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.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Goodbye Cup, Hello Small
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.
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.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Transfer Musings
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.
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.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Rebuilding Phase Takes Small Steps
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Charlton - A Balanced View
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.
http://fillyourboots.co.uk/match-preview.asp?id=3793
Check it out.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Barmy Varney and Pride Restored
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.
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.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Plucky Wednesday Provide Glum Saturday
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.
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.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Zheng and Other Business
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 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.
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