Back To Back !

Callum treble !

Leaving it late has been the story of the season. Late winners against QPR and Bournemouth and leaving it late to secure safety has been the way of things. Fitting then, in a way that our first back to back wins in the league are achieved on the final day of the season. Not only that another 3 goal haul in the second game running.

One has to be pleased and delighted for young Callum with his first senior hat-trick. What a finish to a season that for the most part wasn't great for him. It is so pleasing as we all know what talent he possesses, it just needs to come to the fore more often.

It was a topsy-turvy afternoon at both ends of the table. Brighton secured the last play-off spot without playing particularly well at Forest. Sadly, Donny were relegated and Birmingham survived by the skin of their teeth. Almost predictably for a Lee Clark team it was a draw that saw them survive on goal difference.

Riga opted to make only one change from the team that ensured survival on Tuesday with Astrit coming in for Solly who was rested. I didn't think he'd rest too many if any at all. I guess the players would have up for playing in a no pressure game after all the hard work.

To win by three clear goals away to a team  that needed to get something from it in a game that meant little to us is further testament to the resolve in this team and indicates how Riga won't allow them to ease up. All good signs.

This has been a wretched season for all manner of reasons but there a few positives. Clearly the biggest of those has been the emergence of our academy players. Since our academy has been lauded for so many years it is about time that we witness so many of them flourishing in a Charlton shirt. All too often that hasn't been the case.

Even young Pope, whose season is far from over, has managed to progress albeit in his case away from the Valley. From that viewpoint alone this season hasn't been a total disaster and is one reason to be positive for the future. 

I really can't recall a season like this. In some respects it makes the 84-85 season seem almost like a bumpy ride in comparison. 

For now we can relax and enjoy our summer and see what the future holds. Much of the gloom and doom foretold by some has failed to come to fruition. My view has always been to wait and see what happens. No point in worrying about what might happen. I also feel that any issues should be addressed via the trust that has something of a mandate to do so. A united front is always the best way.

I got my tickets for the player of the year do last week before safety was assured. It's going to be good I'm sure and I'm really looking forward to that.

I'm there are long celebrations ahead in Blackpool for the remainder of the day and elsewhere too. Enjoy !

We've reached the end of a very long season and in typical Charlton style we've all been put through the wringer ! However, at no stage have I ever been anything less than proud to be an Addick. As Ferguson might well have said......." Charlton, bloody hell ! ".

Come On You Reds !