I've been pretty quiet on the blogging front of late. I suppose the lack of any real subject matter (other bloggers do much better match report's - that's not really my thing) that's not completely depressing and negative has left me to avoid posting as I don't want to simply moan week in week out.
However Saturdays defeat to Derby and the 'collapse' of the rumored American take over has lead me to feel compelled to post what I hope is more of an objective piece than a negative one.
It seems that the current owners have both run out of money and any enthusiasm for the job in hand. There regular absence from games tells us most of everything we need to know, along with the desperate lack of investment in the Summer. I find it amazing that players such as Fuller, Haynes, Wagstaff and BWP (who really can't be any less of a threat in front of goal than Church, Sordell and the rather lacking of late Kermogant) were offloaded not to be replaced with any kind of quality. Despite some decent midfield performances and a reasonably solid defense, how many times (as on Saturday) have we seen whole hear-ted huff and puff be superseded by our opponents ability to make every chance count and deliver that telling ball onto the end of a competent striker. I hate to say it, but our current crop of Addicks playing personnel did flatter to deceive last season. It's so often the case that a team that's just come up takes a lot of established sides by surprise, then once other managers have their measure the following season becomes less than easy.
We can't complain about the en-devour of any of those players that have turned out for the first team, this season, in fact in one or two cases the resurgence of certain players (Dale Stephens one man in example - my player of the season so far) is almost worrying. If the owners really are in that much financial stuck and insist on resisting administration and trying to get their own valuation from any perspective buyer then they will surely look at serious offers for some of our better players. With no intention of reinvesting the money back into the playing squad, instead using the money to keep the boat floating a touch longer. The best we can hope for in this instance is that an increased wage budget is given to Powell to bring in some quality loanee's who can fit straight into and improve the starting eleven, and perhaps even keep us up. Which has to be our best and most realistic target.
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Monday, 28 October 2013
Football for a fiver...
Football snobbery can be a strange thing.
I have been guilty of this on many occasions when talking to my missus. She's a Scouser (born in Eltham but it's in her lineage) and a through and through Liverpool supporter by her own football hating Fathers design (long story), but I know more about both her club and my own. And do rub her nose in my seventies and eighties trainspotting football trivati and knowledge of the apparent obscure probably too much.
Charlton are not the only club where there are mixed mindsets based around these promotional types of match days.
My best friend is a Millwall supporter (he's actually a really nice bloke) and he bemoans the reaction of some of his fellow season ticket holders when they (copy Charlton) run these innovative promotions. 'Why the f*@K should I pay fifteen/twenty quid a game when they're only coughing a fiver to watch this sh**'
I do appreciate that there are those of us that pay the full fare match in match out at The Valley (i'm a season ticket holder since the days when Eastenders had not even aired yet, the Star Wars Trilogy was not even a trilogy yet and Liverpool were still winning things) there are even those that do this AND pay the time, travel expense and away ticket prices every other week to support the mighty Addicks.
Personally I can only view a crowd attendance reminiscent of those halcyon premiership days as a good thing. For a variety reasons. One - if there was such a better atmosphere created by the same number of people at a Premiership game, then that is simply because they were fair weather fans who enjoyed the limelight but soon vacated the ship (like rats!) when things went too swiftly south and are probably watching a n other 'Prem Club' and revelling in such 'glory' or have simply 'outgrown/become disillusioned' with the beautiful game. Out with the old in with the new, who are actually willing to give it a try outside of the top flight. That's what I say.
If you look at the dynamics of our new/old stadium. It's really the North Stand that makes the majority of the constant noise at The Valley. And good luck to them. I've always been a West Stand Boy. Not known for our chanting - but prone to outbursts of delirium and angst in equal measure.
The two important factors are that it could, just could cultivate new Addicks to keep the faith going forward and even more importantly creates extra revenue in abundance. I'd guess (simply cos I can't be all that bothered to do the maths) our average attendance so far this season must be around 12-13,000. Baring in mind Wigan only brought at best a few hundred to the game, that's an extra TEN THOUSAND potential new Addicks and programmes, burgers, hot chocolates or pints of beer purchased. It's a bit of a no brainer considering the current predicament of the club and it's finances isn't it?
And isn't it exciting to look around and see a fullish Valley?
I have been guilty of this on many occasions when talking to my missus. She's a Scouser (born in Eltham but it's in her lineage) and a through and through Liverpool supporter by her own football hating Fathers design (long story), but I know more about both her club and my own. And do rub her nose in my seventies and eighties trainspotting football trivati and knowledge of the apparent obscure probably too much.
Charlton are not the only club where there are mixed mindsets based around these promotional types of match days.
My best friend is a Millwall supporter (he's actually a really nice bloke) and he bemoans the reaction of some of his fellow season ticket holders when they (copy Charlton) run these innovative promotions. 'Why the f*@K should I pay fifteen/twenty quid a game when they're only coughing a fiver to watch this sh**'
I do appreciate that there are those of us that pay the full fare match in match out at The Valley (i'm a season ticket holder since the days when Eastenders had not even aired yet, the Star Wars Trilogy was not even a trilogy yet and Liverpool were still winning things) there are even those that do this AND pay the time, travel expense and away ticket prices every other week to support the mighty Addicks.
Personally I can only view a crowd attendance reminiscent of those halcyon premiership days as a good thing. For a variety reasons. One - if there was such a better atmosphere created by the same number of people at a Premiership game, then that is simply because they were fair weather fans who enjoyed the limelight but soon vacated the ship (like rats!) when things went too swiftly south and are probably watching a n other 'Prem Club' and revelling in such 'glory' or have simply 'outgrown/become disillusioned' with the beautiful game. Out with the old in with the new, who are actually willing to give it a try outside of the top flight. That's what I say.
If you look at the dynamics of our new/old stadium. It's really the North Stand that makes the majority of the constant noise at The Valley. And good luck to them. I've always been a West Stand Boy. Not known for our chanting - but prone to outbursts of delirium and angst in equal measure.
The two important factors are that it could, just could cultivate new Addicks to keep the faith going forward and even more importantly creates extra revenue in abundance. I'd guess (simply cos I can't be all that bothered to do the maths) our average attendance so far this season must be around 12-13,000. Baring in mind Wigan only brought at best a few hundred to the game, that's an extra TEN THOUSAND potential new Addicks and programmes, burgers, hot chocolates or pints of beer purchased. It's a bit of a no brainer considering the current predicament of the club and it's finances isn't it?
And isn't it exciting to look around and see a fullish Valley?
Another clean sheet - Huzzah!!!
The bad weather managed to stay away for a match what was on the whole as entertaining as a nil all draw can be.
My wife accompanied me to a Charlton game for the first time since the play off final to help cheer on our son who enjoyed his day as mascot. Just to quickly go on the record, those at the very highest echelons of the club may seem to be pretty disinterested in the supporters (so it's alleged) but the day to day staff went out of their way to make it a special day for all of the mascots. A special mention should go to Sue (I think that was her name) who chaperoned the kid's and gave an entertaining and interesting tour before the game in only the way that a true Addick fan could.
Onto the game itself. Another solid defensive display, Wilson was particularly impressive, going forward too. On a couple of occasions it was his surging runs down the right that really unsettled the Wigan defensive line, the shame was there simply was no on in the box to get on the end of them, and when there was we simply did not look like scoring. Church is a likable and hardworking type of player (as his spectacular 'air' scissor kick showed), but i'd say not anything like a natural goalscorer - Sordell just doesn't cut it at all.
Dale Stephens (can' believe i'm about to go on record saying this) was my man of the match for Charlton. Clever simple distribution of the ball, tackling back and generally getting his foot on the ball when it counted. The only thing his performance missed was a goal.
It's a work in progress, but we do seem to be growing in confidence, playing with more purpose and keeping our shape well. Now we just need to find enough spare change down the back of the boardroom sofa to loan in someone who can actually get into positions to score goals in this division.
My wife accompanied me to a Charlton game for the first time since the play off final to help cheer on our son who enjoyed his day as mascot. Just to quickly go on the record, those at the very highest echelons of the club may seem to be pretty disinterested in the supporters (so it's alleged) but the day to day staff went out of their way to make it a special day for all of the mascots. A special mention should go to Sue (I think that was her name) who chaperoned the kid's and gave an entertaining and interesting tour before the game in only the way that a true Addick fan could.
Onto the game itself. Another solid defensive display, Wilson was particularly impressive, going forward too. On a couple of occasions it was his surging runs down the right that really unsettled the Wigan defensive line, the shame was there simply was no on in the box to get on the end of them, and when there was we simply did not look like scoring. Church is a likable and hardworking type of player (as his spectacular 'air' scissor kick showed), but i'd say not anything like a natural goalscorer - Sordell just doesn't cut it at all.
Dale Stephens (can' believe i'm about to go on record saying this) was my man of the match for Charlton. Clever simple distribution of the ball, tackling back and generally getting his foot on the ball when it counted. The only thing his performance missed was a goal.
It's a work in progress, but we do seem to be growing in confidence, playing with more purpose and keeping our shape well. Now we just need to find enough spare change down the back of the boardroom sofa to loan in someone who can actually get into positions to score goals in this division.
Saturday, 21 September 2013
Charlton follow Cardiff and Hull in rebranding the club name...now to be known as Charlton Nil...
It's been a while, lifes been a tad busy, what can I say.
Perhaps i've found it difficult as the only things that really could be said would have been pretty negative this last month (with the exception of the Leicester result, which now is looking more and more like a bit of a fluke from us and bad day at the office for the foxes). And dare I criticise SCP.
A lacklustre display by pretty much the whole team (and i'm not buying Jackson was up for it, he may well have been - but it doesn't mean he didn't also have a stinker!)
The crowd today were understandably subdued. From the get go the game plan seemed to be pass back, pass sideways and pass back then hoof it upto to the unfortunate and awful debutante Piggott.
Church for all his charging around looked lacking in skills or cutting edge, the midfield to a man, were woeful and lacked idea's and any intent.
We were well beaten by a very average looking Millwall side who never really had to break a sweat.
Our tactics looked tactless and once again Sir Chris left it far too late to make any changes. Those who came on had a bit more about them, but the in-cohesive look of this team of players currnetly was never going to be effective, and lets all be honest with ourselves, had we nicked anything from this game it would have been entirely undeserved.
Kermo would not have made a difference today. We simply were not good enough!
Personally i think we need to go back to basics. I think 4-4-1-1 with Harriott, Jackson, Hughes and Pritchard across the middle, Kermo up top and the lad from Hull City sitting free behind him.
We've won one game playing 3-5-2. It ain't working. A long hard season ahead i'm afraid.
Perhaps i've found it difficult as the only things that really could be said would have been pretty negative this last month (with the exception of the Leicester result, which now is looking more and more like a bit of a fluke from us and bad day at the office for the foxes). And dare I criticise SCP.
A lacklustre display by pretty much the whole team (and i'm not buying Jackson was up for it, he may well have been - but it doesn't mean he didn't also have a stinker!)
The crowd today were understandably subdued. From the get go the game plan seemed to be pass back, pass sideways and pass back then hoof it upto to the unfortunate and awful debutante Piggott.
Church for all his charging around looked lacking in skills or cutting edge, the midfield to a man, were woeful and lacked idea's and any intent.
We were well beaten by a very average looking Millwall side who never really had to break a sweat.
Our tactics looked tactless and once again Sir Chris left it far too late to make any changes. Those who came on had a bit more about them, but the in-cohesive look of this team of players currnetly was never going to be effective, and lets all be honest with ourselves, had we nicked anything from this game it would have been entirely undeserved.
Kermo would not have made a difference today. We simply were not good enough!
Personally i think we need to go back to basics. I think 4-4-1-1 with Harriott, Jackson, Hughes and Pritchard across the middle, Kermo up top and the lad from Hull City sitting free behind him.
We've won one game playing 3-5-2. It ain't working. A long hard season ahead i'm afraid.
Saturday, 17 August 2013
First six pointer coming up ...
A big game ahead this afternoon, after only two league games suprisingly, as we travel to Barnsley.
The fact we have only recently hammered them at their place fills me with dread that we'll be on the wrong end this time. This is further compounded by the fact that Doncaster won last night and Millwall play at home to fellow strugglers elect Huddersfield.
We could see ourselves rock bottom come five o clock this afternoon. And as much as you can ride the wave of enthusiasm picking up points through good runs and getting that winning mentality; you just as easily fail again and really get into that rut of low confidence that saw us relegated twice in recent years.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not totally doom and gloom - regardless of the rumours and reportage coming from a variety of well informed and respected writers regarding our current internal problems at the club. We do have pretty much the same playing squad that proved we can on our day match pretty much anyone in this division. What we really need today is a big performance from those who dazzled last term, and more importantly some points on the board.
It's a game that when pre season targets were being set I would imagine SCP would hav hoped for at least a point.
I've a feeling that the ever cautious Powell will go 4-5-1 with Kermo up top. (Although I'd like to see him take a punt on Piggot). Hopefully Hughes will come into a five man midfield with Harriot and Wilson providing some width. The other two Pritchard and maybe Stephens.
Jackson missing due to 'a knock' makes me wonder whether we're now in advanced negotiations regarding his sale. What a furore that would see?
I'll be crossing everything and wearing my lucky pants, socks, shorts and t shirt and egging us on to grab all three points whatever way we can.
Saturday, 10 August 2013
...Insipid Charlton beaten by Boro
I wish i'd kept my mouth shut now.
Defeat is something we have to face up to with dignity when we support a football team. However the nature of the defeat can sometimes make this a tad more difficult to do.
Today, pretty much to a man, we were dreadful. Defensively we were abysmal. Considering this has been one of our strong points since the doors started revolving at The Valley it is a big worry.
I know and appreciate that no one gets relegated after only two games, but there will need to be a big improvement if we are to stay in this division, and stop crowds really plummeting. 14,800 odd supporters today is not the sort of attendance that will help us financially with the new ffp rules.
The goal was gifted by two minutes of shambolic defending, and there was also a back pass that we really should not have got away with. (Thankyou for rubbish ref's).
Our passing and movement was not up to scratch. To many times players ran into the wrong space, didn't run at all or passed to blue shirts or empty spaces. It was a bit like watching the blind football at the Olympics, but without the skill!
I suppose if I were to look for positives it would be Harriot, boy can he run and is tenacious, Gower looked promising for me and Church played with intent.
Kermi looks like he's spent the summer enjoying a bit too much smelly cheese back home and Sorrdell was full of running but very little else.
When Stephens came on it did seem to add a bit of spark, for about ten minutes and then he was back to his usual self. (I still can't understand why we didn't bite Villas hand off).
On the plus side Millwall lost again so are below us on goal difference. Off to Barnsley, where we really will need a performance and a result to kick start our season.
Cheers.
Friday, 9 August 2013
...Charlton to take on the mighty Boro - and win big!
I can't wait for tomorrow. Tony Mowbray brings his Middlesborough side to The Valley, hopefully to eat a nice big slice of 'umble pie. (I won't mince my words, after his comments last season after we got a draw at their place the word mug springs to mind).
Last seasons 1-4 home defeat was my late fathers last game as a Charlton supporter (although he wasn't there in person he was pretty dammed close - QEII Hospital.) So the first game of the season, along with me taking his seat under my name as a season ticket holder will be even bigger for me than the usual first home game of the season.
Apparently Boro are so big that they can actually start rewriting results, so they should have a pretty good season. http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/matches/first-team-table
According to the clubs official website everyone else got it wrong and they actually didn't lose 1-2 at home to Leicester City http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/matches/first-team-fixtures but actually won two nil and are now sitting third after one game.
Now that is the kind of spin that even our very own communications department would be proud of! (If the Boro website realises it's mistake and the correct result shows when you click through to the link I assure you that at 7.20pm on Friday night they believed on their website they won 2-0).
Hopefully if they carry on with this policy then they'll be top of the league and reporting a rousing '5-0' victory on Saturday night.
It's so hard this early to make any kind of prediction, but i'm going to anyway. Because of all of the important things that are linked to tomorrows game for me, I feel supremley optimistic the lads won't let me/us down. It's gonna be goals, goals, goals at The Happy Valley. Charlton 6 Boro 1.
Come ooooooooooooooooooon youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuureeeeeeeeeds!
Last seasons 1-4 home defeat was my late fathers last game as a Charlton supporter (although he wasn't there in person he was pretty dammed close - QEII Hospital.) So the first game of the season, along with me taking his seat under my name as a season ticket holder will be even bigger for me than the usual first home game of the season.
Apparently Boro are so big that they can actually start rewriting results, so they should have a pretty good season. http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/matches/first-team-table
According to the clubs official website everyone else got it wrong and they actually didn't lose 1-2 at home to Leicester City http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/matches/first-team-fixtures but actually won two nil and are now sitting third after one game.
Now that is the kind of spin that even our very own communications department would be proud of! (If the Boro website realises it's mistake and the correct result shows when you click through to the link I assure you that at 7.20pm on Friday night they believed on their website they won 2-0).
Hopefully if they carry on with this policy then they'll be top of the league and reporting a rousing '5-0' victory on Saturday night.
It's so hard this early to make any kind of prediction, but i'm going to anyway. Because of all of the important things that are linked to tomorrows game for me, I feel supremley optimistic the lads won't let me/us down. It's gonna be goals, goals, goals at The Happy Valley. Charlton 6 Boro 1.
Come ooooooooooooooooooon youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuureeeeeeeeeds!
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