...In fact I'm sure it is, only slightly less ridiculous than the sex on the pitch spoof.
http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/201516-home-and-away-kits-revealed-charlton-alcorcon-2368945.aspx
Wednesday, 1 April 2015
Saturday, 28 March 2015
A different Charlton
I had tried to post prior to the Reading game, but the rubbish app I've been using on my iPad for whatever reason froze and I needed to get on to the game.
Now that things seem to be stabilising down in SE7 I think it' time to take a step back away from all of the recent hysteria surrounding the new owners and their network and have a look at the pluses.
The players and manager that have come in since the departure of Bob Peeters (who it would seem was well out of his depth, both tactically and from a man management point of view) have certainly stepped upto the mark, along with the existing squad players. A great run of results with the exception of the home game against Blackburn have seen us climb the table, leaving even some of the wonderfully optimistic cup half full Addicks whispering of a miracle run to sixth place. A bit premature me thinks - but blind optomism is a general must if your to endure a long term love affair with our club.
Broadcasting the Millwall game live to The Valley is a great idea, I appreciate it's mainly commercial, but it shows that the club is begining to understand and reconnect a bit with the supporters.
Katrien Meirre has been on a media offensive, appearing on Sky Sports, Radio Four and in The Evening Standard. To be fair I understand and appreciate her comments about unpleasant emails and being accosted on the train returning from the Watford Debacle. I quite like her, she seems articulate, if not a little un-media savvy in some of the things she comes out with.
All in all it's a different Charlton to the last few incarnations we've seen. Different to 'the model football club' that we saw under Varney et al's stewardship, different to the well invested record breaking Leaggue One winning squad AND the club left to die on the vine by Jiminez and Slater once their backer bailed, different to the nomadic days of Selhurst and Upton Park.
Owners come and go. At the moment, all be it through a bit of trial and error, the current owners seem to have managed to get their incarnation of Charlton Athletic on an upwards curve. I'll wait and see what the summer brings, what will say though is that I'm actually optimistic that in a sensible way (ie. Not breaking the bank) the incumbent owners and individuals running the club at the front end will do their best to keep the current trajectory of the club going.
Now that things seem to be stabilising down in SE7 I think it' time to take a step back away from all of the recent hysteria surrounding the new owners and their network and have a look at the pluses.
The players and manager that have come in since the departure of Bob Peeters (who it would seem was well out of his depth, both tactically and from a man management point of view) have certainly stepped upto the mark, along with the existing squad players. A great run of results with the exception of the home game against Blackburn have seen us climb the table, leaving even some of the wonderfully optimistic cup half full Addicks whispering of a miracle run to sixth place. A bit premature me thinks - but blind optomism is a general must if your to endure a long term love affair with our club.
Broadcasting the Millwall game live to The Valley is a great idea, I appreciate it's mainly commercial, but it shows that the club is begining to understand and reconnect a bit with the supporters.
Katrien Meirre has been on a media offensive, appearing on Sky Sports, Radio Four and in The Evening Standard. To be fair I understand and appreciate her comments about unpleasant emails and being accosted on the train returning from the Watford Debacle. I quite like her, she seems articulate, if not a little un-media savvy in some of the things she comes out with.
All in all it's a different Charlton to the last few incarnations we've seen. Different to 'the model football club' that we saw under Varney et al's stewardship, different to the well invested record breaking Leaggue One winning squad AND the club left to die on the vine by Jiminez and Slater once their backer bailed, different to the nomadic days of Selhurst and Upton Park.
Owners come and go. At the moment, all be it through a bit of trial and error, the current owners seem to have managed to get their incarnation of Charlton Athletic on an upwards curve. I'll wait and see what the summer brings, what will say though is that I'm actually optimistic that in a sensible way (ie. Not breaking the bank) the incumbent owners and individuals running the club at the front end will do their best to keep the current trajectory of the club going.
Wednesday, 4 March 2015
I've got that Luzon feeling ...
A bit over the top perhaps, but I think post YET ANOTHER well drilled display, full of passion, hunger and not just the will to not lose - but to win we may have to begin to admit, at least just a tad, he does know what he's doing! I've been wrong before, countless times, but willing to admit the fact.
The great atmosphere from start to finish last night further enhances a thoroughly enjoyable 'match day experience'
A couple of things stood out for me. Despite us all moaning of the lack of cover and depth to the squad for some time, all those who were called upon to step up and fill in for injured or rested players did so with verve.
Diarra and Gomez looked like they'd been the playing as a central defence pairing all season, Lawrie tried hard, and did cut out some of the surging runs from Forests beast of a left winger a few times. Having said this bringing on Bikey for Wilson and switching him for Gomez as right back following Harriotts injury, although being a tad risky leaving yourself only one sub for the entire second half - was the right thing to do and I've no doubt was a pivotal part of us seeing out the win.
Man of the match could go to anyone of Bulot, Watt or Cousins.
The way Watt took the piss out of the Forest defenders at The West Stand corner flag, getting continuously taken out, only to get up and take the piss all over again was a joy.
Even Luzon giving it back to the annoying and scrawny ex Palace weasel Freedman, when the latter began remonstrating about our player having the audacity to keep getting clattered, getting up and getting clattered over and over in he name of the Red Shirt made me smile.
Still not completely sure who's exactly fully responsible for this turn around, but I'm enjoying it.
Monday, 2 March 2015
Forest Preview
Following on from yet another stunning 3-0 win Charlton entertain Nottingham Forest tonight, and for the second time in a week welcome back a former managerial legend in Lennie 'Houdini' Lawrence.
The signs are both Wiggins and Solly may be in need of a rest. Let's all hope Lawrie Wilson proves the Addicks faithful wrong for the second time in his career, and puts the sort of shift in we all know he can. I hear the excellent Gudmunnson may be out so we could see Christ Eagles get a start. I hope so as it's becoming quite apparent Jordan Cousins engine room role suits him much better than out wide, and I've no doubt this recent re-jig of the midfield has been a major part in our recent transformation of both form and more importantly performance. How different does the anticipation and excitement leading up to a game now feel to a month ago.
What will interest me will be to see how Forest look to deal with Igor and Tony Watt Watt Watt, now that their potent partnership is up and running.
Friday, 27 February 2015
Return of The King
Bit of a cheesy tag line I know, and before anyone says it, yes I have moved on.
But one thing that won't ever change is my admiration of Chris Powell as both a Charlton player and manager of legendary status.
However, a good win and performance tomorrow is still what expect. My hope is that Guy will view this game as an achievable three pointer and revert to playing players in their correct position, not repeating the 'FM2015' type of experiment of playing poor old Lawrie Wilson in central midfield. For a player who's game is based on confidence, something he's been lacking this season, Tuesday night can't have done him much good. In fact I'd be surprised if we see much more of Wilson this season, and more than likely nothing beyond that.
Looking at the form table over the last six games there really is very little to separate the two sides. Both with a goal difference of plus one, Huddersfield having lost just one less than the Addicks, which we drew, and both sides having won just two of the six.
If Sir Chris does still suffer from only really having a Plan A, and we play with the forceful tempo and doggedness that we displayed in our back to back wins then another three points towards mid table mediocrity (which I gladly take) should be a good bet.
However if The Terriers do turn up and turn us over, then the bumper crowd expected may once again turn on the team and the excellent results against Brentford and Wigan will become a long distant memory.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
But one thing that won't ever change is my admiration of Chris Powell as both a Charlton player and manager of legendary status.
However, a good win and performance tomorrow is still what expect. My hope is that Guy will view this game as an achievable three pointer and revert to playing players in their correct position, not repeating the 'FM2015' type of experiment of playing poor old Lawrie Wilson in central midfield. For a player who's game is based on confidence, something he's been lacking this season, Tuesday night can't have done him much good. In fact I'd be surprised if we see much more of Wilson this season, and more than likely nothing beyond that.
Looking at the form table over the last six games there really is very little to separate the two sides. Both with a goal difference of plus one, Huddersfield having lost just one less than the Addicks, which we drew, and both sides having won just two of the six.
If Sir Chris does still suffer from only really having a Plan A, and we play with the forceful tempo and doggedness that we displayed in our back to back wins then another three points towards mid table mediocrity (which I gladly take) should be a good bet.
However if The Terriers do turn up and turn us over, then the bumper crowd expected may once again turn on the team and the excellent results against Brentford and Wigan will become a long distant memory.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, 14 February 2015
Well I did't see that coming...
To say I'm happily confounded would be an understatement. I went to the game today completely expecting another defeat and based on Tuesday's performance a pretty bad one at that.
Brentford may have had their off the pitch problems this week, but they're not a bad side, and their manager would and did have the backing of his players today.
The problem they experienced was that too a man, Charlton turned up. I really cannot see what the difference was. Henderson looked confident in between the sticks. I actually really liked Relegation Roger on his debut. A good old fashioned uncultured stopper of a centre back. 'When in doubt, kick it out'.
Vetokele paired with Watt up front from the start gave us, finally, a real threat in the final third, that we've not seen for some time. Even Bulot, who spent most of this week being derided by the Charlton faithful over social media had a good solid game. Maybe he's a confidence player. He took his goal extremely cooly, all be it he did look a bit shocked that he'd actually scored once the celebration ensued following his excellent strike.
It's always been a roller coaster being a Charlton fan. And unusual to boot. But today has to go down as one of the most unexpected and surreal matches I can remember seeing down at The Valley.
Who knows what happened between Tuesday night and today? I'm pretty sure Luzon didn't suddenly find a way to inspire the players and drill both tactical nouse and confidence into them. Maybe the booing they got in the week, coupled with the general pasting they've been getting since galvanised them into getting their collective act together? I really don't know.
Three massive points won, Millwall losing helping further improve my mood.
Let's hope the players can move onwards and upwards from today and carry some positive momentum into the season run in.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Brentford may have had their off the pitch problems this week, but they're not a bad side, and their manager would and did have the backing of his players today.
The problem they experienced was that too a man, Charlton turned up. I really cannot see what the difference was. Henderson looked confident in between the sticks. I actually really liked Relegation Roger on his debut. A good old fashioned uncultured stopper of a centre back. 'When in doubt, kick it out'.
Vetokele paired with Watt up front from the start gave us, finally, a real threat in the final third, that we've not seen for some time. Even Bulot, who spent most of this week being derided by the Charlton faithful over social media had a good solid game. Maybe he's a confidence player. He took his goal extremely cooly, all be it he did look a bit shocked that he'd actually scored once the celebration ensued following his excellent strike.
It's always been a roller coaster being a Charlton fan. And unusual to boot. But today has to go down as one of the most unexpected and surreal matches I can remember seeing down at The Valley.
Who knows what happened between Tuesday night and today? I'm pretty sure Luzon didn't suddenly find a way to inspire the players and drill both tactical nouse and confidence into them. Maybe the booing they got in the week, coupled with the general pasting they've been getting since galvanised them into getting their collective act together? I really don't know.
Three massive points won, Millwall losing helping further improve my mood.
Let's hope the players can move onwards and upwards from today and carry some positive momentum into the season run in.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, 10 February 2015
Charlton Abjects 2 Norwich City 3
I've avoided reading any other match reports or comments on tonight's game, as I wanted to try and articulate how I saw the game without being influenced by others opinions.
It would be a lie to say we were unlucky, and made a spirited stab and coming back into the game in the second half. But I'll come back to that.
The first half, we were simply abysmal, abject in our intent and clueless in our tactics. We had the look of an incoherent bunch of players thrown together for the first time and told to 'go play football' as our pre match team talk.
Frankly it was as horrible as anything I've ever seen at The Valley since my first game in 1981. And we've had teams of technically lesser players, but even those had more grit and pride than this motley lot seem to have about them right now. Frustratingly, of the starting eleven, on their day none could be described as complete and utter dud's. Because we know they are not. Mind you if I turned up for work (which is doing a target based job where results reap rewards and failure brings the sack) showing such a lack of guile and determination I'd be on my way pretty sharpish.
However, in the players slight defence there really does not look like there is any leadership from the top. Which is never a good thing. The highlight of the evening for me was whilst Guy Luzon was doing his odd crouchy thing, the covered end started singing 'your not Mourinio...' (I think they may be onto something there).
I got the impression that most of the other Valley faithful could not wait to get the second half out of the way and get home without us having shipped too many more goals. As it was, there was a bit more intent about Charlton after half time. All be it still in a pretty clueless manner. And I have to admit, although surprised and ecstatic when we got back to two all, (With what looked like a phantom goal from where I was sitting) I was just waiting for that hammer blow third to come from City. Which it inevitably did.
To cap a dreadfully poor refereeing performance and further prolong our agony five minutes injury time was added on.
Once again I watched a bedraggled bunch of players troop off heads down, boo's ringing around the crowd.
I think us Addicks will begin to fall firmly into two camps, those who tough it out. I honestly think Douchebagelet will either realise and admit he's model is wrong for the sport of football or get bored and, trust me, he will sell up and bugger off. And those who throw in the towel and go and do something less frustrating and expensive instead.
Ps. Despite my growing hatred of the 'network', Dutchalet, and all of his puppets I'm in it for the long haul!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
It would be a lie to say we were unlucky, and made a spirited stab and coming back into the game in the second half. But I'll come back to that.
The first half, we were simply abysmal, abject in our intent and clueless in our tactics. We had the look of an incoherent bunch of players thrown together for the first time and told to 'go play football' as our pre match team talk.
Frankly it was as horrible as anything I've ever seen at The Valley since my first game in 1981. And we've had teams of technically lesser players, but even those had more grit and pride than this motley lot seem to have about them right now. Frustratingly, of the starting eleven, on their day none could be described as complete and utter dud's. Because we know they are not. Mind you if I turned up for work (which is doing a target based job where results reap rewards and failure brings the sack) showing such a lack of guile and determination I'd be on my way pretty sharpish.
However, in the players slight defence there really does not look like there is any leadership from the top. Which is never a good thing. The highlight of the evening for me was whilst Guy Luzon was doing his odd crouchy thing, the covered end started singing 'your not Mourinio...' (I think they may be onto something there).
I got the impression that most of the other Valley faithful could not wait to get the second half out of the way and get home without us having shipped too many more goals. As it was, there was a bit more intent about Charlton after half time. All be it still in a pretty clueless manner. And I have to admit, although surprised and ecstatic when we got back to two all, (With what looked like a phantom goal from where I was sitting) I was just waiting for that hammer blow third to come from City. Which it inevitably did.
To cap a dreadfully poor refereeing performance and further prolong our agony five minutes injury time was added on.
Once again I watched a bedraggled bunch of players troop off heads down, boo's ringing around the crowd.
I think us Addicks will begin to fall firmly into two camps, those who tough it out. I honestly think Douchebagelet will either realise and admit he's model is wrong for the sport of football or get bored and, trust me, he will sell up and bugger off. And those who throw in the towel and go and do something less frustrating and expensive instead.
Ps. Despite my growing hatred of the 'network', Dutchalet, and all of his puppets I'm in it for the long haul!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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