Farewell Gus...

So the club have announced their disappointment at Poyets decision not to turn up for pre season.

As disappointing as it is, one man a Championship side does not make. I'm a bit gutted, but the boy was out of contract and who knows who's spent the close season whispering in his ear. If it was known he had so much potential then the previous regime really should have got him on a longer contract before he was elevated to first teamer status. And let's be honest with ourselves, once he was into the last six months of his contract there was no way we were going to get him to extend, I suspect even if we made a break the bank offer. Because of his age we will be due some compensation which I'm sure the clubs legal team will be working on imminently.

We now need to see the board make further investments across the board. I think we need at least another two defenders, midfielders and attackers to have anything like the barest squad numbers to enable us to remain competitive throughout a whole season.

I wish Poyet well and hope he does not end up in the same boat as so many other young starlets lured by money and the promise of glory. It would have been good to see him in a Charlton shirt for one more season and get some serious money for him but he's made his decision and there's very little I think anyone could have done to change it.

Looks like I'm about to start eating my words...

2.4 Million! This is apparently the amount we've paid to secure the services of Igor on a five year deal.

As the CAS Trust have stated on their own website, this could be a masterful piece of tactics in getting either or both Morrison and Poyet to commit to the cause. It also shows that RD is not solely about doing things on the cheap and importing Flemish stiffs to make the numbers up. (Although I do believe that we will still see a few 'squad' players loaned in from the network to provide some depth and cover).

I expect to see an eclectic mix of European players incoming to compliment the likes of Solly, Wilson and Wiggins. 

We will need to wait and see whether Peeeeeters has the right stuff as a coach, but he certainly seems to have a decent personality which he delivers with a grin, enthusiasm and pragmatism.

I think it's going to be an interesting few weeks.

First 'none' news conference of the pre-season

From what I can gather from the club website the much anticipated press conference took place today.

Some could be forgiven for feeling like it was a bit of a smoke and mirrors none affair!

Apparently Morrison and Poyet may sign new contracts, they are both in receipt of offers, it's now down to them whether they sign on the line or decline. And pursue other opportunities.

To be honest stating that an offer has been tabled really means nothing at all. It's all relative really isn't it. I could pop up to Berkeley Square and offer the Rolls Royce showroom a fiver for a Silver Shadow, don't mean they'd bite my hand off does it.

Equally we may be signing a striker called Igor Vitakele, a fee's been agreed it's now just down to personal terms and a medical being navigated.

In fact there are ongoing negotiations with a variety of player. Some of whom we may or may not sign.

On a plus point our squad has been boosted by the signing of a Leige first teamer in Yoni Buyens, a defensive midfielder.

Guess we'll all have to hold our breath and see 1. Who turns up for pre season training on Thursday and 2. Whether we fill the gaping holes in our squad before the pre season friendlies kick off at Welling.

The board speaks at last...

... http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/20140529-board-thanks-former-head-coach-jose-riga-1582668.aspx

and says thanks Jose.

Not really much more than that. All looks like a bit of PR to me. I think they must have gauged the general feeling amongst supporters and perhaps read the latest SLP and seen Paul Mortimer on the local news.

Another one bites the dust...

The close season seems to be taking one dissatisfying turn to the next.

The latest the official departure of Dorian Dervite, following hot on the heals for Hamer's announced exit.

According to sources the new manager is due to be announced and installed imminently. (The strong rumor being that it will be Bob Peeters - ex rubbish Millwall striker and very inexperienced manager of a lower division Flemish side.

The squad is beginning to look somewhat thread bare, and with Morrison and Poyet yet to sign on the dotted line could look even thinner in the next few days.

I still (somewhat foolishly I think) wait to see what sort of mix of players come into the side before I really well and truly throw my dummy (or not), but at the time of writing am beginning to become rather worried.

Full list of out of contract players being released announced...And Poyets not on it!

Reason for excitement. Perhaps?

http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/20140522-charlton-released-list-1568946.aspx

It's either spin or there is a commitment to try and keep some of our better players whose contracts are up shortly. Most importantly Morrison and Poyet. (And perhaps even Dervite, as there's no official confirmation ANYWHERE that he has indeed signed for Bolton).

A torrid few days have seen rumors relating to players leaving and a new 'no mark' manager from Belguim. All supposition and unsubstantiated. I've been waiting to post until I actually see some firm news, but this announcement has me slightly excited.

If Poyet gets good advice and decides another season developing at Charlton would help him then i'd begin to err towards slightly less scared, if the other two were to sign on with us again i'd start becoming a bit optimistic.

According to the SLP there is a potential alternative to Bob Beevers (my Millwall season ticket holding best mate fell on the floor laughing when I told him Beevers may be our new manager).

I'm going to hang on and see what news filters out from the Valley before I start to make firmed up opinions about where we may be going.

Bolton seem to think they've got their man...

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/wanderersnews/11213299._/?ref=mac

If this is the case not the best start to the close season!