The business end of pre season...

Following on from last nights comfortable 2-0 win at Dagenham Guy Luzon has stated that the home friendly against West Ham will see the ante upped as far as preperation for the new Championship season is concerned. He also suggested we will se at least three, perhaps even five more new faces coming in who will be of first team quality.

This coupled with the four new faces that have already arrived at Sparrows Lane and JBG signing a new four year deal says to me that those harbingers of doom amongst us will be pleasantly surprised with what unfolds in the season ahead.

We have a very difficult opening month to the season. If we can hold our own, picking up some points and not be near the bottom half come September then I'll be more than happy. Who knows? If the new players gel and we come out of the traps quick and fast then we could well be dreaming of a Wembley return (or better) come next May.

New away kit...what were they thinking?...

It took me ages to work out how to work snapchat so I could take a peak at the new away and third kits, let alone take a screen shot (sorry) which I think goes against the idea of snapchat.

If we were playing away to Millwall this season I think we'd be hearing a chorus of 'are you Palace in disguise). I'm not impressed, if you've seen it yourselves you'll get my point. If you haven't then you soon will when it's put on the official site.

The Purple third kit, complete with its luminous cycling safety strips down the side ain't much better.

Squad looking rather light...

With the traditional pre season friendly against Welling United just a few days away now the number of real potential first teamers in the squad is looking pretty light. In fact having taken a look at the squad list on the official site and removing yoof and those that have been released or sold I can really only see 16 names remaining who could be considered ready and worthy of being in the matchday 16!

This isn't a negative piece, as I'm sure we'll see a few more decent bodies joining the cause over the next few days, but just showing the facts as I can see them. Perhaps I've missed some experienced heads - if I have let me know, for no other reason than to put my mind at rest.

Goalkeepers:

Henderson, Dmitrov

Defenders:

Bikey, Wiggins, Solly, Fox, Bauer

Midfielders:

Jackson, Gudmunnson(hopefully), Moussa, Diarra, Cousins, Ba

Strikers:

Vetokele, Watt, Makienok

Of course there are the development players who were out on loan last season, but I'm not all that sure a few games at Plymouth or Canvey Island would have readied them for The Championship.

I'll be watching over the next few days with interest to see if, when and who comes in to re-inforce the squad.

Number 9 arrives at last, and he's a bit of a beast...

Taller than Andy Carrol and the same height as Peter Crouch Charlton today completed the season long loan deal to sign Simon Makienok.

As with all new signings I check out their showreels on YouTube  and the guy looks to be potentially an astute addition to the team and a dimension we haven't had up front since a certain Britons departure.

His goal ratio is around one every 2.5 games, he can hold the ball up and play an intelligent pass - and from what looks like a no fear attitude coupled with his sheer size could prove to be unplayable by some of the divisions defences.

On face value I'm pleased with the positive nature of all three summer signings. We'll just have to wait and see how else we strengthen and if and who leaves the Valley exit door.

Second summer signing arrives...

El-Hadgi Ba has arrived at the Valley from Sunderland.

Sort of exciting, he spent much of last season whilst on loan at Le Harve crocked with a broken leg. But now Liege are no longer part of the network we simply won't see any more makeshift loanees coming into the club. Interesting times ahead.

This guys arrival has been mooted for several days. As has the arrival of a big centre forward from Den Hagg, I've watched a compilation of his goals on you tube and he looks like a bit of a beast who knows how to make the back of the net bulge. If this rumour turns out to be true then I will begin to become pretty optimistic about the new season. Even to the extent that with the ridiculous odds we are being offered on promotion I might have a punt.

Duchalet commits to a future in football, but not in Belguim!

Roland Duchalet called a press conference this morning to confirm he has sold Standard Liege to the clubs Vice President. When asked he reiterated his commitment to football stating however this would be overseas, not in Belguim.

This leaves the Addicks currently 'top of the table' within the network. I would imagine RD has recouped his initial 24 million outlay for purchasing Standard. If he does not pick up another club for his network who's to say he won't re-invest this back into Charlton, looking to progress us to the Premiership where he can really look to get a return on his initial investment in the club.

Pre seasons are always a fascinating time full of speculation, looks like this one may be so even more than usual.

One in, another one out...

Damien Matthews is pretty much last man standing of the old pre Duchalet regime no we have seen Ben Roberts departure today.

For me the impression I got was that he wasn't just a great goalkeeping coach and a great spotter of talent but was an overall positive influence throughout the squad. Our loss, Brightons gain. I wouldn't be surprised to see a space made down the M23 for Damien and what's left of the old back room staff at some point.

Bauer coming in is however maybe a positive step in the right direction. I've heard he is more of a ball playing centre back so could fill the hole left by Ben-Haim.

I went to Selhurst and Upton Park game in game out back in the day. Travelled all over the country to watch a mediocre Charlton side win, lose and draw. (But mostly lose). So the chances of me piously returning my season ticket in disgust are pretty unlikely. But it would cheer me up no end if we see some players who are actually up to the job come through the gates at Floyd Road.