced that Obika would have been one of them.

Charlton 1 Birmingham 1

The game had 0-0 written all over it from the off. Whilst both teams were full of honest endeavour, there was little of any class to seperate the teams. The exceptions were Butland for Birmingham and Fuller for Charlton. If the former might be forgiven for not being fully focused, there was no evidence of it, as he calmly made some fine saves, including one from his own defender, and a point blank hold on the ground from a Wagstaff shot. Fuller too played his part with intelligent passing, and muscular terrorising of the Blues rearguard. Aside from those two though, the fare on offer was mediocre for the most part, and the game itself immediately forgettable.

Whilst it would be fair to say that Charlton edged it on the quality stakes, the game looked dour, and I don't recall the pitch looking this bad since Charlton returned to The Valley. I was fortunate enough to meet one of Paddy Powell's ground keeping mentors some months ago, the redoubtable David "Piggy" Powell, (no relation). For those of you that follow the egg chasers, Piggy probably needs no introduction, but for the benefit of those that don't, Piggy is an England international, from the mid 60's, who now tends what is known irreverently as Piggy's Patch, otherwise more formally called Franklin Gardens, the home of Northampton Saints rugby club.

I had no idea that Piggy was Paddy's guide and help through the process of relaying The Valley pitch for our return to The Valley. Piggy rated Paddy highly; told me a few groundkeeping style anecdotes about him, and referred to him as "a good man" many times throughout our conversation. One thing I am absolutely sure of, is that Paddy is hurting at the state his pitch is in. He more than anybody does not need to be told that it is not good enough. Similarly, his namesake in SE7, rather than NN5 will not need to be told that the nasty habit Charlton has of leaking goals at the death of a game is not good enough either. I don't think there is any doubt that the club has not given, or in fairness been able to give, either man sufficient resources to do anything about their respective issues though, so both men will have to continue fighting through with the resources they have.

Whilst the manner in which Charlton conceded two points is galling, the reality is that although the men from SE7 edged it, there wasn't quite enough quality to make it stick. Unlike the ball, which stuck rather a lot.

Charlton 1 Sheffield Wednesday 2

Is it possible to dominate something unconvincingly? After yesterday's performance I would have to say yes. Sheffield Wednesday were in the main a poor side, with only Reda Johnson, and latterly Lita causing trouble to the Addicks backline. So how did we contrive to lose a game that should really have been sewn up long before the final six minutes and the two goals for Sheffield that turned the whole match on it's head?

Much of the comment after the game was critical of Powell for not changing things sooner. In his defence the manager would argue that at 1-0 up with five minutes to go, why change something that wasn't broke? The reality was that a tiring Charlton side needed a managers response to the ongoing threat of Johnson, and then the fresh legs of Modine, and especially Lita being brought on. With Lita it isn't exactly a case of misjudging the impact of an unknown quantity is it?

The impact of those fresh legs was obvious throughout much of the last half an hour, so there was plenty of time to respond. For me, a very tired looking Pritchard should have been replaced by the more physical presence of Dervitte, to provide some speed and protection from the raiding Johnson, as well as the rapid movement of Lita. As much as we love Morrison and Taylor, they are not fast, and Jones the Sheffield manager knew it. I would also have replaced Kermorgant with Fuller as our favourite Breton spent most of the game being impotently angry, and I suspect Fuller would have given the giant blue backline something different to think about, as would Harriott for a visibly tiring and increasingly ineffective Wilson.

So, a game we did not deserve to lose, (or win if truth be told), but for me it is another reminder that we shouldn't expect Powell to get it right every time. Yesterday's defeat was largely down to him rather than the players, who generally did well throughout a  tough physical encounter.

Charlton 2 Blackpool 1

A strangely untroubled match for the Addicks yeterday, which was odd given that Charlton hardly touched the ball in the first twenty minutes. Other than Taylor's clearance off the line from a Phillips header, the Charlton goal wasn't really threatened despite the neat passing play of the Seasiders in the first period. We got lucky with Jackson's goal, coming as it did from a deflected Solly pass, and a scuffed shot from the captain that managed to squeeze inside the keepers right hand post, but hey, thems the breaks.

Powell set the team out to match Blackpool, so a fluid 4-5-1 saw Wagstaff playing in the hole behind Kermorgant for the most part, and Charlton's forgotten man duly put himself in the right place at the right time to fire home the second before the break. It was a goal that Wilson played no small part in, and for me he was the man of the match yesterday, not just for his precision cross, but his support of Solly who was in danger of being pulled apart by Delfouneso in the early part of the first half.

It was obvious that Solly was being targerted, and Delfouneso turned out to be the tormentor in chief, gaining advantage over Solly more often than not, until Wilson started to drop back and help him out. As soon as that started to happen Delfouneso went quiet, and didn't really threaten again. With that threat nullified, Wilson started to forage forward, and the just reward was an exquisite cross that Kermorgant headed with full power, and which their keeper could only parry into the path of the onrushing Wagstaff.

Elsewhere Taylor had a solid game, gaining confidence from his vital line clearance two minutes in, and putting his head where it hurts, collecting a comic looking bandage hat that would not stay on for his pains. His presence was a timely reminder that at this level you really do need four good centre halves. Whilst I can believe that Green, Wagstaff, Wright-Phillips, Hollands, and Sullivan, would all be available to leave should anybody be interested, I would be dissapointed if Taylor was also on that list.

So, back to back league wins set Charlton off on a sound start to 2013, and it could get even better if Powell is allowed to wheel and deal in this transfer window. It is difficult to say where he will strengthen, however, as much will depend on who can be moved on, and where the resultant gaps are. I still hope a first choice central midfielder is the number one priority, although it would be fair to say that the centre of the pitch more than held its own yesterday, as did every other area on the park.

Charlton 1 Derby 1

It hasn't all got much better in the three days since the Ipswich capitulation, but at least there was some fight, bite, and honest endeavour about yesterday's performance. With Jackson and Pritchard starting, it was Frimpong, Green, and Seabourne who were banished not just from the side, but the matchday squad as well. Doubtless this will be explained away as rotation, but the reality is that heads needed to roll after the Boxing Day midfield performance particularly. Seabourne just had a mare on Wednesday, but it was good to see one of our own left backs in the shape of Evina back in action again.

There was very little to be cheerful about in the first twenty minutes, as Derby pretty much passed us off the park, but the response was a goal that will be difficult to better this season. There was some debate after the game as to whether he meant to do what he did, but as there was nobody at the far post to cross to anyway, I am very much of the school of thought that Haynes absolutely meant it, and what a purler it was, crossing the keeper and burying itself top left of the Derby keepers goal. Even at 1-0 up though, I was still pretty sure Derby would be able to get one back, which they duly did from the penalty spot. This brings me to the subject of Morrison, and referee Boyeson's part in his downfall.

I had been warned before the game that Boyeson was a game changing referee, and not in a good way. Those Addickted who went to Huddersfield away last year testify to an official of bewildering ineptitude who cost us a player that day in the shape of Russell, and although nobody of my acquaintance argues that he didn't deserve to go, they do contest that the two Terriers who were involved in the incident should have gone as well. They got yellow instead. Nothing if not consistent is Boyeson, as he again sent off a Charlton player, Morrison this time, for a second bookable offence. The signs were there that it was coming from way back in the first half though.

Having been booked for an offence in the ninth minute for a foul on Derby youngster Hughes, the referee also gave Morrison a last chance talking to later in the half for another challenge. It was a scenario that he played out with Keogh from Derby as well after his booking for a foul on Kermorgant, so a certain pattern was well and truly emerging, that here was a ref that did not like physical contact in the game. There were many around me urging Powell to replace Morrison with Dervite, and I must say I agreed with them. It seemed obvious that Morrison was on the edge from Boyeson's perspective, and having seen him in action before, there was a certain inevitability in what played out later in the game.

It is a difficult one to call, as the referee is not supposed to be a game changer. Powell had put out a team to beat Derby, and so was he now supposed to change his tactics because of Boyeson? My own feeling is that he should have, but I do understand the strength of the contra argument. If I may lift a quote here from the Charlton official site, “I was thinking of bringing him [Dervite] on earlier than half time,” Powell said. “I asked Michael at half time to play safer, which he did, to be fair. I said to him ‘you have to play with your mind now and make sure that you don’t get yourself in any difficult positions’ but sadly he did with the penalty. Perhaps next time, Powell may make a different decision, but I am not going to criticise him for the one he took against Derby.

Elsewhere, Hamer had flashes of brilliance, and occasional panic in turn. Some brilliant shot stopping to keep us in it, was matched by some flapping punched clearances when the team was under heavy pressure after the Morrison dismissal. Evina showed an understandable ring rustiness, and almost caused Charlton problems early doors, but he improved markedly as the game went on. Apart from his wonder goal, Haynes caused Derby problems all afternoon, until he pulled up with yet another hamstring strain. Speaking of wonder goals, we almost had a second, when a sweeping movement involving Hamer, Solly, Wright-Phillips, and Kermorgant, left Pritchard to lift one over the Derby keeper and into the net. Unfortunately he crashed it off the underside of the bar instead, which was a shame, as it would have been a fabulous team effort from one end of the pitch to the other.

So, a draw to end a run of three successive defeats. Let's hope we have our best away day head on for Tuesday at Watford, as we will need to do far better than we have of late if we are to get anything from the high flying Hornets.

Charlton 1 Ipswich 2

A miserable day at the Valley weather wise was matched by events on the pitch. It is blindingly obvious that the midfield needs surgery, and has been for some time now. The arrival of Frimpong should have helped, but quite frankly it hasn't. Take a look at the Charlton Christmas message on YouTube to see that the Arsenal loanee's priorities probably lie in a career in marketing, so little wonder Wenger keeps loaning him out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SyfelpeQ6k

His rash challenge resulted in an Ipswich penalty, which fortunately DJ Campbell blazed wide of Hamer's right hand post, to save our midfield man's blushes temporarily at least. Frimpong's reward was to be subbed at half time, although my own feeling was that Stephens, (one free kick aside), was even less effective in a first half where nobody really stepped up to the plate.

Whilst Seaborne had probably one of his worst days at the office ever, and I'll forgive him that given the left side of midfield was being sucked inside to protect the fragility that exists at our heart, it is Stephens who really should be feeling ashamed of his performance. Directly responsible for surrendering possession on more occasions than I care to remember, he was directly responsible for one of the Ipswich goals, having yet again lost possession in midfield. To say that Charlton were not competing in the first half would be an understatement, and the manner of the "performance" in the first forty five will give Powell the  most cause for concern.

With a double substitution at the break, Pritchard and Jackson on for Frimpong and Green, we at least looked like we wanted to fight for it, but the sad fact is that our midfield is not coping too well at present, and that was a changed midfield from the side that faced Sheffield Wednesday as well. Powell knows where the real weakness in the team lies at present, but the question is will he be able to do anything about it when the transfer window opens in less than a weeks time?

If we assume he can only tinker, the very best I can see is that he may be allowed to buy one, and loan one. That is assuming that nobody gets sold of course, although I have no doubt that Wagstaff, Hollands, and possibly Green from the midfield department will at the very least be made available. Before the season started I floated the idea that Anthony Wordsworth from Colchester would be a good move for the left side of midfield, and I still think he would be, but what we really need is a Keith Jones playalike. We need a sideways scuttling crab who protects the back four, breaks up opposition attacking play, and passes the ball simply and most importantly, accurately. Whilst Dervitte can do a job there, an ankle biting, sideways passing brick wall with a terrier attitude is what we really need. Any thoughts as to who are welcome, as nobody springs immediately to my mind!

Charlton 1 Huddersfield 1

A curiously lacklustre affair this, in part accounted for by the miserable weather. As the first eight rows of the lower west once again enjoyed a design feature of the stand, that sees us all get soaking wet every time it rains, the two sides attempted to get to grips with a soaking pitch. Southern will feel aggrieved at his sending off, which at the time seemed harsh to me, and having now seen the incident back, I have some sympathy with his position. It looked 50:50 to me, but it did allow Charlton the opportunity to take the game, which was little less than half an hour old by the scruff, and attempt to make it four wins on the spin.

The fact that they did not, may in part be to do with a new central midfield pairing of Stephens with Arsenal loanee Frimpong. If Charlton can keep him fit, and if the player himself can maintain his discipline, and stay on the pitch, then this will be a marvellous signing. There were signs of ring rust from him in the early exchanges, but as the match went on, his class began to show, albeit that his debut was cut short by cramp. There will be a lot more to come from him, as his match fitness returns. He does like to play deep though, and Stephens never looks particularly convincing to me in the more advanced role. Perhaps with the return of Seabourne, Evina, or Wiggins, we may see Jackson alongside the Arsenal man, as that seems a more natural pairing to me.

There were too many low key Charlton performances yesterday, and so the numerical advantage that Charlton should have enjoyed did not really count for much. The Charlton goal was simplicity itself, with Pritchard crossing low to the centre of the goalmouth to be converted by Hulse, and the same player could have won it near the end with an unmarked header that had it been placed either side of the Huddersfield keeper would have seen us home. Instead the header went straight into Smithies hands.

As for the low key performances; in no particular order, stepping back into the shadows were Jackson, Kerkar, Stephens, and Hulse. In fainess to Kerkar, he always looks uncomfortable in the left back slot, and although Jackson poses a more potent goalscoring threat, I would have preferred to see the captain at left back, as playing a 4-4-2, there was more than enough goalscoring intent on the pitch to compensate.

Still, if anyone had offered ten points out of a possible twelve after the Midllesboro game, we would all have grabbed them disbelievingly, and at 15th in the table, nine points clear of relegation, and five off the playoffs, we are at last in midtable anonymity, a position I personally would be delighted with come the end of the season.

Charlton 1 Middlesboro 4

Other than confidence, there were really only two differences between the teams yesterday. The first was that if you are going to make a pass to a team mate, do just that; don't pass it straight to a member of the other team. Two of Boro's goals came from Stephens and Morrison, who both forgot this simple truth, and gifted the ball to the opposition who promptly strolled into our penalty area and scored. At least Morrison acknowledged his error, whilst Stephens meanwhile slunk off back to anonymity in midfield

The second difference was that you must take your chances. The scoreline may suggest that this was one way traffic, but it really wasn't. Charlton had as many chances as Boro, but crucially failed to convert any, other than a solitary Hulse effort early in the first half. Given that Charlton have been making a habit of not starting to play until the second half of games, you would have thought that an early goal and a solid if unspectacular first half would have given the team the launch pad for a welcome three points at home, but even at 1-0 up you just knew that it wasn't going to be like that.

Middlesboro converted pretty much everything that came their way, whilst Charlton laboured with little reward for their efforts. Indeed, it could have been worse if Hamer hadn't made at least two point blank saves, with a post denying Boro on another occasion. It is difficult to find anything new to say about Charlton's plight, or what can be done with our flimsy midfield that Powell is not already trying. The truth is that we are probably only a couple of players short of a decent Championship side, but unfortunately the shortage is in the same part of the field.

So, what to do on Tuesday against the league leaders? My own feeling is that Jackson should play at left back with the usual cast of Hamer, Solly, Morrison, and Cort making up the rest of the back line. I would put Haynes at right mid with Harriott on the opposite flank. I would probably try Kerkar and Hollands in the middle with Dervitte in front of the back four. Hulse would be on his own up top. One thing that Boro were very good at yesterday was speed on the break, where they quite frequently outnumbered us in situations like that, and it was all down to how fast they were to support the striker. Perhaps with Haynes and Harriott, we may have the raw pace to do the same to Cardiff on Tuesday. Here's hoping!

Charlton 0 Barnsley 1

Dull, Dull, Dull

I thought it after the game, and still think it this morning. Charlton were never really at the races yesterday, going down by the finest of margins. An all too familiar scenario this season. The truth is though, Barnsley bossed this game pretty much in its entirety, and would justifiably have felt robbed had they not come away with all three points. The issue as ever with Charlton, lay almost exclusively in the midfield.

So, are we lacking a creative spark?, or a defensive bedrock on which to build? The answer, sadly, is both. We can only dream about what might have been, had Powell been given a sensible amount of money to spend in the summer, as the centre of the park was always in need of strengthening. If we are to assume that in order to live within our means, means we have to make the best of what we have, then what to do? Could a fit Hughes provide at least the defensive base on which to build? One thing is clear to me though, Jackson playing in the centre is not the answer. A largely anonymous substitutes outing yesterday added nothing positive to Charlton fortunes, and the withdrawal of arguably our most effective player outside the back four in Razak to accomodate an orthodox 4-4-2, only made a poor situation worse.

Meanwhile off the field the club appears to be in some discord. I am deliberately understating this, as backstage the wheels appear to be coming off big time. If you were Chris Powell how long would you put up with what is happening at your beloved club? It's a serious question, as Charlton needs him far more than he needs Charlton. Strangely, it is a question that I, and other fans of my acquaintance are also asking of ourselves, and our own resolve. With a club that off the field is in turmoil, and a team on it that is showing relegation form, (we have less points now than we had at the same stage of our relegation season), how distant does last season feel now? Time to dig deep folks!

Charlton 1 Blackburn 1

Before the game, I thought we would lose. The combination of a Premiership squad at it's core, and the natural exuberance or hurt that might have been expected from a team no longer as Kean as it once was would be too much for us was my reasoning. Indeed, with a cleverly worked goal for them, and a missed penalty for us, all the signs were that we would be in for a difficult and ultimately fruitless game yesterday.

Whilst I still believe that our issues are in midfield, they were masked to a large degree yesterday by five across the middle. Whilst it was a formation enforced by the mystery virus that laid Fuller low, Kerkar and Green did well from the wide positions, although I was less convinced by Jackson playing in the hole. Having missed the penalty, I was pleased that the captain scored the equaliser minutes later, but with his injury likely to keep him out on Tuesday, and possibly Kerkar as well, it may well mean an enforced shuffle of the midfield pack. Whether it is too soon for loan signing Razak to make his bow, or whether Cook and Haynes are recovered enough from an operation and injury respectively are both debatable points, but I believe that a shakeup of the midfield is possibly no bad thing.

One thing that should be remembered is that the majority of this squad has never played at this level before, and as such they are on a steep learning curve. What was pleasing about yesterday was that the lessons are being learnt fast. We looked considerably better, and more dangerous than against Palace, and whilst a win was merited, the reality is that we are not sharp enough with our chances yet at this level. Wright-Phillips is not a sole striker, and his role yesterday along with Jackson's was enforced by the late withdrawal of Fuller. That the team did as well as they did with such little notice, bodes well for the rest of the season.

Charlton Athletic 0 Crystal Palace 1

So why so long to post a report? Well, to be honest I am finding it hard to get motivated by the club at present. This has nothing to do with losing two games on the spin, but more to do with the rapid deflation of the club's achievable ambitions in this division over the summer months. My enthusiasm has ebbed in much the same way as the club's fortunes, and like the club, I trust that it is only a temporary abberation.

As many have already said, Palace deserved to win this game. They were stronger, and seemed more motivated by it. The scoreline could easily have been more, if truth be told. Living deep in the heartland of the stripey Nigel as I do, my kids will no doubt be on the end of some stick for the next few days. My argument that it is character building will no doubt fall on deaf ears, just as most of what I say to them does anyway.

So, aside from the motivation, what did Palace do that hurt? For me, it was the play of Zaha, and in particular Bolassie, who was my man of the match, that caused us the most discomfort. Even with a conventional 4-4-2 to counter them, the Palace wingers gave us a pretty torrid time of it. Solly tried gamely to deal with it, but any attacking play down the flanks was largely curtailed, and with Wiggins out for two months now, as a result of trying to contain Zaha, our weakness at present was exposed, namely the midfield.

Jackson will not like anyone for saying it, but he has been largely ineffective this season, and whilst his displeasure at being substituted was obvious, it was equally clear that something needed to change. Was our captain any more ineffective than the other three midfielders though? With funding, I believe Powell would have picked up a creative central midfielder during the close season, as on the basis of this performance, none of Hollands, Stephens, or Pritchard seemed to be able to cope with the pressure that Palace exerted on them. Hollands and Stephens were both caught in possession all to often for my liking. I don't remember much incisive passing through the centre of the park, but I do remember a lot of route one punts from Hamer looking for Kermorgant or latterly Fuller.

Whilst Wright-Phillips had a perfectly good goal chalked off for an incorrect offside decision, a draw would have been an injustice to Palace, who were quite frankly better organised and motivated. As for the two or three idiots who at the end were shouting at Powell that it wasn't good enough, and that he should "sort it 'aht", all I can say is how short can the human memory be? Two defeats and out of the woodwork they pop. They certainly didn't help alleviate my already dark mood for all things Charlton that's for sure, and I just hope that funds will permit Powell to bring in a midfelder of suitable calibre. We could all do with cheering up at present, and I suspect Powell is no different in that regard.

To Hull & Back

Hello everyone, I'm back again. Or rather, I'm not! Having left the villa for Montpellier airport at 6am yesterday, I was undone by the M25 and the A2 in particular, as I attempted to get to my first game of the season after the annual DD family holiday. I don't know what happened to it yesterday, but the A2 was closed in both directions, leaving a clogged and static A225 to Dartford as the only option.

Not so, I thought, I'll duck back onto the M25, and try for Swanley, or failing that Bromley. It made no difference; everywhere was just a giant pile of static caravan poo. For those that made it by car from outside the M25, I salute you. I won't get to see the mighty reds until the Palace game now!

Contract End - June 2013

Bover Izquierdo
Clarke
Cort
Dervite-Vaussoue
Evina
Fuller
Harriott
Haynes
Hughes
Kerkar
Mambo
Osborne
Sullivan
Taylor
Wagstaff
Wright-Phillips

Contract End - June 2014

Cook
Green
Hamer
Hollands
Jackson
Kermorgant
Morrison
Pope
Pritchard
Stephens
Smith
Solly
Wiggins

Contract End - June 2015

Wilson

Squad & Board Movement

The activity thus far includes Jackson signing a one year extension, and Mambo and Bover both of whom have signed new one year deals. Of perhaps more interest is the arrival of Wilson and Cook. In some senses the lack of wow factor about these two signings shows how much less attractive Charlton are as a second division side than a third division one.

There has been much talk of ones that got away, but the reality is that there is not a deep pot of money for Powell to dip into in order to tempt some of the targets he has identified. Why not? Well, I am fairly sure that there is no smoke without fire, and that there is indeed an issue at board level. What will help me make up my mind one way or the other, is what happens to Solly with the arrival of Wilson.

In an earlier posting, I set out my reasons for Powell getting in somebody that is at least as good if not better than our current player of the year. Wilson fits into that category. If, however, Solly is now sold, then that will go a long way to convincing me that the main funder is about to, or indeed has left the building, and that we are potless once more. Delighted as ever to be proved wrong.

Contract End - June 2013

Bover Izquierdo
Clarke
Cort
Evina
Harriott
Haynes
Hughes
Kermorgant
Mambo
Osborne
Sullivan
Taylor
Wagstaff
Wright-Phillips

Contract End - June 2014

Cook
Green
Hamer
Hayes
Hollands
Jackson
Morrison
Pope
Pritchard
Stephens
Smith
Solly
Wiggins

Contract End - June 2015

Wilson

Summer Fun

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.

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!

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

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!

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)

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!

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?

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!

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)

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.  

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.