Croydon Addick

A right-back to write home about

2011-09-13T13:45:00.002+01:00

Charlton’s performance against Exeter on Saturday was not as intoxicating as we would have liked. In fact, it was pretty poor.

However, there were a couple of positives: the three points, of course, but also another excellent display from Chris Solly.

The Addicks right-back may lack the dynamism of Frazer Richardson – and, thankfully, Simon Francis’ concentration span – but he makes up for that with his intelligence on the ball.

Solly begins many of our attacks, has a fantastic understanding with the winger in front of him, Scott Wagstaff; and, as Saturday’s crossbar will testify, has a pretty fierce shot on him.

Yet, he has shown during the embryonic stages of this season that he is possibly the most defensively adept full-back Charlton have had in some time.

He has a diminutive stature – as forumers on Charlton Life never tire of telling you – but that very rarely proves his downfall, and he has come out on top in most of his duels with opposition wingers.

The Addicks youth product seems pretty unflappable, makes excellent decisions, and mops things up at the back very well when Michael Morrison and Matt Taylor have their dodgy moments.

It has taken Solly a while to cement a place in the Charlton side but now he’s there, he’ll take some shifting.

After Saturday’s trip to the Valley, I opted to watch football from my sofa the following day.

With a cup of tea and a quartet of crumpets at hand, I decided to peruse ESPN’s Serie A offering of Juventus v Parma, the first competitive game at the new Juventus Arena.

The hosts – augmented by a summer recruitment drive that saw them sign Andrea Pirlo, Mirko Vucinic and buccaneering Swiss right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner – were brilliant in claiming a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

What made the game even more enjoyable was the work of the co-commentator – Addicks alumnus Mervyn Day. Our erstwhile first-team coach made some very well–structured and incisive points, something that many ‘analysts’ fail to do. Well done Merv!

Charlton are back in action tonight against Preston in the Carling Cup, an extremely winnable tie even if Chris Powell, as expected, makes a cavalcade of changes.

Bradley Pritchard, Cedric Evina and Jason Euell are all likely to get run-out and we may even see Mikel Alonso – if he exists that is.

Someone new and someone new-ish

2011-01-26T13:55:00.002Z

Shaun Wright-Phillips’ immediate future is still to be resolved, but his younger brother, Bradley, knows where he will be playing after penning an 18-month deal with the Addicks.

The 25-year-old has joined from cash-strapped Plymouth for an undisclosed fee and brings with him an excellent goal-scoring record – this season at least – having netted 13 times for the Pilgrims since September.

A slight concern is that the former Manchester City trainee is also carrying a knee strain – an ailment he insists is not too serious, but one that stymied a transfer to play-off chasing Championship outfit Reading earlier this month.

Further investigation reveals the Lewisham-born frontman has regularly suffered with a gammy patella since he arrived in Devon in 2009, so while Wright-Phillips’ merits are obvious, there is an element of risk to Chris Powell’s first signing as Charlton chief. I would, however, argue that it is a calculated gamble.

The Addicks have accrued someone with that sought-after knack of rippling the net and, because of Plymouth’s unfortunate financial plight, almost certainly for a knock-down price. The fact that Wright-Phillips is from the capital should also help him settle in quicker.

And the one-and-a-half-year deal ensures that should the ex-Southampton man’s knee flare up, or bust completely, he won’t become a financial burden, like the way Owen Hargreaves is rapidly becoming for Manchester United.

That’s quite a negative view, though, so let’s hope Wright-Phillips stays fighting fit and forges a potent partnership with one of Joe Anyinsah, Nathan Ecclestone and Paul Benson. I could even see the diminutive striker working well with the much-maligned Pawel Abbott – but I suspect the Polish Yorkshireman will have moved on from The Valley by the end of the month.

Those eagle-eyed readers amongst you will have noticed that I plan to talk about “someone new-ish” in this post as well, and that man is Alan McCormack.

The tough-looking Irishman has made an inauspicious start to his Charlton career due to a mixture of injury, a couple of sub-par performances and the presence of Therry Racon. But since caretaker boss Keith Peacock instilled the ex-Preston and Southend man on the right side of midfield, he has been quite impressive.

McCormack typified the spirit the Addicks showed at White Hart Lane and, by most accounts, was solid at Sheffield Wednesday as well. And against Plymouth, I thought the 27-year-old was superb.

He constructed a good partnership with former Shrimpers colleague Simon Francis down the flank, while his method of cutting inside and dragging Argyle’s left-back out of position allowed Francis plenty of space to bomb into. If the latter's delivery becomes more precise, that could bode well.

A central midfielder proving effective out wide. Have we found the new Nicky Bailey?

Powell and Plymouth

2011-01-20T15:24:00.003Z

One legendary Addick (Keith Peacock) took charge of Charlton when Phil Parkinson was given his marching orders, and on Saturday another will be in control when Chris Powell begins his managerial career in earnest.

The pros and cons of Powell’s appointment have been raised far more concisely and analytically in other blogs, so I won’t dwell on it too much, though I will add it was a choice that pleased me.

While, like many others, I was a sceptic last Thursday when the odds of our much-loved left-back returning to the club as manager kept dropping, and he was eventually named as the new boss by all media outlets – excluding the official site, of course, which only outpours news when every conceivable I has been dotted and T has been crossed – I believe we may have stumbled upon the perfect candidate.

Despite being a Valley hero, Powell will bring freshness to a club that that has had an air of depression for too long. His beaming smile and positive attitude will certainly change the mood of the place for the better.

Add that to his respected coaching techniques, his will to win and the admiration he immediately garners for his off-field endeavours (PFA chairman, ambassador for the ‘Kick Racism out of Football’ campaign), and it seems that Michael Slater and Tony Jimenez – and possibly Peter Varney and Richard Murray – have selected well. For the first time since Alan Curbishley, the Addicks board have picked a manager on the up, one without the stigma of losing.

Powell’s namesake, Charlton groundsman Colin, does not believe our new head honcho will suffer a debut defeat on Saturday and neither do I, though I can’t quite take Colin’s view that we will “run riot.”

When I have written this blog before, I have gone into detail about our opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, but quite frankly, my eyes hurt and I have a cold, a cat that won’t leave me alone and an episode of Neighbours cued up on Sky+ – it should be a good’un because it looks like that perpetual plotter Paul Robinson is about to embark on another nefarious scheme.

So with all that in mind I’ll make my preview short; Plymouth may have secured a morale-boosting victory over MK Dons in midweek, but they won’t triumph at The Valley. Chrissy Powell’s Red Army will do ‘em 2-1 in front of a raucous crowd – raucous by Charlton standards, anyway.

What if...

2010-10-20T15:59:00.001+01:00

I’m going to pose a question which at the moment is hypothetical but if there are any more performances like Saturday’s debacle will soon need answering: who should be our manager if Phil Parkinson packs his bags?

This post isn’t designed to lambaste Parky (if that’s what you want, I’m sure you wouldn’t have to look very far to find one), as I think our leader should be persevered with for the time being.

But say last weekend was not a blip but a sign of things to come, say we fail at Carlisle in a few days time and against Sheffield Wednesday in our next home fixture, and Richard Murray decides the only way we can move forward is by installing a new head honcho. Then what?

I’m opening up the floor to my readers, all two of you. Who would you select if Parky was no longer around? A proven name? An up and comer? Someone with Charlton connections? Or a name completely out of left field?

And without trying to sound like an examiner, if you are going to give me your view, back it up with a reason. There’s nothing worse than an opinion without substance – expect possibly Pawel Abbott’s diet.

I suppose I shouldn’t start a debate without airing my preference – Exeter manager Paul Tisdale. He is a bright young thing who knows the lower leagues, has worked wonders at St James Park in taking the Grecians from the Blue Square Premier to League One, has had to deal with a tight budget (something he would once again face at The Valley), plays some tidy football – and has some wonderful hats.

A look ahead to...Plymouth

2010-10-07T10:30:00.008+01:00

Which Charlton team will turn up at Home Park, I wonder? Will it be the professional, Leyton Orient-slaying side of week two, or the meek outfit that succumbed so easily to an albeit-talented Huddersfield during week four?

Will Parky's boys showcase the attacking flair of the first half against Dagenham & Redbridge, or the nervous, lacking-in-ideas display of the second half against Dagenham & Redbridge?

Will be there be a repeat of the cumbersome opening 45 versus MK Dons in midweek or a duplicate of the second period, where intent was discovered and quality was prevalent? I'm sure even our sweater-loving manager doesn't know.

On Saturday, however, The Addicks take on a side even more inconsistent than themselves. Peter Reid's Pilgrims began the term with a battling 1-0 win at Southampton but have not yet managed to claim back-to-back victories.

Argyle edged Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon in five-goal thrillers, but have also suffered home defeats to an attackingly-powerful Peterborough, league leaders Brighton and, perhaps most disappointingly, to Jeff Stelling's favourites Hartlepool last weekend. The men in green are only three points behind Charlton but that equates to nine places and they currently sit in 17th.

They do have quality, though, and it would be surprising if they were not in the play-off hunt come May, but they could be let down by their choice of leader. Reid is a charismatic and likable man, and someone that I'm sure most players would enjoy playing for. Yet, his recent managerial record has been tepid.

The Scouser did excellently to keep a waning Leeds side in the top flight in 2003 - a feat helped no end by a 6-1 demolition of Charlton at The Valley - but once he was given the permanent job the following season, he purchased plenty of dross and was sent packing in November. An uninspiring spell at Coventry lasted just eight months, before periods as Thailand head coach and Stoke assistant manager preceded his switch to Home Park this summer.

The gig in Devon is the former Bolton midfielder's first in club management since January 2005, a five-and-a-half-year gap. That is a long time to be away from the pressure cooker of being the top man, and a boss more au fait with League One could have been a better bet when the Argyle board pondered who should replace Paul Mariner following relegation from the Championship.

As I said, though, there is talent amongst the Green Army; Craig Noone is a tricky winger who impressed during a loan spell at Exeter last term and is now getting his chance at Home Park, while Bradley Wright-Phillips, whose formative years have been blighted by alleged off-field indiscretions, appears to have finally settled down and will be the Pilgrims' premier goal threat.

Argyle have experience to boot, with ex-Crystal Palace workhorse Carl Fletcher and the cosmopolitan defensive duo of Iceland's Kari Arnason and Marcel Seip of the Netherlands.

It should be quite the battle on Saturday, one which may be better suited to Pawel Abbott than Lee Martin. Our semi-Polish frontman netted a bullet header at MK Dons and his physical presence could be pivotal up against Argyle's seasoned backline.

Technically, the crafty Martin is our best player, but he has been a tad subdued in the last few games and could be better utilised as an impact player this weekend, if we need that spark in the closing stages.

Elsewhere, I would keep faith the full-of-running Scott Wagstaff on the right and the fit-again, MK Dons match-winner Kyel Reid on the left, who if he can steer clear of niggles and last the full 90 minutes, has the potential to tear this division to shreds.

Jon Fortune also deserves a start; his half-time introduction on Tuesday evening gave our rearguard a far more solid feel and he could form a formidable partnership with Christan Dailly. Gary Doherty would be the one to make way, but then he has been suffering with flu - and a frustrating case of lossofformitis.

A look ahead to...Dagenham

2010-09-23T17:41:00.012+01:00

I could begin this post by commenting on Charlton's fall from grace and our opponents' ascent to it, but having trod that path in my Notts County preview a couple of weeks ago, I won't rehash such banal spiel - I'll leave that to the speakers at the Liberal Democrat Party conference.

Instead, I'm going to focus on the hear and now. The previous few games have seen plenty of tweaks to the Charlton first team, some due to injury and others due to poor displays or tactical reshuffling - and it's fair to say that most of these minor adjustments haven't worked.

After collecting seven points from our initial three encounters, we have accrued just five from our last four, a situation made all the more frustrating because, Huddersfield aside, the teams we have faced are not as good as us. I blame Parky's mode of transmogrify for our relative mini-slump. I'm not opposed to change, I just don't like the way he is doing it.

In our first trio of matches, we were not carving teams apart and seducing all that watched us, we were merely efficient. Amongst that competence, however, there were some stand-out performances.

Scott Wagstaff looked lively and more mature on the right flank, Lee Martin seemed perfectly at home in that elusive position just off the main frontman, Pawel Abbott was an assured presence up top, and Chris Solly - whether starting or making encouraging appearances from the bench - was a vital cog.

But in the search for perfection - or as close as he is ever going to get to it with a League One side - Parky has opted to calibrate. The problem is in making those adaptions, he has dispensed with what was working in the first place, and left the problem areas unresolved.

Wagstaff, although he started last week, has generally reverted to "super sub", Martin has dropped back into a right-wing berth he doesn't feel as comfortable in, Solly has bizarrely disappeared from the matchday 18, and last week Abbott was benched, yet the under-performing Jose Semedo (yes, I have just come out with that bold statement) is a shoe-in to start, as is unconvincing left-back Johnnie Jackson.

I can sort of see Parky's logic; he reportedly spent a princely sum on Paul Benson, Solly's replacement Simon Francis is one of the best right-backs at this level when on his game (something he began to show against Notts County) and playing Martin wide does allow you to play two strikers rather than one - but all the vicissitudes have punctured any momentum and fluidity we had, not heightened it.

It's time for Parky to step up. If he has any idea what his best XI is he needs to select it and stick with it, and if he is still in a state of ponder, then he must make the correct alterations, and not just change for change's sake. We have more than enough to defeat the struggling Daggers at the weekend, but any more peculiar modifications and it could be a difficult afternoon.

A look ahead to...Tranmere

2010-09-17T12:06:00.002+01:00

When Charlton ventured to Prenton Park last season, almost everything went right. We scored four times in a positive and effervescent performance, Rob Elliot’s goal was not breached and to cap it all, Jose Semedo found the net – an event that proves you’ve had a good day.

A replication of that this weekend, though, looks unlikely. Our clutch of signings towards the back-end of the summer transfer window undoubtedly boosted the strength of our squad, but the influx of numbers has also muddled Parky’s thinking.

Should Paul Benson start? If so, who should partner him? What should do we do with Lee Martin? Who should comprise the back four? At the start of the campaign, our first X1 picked itself (mainly because we had very little in reserve), but now that our ranks have been swelled, is seems as though our manager is scratching his head as how best to fit everybody in.

Despite last week’s narrow – and extremely lucky – victory over Notts County, there is scope for change this Saturday. Parky openly criticised the way Benson and Pawel Abbott played as a unit, and coupled with the way Joe Anyinsah and Akpo Sodje gave us a huge lift when they entered the fray, I would not be surprised to see some striker shuffling.

Abbot was better then Benson, and his superior hold-up and link skills should secure him a starting spot in Birkenhead, probably alongside Anyinsah, whose pace could be an even greater asset away from home. That said, I can see Parky standing his ground and playing his two cash purchases in unison once again, but if that does happen, I would like to see a lot more from Benson than just willing running.

Elsewhere, Therry Racon should replace Alan McCormack in the centre of midfield. I barely noticed the cultured Frenchman in the second half against County, so either the game passed him by, or he got on with his job without fuss.

Whichever of those statements is true, he had a better afternoon than the off-colour McCormack, and should definitely be handed a start. We might be playing an out-of-sorts Tranmere, but we are likely to have less of the ball than we do at The Valley, so Racon’s ability to pick that defence-splitting pass could be crucial.

At the back, it will probably be same again. Simon Francis had his best outing in a Charlton shirt last weekend, Johnnie Jackson is an unenthusiastic but capable left-back, and with Christian Dailly injured and Jonathan Fortune (the first name on my team sheet if we get him anywhere near match fitness) having played about as many professional games of football in the last year as I have, Gary Doherty and Matt Fry should form our central-defensive pairing once more.

Miguel Llera could return, I suppose, to try and combat the commanding presence of 6ft 5in powerhouse Enoch Showunmi, but that would be harsh on West Ham-loanee Fry, who outshone the more senior Doherty against The Magpies.

The ‘Ginger Pele’ actually had quite a poor showing in our previous fixture and under most circumstances would be sweating on retaining his place, but with the Dailly and Fortune situations, I have no doubt that he will. I just don’t see any occasion where Parky would select Llera and Fry together by choice.

The goalkeeping conundrum is a simple one to decipher – if we snap up someone temporarily he plays, if we don’t Ross Worner does, with teenager Connor Gough providing cover on the bench.

Tranmere have begun this season like the last – not very well. They have beaten the occasionally electric but occasionally poor Peterborough 1-0 at home, held hotshots Huddersfield at the Galpharm Stadium, and clawed back a two-goal deficit to draw at Dagenham. But there hasn’t been much else to cheer about with defeats to Oldham, Bournemouth and Yeovil leaving them in the embryonic bottom four.

Early-term form only matters if you let it, though. Last year, Bristol Rovers were flying high and Southampton – admittedly with the frustration of a point penalty – were struggling to pick up results. Fortunes altered as the campaign progressed and I’m sure Tranmere’s will do too.

The strike partnership of Shounmi and Ian Thomas-Moore – now happy again it seems after handing in a transfer request during the summer – could do some damage, and they do have a solid hand in charge in ex-physio Les Parry. He kept them up last season after the ill-fated John Barnes reign and I reckon he’ll lead them to a safe mid-table position in 2010/11.

4-0 last year, I’d take 1-0 this (which of course is a stupid thing to say because if you win 1-0 every week, you’re going to have a lot of success). What I’ll be looking for most, though, is some team identity and cohesion – something that should clarify Parky’s currently-cluttered mind.

A look ahead to...Notts County

2010-09-09T17:17:00.003+01:00

This is a game that really emphasises how far Charlton have declined.

Since I got sucked into this mad world of football, I only really remember Notts County languishing in the lower reaches of the Football League. They may have been the oldest club on the planet but that accolade was not transferring into results.

While we were pitting our wits against Arsenal and Manchester United - beating the former and drawing with the latter - English football's pioneers were battling minnows, suffering severe financial problems, and struggling to preserve their status amongst the elite 72 teams in the country.

Fast forward to now, though, and we are on an even playing field. Whereas the Addicks' band of brothers failed in their attempt to jump up a division, the Magpies', like their namesakes up in Newcastle, did not. That said, their promotion campaign involved no shortage of tumult.

June 2009 created plenty of excitement when Middle Eastern consortium Munto Finance sauntered in. They brought money, which they used to acquire players far too good for League Two, such as Kasper Schemeichel and our very own Johnnie Jackson. Mild Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson followed and was instilled in a Director of Football capacity. Elevation was expected. The Premier League in the shortest possible time frame was the goal.

But County's success was modest. They floated around the play-offs, looked capable of surging forward but couldn't quite manage to sustain their push. Then Munto Fiance were proved to be dodgy, boardroom battles ensued and I think I even recall a rumour that the Magpies could have slipped into administration.

Ultimately though, some good old English intervention saved the day. New owner Ray Trew - a salt-of-the-earth chairman if ever I've seen one - entered with realism, reminding everyone that this is Nottingham, not Madrid and that such outlandish goals should be forgotten. They were aiming for Charlton, not Chelsea.

Steve Cotterill was the manager that led them to the peak of League Two and because of that, into League One. He left for Portsmouth over the Summer, though, and ex-Blackburn defender Craig Short plonked himself into the Meadow Lane hotseat.

County have had a mixed start to life in the third tier - losing their opening two games 3-0 before narrowly defeating Dagenham & Redbridge, drawing a six-goal thriller with Bournemouth and then last weekend, tonking Yeovil 4-0.

Browsing through their squad list, one name sticks out like a sore thumb - Lee Hughes. The ginger frontman once transferred for the entertaining sum of £5,000,001, but he made headlines for all the wrong reasons years later when after driving recklessly through a Warwickshire town, he collided with another car and killed one of the passengers. For his crime he was sentenced to six years imprisonment but ended up serving just three.

Whether or not Hughes deserves a second chance after performing such a stupid and dangerous act is up for debate, but I must credit the man for seemingly turning his life around. He could quite easily have felt sorry for himself and frittered the rest of his existence away, but he hasn't done that. He has got his head down, rebuilt himself and last season played a huge part in County's promotion. Some will argue that he can never redeem himself fully and that may be partly true, but he owes it to himself - and the man whose life he prematurely ended - to try.

This piece has taken a rather sombre and moralistic turn, so I will now return to the football. Other than Hughes, who is always liable to pop up with a goal, the Magpies also have experience in the shape of ex-Chelsea left-sider Jon Harley and guile in the form of 29-year-old midfielder Ben Davies. Goalkeeper Rob Burch has also impressed me whenever I have seen him but he is playing second fiddle at the moment to Stuart Nelson.

The Addicks have played second fiddle over the last few weeks, firstly to Huddersfield and then Exexter, and could really do with their first convincing home performance of the season on Saturday.

Conuty alumnus Johnnie Jackson should replace Matt Fry at left-back, while after a distinct lack of attacking substance in our previous few games, Scott Wagstaff and Therry Racon will be especially disappointed if they do not force their way into the starting line-up. Christian Dailly is out for a month or so with a fractured eye socket and missing man Kelly Youga won't play, but is stepping up his training schedule.

I'll be at The Valley as always, hoping for a win, but not quite believing that we are playing Notts County in a league game.

Transfer thoughts

2010-07-30T13:39:00.004+01:00

In news that has pleased me but might not go down so well with Chris Solly, Charlton have snapped up right-back Simon Francis from cash-strapped Southend. The 25-year-old follows former Roots Hall compatriot Alan McCormack to the Valley and once he is match fit, should slot in as our first choice number two.

Up the other end of the field, Sky Sports is reporting that we are closing in on the signing of Oldham striker Pawel Abbott. The gangly frontman was the Latics' top scorer last term with 13 goals, and even though he is not as prolific as he was in his Huddersfield days, the Pole's height, strength and ability to hit the target will bolster our strike force - sorry, give us a strike force.

That same article also informs us that Charlton have bid for another unnamed striker. I have heard rumours that this elusive figure is York's Richard Brodie - who scored an absolute bucketful in the Blue Square Premier last season - but it could also be on-trial Icelander Gunnar Thorvaldsson, who is still contracted to Danish club Esbjerg fB.

The Addicks' final pre-season friendly takes place this weekend, with Parky's boys visiting Vicarage Road to take on Watford. The old cliche is that friendly results don't matter - in this case, though, I'd have to disagree. The Hornets look one of the weakest Championship sides on paper, so we really should give them a stiff examination and aim to get in the groove ahead of the League One opener against Bournemouth next Saturday.

I hope Therry Racon is given a substantial time on the pitch in Hertfordshire, to reassure me that he is staying more than anything else us. I haven't heard too many rumours about the Frenchman swaggering through the exit door but he has had a quiet pre-season and I still have my suspicions he could be off.

The classy ex-Marseille man has not always bossed our games the way he should but - with the possible exception of Johnnie Jackson - he is our only central midfielder who can devise attacking openings and should he head for pastures new, it would be a substantial loss.

A busy few days

2010-07-08T16:20:00.015+01:00

It's been a mixed week down in SE7. There's been smiles and frowns, happiness and dejection, head scratching and hand clapping - and it's all been down to transfers.

In good news, there have been a trio of arrivals, and promises of more to come. Our first piece of business was to entice out-of-contract Norwich centre-back Gary Doherty to The Valley, though according to Parky the "Ginger Pele" didn't take much persuading.

The 30-year-old was heavily mocked back in his Tottenham days and being honest, he was probably never quite good enough for the North London outfit. At Norwich, however, he has been an extremely influential figure and enjoyed a very successful time of it last year, helping the Canaries to automatic promotion from League One.

After a tricky start under Paul Lambert, Doherty went on to become a regular in the East Anglian's back four, so probably didn't leave Carrow Road because his manager thought he was absolute tommyrot. I imagine it was just a case of having moved up a division, the Champions League-winning Scot could not guarantee our new recruit a starting berth.

Doherty is a solid and experienced pro, nowhere near as sluggish as he is perceived to be and with a lack of wise old heads in the Addicks' ranks at the moment, could be a contender for the vacant captaincy role. The deal gets a thumbs up from me.

I know less about Alan McCormack, but considering our official website labels him as an "engine-roomer", it suggests to me that he will a be a pugnacious, terrier-like presence in the centre of the park. For many years Charlton have been accused of having a soft midfield but with Jose Semedo (should we keep hold of him of course) and McCormack, there seemingly won't be a lack of snap this term.

Johnnie Jackson didn't set the world alight in his four-game loan spell with The Addicks last season, but he is a versatile bloke so I also welcome his signing. The ex-Notts County and Colchester man played at left-back during his temporary stint with us but while he may figure in that position going forward, I suspect he will be utilised in a more advanced role in 2010-11 - an area where his cultured left peg and dose of creatvity - I've seen him before and he does possess it - can make a greater impact.

That's fact dealt with, now on to possible retainees/recruits. Parky has told the South London Press that he is close to agreeing a deal with winger Scott Wagstaff, while he is also hopeful of extending veteran defender Christian Dailly's spell as a Red.

I always expected Waggy to commit - who else would want him? - but in all seriousness, the academy product has become an excellent substitute for us and if he does sign the necessary papers, it could be the season where he finally grasps a regular starting place. Lloyd Sam is all but gone after all.

Dailly would probably slot in alongside Doherty at the heart of the back four - a streetwise combination that could work well. Detractors would instantly bring up the 'pace' issue, and while I stuck up for Doherty's rapidity earlier on, it would be fair to say that he and Dailly would not form the fleetest of tandems.

Then again, the John Terry-Ricardo Carvalho partnership of a few years back was not blessed with swiftness, yet they were extremely difficult to breach, proving that speed is a bonus and not fundamental to the cause.

Released Sheffield Wednesday wide boy Etienne Esajas is on trial and the rumours of Kyel Reid returning will not abate, neither will the gossip that Warren Feeney is set to become an Addick. Maybe we will have a competitive squad after all.

The dejection and head scratching that I referred to stemmed from the departure of Frazer Richardson, who has become the latest man to join our silver-topped destroyer, Alan Pardew's, revolution at Southampton. The ex-Leeds full-back has signed for £450,000 and penned a three-year contract.

Richardson's exit comes as a shock, not least because Parky named him as a key player in a press conference last week, and I'm not going to sugarcoat it and say I am gladdened that Frazer is heading for pastures new, but we'll survive.

We've lost a right-back, an important but not the most important position on the field. However well he played last season - and he did play very well - nigh on half a million for a League One right-back with a year left on his contract, coupled with the fact that as a club we are potless, I don't blame the board for sanctioning the deal.

I'd be much more reluctant to lose Therry Racon, Kelly Youga, Rob Elliot or Semedo - although the frailty of our finances means that still might happen - and if Frazer's farewell makes it more likely that we keep some or all of that group, it will be good business.

Many believe Chris Solly is good enough to fill Richardson's boots and if he is not quite ready, I'm sure an adequate, if not spectacular, replacement will be found.

The transfer tittle tattle, as intriguing as it is, will take a back seat on Saturday when something more substantial comes along - our first pre-season match, which will be at AFC Wimbledon.

No doubt, though, that once the news, views and aftermath of that contest have been digested, we will be back scouring the papers, Internet or the minds of so-called club insiders, for information on which players we will be snapping up next.

Goodbye Dazza

2010-07-02T10:57:00.004+01:00

Darren Randolph has left Charlton after agreeing a three-year contract with Motherwell, news which came as quite a shock to me as I thought he was one of our few out-of-contract players who actually had a future at The Valley.

It is always disappointing to lose a player of promise but with Rob Elliot set to be our number one custodian next term, Darren is a player we can probably afford to part with.

Having two excellent (relatively) goalkeepers is a bonus but The Addicks need to get their entire squad in shape before they can deal in luxury. If Randy's exit allows us to draft in a decent young stopper/experienced campaigner on minimal wages, while also helping us pay the salary of that elusive 20-goal striker or rock-solid centre-half, it's one I can deal with.

I wish Darren well at 'Well because he did play an important role for us last season. His performance against Northwich Victoria in that ill-fated FA Cup tie prevented the non-league outfit from beating us at an absolute canter, and when he re-entered the first-team fray towards the end of the year following an injury to Elliot, he made some tremendous saves.

A last-minute stop at home to Leeds left us dreaming that - for a short time at least - we could clutch that final automatic promotion place, while the catalogue of efforts he blocked in the away leg of our play-off semi-final with Swindon kept us in the tie before we returned to The Valley for match two. Alright, we lost in the end, but without Dazza's intervention our demise could have come a whole lot sooner.

Whether you have a slight preference for Elliot between the sticks, or reckon Randolph should be our undisputed number one, there is not a lot to choose between them. (For the record, though, I think Darren is a slightly superior shot-stopper, but Rob is a more complete and authoritative 'keeper.)

In the end, one of them was always destined for a transfer. I'm not devastated it's Randolph who's gone, just a little bit sad.

World Cup Watch - France 0-0 Uruguay

2010-06-11T21:29:00.004+01:00

If the first game of the tournament was a vibrant and enjoyable one, then this evening's contest was more of a scrapfest.

It was probably to be expected. Neither outfit should be brimming with confidence, considering the great difficulty with which they qualified. One of the sides - and I can't quite remember which one - even had to resort to downright cheating in order to get to South Africa.

The French's problems don't even end at on-field indifference - there is major dissension in the ranks. Florent Malouda had a bust-up with manager Raymond Domenech, according to some media outlet, and supposedly many members of Les Bleus' squad don't see eye-to-eye with their coach. Someone should write a sitcom about it, entitled 'Everybody Hates Raymond', obviously.

So it was somewhat surprising that the Patrice Evra-captained French began the match in such vigorous fashion. West Ham-linked Sidney Govou should have put them ahead from a delicious Franck Ribery cross, Yoann Gourcuff might have from a swirling free-kick that Uruguay 'keeper Fernando Muslera palmed away well, while Nicolas Anelka also went reasonably close with a header.

But that intent from the Europeans soon dissipated and the game turned into a pretty laboured and bitty affair. Things didn't flow, there was no real quality and neither side looked capable of a moment of magic. Ribery, after a bright start, really went missing.

Forlan was pretty sharp, forcing Hugo Lloris to save smartly in the first half and slashing a powerful attempt wide in the second, and Abou Diaby and Jeremy Toulalan were France's stand outs, giving forceful performances from the middle of the park, but there wasn't a lot else to rave about.

You expected Domenech's charges to shed their meekness when Uruguay substitute Nicolas Lodeiro was sent off, the 21-year-old receiving a second booking for a nasty-looking lunge on Bacary Sagna.

But no. Malouda - more likely to give his boss a Glasgow kiss than a French one - Thierry Henry and the relatively unknown Toulouse forward Andre-Pierre Gignac made their side slightly more potent and Sagna did begin to buccaneer effectively down the right, but Muslera never appeared to be in any peril at any any stage.

These two may have been the favourites to advance from Group A at the start of the day, now though, things are a lot more open.

World Cup Watch - South Africa 1-1 Mexico

2010-06-11T16:58:00.007+01:00

If any pundits, journalists, football know-it-alls or wandering nomads tell you that Mexico's late-ish equaliser in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup will ruin South Africa's party, break their hearts, or shatter their dreams, ignore them, because it won't. The celebrations may have been dented, but obliterated? Most definitely not.

Bafana Bafana may lack the technical astuteness of their Group A rivals but, if the first game of this infectious tournament is anything to go by, they will more than make up for that with their athleticism and commitment. Even if they exit this competition at the first hurdle, they won't do it shrouded in embarrassment, they'll do it with intent and swagger.

Carlos Alberto Parreira's side struggled to match their South-American opponents in the initial moments of Friday afternoon's game, though. Rarely-showcased Spurs winger Giovani dos Santos had a chance well blocked by Portsmouth's Aaron Mokoena within the first two or three minutes, while Arsenal's Carlos Vela and recently-released West Ham striker Guillermo Franco also fluffed chances for the Mexicans.

Franco, in particular, should have done much better with his efforts, seemingly having his noggin on back to front, or upside down like Jake Tucker from Family Guy, due to the awfulness of his two headed attempts.

El Tri played in a very similar vein to the way they did in that friendly at Wembley a couple of weeks ago - full of guile and neatness, but lacking in penetration, and despite dominating the opening half, they could have fallen behind.

Everton's Stephen Pienaar - given a bizarre "baptism" by his team mates in the the pre-match huddle - had an opportunity to christen his nation's World Cup but struck his 16th-minute free-kick over the bar, while lone frontman Katlego Mphela narrowly failed to connect with exuberant winger Siphiwe Tshabalala's inviting cross moments before the break.

After the interval, however, the net was bulged. Just past the 50-minute mark, South Africa did what their rivals had failed to - turn intricate build-up play into a goal.

Clever passing through midfield and a killer final pass allowed Tshabalala to find himself in on Mexican 'keeper Oscar Perez's goal. The dreadlocked attacker still had a lot to do from the edge of the box, but fired in an absolutely thunderous strike that swelled the net and left the partisan crowd vuvuzelaing wildly. A real Tshabalala ding dong if you will.

That corking goal instilled confidence into the hosts and sapped it out of the tourists and the men in yellow almost went two up, but Tshabalala's fellow winger Teko Modise lost balance when poised to shoot.

South Africa thought they had got away with it when effervescent goalie Itumeleng Khune smartly saved a fierce effort from dos Santos, but they were pegged back when, with 79 minutes on the clock, Barcelona stalwart Rafael Marquez took advantage of some woeful marking to slot home Mexico's leveller.

The last ten minutes weren't exactly filled with goal-mouth action, but Mphela did spurn a chance for Bafana Bafana, hitting the outside of the post when latching on to a long ball.

South Africa may feel like they missed a winning opportunity, but they did something possibly more vital - they showed that not only does the country deserve to host this prestigious tournament, but that their football team fully justifies their place in it.

We sell Mr. Shelv to the Top Four

2010-04-28T15:16:00.008+01:00

Signed. Sealed. Delivered. Jonjo Shelvey has swapped the Reds of SE7 for the Reds of whatever postcode Anfield comes under and will become an official Liverpool player on May 10.

There may be many Addicks crying into their Bovril over the news that such a promising talent has vacated The Valley, especially considering the £1.7million that Athletic will receive up front is strikingly less than some of the figures that were banded about during the summer. But I still think the deal could work out well for all parties.

Parky remarked earlier this season that Jonjo was every bit as good - if not better - than Fabian Delph, who left Leeds for Aston Villa in a rumoured £7-8m deal last August. But to think we were going to receive such a princely sum for our teenage marvel was preposterous.

Delph had been a regular with the Elland Road side, turning in assured performances and being nominated for the League One Player of the Year. Shelvey has not even come close to that.

He has shown flashes of guile during this campaign, a cracking volley at Leyton Orient and some handsome little cameos from the subs' bench spring to mind, but as the year has progressed, JJ's involvement has been less frequent and it's become apparent that he is not yet ready for a permanent place in our first team. £1.7m with a host of add-ons seems about right to me.

Not only have Charlton accrued a satisfactory amount of Scouse wonger, with promises of more to come, they also hope to establish a "strategic partnership" with the Anfield giants courtesy of Shelvey's switch.

While to me that sounds like: "We pinch your best players whenever we choose and to appease you we'll lob a bevy of our promising youngsters your way on loan," I may just be being cynical - a horrible trait for one so young - and it could prove to be a fruitful alliance. Liverpool, despite their troubled season and boardroom difficulties, are still a top-draw club and if they can assist us in any way, we would be foolish not to take them up on the offer.

As for Shelvey, he should thrive on Merseyside. I think Kenny Dalglish is back involved with Liverpool's youngsters and as a man who played in JJ's position, the Scot could have a huge impact on his career growth, while Steven Gerrard could also teach the Romford-born playmaker a thing or two - I'm thinking striking a football and pinpoint passes rather than how to act in a bar. (Though of course, as Stevie G was found innocent on all charges in that case, he has nothing bad to share with Jonjo).

To conclude, Charlton have a sprinkle of spondulix for a squad player, a likelihood of more coinage in the future and a possible faction with a high-brow club, Jonjo will get the prestige of joining a footballing giant and the chance to play for some terrific fans, while Liverpool pick up a young, hairless geezer with a very bright future. A simple explanation that needed nowhere near as many words as I devoted it. Oh yeah, and sorry about the title of this post, it is awful and not even factually correct.

A look ahead to.....Stockport

2010-03-04T20:09:00.008Z

"A Greater Manchester off-licence would do this." The question is one of the only cryptic crossword clues my hideously-vacant brain has ever been able to decipher, while the answer is, of course, Stockport, a town whose football team The Addicks play host to this weekend.

After our recent less-than-inspiring home performance against Brighton, we could not really ask for much better opposition than The Hatters. Gary Ablett's men are nine points from safety and look cast-iron certainties to slip into League Two at the campaign's culmination.

It would be fair to say that County are not cock-a-hoop at the moment, though the mood in the camp will surely have been lifted by some positive off-field news, provided by an ex-Addick of all people.

Jim Melrose - a striker who graced Athletic's ranks between 1985-87, and, according to that beacon of fact, Wikipedia, is blessed with the middle name Millsop - has seen his consortium's bid for Stockport accepted by the outfit's administrators. It will hopefully see the flailing Hatters secure themselves as a live-and-kicking football club, something far more important than the division in which you compete.

Anyway, that's enough of the niceties, I hope we give 'em a pasting, and I'll tell you how we can, by doing what we should have done against Brizzol Rovers, Brighton and Saaaaarfend.

Tell Sam to go roaring down the right flank, demand that Reid - our saviour last week in Essex - does the same on the left-hand side of the pitch, and implore a centrally-positioned Bailey to showcase his captaincy abilities by taking the game by the scruff of the neck.

The Roots Hall smash and grab will probably mask the fact Akpo Sodje and David Mooney were inadequate for most of the match, as with the former scoring and Deon Burton still struggling fitness-wise, our strike force is unlikely to change. Nor will there be an alteration in goal, though after Friday's howler, Rob Elliot will want to put in a fault-free display.

If every other player follows our custodian's lead, we should win. With our closest rivals facing some comfortable-looking weekend fixtures, we need to.

A look ahead to.....Brighton

2010-02-22T13:03:00.002Z

Work commitments prevented me from visiting The Valley this weekend so presumably I missed scenes of jubilation as The Addicks rediscovered the winning feeling. I will wend my way to SE7 on Tuesday night though, but further celebration should not be taken for granted.

Despite their lowly league position and the fact they are winless in seven games, our midweek visitors will be a tough nut to crack. Gus Poyet's men were only denied victory at faltering Leeds on Saturday due to a 95th-minute equaliser and performed admirably at Norwich a week previous before being undone by a late double salvo.

The Seagulls have won five, drawn seven and lost just four of their 16 matches on the road and hold the sixth best away record in the division. That is in stark contrast to their form at the withered Withdean, where they have picked up nine points in 15 outings.

Striker Glenn Murray will have to be monitored closely, his penalty at Elland Road on Saturday taking his season's tally to 15, while ex-Wolves winger Elliott Bennett and on-loan Newcastle midfielder Kazenga LuaLua - brother of back-flip lover Lomana and cousin of ex-Addicks loanee Tresor Kandol - should supply the guile. Defender Adam Virgo was red carded at the weekend though, and will be suspended.

As long as Frazer Richardson and Rob Elliot shake off groin injuries, the Charlton team should not be altered, with Miguel Llera keeping Sam Sodje on the bench, David Mooney doing likewise to Sam's brother Akpo, and the stylish Therry Racon preferred to the more defensive-minded Jose Semedo.

I would, however, like to see Jonjo Shelvey reinstated to the bench. The 17-year-old is mercurial but has the necessary pizazz to enter the fray and swing a game in our favour - something that we may require against the stubborn Seagulls.

A look back at.....Bristol Rovers

2010-02-16T15:00:00.003Z

In some reasonably positive news, it has been revealed that Grant Basey has damaged his ankle ligaments and not shattered his leg as first feared. Let's hope the academy graduate makes a full and speedy recovery.

There isn't much else to be pleased about following last night's defeat at Bristol Rovers and we look a shadow of the side that was so exuberant in the early stages of the campaign.

Commitment cannot be called into question but quality, invention and ideas can and if a stimulus is not found soon, our play-off hopes, never mind our automatic promotion fantasies, could be dashed.

Parky's pre-match promise that we would get at Bristol Rovers from the off didn't seem to correlate with the starting line-up he had chosen. I expected two wingers, and Nicky Bailey bombing forward from a central position, but instead we had a more rigid midfield formation and never really had the cadence or destructiveness to put our hosts in peril.

Our extremely brief moments of joy in the first period came when our ginger-haired skipper and the svelte Lloyd Sam opted to go wide and tried to whip in crosses. With that in mind, it was strange to see David Mooney enter the fray as a half-time substitute and not one of our reserve wide boys, Kyel Reid or Scott Wagstaff.

Though to be honest, a difference of personnel and/or formation may not have made an iota of difference, it just wasn't our night.

The disasters began just 12 seconds in with Rovers midfielder Dominic Blizzard's appalling lunge on Basey. I seriously doubt there was any malice on the offender's part and after seeing the incident with his own eyes, I imagine he is bitterly upset with what he has done.

But Blizzard's challenge deserved a straight red card and if - as expected - the only reason he was spared was because it was in the embryonic moments of the game, then that is shocking. I wouldn't be pardoned for running somebody over just because it was early in the morning.

Bailey's rebuked penalty appeal, Mooney's golf ball-like forehead protrusion, a relatively small allocation of second-half stoppage time compared to the shenanigans that had taken place - nothing went our way. I'm not saying they are the reasons we lost, just unneeded annoyances that did not help us.

Grievances are par for the course, however, and Charlton have to learn how to overcome them. Our rut cannot become an epidemic because the teams below us are good enough to capitalise.

A look ahead to.....Bristol Rovers

2010-02-14T11:00:00.005Z

There are a lot of unanswered questions in the world - is Charlton blogger Hungry Ted always peckish? Do people really put their gold in an envelope and send it off to dodgy companies in the hope of renumeration? Why did I stay up and watch the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics on Friday night?

What I really want to get to the bottom of however, is why Charlton are so bad when their games are shown live on TV? It could be a curse, a sinister, evil one that we will never shed no matter what supposed antidote we have at our disposal. More likely though, the gogglebox has caught us on our off days.

When battling Northwich Victoria and Leyton Orient, we struggled with the expectation of success, while against Southampton in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, we did not have a first-choice side out, Pardew's posse played well and, with the greatest respect to the competition, it was far from a priority.

With those previous excuses in mind, our telly excursion at Bristol Rovers could be perfect for us. The Pirates are out of sorts at the moment so we have a great chance of winning but won't be overwhelming favourites, and we should - bar the ebullient Kelly Youga - have a full-strength squad from which to pick.

So tell your friends and family to bypass socialising, reading, cooking, working and even the excellent Channel Five series "Paul Merton in Europe," because The Addicks are going to be showcased on the small screen and they are going to be the victors. Only a curse can stop us.

A look back at.....Swindon

2010-02-07T12:02:00.004Z

Swindon must like Charlton as much as Wayne Bridge likes John Terry. After thwarting The Robins' chances of victory with a last-minute, nine-man assault on Boxing Day, The Addicks performed a similar trick on Saturday afternoon, albeit with a full quota of players still on the field.

Forced to work at the time, I was devoid of radio commentary or Sky Sports analysis and had to obtain my info from the BBC website. The Internet told me Danny Wilson's men had 63% possession to our 37, more corners, and a higher number of shots on and off target, while text updates also insinuated it was all Swindon. Yet somehow Bailey weaved his magic and salvaged us a point deep into stoppage time.

Betting is not a strong facet of mine but I am pretty sure our captain's fornicate-with-wife (this time an unintentional John Terry reference) chant was sung in full force by the travelling Addicks.

With Norwich finally losing and Leeds chucking away a lead at Hartlepool, a weekend that looked dodgy at 3:20pm and horrible at 4:30pm turned out alright at five o'clock.

The bad news is we are on telly next week. Yikes.

A look ahead to.....Swindon

2010-02-04T20:04:00.007Z

When I was at school, a girl in my class moved to Swindon. I remember her leaving party quite well. It was the day before the Easter holidays, we had Panda Pops, Party Rings, Pringles and stuff that doesn't begin with the letter P as well. As the festivities came to a close, I thought I had seen the end of my Wiltshire-bound peer.

So imagine my surprise when I strolled in after the Spring break and saw her plonked in her old seat. I shook my head, closed my eyes and then pinched myself but it made no difference, she was still there.

"Wh....why?.....er....didn't you?.....Why aren't you in Swindon?" I asked, in a far less eloquent style to which I now speak. "It wasn't for us," she said, "It was a bit dull, nothing really goes on."

I bet she wouldn't be saying that now. The town hosted Radio 1's Big Weekend in 2009, has a thriving music scene and - unfortunately for us Addicks fans - the area's football team is on fire.

Danny Wilson's outfit have lost just one of their last 12 league games, nine of which have been victories, won their previous six home matches - a run that includes a three-goal tonking of Leeds - and are scoring goals for fun.

Billy Paynter and Charlie Austin are the Robins' premier net bulgers, with 24 league strikes between them this term. So prolific are they, that of Town's 22 goals since November, the deadly duo have scored 20, with defender Scott Cuthbert and on-loan Bolton striker Danny Ward the only other men to hit the target.

Swindon did show signs of weakness last weekend though, surrendering a two-goal lead to draw at cash-strapped Southend, and they may be too focused on an Addicks revenge mission on Saturday after not seeing us off on Boxing Day when they looked set for victory and we had nine men.

For those reasons, I have this sneaking suspicion that we are are going to take the three points. I'll post again some time on Sunday afternoon, explaining how hideously wrong I was.

An extremely brief Walsall summary

2010-02-02T21:48:00.005Z

I don't enjoy watching Charlton's in-game match updates on Sky Sports News. Even if you get a good reporter, it is very difficult to fully comprehend what is happening. But that task is made doubly taxing when your newshound is John Salako. How am I supposed to know what is going on when - by the sounds of it - he doesn't? I wish they'd given Scott Minto the job. I like Minto.

What I did gather from Salako's oratory - other than the amazing news we were playing Dion Dublin up front - was that we dominated the game and once we had equalised on the stroke of half time, there was no real danger of defeat.

Due to our stuttering home form, however, a solitary point on the road was not good enough, we needed all three. We also need someone to start finding the net on a more regular basis. I knew we should have kept hold of Danny Butterfield.

A look back at.....Tranmere

2010-01-30T20:35:00.004Z

I cannot argue with you naysayers, that wasn't good. I'll try to stick up for the Addicks as much as possible, but sat here at my laptop, three hours and 40 minutes after the denouement of the match and with more than a few drops of amber nectar inside me, I'm struggling for positives.

Kyel Reid was a plus, I suppose. The ex-West Ham winger was pacy and direct - were you watching Lloyd Sam? - and could be the answer to our left-sided dilemma. It is just a shame many more problems have arisen.

Darren Randolph - more used to being inside a Saturday that playing one one - hardly oozed confidence after replacing the injury-stricken Rob Elliot between the sticks, and our defence, which usually has at least an ounce of resolution, appeared totally kamikaze when aiming to snuff out Tranmere's many attacks.

The amount of times our players wait for the ball to hit them on the head, rather than fight tooth and nail to smash it clear with their noggins, frightens me, a criticism I target mainly towards Grant Basey.

Nicky Weaver's golfing buddy is a talented man and he does have a gem of a left foot, but a full-back he ain't. I've always thought he was a poor man's Gareth Barry - alright, a destitute man's Gareth Barry - much better suited to a midfield role.

Our current crop in the centre of the park worked hard but they were often bypassed by long balls from 'keeper and defence, kicks that seemed to have been made my Moses, due to the regularity with which they parted our front two, the technically-sound Deon Burton and the scrawny David Mooney.

The on-loan Reading man impressed me during his earlier loan spell with the Addicks, so much so that I described his return to SE7 as - and I quote - "excellent", but the Irishman has been largely anonymous since his reintroduction, and surely it cannot be too long before Leon McKenzie is handed a start.

Eight points off Norwich with a game in hand is no crisis, just a worrying divide, and hopes of an automatic return to the Championship have not yet been obliterated. But as a feisty, long-locked bloke two rows in front of me bellows with alarming regularity, Parky needs to "sort it out."

Oh yeah, and for those of you on tenterhooks following my aubergine-inspired blog earlier this week, I added the purple delicacy to a pasta dish. It wasn't outstanding but it did a reasonable job, a food equivalent of Frazer Richardson.

An aubergine-provoked post

2010-01-28T12:50:00.007Z

I purchased an aubergine this week. Nothing sinister in it, I just fancied a change. I've become slightly bored of other vegetables, I've lost my zest for the pea and my adoration of the carrot, so I made a decision to try and spice up my meals and add some moxie to my dinner plate. I wonder if Phil Parkinson will have the same idea with regards to the Addicks' starting line-up.

I don't mean he should field an aubergine at left-back - feel free to insert your own Grant Basey criticisms - because that would be stupid, vegetables do not have feet. But after the trite performance that the Reds put on against Leyton Orient, you have to expect Parky to make some alterations to the first XI.

Leon McKenzie has made some decent contributions from the bench in the last month or so and I would like to see him begin proceedings at the Valley on Saturday. The ex-Crystal Palace man prefers to play up front but he looks to be fairly adept on the left side of midfield, Charlton's most troublesome position.

If he did start - probably in place of David Mooney - the 31-year-old could occupy a wide berth when we need him to but have the license to join Deon Burton when he can. McKenzie's presence would free up Jonjo Shelvey - or perhaps even the seldom-seen Therry Racon - to push forward and impact on the game from a central area.

The Addicks should be given a stiff examination by Tranmere, as despite the Birkenhead outfit's lowly league position, they are on the up. Les Parry - who took over from the hapless John Barnes - has galvanised the Whites and following Tuesday's victory over Yeovil, they have only lost two of their last nine league encounters, winning four. Rovers also gave a spirited account of themselves in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Wolves earlier this month, but they are not so industrious outside of Prenton Park.

The Merseysiders have amassed a solitary away league victory this term - and that was at second-bottom Wycombe - while John Aldridge's former club have scored in just four of their 13 games on the road and been barren in their last three. Then again, Leyton Orient had a pretty bad travelling record when they headed to the Valley.

I'm done with predicting who scores and who wins but you have to hope that our players are inspired by the spannering we gave Tranmere in August and come out full of beans. I'll be there to witness the match but until then, I need to figure out what to do with an aubergine.

Good luck Palace, genuinely

2010-01-26T18:58:00.004Z

The title of this update is meant without an ounce of irony. I have no problems with the Eagles struggling because they have bad players or a dopey manager, I just don't want to see them capitulate because of off-field issues.

From the outside looking in, it would appear that Ambrose and co have pulled together brilliantly in times of financial uncertainty and their position of just outside the play-offs is a tremendous achievement. I hope that if the 10-point deduction is enforced they can regroup and remain in the Championship - just. Think about it Addickted, who knows how close we were/are to suffering the same fate.

No more telly, please

2010-01-26T16:15:00.002Z

I've come to the conclusion that Charlton Athletic and live TV are a mix made in hell. First it was the debacle of Northwich Victoria, next came the misery of Southampton and now the frustration of Leyton Orient. Sure we've had our moments on the gogglebox, the 1998 play-off final - which as the "About Me" section on this blog explains is the premier reason why I started supporting the Addicks, and that magnificent Boxing Day in 2003 when we walloped Chelsea 4-2.

But when I try to think about other Charlton games that graced the small screen, I can only recall us getting slaughtered by Manchester City or a 3-0 home defeat by Liverpool in our Premier League relegation season which was the most one-sided football match I have ever seen in my life. Please media, just leave us alone.

A bounty of other excellent Addicks blogs may decide to pour scorn on Monday's dreadful performance so I shall try to refrain, as hard as that may be. The wider picture is that as Hungry Ted remarked a home defeat was coming and it would be foolish to think we would not have any Valley-based setbacks during the campaign. Norwich cannot keep up their level of lethality and Leeds' mind could be frazzled by their cornucopia of games. This promotion race has plenty of twists and turns ahead of it.

Hartlepool review, Orient preview

2010-01-21T18:29:00.008Z

Are we fast becoming Jose Mourinho's Chelsea? We certainly do not have the wealth, the fame, the star players, or the much-revered manager that that team enjoyed but we are sure learning how to scrap for points and eke out victories, as proved in midweek.

Quality was significantly lacking on Tuesday night, but when push comes to shove the most showy sides often fall by the wayside and the ones with spirit and fight usually prevail. I would like us to play an intoxicating brand of football but I'd love it if we got promoted. And we are more likely to do that with grit than with grandeur.

That's not to say there were no concerns in midweek. Our defence can at times be outpaced and I still advocate that if we are going to add anybody else to the squad, it needs to be a speedy centre-half. And despite our obvious resolution, there were times against the Monkey Hangers when we looked short of incisive ideas.

But if you take a close look at our last five games, you will swiftly see that in each one of them we have recovered from a setback to garner something, whether that be going behind or being pegged back when all appeared hunky-dory. If we keep doing that, a paucity of guile will not really matter.

I don't think our recent lack of craft will continue, however. I mean, I don't expect us to be as cutthroat as Norwich in front of goal but I do believe our more visionary players will rediscover their mojo in the coming weeks; Burton because he will have more matches under his belt, Sam because of the increasing pressure on his place from Wagstaff and Shelvey because he looks set for a run in the team.

Our much-heralded bald maestro did not sparkle consistently on Tuesday night but he worked his socks off, despite some unfair criticism from the crowd, and was at the heart of our albeit rare penetrative moves. I hope he keeps his place against the O's next time out.

Orient's fans, being Laaaarndoners and all that, should bring a bit more spice and atmosphere than Hartlepool's 12 watchers did, which should bode well for the Addicks, who have played better this season when passion has exuded from all four of the Valley's stands.

O's supporters will head to SE7 in good voice then, and their players should come with an injection of confidence following their 2-0 win over Yeovil in midweek, the Reds' first victory in six and a result that lifted them out of the bottom four.

Centre-back Tamika Mkandawire - a rumoured Athletic target earlier this term - opened the scoring and could be a danger to us in both boxes, even though he did royally cock up when we visited the Matchroom Stadium in August.

Footballing antique, ex-Charlton geezer and a man my Addicks-loving friend insists should be playing for us now, Scott McGleish, sealed the O's win against the Glovers and will no doubt be a pest. Jason Demetriou and John Melligan are also far from devoid of talent.

But the main thing is that they are not better than us, so my crystal ball foretells home win number 10 - probably in true Mourinho style, but most definitely without a mankini-clad pillock.

A look ahead to.....Hartlepool

2010-01-18T19:46:00.002Z

I do love night games. The chill in the air, the glistening of the lights and the added atmosphere that an evening kick-off provides. I cannot imagine that our visitors are looking forward to the match with as much vigour however, following their weekend spannering by MK Dons.

But rather than take to the field expecting the Monkey Hangers to capitulate once again, we must come out all guns blazing, stamp on them while their are down, pummel them and pummel them and pummel them and huff and puff and blow their metaphorical house down until they are weeping and begging us to stop with whatever energy they have left. But we must never stop, we most continue the onslaught until the referee puts the whistle to his lips and blows defiantly to signal the end of proceedings and then, and only then, can we go on our merry way, revelling in the fact we have closed the gap on our automatic promotion rivals. Like I said, I'm going to enjoy it.

Loan ranger Mooney back with Addicks

2010-01-14T12:38:00.003Z

In some excellent news, Dave Mooney has penned another loan deal with the Addicks, initially for 28 days, though it could be extended until the end of the season.

The Irishman hardly blew us away with his ability, but he proved to be a good foil for Deon Burton and I have high hopes that that partnership can flourish again. Mooney looks pretty weedy, yet he has handled the physical challenges admirably, while he also has enough pace - a necessity when playing with the crafty-but-slow Burton - and seems to have an incisive footballing brain, if you will pardon the cliche.

With Leon McKenzie getting stronger all the time and the vivacious Chris Dickson back in SE7 and eager to impress, all of a sudden we have a plethora of attacking riches. Well, maybe that it is a slight exaggeration.

A look ahead to.....Wycombe

2010-01-13T16:33:00.003Z

As Wyn informed us on "Addick's Championship Diary", the steepness of the Adams Park surroundings means supporter access could be a little tricky, so despite the playing surface supposedly being in tolerable shape, the weekend's game with Wycombe is still far from certain to go ahead.

While previous postponemets may have given our ailed an oppportunity to - in the words of Dizzee Rascal - "fix up" and "look sharp", they also allowed surging Norwich to spring above us in the table, so another cancellation is not desired.

The Chairboys seem more of a threat than before having claimed a point at Elland Road last week and given our adversaries, the Canaries, a stiff examination the previous Saturday, but three "top" teams in a row could be too much for them too handle.

If the game does take place, the algific conditions should ensure that cultured passing and dainty flicks are out of the equation, so hopefully Frazer Richardson - the antithesis of subtle - is fit to make his comeback.

Elliott Omozusi has blossomed of late following a decent amount of stick during his early Valley days, and has definitely done enough to extend his time in SE7, but rugged Richardson would give us a bit more power.

Deon Burton and Christian Dailly should also reappear, the former after a stupid sending off and dead leg, and the latter having shed illness, but I have no idea if Kelly Youga is close to returning to the fold. I am, though, pretty sure that a one-legged Noel Edmonds is more likely to figure than the lesser-spotted Dean Sinclair, now back with the Addicks after the expiration of his loan deal with Barnet.

I also belive that if we do take to the field, we will record a convincing 3-1 win. Now that would kick 2010 off nicely.

Izale McLeod to Peterborough, Really?

2010-01-10T14:13:00.005Z

If I ever go skydiving, I am not going to use a dodgy parachute. I will want constant reassurances that the big fabric thing attached to my back will work, and that I will not die if I use it.

By the same token, if I was the manager of a football team that was bottom of the Championship, fighting for its life to stay up, I would not purchase a player who for most of his career has done bugger all. My intention would be to acquire someone with a reputation for making a difference.

So I cannot believe that Peterborough boss Mark Cooper has signed Izale McLeod, albeit on a loan deal. The Posh need instant heroes; a creative spark, a proven goal scorer, not an undefined striker whose only asset is pace. It could be an under-the-radar masterstroke but if Izzy plays a significant role in keeping Cooper's men afloat, then the world really is a peculiar place.

A look ahead to.....Hartlepool (sort of)

2010-01-06T17:42:00.004Z

I hate writing sometimes. There are occasions when I think I'm good at it and on some bright and breezy days, I even believe I have the makings of scribing superstar and what's more, I love the experience. But a lot of my life is spent sitting in front of a computer waiting to type, either because somebody needs me to, because I need me to or because I think I should and I absolutely detest it.

My mind isn't in gear, I don't know what to say or if I do, how to say it. I am unsure about how to start the wordy exchange, what to base it on and how to wrap it up. I feel like a complete failure and a disgrace to the profession of spewing words in written format. I then look in magazines and newspapers, searching for inspiration but all I find is resentment that I will never be as good as the people whose work I am wading through. And I feel like that right now.

I tell myself to blog about Charlton every week, not of course for monetary gain or even because I want to impress, inform or entertain people but because I would loathe myself if I didn't. If I cannot write about one of the few things that I truly care about than I might as well pack it all in now.

Sometimes my frustration gets the better of me and I don't air my Addicks-based thoughts but then I feel even more of a let-down, so even though I am having one of my meltdown days, I have forced myself to switch on my laptop, perch myself in front of it and type, despite the fact I would rather be doing a whole host of other things.

It's not going to be a captivating read, mind you. When I get annoyed my entire day falls into ruin, so I am not prepared to conduct any research on Hartlepool - even though I will have to later in the week for another writing obligation that I despise. So my preview will consist of this - they are mid-table but we should win. That was worth waiting for wasn't it?

I really hope Saturday survives the country-wide big chill. Not so we can try and overhaul Norwich and re-leap back into the top two, although that would warm my cockles. No, the reason being that sitting in the west stand of the Valley is one of the few occasions I feel at ease.

It doesn't matter whether we are giving another a team a right pasting or on the receiving end of an obliteration ourselves. There's nothing I can do. Sure, I can cheer and try to gee the boys up but I cannot control what goes on between the white lines. I can watch and be happy, safe in the knowledge that I am free from pressure.

Not like in social or work situations, where the onus is on you to make your mark. I don't need witty banter, esteemed intelligence, an understanding of what it is I am supposed to be doing. I don't even need to look the part. I just sit, level with the halfway line, an overly-shouty man to the left of me, a pleasant elderly couple to the right and a flat cap-loving fellow in front. I breathe in the air, watch Bailey and co weave their magic or play abysmally and I am content. When I enter Bartram's at the denouement of the match, my anxieties and frustrations return but for those 90-odd minutes, I feel alive.

Anyway, that's enough from me. Enjoy the game.

A look ahead to.....Walsall

2010-01-01T12:25:00.001Z

Happy New Year Addickted, and welcome to a brand spanking new decade. Yeah, I don't feel any different either. Parky and his merry men will begin the 2010s - or whatever crap moniker society comes up with to call the next ten years - with a trip to the West Midlands. How exciting.

Our destination is the Banks's Stadium, but Walsall's home ground will always be the Bescot to me. I just don't like the s-apostrophe-s formation in Banks's, it looks peculiar, like a semantic equivalent of Peter Beardsley.

Anyway, when we arrive at the Saddlers' (see what I've done there, added an apostrophe and bypassed the second s) hideously-named abode, we could do with a win. I will always maintain that drawing most away games is an acceptable result, but the home stalemates with Millwall and Swindon mean that a travelling triumph is needed to level things out and keep us clear of the also-in-league-action Norwich.

Opposing manager Chris Hutchings has rebuilt his reputation with the Saddlers after disastrous stints at Bradford and Wigan, when on both occasions he took over from Paul Jewell. The 52-year-old has guided his men to a solid mid-table position, but their progress has stalled following the postponement of their festive fixtures and their three-game winless run before that.

The day we start fretting about who plays for Walsall is the day we can kiss goodbye to our promotion hopes but the Saddlers’ fizzy front two of Darren Byfield and Troy Deeney should give us more to deal with than the meek strikers we encountered at Brentford. For that reason, it would be soothing to see the illness-stricken Christian Dailly back in defence, with the Millwall-hating Jose Semedo returning to his more familiar midfield-destroyer role.

If the ban-free Burton shakes off a dead leg (is it that simple?), I hope he reappears in place of Akpo Sodje and not Chris Dickson, who looks like he is ready to forge a successful Addicks career, while I would also like to see Leon McKenzie start on the left in place of Scott Wagstaff. Parky is a cautious coach though, so I say that more in hope than expectation. A Charlton win, however, I say in both.

A look back at.....Brentford

2009-12-29T12:58:00.003Z

I enjoyed that. The atmosphere was electric at best and decent at worst, we retrieved a point that could prove very important, and there were some terrific renditions of the Nicky Bailey chant, the one that involves our ginger-haired maestro having his way with various men's real or fictitious wives.

The match was no oil painting but it was never going to be on the craggy Griffin Park turf. Grit and endeavour were the order of the day and in those respects Charlton delivered. Wagstaff was the only disappointment and perhaps Parky made a mistake in picking the lightweight winger as opposed to Shelvey or Mckenzie, the latter in particular who looked right on his game when he came on.

Returnee Dickson was his usual bubbly self and mighty unfortunate to leave the field instead of Akpo Sodje, who for the second game running died before the end. Sam was sprightly, Bailey and Spring worked hard and the Iberian centre-back partnership of Semedo and Llera stood firm.

Norwich and Colchester are closing rapidly but with some key men to return and a kind-looking fixture list between now and March, not forgetting that we have only lost two league encounters this term, the positivity is hardly sapping out of me. He says nervously.

A look ahead to.....Brentford

2009-12-27T15:28:00.004Z

South-East London makes way for the west of the capital on Monday with the Addicks looking to get back on the winning trail. Goings on at Griffin Park will struggle to match the razzmatazz of the previous two Valley offerings but with a derby atmosphere and both teams expectant of success, an entertaining spectacle should ensue.

The Bees have won their last two matches, toppling MK Dons and Gillingham away from home, and know that another triumph could see them come into the play-off reckoning. Andy Scott's men have only tasted victory in four of their eleven home games, losing two and drawing five, but they have beaten Norwich - admittedly before the Canaries found top gear - and consistent Colchester, so certainly have the potential to cause us some damage.

Ex-Addick Charlie MacDonald saw red in an ill-tempered Boxing Day battle with the Gills and is prohibited from taking to the field, but we should have to deal with the highly-regarded skills of on-loan Tottenham - and former Palace - schemer John Bostock.

The Charlton line-up is a hard one to predict. Parky deployed a diamond formation in midfield against Swindon, though the idiocy of Sam Sodje and Deon Burton quickly scuppered that particular experiment. Lloyd Sam's probable return means that another rhombus-like composition is unlikely but I would advocate a middle-of-the-park five, with Sam, Semedo, Bailey, Shelvey and Wagstaff in it. Should Dailly's illness persist, however, I would slip Jose back into defence and keep faith with the solid-as-a-rock Matt Spring.

Akpo Sodje seemed a little undercooked on Saturday but should keep his place up front, whether as a lone striker, or aided by Leon McKenzie or Chris Dickson, who made effective substitute appearances versus the Robins. McKenzie showed a lot of experience, while the live-wire Dickson supplied ebullience aplenty when he entered the fray and would not give Brentord a moment's peace should he start, something Parky has hinted at. Maybe Dicko does have a Charlton future after all.

A look ahead to.....Swindon

2009-12-24T11:11:00.006Z

Merry Christmas Addickted. Hope Santa brings you all you desire. I just want money. I really do need it. Times are tight you see. Not that it is ever mentioned on the news or anything.

We have a game on Boxing Day. How many of you are going to wake from your slumber to come? I understand if you don't. I doubt I'll have a lot of get up and go. I will attend mind you. I paid for my season ticket after all.

Swindon are the visitors. Sam's suspended. Mooney's injured. Frazer's 50/50. Kelly remains ailed. Akpo could start. Lloyd's replacement is anybody's guess. Izale will be off to Hearts soon. Racon is going nowhere. We'll see about that.

The Robins are decent. They are in the play-off places. Danny Wilson is a good manager. Ex-Addick Peter Shirtliff is his assistant. Billy Paynter scores goals. Charlie Austin has begun to. Jonathan Douglas has notable nous. Kevin Amankwaah has a stomach issue. A late fitness test awaits him.

We are at home. We should win. We should concede fewer goals than last week. We should keep a solid grip on second place. I should learn to write.

No taming of Lions' roar

2009-12-20T10:40:00.004Z

That was a nervy, exciting, raucous, nailbiting and ultimately frustrating afternoon but one that I won't forget in hurry. Drawing 4-4 at home against a side who played the majority of the contest with ten men was disappointing but having fought from two down, I am not going to overly quibble.

Due to the delay of trains at London Bridge, I was absent for the opening junctures of the first period. I did, however, hear the Millwall jubilation in response to Steve Morison's initial strike as I was in the Valley toilets, where I was greeted by a bizarre lumpy-green liquid on the toilet bowl but enough of that.

When I did make it to my seat, things got even worse. The corner that preceded our visitors' second should not have been but when you defend like that you deserve to be punished.

The Addicks battled back through two definite penalties, the only surprising element that the sent-off Jimmy Abdou was not joined in the dressing room by Andy Frampton whose lunge on David Mooney for the premier spot-kick did not even warrant a yellow, apparently.

A sumptuous strike from Bailey, below-par defending from us, incisive Millwall penetration, an own goal and five minutes of injury time - the match made for an animated spectacle and culminated with a fair result. Not the right one but a fair one.

I am not going to make a habit of this but huge credit must go to Kenny Jackett's men for the way their red card was used as a spur and not a deterrent and with players like Steve Morison, David Martin and a few other first teamers to come back, they could quite easily gatecrash the play-offs.

As for the Addicks, the lead over Norwich has been cut to four but with the Canaries hosting an invigorated Millwall on Boxing Day, a win over Swindon - which will be hard to accomplish, mind you - could extend that gap once more. If it's half as exciting as yesterday, it'll polish off Christmas quite nicely.

A look ahead to.....Stockport

2009-12-10T17:13:00.004Z

I like to pride myself on my footballing knowledge but I must admit that I was not particularly au fait with Stockport's runners and riders. That was until I became their boss on Football Manager and I am now somewhat of a County connoisseur.

But I didn't just broaden my knowledge of the club on that incredibly-addictive computer game, I made a bloody good impact as well.

In three seasons at the helm, I guided the Hatters to two respectable mid-table finishes and in my final campaign before I resigned and took charge of Preston - a decision I would later live to regret - I shocked the world and took the modest men from Greater Manchester to the League One play-off final.

Alas, promotion was not to be and we were edged out by Leyton Orient, a result that will always sadden me. Nevertheless, I had left my mark and with Croydon Addick battling financial restrictions, an ageing squad and an impatient chairman at Deepdale - not that I'm bitter of course - Stockport began to flounder once again.

While the real-world Hatters are languishing at at the opposite end of the table to my promotion-chasing crew, the two teams do bare some similarities. Attacking midfielder Carl Baker was a lynch pin of mine and so has he been in Gary Ablett's men's torrid start to the season, notching half of County's 16 league goals.

On-loan Chelsea starlet Liam Bridcutt also became a fundamental component of the Stockport team under my management and has been equally intrinsic to Ablett. The 20-year-old midfielder has shaken off an injury he picked up at Wycombe last week and should battle the Addicks on Saturday.

Bar goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams and defenders Michael Raynes and Johnny Mullins - the latter suspended this weekend - I had my players and Ablett has his. Mine were significantly more effective. County head into this game having lost their last seven league matches and sit bottom of League One. Trouble indeed.

Their last three home games have been deferred due to bad drainage and copious amounts of rain but we are reliably informed that the contest will go ahead this Saturday.

Recent form says we should absolutely pulverise them but the Northwich Victoria fiasco shows that we cannot take anybody lightly. Portuguese returnee Jose Semedo should give us some necessary away-day pungency, while with the pitch bound to be far from tip top, Akpo Sodje's power could be more practical than the dexterity of David Mooney.

Whatever the finer details of the team, I do not expect an upset. It's not like they have management aficionado Croydon Addick pulling the strings.

Why so annoyed?

2009-12-06T15:17:00.006Z

If that was a bad afternoon, long may they continue. I heard a few grumbles - we were lucky, we didn't play very well - who cares, we won and we did it in true promotion style.

The last two matches have been as important as the goal-littered battles with MK Dons and Bristol Rovers by showing that we have the mental capacity to grind out results - fundamental traits of a successful team.

That's not to say there weren't any concerns as it was obvious that we missed Semedo. The incoming Racon looked lost for large portions of the game and like I said beforehand, I would rather Spring had played.

Racon is better going forward - as his consistent giving away of free-kicks showed - and we appeared to lack a bit control in the middle of the park, something I felt the less-expansive Spring could have given us.

But that's just me being pernickety as for the most part it was fine. The Shrimpers played well and had a lot of possession but we only looked in significant danger once and Elliot's strong intervention quickly thwarted that.

The spectacle was not a particularly pretty one but if similar performances keep us on course for the Championship, I’m sure the moans and groans will swiftly evaporate.

A look ahead to.....Southend

2009-12-04T10:41:00.006Z

Professional was how Parky described the win at Brighton and you have to feel that more of the same will be too much for Southend on Saturday. Our Essex-based visitors are no mugs but having been dispatched by lowly Tranmere and high-flying Norwich in their previous two encounters, the Shrimpers will not head to the Valley in a confident frame of mind.

Considering the financial horror stories that have emanated from Roots Hall this season, Seasiders chief Steve Tilson has done remarkably well to keep his men clear of trouble. Other than their talented manager, the Blues also have the goal-scoring ability of Lee Barnard to thank for their mid-table position, though unless he starts receiving some kind of back-up, the Shrimpers may still sink down the division.

French midfielder Jean-Francois Christophe will be suspended this weekend after collecting one yellow card too many, a situation the Addicks can sympathise with, having lost Jose Semedo for the same reason.

It is not clear who will replace the Portuguese, however. Parky could opt for the more attack-minded Jonjo Shelvey or Therry Racon, but I would expect a more like-for-like switch with Matt Spring coming into the side.

Unless Frazer or Kelly are fit, there should be no more alterations and unless Southend play out of their skin, I see nothing but a comprehensive home victory.

A look ahead to.....Brighton

2009-11-30T15:11:00.009Z

Another piddly stadium here we come. This time it is the Withdean, and having frequented the ground quite often during my time at University, I can confirm that it is as horrible as its reputation suggests.

Therefore, you would imagine visiting teams would be overawed by its crapness and that the Seagulls would have a pretty good home record. You imagine wrong. Albion - now managed by Gus Poyet - are having a torrid time on their own patch this term, having lost six of their nine home league games.

Things were not easy there in the FA Cup on Saturday either, with only a late winner edging the south-coast outfit past Rushden & Diamonds in a five-goal thriller. Who has that much trouble against a non-league side?

It is not a new turn of events, though, as such derisory home results last season almost cost Albion their League One place and it looks as though they could be in even bigger jeopardy this time around.

Poyet - who would be thoroughly likable if not for the Dennis Wise connection - started his managerial career with a result I think all Addicks enjoyed - a 3-1 win over Alan Pardew's Southampton. That bright beginning was quickly obliterated, however, with heavy losses to Leeds and Norwich, and Albion could slip back into the drop zone if other results conspire against them in midweek.

I usually make long-winded references to our opponents' danger men in these previews but this time I'm going to keep it short. They are not very good at the back but can be a handful up front.

With Richardson and Youga struggling, our defence could be a mix of regulars - Dailly and the suspension-free Sodje - and squad men - Omozusi and Basey - but while probably not a top-notch rearguard, you would hope they could deal with a relegation-threatened team. The possible return of Elliot would give me more confidence, though. Either way I think we'll win, just not that handsomely.

A look ahead to.....the rest of the season

2009-11-26T10:47:00.004Z

With no Addicks game this weekend - fully due to our own ineptitude of course - I thought I would take the time to investigate how prepared we are for the rest of the 2009-2010 campaign.

The knockout competitions have come and gone and while extended runs would have hauled some much-needed spondulix into the kitty, there is now nothing to distract us from the promotion assault.

Tuesday's clash with Bristol Rovers was a perfect example of where we are as a team - too good for most in League One when we have our brains in gear, but still not great at standing up to the rigours of pressure.

Defensive Sodje's absence was a blow but considering Basey, Llera and Omozusi would not be in our first eleven, rearguard lapses should not come as too much of a surprise. Football is of course a squad game but if we can get a regular back five of Elliot, Richardson, Dailly, Sodje and Youga - while lacking a little pace - should be a pretty solid defensive unit. Another centre-half in January would be nice, though, just to give us some depth.

I have no real worries about the midfield, where we appear to have a good mix of grace and guts. The first-team five - Sam, Bailey, Semedo, Shelvey and Racon - are about as good as you get at this level, even though there is still a quandary as to where to best position them and which one will have to warm the bench alongside super-sub Wagstaff and the dependable Spring. For me, it's Racon on the left and Shelvey in the dugout. Sorry Jonjo, but them's the breaks.

And finally the strikers. At the start of the term we were heavily reliant on Burton, but with Mooney and attacking Sodje breaking the typical Charlton rule and proving to be shrewd loan acquisitions, we now have options. We'll have even more if McKenzie gets fit and McLeod gets good - an unlikely scenario I grant you.

The noises coming out of the Valley suggest Mooney and Akpo are likely to extend their stays in SE7 - the latter possibly even permanently - and if we can keep a talented array of strikers for the whole season, the arduous task of promotion will be made slightly easier.

It's alright analysing the Addicks but we must not ignore the teams chomping at the bit to overtake us. Colchester are pesky and don't seem likely to go away - a footballing equivalent of Jedward if you like - rejuvenated Norwich are our most likely challengers and despite their inconsistencies, we must not discount MK Dons and Huddersfield. Even efficient Swindon could have a say.

But - while trying not to render my last paragraph pointless - the most important thing is for Parky and the boys to focus on themselves. Forget the fun going on around us, win our home games, draw our away ones and hey presto, we will probably be a Championship team once again. Simples.

A look ahead to.....Yeovil

2009-11-19T14:21:00.002Z

Supporters appeased, it is now time to get the away form back on track. It has been two-and-a-half months and seven games since the Addicks garnered an away victory - when they smashed four past Tranmere - and after the abject displays at Colchester, Southampton and especially Northwich Victoria, our travelling supporters deserve to be treated.

Yeovil, though, are on an upward curve. Terry Skiverton's men only mustered two wins from their opening dozen league fixtures but have been victorious in three of their previous four, with a 4-0 reverse at Elland Road the only blip.

The Glovers boast a motley crew and can call upon the experience of 36-year-old ex-Brighton defender Nathan Jones - who also acts as Skiverton's assistant - and veteran former Bristol City winger Scott Murray, as well as the youthful exuberance of their on-loan Tottenham trio - defender Steven Caulker, midfielder Ryan Mason and striker Jon Obika.

Town's hero last weekend, however, was ex-Ipswich striker Dean Bowditch. Tipped for great things during his early days at Portman Road, the 23-year-old failed to deliver in East Anglia and after a series of loan spells was released by Roy Keane this summer. A shoulder injury has disrupted Bowditch's Yeovil career thus far but after scoring the winner against the Shrimpers on Saturday, he could be a thorn in our side.

As for the Addicks, keep the same team I say, safe in the knowledge that Shelvey, McKenzie, Sodje number two and Wagstaff can give us some added impetus if necessary.

Last weekend was tremendous but accruing three points from a titchy stadium and an unfancied team will show the doubters that we do indeed have the stomach for the promotion fight.

A look ahead to.....MK Dons

2009-11-12T17:29:00.008Z

It was only a tin-pot competition anyway. No, in all seriousness it was another frustrating night to be an an Addick as for the second time in a week we failed to do ourselves justice on TV.

Southampton were fully deserving of their victory and showed why they have picked up steam - a smattering of rearguard experience, talent in the centre of the park and a genuine goal threat.

So the Wembley dream is over for now and Parky must rally the troops in time for Saturday's clash with our nearest challengers. The cameras won't be on the Addicks with such vigour this time but the glare of the Valley faithful will be.

Bailey, Racon and the Nigeria-spurning Sodje should return to give us some oomph, while McKenzie - fresh from opening his Charlton account - will be eager for a starting role.

Paul Ince's men are in confident mood and what with us struggling and them soaring, the Dons will fully expect to beat us this weekend, which is why we will need some experience to see us through.

I would like to see the aforementioned McKenzie in partnership with fellow veteran Deon Burton but with both far from fully fit, I would not mind seeing Mooney given another opportuinty either. He looked like a lost sheep in the first 45 at St Mary's but gradually came into the game and provided a few neat moments.

Our visitors will not be at full strength as top scorer Jermaine Easter is on international duty with Wales, but Sam Baldock looks an able deputy having notched twice in the JP Trophy win against Northampton.

It will be tense at the weekend as even at this embryonic stage of the season, slipping out of the top two would be a psychological downer. However, I am, perhaps foolishly, going to go with the Addicks and predict that amid the familiar surroundings of the Valley, we will pick up a much-needed win.

The Aftermath

2009-11-09T19:05:00.003Z

Much will be made of Sunday's terrible performance and rightly so, but the most important thing now is Charlton's riposte. This season was never going to be a walk in the park, even if our early-season form suggested otherwise, and we are going to have our setbacks; our level of success will be determined by how we deal with them.

What needs to be on show against Southampton on Wednesday is commitment. I thought the back five showed that against Northwich - Randolph in particular. Yes, they were were given a torrid time by the up-for-it Vics but I cannot question their desire. The guys further up the field, though, must do better.

The 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 debate pales into insignificance if there is no effort and that is how it seemed at the weekend. Our midfield should have had far too much craft for our non-league hosts and with Bailey and Semedo in it, should have been more than able to stand up to the test physically.

McLeod should not be absolved from blame, for both his performance and his shocking swipe at an opponent, but playing up front alone can be a fruitless task and he had no-one behind him busting a gut to get him into the game. Even a far superior striker would have struggled with that level of service.

The sight of Alan Pardew is sure to get some of our men fired up but if we are to cause the reinvigorated Saints any problems, then Shelvey and co. will have to battle their players and not their manager - something they failed to do in the league match between the sides.

With the fixture airing on Sky Sports, it represents a swift opportunity to right some wrongs and show a wider audience that we are not that bad. Not that the Addicks should require any extra motivation.

A look ahead to.....Northwich

2009-11-06T14:35:00.004Z

Blimey, Charlton Athletic on ITV! I cannot remember the last time we appeared on the home of Loose Women and Midsomer Murders but it has to be quite a while ago. Pretty disappointing when you consider supposed ardent Addick Michael Grade has been head honcho there for the last couple of years - anyway I digress.

The channel three audience will be able to witness Parky's boys go head-to-head with Northwich Victoria, a side who like the Addicks have suffered the ignominy of relegation in recent times. Unlike the Addicks (though who knows how close we were to entering it), the Trickies have slipped into administration, so will be intent on beating us for both prestige and to add money to the coffers.

Our Cheshire-based opponents will not be at full strength, however, with the free-scoring Mark Danks and club captain Simon Grand absent through suspension. It is unlikely the Addicks will field their finest eleven, though, and I expect a few of the regular first team may be given a breather.

With Deon's hernia issue, I would advocate giving McLeod and Tuna (who dovetailed pretty well in the JP Trophy against Barnet) a run out, in addition to Wagstaff, who has provided some impressive cameos so far this term and will be eager to show his skills against his former temporary employers.

Carl Ikeme has been prohibited from playing by the Wolves hierarchy, so Darren Randolph - whose future at the Valley looks pretty bleak - can put himself in the shop window and hopefully the Addicks can put themselves in round two with the minimum of fuss. Somehow, I doubt it will be that easy.

A look ahead to.....Carlisle

2009-10-29T17:18:00.004Z

The Addicks face another team they should beat quite comfortably this weekend in the form of Carlisle United. Greg Abbott's men won for the first time in eight games last weekend with victory over Southend, a result that elevated them out of the bottom three and eased the pressure on their under-fire boss.

I dismissed the Cumbrians in my intro because if Parky's boys get their heads in gear their class should see them through, but it would be wrong to underestimate the Blue Army because they are the only side other than ourselves to take anything from Elland Road this term and they were the last team to win on Leeds' turf.

United also have a bevy of players who have achieved at least mild success at a higher level, including new signing Vincent Pericard, Irish veteran Graham Kavanagh, ex-West Brom striker Scott Dobie and former Champions League semi-finalist Ian Harte, a man who who had a trial with the Addicks last year.

As for us, injury worries have risen again. Rob Elliot is out for six weeks with a torn adductor muscle (thigh injury to you and I) and both Frazer Richardson and Chris Solly are doubtful for the weekend clash.

Wolves' Carl Ikeme has been drafted in to replace Elliot, though I would rather Darren Randolph was given a chance considering that at 22 he can no longer be considered a promising youngster; he needs to step up and prove his worth.

Nevertheless, I have it on good authority from Molineux sources that Ikeme is a solid 'keeper and will not let us down should he take to the field. Let's hope the expected loanee right-back to cover Frazer and Chris does not either.

Takeover talk is also circling (when is it not) with the latest as I hear it that the consortium fronted by Newcastle's perceived destroyers Dennis Wise and Tony Jimenez has pulled out, leaving a clear path for ex-Birminghman owners David Gold and David Sullivan, though West Ham and Palace are still on their radar.

Some may not be enamoured by the former porn-magazine entrepreneurs but they know how to run a football club, which - if a takeover is completed - is far more important than having pot loads of cash to fritter away.

A look ahead to.....Gillingham

2009-10-22T14:37:00.003+01:00

The 'Kent Derby' as it has been dubbed will be played out this weekend with the Addicks hoping to conquer Gillingham and hang on to Leeds' coattails at the top of League One.

With the Chris Dickson transfer saga and Gills chairman Paul Scally's less than flattering remarks about Charlton over the years, the game should be a pretty spicy affair. Add in the fact Mark Stimson's side have a number of ex-Valley dwellers in their ranks (Simon Royce, Barry Fuller, Mark McCammon and - although he is unlikely to figure - Rashid Yussuf) and the spectacle should have a real edge to it.

While the Gills have been diabolical away from the Priestfield with just one point garnered thus far, only Colchester - and we know how effective they are - have registered victory at our hosts' abode.

If I were a betting man, I would put my money on the game ending one apiece, but the fit-again Semedo should make a big difference to us and whether it is 4-4-2 or 4-5-1, there is no reason why we cannot accumulate three points and take the Kent bragging rights, until March at least.

Addicks edge dogged Terriers

2009-10-18T18:23:00.006+01:00

We are top of the league, say we are top of the league! OK, it doesn't mean anything right now and probable League One victors Leeds do have a couple of games in hand over us but I am getting a little giddy at seeing the Addicks scale the third-tier summit.

What makes it even sweeter is that for possibly the first time this season we have passed a tough test with flying colours. Yes, a point at Leeds was a terrific result but we were heavily dispatched by Colchester, and failed to hold on to a lead at Norwich; the critics could have doubted our credentials. Yet, while there were a few scares on Saturday and there is still room for improvement, we were able to usurp a talented Huddersfield team packed with goal threat.

The switch to 4-4-2 paid off and it was the right decision to drop Shelvey, even if the ill-informed media think he is our most important player. He has only performed well in patches this term and the balance of the side meant that if we were going to play two up top, he would be the one to miss out.

McLeod replaced him and even though he seems destined to a barrage of criticism for as long as he dons an Addicks shirt, the ex-MK Dons man is one hell of a tryer. His headed winner was fully deserved, for his endeavour if not his quality, as he was a pacy nuisance all afternoon. Izzy slipped all over the place in the first half but on one of the occasions when he did take a tumble, I thought a penalty should have been given. In the second though, he was far more stable and could have added to his goal late on. McLeod may not be the most graceful but chances always come his way, a lesser man's Andy Cole if you will.

As for the others, Sam was excellent again, while his replacement Scott Wagstaff gave a nice little cameo, as did new loanee David Mooney. His arrival means we now look more balanced in the striking department with the drop off, creative play of Tuna or Shelvey, the hold up expertise of Deon Burton, the running of Leon McKenzie (when fit) and McLeod and a more physical presence in Mooney.

I would also like to commend Kelly Youga who is fast becoming an undroppable member of the team. The likeable left-back has shed his flamboyant locks but also the red mist that seemed to descend on him in years previous and he is playing a significant part in both our defensive and attacking play. The 24-year-old has mellowed, something I never thought I would see.

In another positive, the silent lynchpin Jose Semedo made his reappearance and the fit-again schemer should help Therry Racon rediscover his best form. While still an important creative force, our number eight has looked a little off colour without his Portuguese pal and if the pair can rekindle their early-season partnership, few midfielders in this division will be able to topple them.

With just under a month until league football hits the Valley again - where a potentially delectable clash with MK Dons lies in wait - the Addicks can try their darnedest to get back to winning ways on the road, first at localish rivals Gillingham and then at Carlisle. Six points will make me even giddier.

A look ahead to…..Oldham

2009-10-08T16:46:00.000+01:00

After the enjoyable sideshow of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, the Addicks return to more important matters this weekend to take on Oldham. The Latics should be a more difficult nut to crack than they would have been a few weeks ago having taken 10 points from their last four games.

They also have a pretty astute manager in Dave Penney, who guided Doncaster back into the football league in 2003, and after taking over in April, the 45-year-old is beginning to stamp his authority at Boundary Park. He is backed up on the playing side by veteran defender Sean Gregan and pesky striker Keigan Parker. The Scot – who was linked with a move to SE7 in pre-season – is not the most prolific of forwards but he is a nuisance and is starting to link-up well with beanpole partner Pawel Abbott.

Izale McLeod and Tamer Tuna were a pretty effective pair in the 4-1 thrashing of Barnet and while deadly Deon is likely to be our sole attacker on Saturday, I would not be adverse to McLeod and/or Tuna getting the nod. Burton has been terrific so far this term but he is no spring chicken and to maximise his productivity, little rests here and there could be vital.

While striking changes to our league eleven would be tactical, other alterations this weekend may be enforced. Frazer Richardson and Lloyd Sam are doubtful with rib and groin injuries respectively, but Chris Solly and Scott Wagstaff would be very reliable replacements, even though keeping a lid on Oldham’s nimble left-winger Chris Taylor will be a far from easy task.

Miguel Llera for Sam Sodje also looks likely but after a dodgy couple of performances followed by being dropped at Elland Road, the Spaniard will be intent on showing his best form and I expect a solid performance from him should he take to the field. I also expect our midfield to get their creative juices flowing after the hard labour at Colchester and Leeds and after a two game barren spell, to see us notch another victory.

Post-Leeds and Pre-Barnet Musings

2009-10-04T10:08:00.003+01:00

I'll take that. After the calamity of Colchester, the trek to Leeds looked an even more daunting one. So to come away with a clean sheet and a point from the toughest test we are likely to face this season is pretty pleasing.

As I expected, Miguel Llera was replaced by Sam Sodje and, according to reports, the Nigerian international put in a faultless display. The defence has looked a bit shaky in recent weeks so being able to shut out Jermaine Beckford and his talented partner Luciano Becchio should give our rearguard a real boost.

The draw has allowed a couple of our closest challengers to move nearer to us; wins for Colchester and MK Dons mean they are just three and four points behind us respectively, though Chris Dickson could not inspire high-flying Bristol Rovers to another win as they were thumped 5-1 by a resurgent Norwich at Carrow Road.

Play-off hopefuls Oldham and Huddersfield are our next two fixtures, both at the Valley, so provided we take a plethora of points from those two games, our recent less-than-sparkling spell won't hit us too hard.

Before then, though, the Addicks will dip into the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for the first time in their history to take on London rivals Barnet. It will be interesting to see what kind of team Parky selects. As while it is paramount that nothing gets in the way of our promotion ambitions, we have a real chance of getting to Wembley and that should not be scoffed at. Your trophy cabinet, especially ours, is never too full.

Exeter Review, Colchester Preview

2009-09-28T18:33:00.004+01:00

So, the weekend yielded another three points, we remain unbeaten and we have opened up a four-point gap between us and the chasing pack. Good times? Possibly.

I'll admit that while we were not great for large chunks of Saturday's encounter, esteemed pundits regularly remind us that winning when you're not at your best is the sign of an excellent team.

However, we were playing an adequate side and not one with the same promotion goal as us. If we had been battling a Leeds, a Huddersfield or even a Southend, we may not have been so lucky.

Miguel Llera looked flustered when put under pressure and it is quite evident he prefers to use his patched-up head, rather than his feet, when defensive interception is needed. Sam Sodje, who came on to a pretty decent reception, is probably the same, but he will think he can usurp the 30-year-old Spaniard for a starting place pretty soon.

The Addicks lacked a bit of dynamism in midfield, where Semedo was definitely missed. That is no slight on Matt Spring, who was very solid, despite the young kid behind me slating his every move. It is just that the Portuguese is more of a hustler, so let's hope his injury clears up soon.

To be fair to the Grecians, they did give us a few problems. On-loan Plymouth winger Craig Noone was a real menace and was probably only withdrawn late on due to the foot injury that nearly forced him to miss the game. With his parent club, the Green Army, struggling so profusely, it is amazing that he is not part of their immediate plans.

Back to the Addicks, though, and bigger tests are coming thick and fast. Colchester are a decent third-tier club, their current fifth-placed position proving that. And while we should be aiming for a victory, the U's will make it severely difficult for us as they try to annoy the manager that led them out of this division three years ago.

There is still a lot of resentment for the way Parky left the Essex-based club to join Hull City, though United did get their revenge by beating his Tigers outfit 5-1 at Layer Road in November 2006, a result that ultimately cost the 41-year-old his job with the Humbersiders.

We will also be meeting a couple of old acquaintances on our first visit to the Weston Homes Community Stadium (bit of a mouthful). The enigma that is Kevin Lisbie will be looking to score against us to add to the three he netted when both clubs were in the Championship two seasons previous, while Kem Izzet, who started his career with the Addicks but never played a game, will also want to put in a performance. The talented midfielder is available for Aidy Boothroyd after serving a three-match ban for being sent off against Southampton at the start of the month.

The U's will not be easy to beat but if we want to go up automatically, we have to see this as a game to be won and not settle for a draw. If the attitude is positive, our higher calibre of player should ensure three points and set us up nicely for the mouth-watering clash with Leeds at the weekend.

A look ahead to.....Exeter

2009-09-25T16:05:00.003+01:00

Paul Tisdale's Grecians visit the Valley this weekend, making the long trip from Devon; an actual journey upwards to complement their metaphorical one.

Exeter have enjoyed a magnificent couple of seasons, winning promotion to League Two via the playoffs in 2008 and following that up by finishing second in the third tier last term. They have started this campaign adequately, amassing nine points from eight games. Two victories have come in that time, at Carlisle in August and at home last week against hapless Tranmere.

On-loan Addick Stuart Fleetwod is banned from playing against us on Saturday, but Adam Stansfield - scorer of both against John Barnes' men - could be dangerous and 36-year-old ex-Ipswich and Sunderland striker Marcus Stewart is still a tricky customer.

Nevertheless, the game will represent a great chance for the Addicks to return to winning ways after being stunted in their previous two fixtures and as long as the disappointment of conceding a stoppage-time equaliser at Norwich last week is not dwelt upon, three points should come our way.

A cash injection has already come our way, after the Addicks board pummelled £7million into the club. A takeover has been pushed aside for now, though seemingly not for good, with outgoing plc chairman, Derek Chappell, hoping outside investors could come to the fore in the near future.

The move is designed to ensure we do not have to sell any key assets, but whether that is the case when bigger teams start sniffing around our players remains to be seen.

Holt halts away perfection

2009-09-21T10:37:00.003+01:00

The Addicks' 100 per cent record on the road has finally been sabotaged thanks to Grant Holt's dubious stoppage-time equaliser at Norwich. The burly striker appeared to foul Rob Elliot as he knocked Chris Martin's (no not him out of Coldplay) cross into the net, which just added to the frustration of letting a two-goal lead slip.

Being realisic, however, gaining a point from the tricky trip to Carrow Road could be a very valuable one come the business end of the season and there will be far easier treks for the Addicks to make over the course of the campaign.

Relinquishing winning positions is never nice though and hopefully our players will realise that for all their quality (some of which is too good for this division), momentary lapses could cost us very dearly.

On the bright side, deadly Deon continued his excellent form with another goal and, according to Parky, an excellent all-round display, while Jonjo Shelvey also netted, and looks as though he is starting to fire after a few tired performances at the start of the term.

Oh yes and congratulatiuons to Chris Dickson, who went to Bristol Rovers and did exactly what most Addicks fans expected him to do.

A look ahead to.....Norwich

2009-09-18T13:44:00.007+01:00

For the second week running a fellow relegated team are our opponents, a team whose relegation was confirmed at the Valley last season. Deon Burton scored a hat-trick in that game as Norwich felt how we had been feeling for virtually the whole campaign.

The Canaries' side has been given a real overhaul since then, while the Addicks have only added a few to last year's squad. It would seem our way of doing things is working better.

Paul Lambert's men were pretty unlucky in their 2-1 defeat to MK Dons on Monday, conceding a peach of a free-kick from Jason Puncheon - a summer target for Charlton - and a controversial penalty. They are sure to be fired up for Saturday but with a lot of injuries, they could be there for the taking.

In other news, Chris Dickson has finally gone on loan but to Bristol Rovers and not Gillingham as expected. Parky said the reason being that the Pirates have the finances to offer us some much-needed money should they want him permanently. Guess the takeover's not close then.

Pardew frustrates Addicks again

2009-09-13T12:37:00.003+01:00

Sod’s law isn’t it, the revival curtailed by a major player in our downfall. Disappointing as it is, it could have been a lot worse. The first half was a non-event as far as Charlton were concerned, with only a few artistic touches from Burton and the offensive intent of Richardson moments to remember. In fact, scuffles not skills were the main element of the first 45. Southampton were good value for their lead, which the talented Adam Lallana gave them just before the break, and would have been further in front had Rob Elliot not stood firm.

The second half was a marked improvement. Physicality still exuded from the game, melees were seen on a regular basis but the Addicks began to get the ball down and impose themselves. Shelvey took the bull by the horns, setting up the equaliser with a terrific cross for Burton. Racon began too ooze his undoubted class and Youga, who - bar a few defensive swipes in the first-half - was excellent, hit the outside of the post after a scheming surge down the left, while a penalty probably should have been given for a foul on Sam.

Three points would have been sweet, considering who the opposing manger was, but a draw was about fair. Pardew’s men may prop up the division now but they should not be there in May. The Saints have too much experience and talent to struggle for long.

Thanks to Leeds' 0-0 draw at Southend, we still sit top of the pile and the fact we fought from a goal down to garner something is another bonus. The tasks get more gruelling with Norwich up next and Leeds, Huddersfield and MK Dons in the not too distant future. Negotiate those match-ups, and talk of promotion really can begin in earnest.

A look ahead to.....Southampton

2009-09-11T14:23:00.009+01:00

A former manager heads back to his old stomping ground this weekend eager to inflict more damage on the club he destroyed. Maybe that synopsis of Alan Pardew is a tad cutthroat; he was not the only reason we sunk into League One, and maybe that synopsis of Charlton is a tad hyperbolic; we are far from ruined and it may turn out that demotion to the third tier is the start of an Addicks resurgence. But you get my gist.

Seeing Pardew in the opposing dugout will remind us of the wretched times experienced with him at the helm where ideas of a return to the promised land of the Premier League were replaced with the realisation that locking horns with Swindon and Walsall was likely to be in our future. Add in a dose of dire performances, an abundance of seemingly uninterested loanees and an excuse list as long as your arm, nothing would feel as good as to silence our silver-topped wrecker this weekend.

Yet, he would like nothing more than to usurp the side he left last November as a way of insisting he was merely a bystander in Charlton's demise. Unfortunately for him, he does not look well-equipped to do so. While our boys have taken to their new surroundings in a spectacularly untarnished manner, Pardew and his charges have floundered and are yet to record a win.

That is not to say this game will be easy. A three-point haul may have eluded the Saints thus far but they have only lost twice and are hardly the division's whipping boys. And while a lot of the south-coasters squad are barely out of school uniform, they do have some wily old-hands, particularly in their rearguard.

Kelvin Davis is more than capable between the sticks, Wayne Thomas and ex-Addicks Chris Perry and Graeme Murty - if fit - bring notable know how at the back and have been joined this week by Radhi Jaidi, rumoured to be in Parky's thoughts earlier this summer. Burton may find his toughest challenge of the season this weekend.

They have threats going forward as well. Ricky Lambert is not a million-pound player but he scores goals at this level, as should Marek Saganowski, while new loan-signing Papa Waigo should add much-need thrust to Pardew's arsenal. They could cause us problems is what I'm saying, particularly if Bailey and Racon fail to shake off knocks.

The atmosphere will be intense and the game itself should be an absorbing battle but the Pardew hating and bating needs to be a sideshow and not the main event. If the Addicks focus on football a win should follow but if they let their minds wander and think about a revenge mission, then the man we have such disdain for could continue his habit of ruining our mood. A truly dreadful thought.

Post-Brentford Musings

2009-09-06T16:24:00.004+01:00

While away trips this season have been relatively easy fair, tests at the Valley have got progressively harder, yet, each time the Addicks have found a way to prevail. We beat a newly promoted side in Wycombe, an established outfit in Walsall and while Brentford are fresh members of this division, their momentum and will to attack made them the toughest challenge of the campaign so far.

Lloyd Sam capped an excellent week personally by playing an intrinsic role in the first goal, coolly slotting home the second and being a constant menace throughout. Deon Burton also led the line excellently, the defence stood firm when under pressure, Rob Elliott made a tremendous save to deny journeyman striker Carl Cort and Izale McLeod looked sprightly when called into action.

On yesterday's evidence, the Bees lofty league position is no fluke and they should be able to keep pace with the play-off chasers. Sam Saunders - a summer signing from Dagenham & Redbridge - looked a real livewire, ex-Addick Myles Weston had his moments and Andy Scott still has the luxury of welcoming a few first-team defenders back from injury. The signs for our London counterparts look good.

Signs are even brighter in SE7. The table makes superb reading, the squad is stronger after some late summer dealing and the downbeat memories of last season are being replaced with positivity. A reminder of our recent troubles returns next week, however, in the form of the not-so-super Alan Pardew, who brings his struggling Saints to the Valley. A perfect time to record an annihilating home victory me thinks.

A look ahead to.....Brentford

2009-09-03T15:05:00.004+01:00

A London derby awaits the Addicks this weekend as they put their 100% record on the line against Brentford. Like Charlton, the reigning fourth tier champions are yet to sample defeat in the league this season and should present a far stiffer challenge than timid Tranmere.

It has not been a great week for the Bees, though. They were edged out by Norwich in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday (a tournament we will be drawn into just before kick-off this weekend), while rumours swirled that their skilled young boss, Andy Scott, may head north to fill the vacant managerial post at Barnsley.

However, that seat now looks as if it will go to Rotherham gaffer Mark Robins, leaving Scott to plot Charlton's downfall. He has the credentials to do that having lifted Brentford out of League Two and into a solid sixth place in League One thus far.

Defensive issues blight the Bees, though, with captain Alan Bennett and left-back Ryan Dickson struggling, while up top, ex-Addick Charlie MacDonald is still nursing a shoulder injury. With that in mind, I expect 18 points on the board come Saturday afternoon.

Leon McKenzie and Sam Sodje could work their way onto the bench, probably at the expense of Grant Basey and Izale McLeod, but Luke Holden may have to bide his time, given Scott Wagstaff's goal-scoring cameo against Walsall. Whether any of them figure, it is great to have options because if promotion really is the target, it will be the squad, and not the talented first eleven, that achieves it.

Tranmere and Transfers

2009-08-30T13:16:00.002+01:00

The run goes on, bringing with it the best start to a Charlton season in history. I could not travel to Birkenhead myself but I have it on good authority that we were scintillating and in addition to the four goals that were accrued, a further two could have come had "stonewall" penalty appeals been given.

My informer also insisted that Sam was superb, Burton was brilliant but bar a few bits and pieces, Jonjo - like last week - was jaded. He even went as far as to suggest a couple of weeks out of the first eleven may benefit the precocious play-maker. I wouldn't entirely disagree.

Things are going well then. A hatful hit the net, another clean sheet was accumulated and Semedo (you know, he comes from Portugal, he.... doesn't like Millwall very much) notched his first Addicks goal. But will things remain this rosy come Tuesday.

With the takeover god knows where, fears that a few key components might be sold are still there and no concrete names have been mentioned in terms of arrivals. Parky is supposedly keen on a defender, a left-winger and another striker but time is running out. However, the man is now in the Charlton record books and I have faith he will pull something out of the hat.

A look ahead to.....Tranmere

2009-08-27T11:53:00.003+01:00

The next stop on Charlton's League One sojourn sees them head to Merseyside to take on former Addick John Barnes and his struggling Tranmere side. Rovers are in the lower section of the table having lost three of their opening four league matches and should present a good opportunity for another three points.

Barnes' men have failed to score in that trio of defeats and were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Leeds last weekend, though they are unlikely to be the last team to suffer that fate.

The Whites have won twice this term though, 4-2 over Gillingham on day two of the season and 4-0 against Grimsby in the Carling Cup, so let's hope it's the non-scoring, not the free-scoring Tranmere we face on Saturday.

In addition, only Leeds had a better League One home record than Rovers last year and they did push Bolton in the cup midweek, so the encounter will not be as easy as it looks on paper. That said, if we control the midfield battle - as we ought to do against the majority of this division - the 100% winning record should remain intact.

The Winning Habit

2009-08-25T14:26:00.005+01:00

Well, well, well, the Charlton Athletic promotion assault couldn't have started any better could it. Four wins from four and the first half against Wycombe aside, exceptional performances haven't been forthcoming.

The latest triumph against Walsall on Saturday was deserved, though it was achieved more through determination than quality, emphasised by the hat-wearing Miguel Llera's scrambled goal. Parky's boys will have to improve technically, especially when they lock horns with the better sides such as Leeds, Millwall, Southend, Huddersfield and what is bound to be an improving Norwich but the penchant for winning is always a good one to have.

Burton has looked excellent in the initial weeks but the talented midfield we possess needs to enforce itself more. Racon and Shelvey looked pretty subdued at the weekend but should prosper as the campaign develops. At least that is the plan.

Elsewhere, Andy Gray has sealed his permanent switch to Barnsley, ending a frustrating year-and-a-half at the Valley. However, if the rumours of his wife's illness are true, the laboured performances he gave can be understood. I wish him well in what looks likely to be a relegation-threatened season in Yorkshire.

That leaves a 'target-man' to find. Tresor Kandol has been linked with a return and he would be a suitable back-up to deadly Deon. Should the deal happen though, the current Leeds man may not be able to mingle with Chris Dickson who appears set to join Gillingham. No doubt he'll find the net regularly under Mark Stimson. Oh what might have been.

Goodbye Cup, Hello Small

2009-08-13T12:11:00.007+01:00

So as has become convention, the Addicks have exited the Carling Cup to lower league opposition. Disappointing it may be but there are bigger fish to fry - promotion, the play-offs at least, is the ultimate goal.

What Tuesday's defeat to Hereford showed, though, is while the Addicks premier players should curse a spell over many teams at our new level, the back-up needs to be bolstered, especially the fragile rearguard. According to BBC London, Youga and Semedo were given a torrid time in central-defence and the duo are probably not the answer should Dailly or Llera pick up injuries. Even if the veteran pair remain fully fit, an injection of pace at centre-half is a must.

Yet, the transfer talk has quietened with only the implausible Simeon Jackson/Chris Dickson switch doing the rounds. Dickson - on international duty during the Cup departure - is an untapped talent and I would much prefer Jackson and he in SE7, not just the Canadian forward.

Wade Small made his debut against the Bulls and by all accounts did very little. However, he is a winger, can't be on much wonger and seems like an acceptable acquisition.

Our League One campaign resumes against Hartlepool on Saturday, followed by a London derby at Orient on Tuesday. We are better than both but the Addicks road is never smooth. Parky should be looking at six points, four would be an adequate return.

Transfer Musings

2009-06-06T12:14:00.006+01:00

While cricket has begun to take a stranglehold on the sporting summer, football is still very much in the mind - especially, it seems, within the Addicks' hierarchy.

Matt Holland, Jon Fortune, Darren Randolph and - most surprisingly - Zheng Zhi have been offered contract extensions and while I would not expect the talented Chinaman to stay, there is at least an element of hope.

In contrast, Therry Racon has been linked with Plymouth. His loss would be a bitter blow as he has the potential to rule the roost in League One.

Definitely swanning out of the exit door are Nicky Weaver, Svetoslav Todorov, Darren Ambrose - to Palace I believe - Rashid Yussuf, Harry Arter and Aswad Thomas with Josh Wright also looking likely to depart. There is talent in that list - the frustrating Ambrose in particular - but none of those names have prospered while in Charlton red and tears will not be shed.

In terms of fresh faces, the Wade Small story has subsided and Peter Clarke will soon be an Addick - or at Huddersfield - depending on which media outlet you believe. Parky has also confirmed his interest in MK Dons' out-of-contract centre-back Miguel Angel Llera. The wheels look to have been set in motion.

I just hope the same can be said about the projected takeover and, ultimately, a League One promotion campaign.

Rebuilding Phase Takes Small Steps

2009-05-25T19:01:00.004+01:00

A guaranteed summer of change has begun with rumours that the Addicks have offered a contract to Wade Small, the winger released by Sheffield Wednesday.

The 25-year-old began his career at Wimbledon and stuck with them as they made the transformation to MK Dons, winning the Player of the Year award in 2005. He joined the Owls a year later but fell out of favour last season and had a loan stint at Blackpool.

With Ambrose almost certainly out the door, Sam being linked with a move away and Bailey - if we keep him - far more effective centrally, Parkinson is likely to be looking at wide-men so Small would fit the bill. He may not be a high-profile capture but the Croydon-born trickster could probably do a decent job in the third tier. If Small does sign, though, let's just hope he is only a League One player for a very brief time.

Charlton - A Balanced View

2009-03-31T17:19:00.003+01:00

I have been away but now I am back. While doom and gloom may come out of my mouth when discussing the Addicks plight, the following article is a more reasoned account.

http://fillyourboots.co.uk/match-preview.asp?id=3793

Check it out.

Barmy Varney and Pride Restored

2008-10-26T19:12:00.005Z

It says a lot about the downward spiral that we have been on in recent times that a draw at home to Burnley (no disrespect to the Clarets) left me leaving the Valley with a sense of joy, even though Pardew's favourite son Luke Varney missed what looked like an absolute sitter.

The first half was dour yet again with Bailey looking surprisingly out of his depth, perhaps Tuesday's error has shot his confidence and the pacy strike force of Varney and fit-again, well nearly, McLeod looking lost, even though Izale showed a few nice touches and suggested he has improved in his time away.

Like most of the goals we concede, it was not a spectacular one, ghosting through an array of bodies before nestling in Weaver's net. All this and the confusion of the offside goal which, with a little time to digest, we were lucky to have seen go in our favour.

Whatever AP said at the break seemingly worked as a combination of his words, Todorov's guile and some positive, vociferous support from the Valley crowd, gave the Addicks a lift. Burnley could have scored again but more importantly, we looked like we could find the net through some decent headers and the skilful Bulgarian's shooting. As it turned out, a Todorov header was our way back into the game.

There were many positives; Wright's debut, Yassin's pace and endeavour, Sam's cameo and of course, Todorov. Occasional defensive mishaps, an under-par Bailey and Varney's horror shot were my only bugbears.

But perhaps even more vital than a point to stop the rot was the feeling of pride that I felt at the end. We had not won, we could have lost and we look a long way from becoming a consistently dynamic force but it did not matter, the spirited Charlton, at least for 45 minutes, were back.

The climax of this game made me realise that we might not be zillionaires as at one stage looked a distinct probability and we might not be a great football team but whatever the division, whatever the result, Charlton Athletic are a club to be proud of.

Plucky Wednesday Provide Glum Saturday

2008-09-29T14:37:00.002+01:00

For the second consecutive home game Charlton scored first but ended up losing. The result now leaves the Addicks in mid-table and perhaps perfectly sums up our start to the season; good in patches (with Reading a highlight) but average for the most part.

Saturday’s defeat grates because we didn’t deserve it, even though the defending for Wednesday’s goals was appalling. We created some decent opportunities and bar some resolute defending, the woodwork and Andy Gray smashing over when it seemed impossible to miss, we would surely have come away with three points.

The game at Selhurst Park now takes on massive importance as a defeat could leave us just above the relegation zone, while a win could put us back in the play-offs, albeit with a hell of a long way still to go. I just hope we do not leave empty handed as I won’t be able to stand the gloating of my fellow Croydonians.

Pards has indicated that changes are imminent with Zheng, Todorov and Ambrose pushing for starts, showing that despite an erratic opening eight games, we have the squad (at least on paper) to challenge every team in the league. Whether we will ever have the consistency is an entirely different matter.

Zheng and Other Business

2008-09-04T15:03:00.007+01:00

After months of ifs, buts and maybes the transfer window has slammed shut and the player that was most likely to leave and join the riches of the Premier League is still here - Zheng Zhi. While being arguably our best player, he gets rough treatment from the fans, only some of which is deserved. Why he didn't leave remains a mystery, but he has stayed put and could play a significant part in the season if he is up for it. I would be delighted if, as the South London Press states, he may sign a new contract but that seems a little premature.

The criticism last season with a midfield that contained Zheng and Matty was that it was too lightweight and when Charlton played the physical sides, they were bullied out of a result. That problem may be eradicated if Zheng were to play with Bailey - a duo that I am quite looking forward to seeing in action - who gives us a bit of steel.

Will Zheng play against Wolves? He is fit, has had matches for China and would give us another genuine goal threat, so he should be in Pardew's thoughts. If we revert to a 4-4-2, which looks likely, it is probably between the Chinaman and Holland for the second central-midfield role alongside Bailey, with Racon injured and the talented Shelvey seemingly not quite ready to start. Even if he is only here until January, we are a better team with Zheng than without. Elsewhere Primus (I think) and Cranie have arrived and will add depth the the backline, though I do not believe that either will walk straight into the team.

We unfortunately could not follow up the superb performance against Reading with one up at Deepdale. Preston have come flying out of the traps so it wasn't too much of a surprise and I would be more disappointed if we played like that in a couple of months time when the side has bedded down. Wolves, likewise, have had a great start and while it seems inevitable that Iwelumo will score, we should feel confident especially after the way we dispatched Coppell's boys. If the away form picks up too, we may have half a chance of a good season. Fingers crossed.

The New Charlton?

2008-08-25T14:53:00.005+01:00

Wow. Who knew that Charlton had that in them? There are always glimpses but very rarely the complete performance that dispatched newly-relegated Reading. Various blogs will give you a blow-by-blow account of the match so I'll make my analysis short and sweet.

Weaver - In my opinion, one of the best 'keepers in the league. Not too much to do on Saturday but seems even better with the organisational skills of Hudson in front of him.

Moutouakil - Needs a run of games. Excellent going forward and quick enough to get back and defend. Not the complete player yet but gives us a real attacking dimension.

Hudson - What else can you say. It is still early on but he is doing what we bought him for and more. The epitome of a captain - leading from the front.

Fortune - Another solid performance form Forch, if not as good as Swansea. He gave away a dubious penalty and will be worried by Primus' arrival but if he keeps his form then he will stay in the team.

Basey - Looked slightly nervous and given a tough time by Kebe. I think he is more of a left-midfielder than a left-back. Youga will have no problem reclaiming his place.

Sam - Gave the more physical Hunt a tough time but his decision making can still let him down. Will be wary of the fit-again Ambrose.

Holland - No longer the official captain but played like he was. No longer a spring chicken but played like he was. Matty still has a huge role to play shown by his energy and the alertness for his goal.

Bailey - The player we have been lacking since Scott Parker - tenacity and talent. Like Hudson, I don't want to get carried away but Nicky may prove to be a vital cog.

Bouazza - A geneuine left footer who can score and cross. Helped Basey out too down the left. Looks like another quality signing.

Gray - Like Pards said, an outstanding centre forward performance. Held the ball up, brought others into the game, great link-up play with Varney and capped it off with his penalty. Despite Iwelumo's bright start for Wolves, I know which Scot I would rather have.

Varney - His hard-work finally paid off. He may miss opportunities but he alwas gets in the positions to score. With a bit of confidence, he could be one of the Championship's top marksmen.

Preston are up next and the only change I anticipate is Youga for Basey. This is the real test and where we failed last year - following one excellent performance and result with another. With a stronger spine and still a bit of flair, I think we can do it, the boys now have to go out and prove it.

Winning Ways

2008-08-11T12:42:00.005+01:00

For the first time in a couple of seasons the Addicks won their opening game and regardless of the little niggles some have with the performance, the most important thing is that we are up and running with three points.

At times Weaver looked dodgy, though the soggy pitch could shoulder some of the blame. Semedo and Youga were rarely noticed at full-back which suggests that they did thier jobs effectively, while Captain Hudson and a rejuvenated Jon Fortune showed they could be a resolute combination in this division. Sam and Thomas threatened (if not all the time) and Gray and Varney seem capable of forging another solid partnership. Shelvey struggled and was removed before any further damage could be done but Racon looked neat and tidy and will hopefully play a pivotal role this season.

A cup run would be nice, to boost finances more than anything, and the likes of Bouazza, Basey, Holland, Dickson, Fleetwood and possibly Todorov will be looking for a run out against Yeovil on Tuesday. The Hornets are up next on Saturday where I would expect Holland to replace Shelvey in the starting eleven. They will be a tough test so let's just hope the calm optimism from the weekend is not extinguished.

Bougherra and Brighton (briefly)

2008-07-30T10:30:00.006+01:00

Another weekend, another victory but the shine was taken off with the announcement of probable futher departees. As I write this, it only seems a matter of time before Madjid joins West Brom for around £2million, a £500,000 loss on what we paid for him.

Boogie was probably our best defender but I don't think he is irreplacable. Martin Cranie (touch wood) is on his way and will provide versatility along the backline, with rumours Coventry's Elliott Ward, who worked with Pards at the Hammers, may join him. If likely captain Hudson continues his commanding pre-season form, our defence, with youth on its side, may be suprisingly effective.

It is the principle of Boogie leaving that is frusturating. After being promised a tilt at promotion, players are packing their bags and the optimism has drained, although I refuse to be too downbeat until I know all the facts and the eventual make-up of our squad. Possible futher exits that could actually affect us would include Thomas, Zheng, Ambrose (though Olympic duty and and injury may scupper the last two). Ones that wouldn't make a whole lot of difference would include Faye (except for his wages) and the forgotten man, Dean Sinclair. Bouazza/Etherington and a defensive midfielder would be nice in return.

Quickly on to Brighton. By all accounts a good display with the only dissapointment being that we didn't bang more in. JT was dominant and scouts will have been impressed, while Racon and Shelvey further boosted their claims for a date with Swansea after a cultured central midfield display.

Roll on August 9, whoever Tom, Dick, or Youga pulls on the Addicks strip.

Robson Bids Farewell

2008-07-22T14:44:00.004+01:00

Charlton coach and former player Mark Robson has ended his association with the Addicks and decided to go solo. Whether a new coach is appointed in his place remains to be seen. I never quite knew what Robson's specific role was but he seemed to be a valued member of staff working his way up from the youth domain to to the first team and even as assistant manager during Les Reed's ill fated reign.

The official site credits him with the emergence of Sam, Arter and Basey as well as the now departed Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Barnsley) and Premier League newbie Michael Turner (Hull). Robson may have wanted to leave but you cannot help thinking that it was also a cost cutting measure. Whatever the reason, goodbye Robbo.

Ode To Tangoman

2008-07-21T16:56:00.001+01:00

It would appear that Simon Jordan, my fellow Croydonian, is sick to the backteeth of the finance-led world of football and will sell Crystal Palace when he receives a suitable offer. The John Bostock affair looks to have finally tipped the mobile phone tycoon over the edge and before long he will have severed his ties with the beautiful game.

Mr Jordan has not been too kind about the Addicks over the years. He would not win a popularity contest down at the Valley and his fracas with our former chairman Richard Murray has gone down in folklore, but the orange one, as much as it pains me to say it, does talk sense. His observations on the role of football agents and the tribunal system are echoed by many and when he does finally hang up his sunglasses, the entertainment and honesty factor of English football will suffer as a result.

I may not like you Mr Jordan but I shall miss you.

A New Season Beckons

2008-07-21T11:52:00.001+01:00

With our quest for Championship promotion beginning in just under three weeks time, there is much debate about how the campaign will turn out. There have been frequent departures from The Valley but little in the way of arrivals.

Messrs Bent and Iwelumo have followed Sankofa, Gibbs, Powell, Monteiro, Smith (and hopefully Faye) out of the exit door and as yet only former Eagle Mark Hudson and Cardiff reject Stuart Fleetwood have seen fit to don the new Charlton shirt.

Rumours are rife with Matthew Etherington - who Pardew seemed to bring the best out of at West Ham, Krisztián Tímár - the Plymouth defender culpable for destroying the knees of Svetoslav Todorov and Izale McLeod - and Bolton's Icelandic hitman Heidar Helguson all linked.

The first two are possible, rather than probable, but with the plethora of strikers already on the books (despite Bent and Iwelumo leaving) the Helguson story seems a little wide of the mark, even though AP has a penchant for acquiring forwards.

If we can obtain a couple of defenders, even with the likley loss of Bougherra and possibly Fortune to Preston, that area seems solid. Hudson looks strong and hopefully Youga, Semedo, Basey and Moutaouakil can come of age.

One midfielder may also suffice if Zheng cames back from smoggy Beijing reinvigorated, Shelvey, Wright and Racon step up to the plate and Ambrose, Thomas and Sam become more consistent (we can only dream). The arrival of an experienced 'keeper to support Weaver and Elliot would not come as a shock either.