Apologies for the title which is a nod to Answer Samsh, the final round of House Of Games.
The Addicks return to action tomorrow having had the luxury
of a week off since they last played. Given the recent run of results it was a
much needed breather and a chance to take stock of everything.
This condensed season has no club any favours but that,
allied to the factors affecting the start of our season, have probably impacted
on our club more than most.
This is especially true of league one clubs where we are one
of only a few that are affected by call ups for international games (the
majority of which are totally irrelevant of course).
The seemingly relentless slog of two of games a week has
left little time to work with the team and individual players. As ever, injuries
have been a factor and I know all teams get them but we know the majority are
never short term ones for us! The new physio will have plenty to get their
teeth into.
Having to play without a recognised centre half for so long
has been easy and the knock on effects to the whole team have been clear to see.
Everyone is frustrated by recent form particularly coming as
it does on the back of such a great run of results that naturally raised
expectations.
Obviously, we have had to rotate players but maybe to an
extent we’ve rotated too much and I think we’d benefit from a more settled side
and starting eleven.
Hopefully, following the break we will see a team that has
been reinvigorated. Watching on the revamped Valley Pass should be more of a
pleasure. The whole package looks a much improved offering and I’m pleased to
see that Terry and Greg remain in situ.
I’m sure they will appreciate the additional cameras and the
opportunity to look at replays aside from not being cut off mid-sentence!
Whilst improvements to Valley Pass may not be viewed as a
priority, it is an indication of the attention to detail and an indicator of
addressing issues under the Sangaard era.
Last night’s Q&A with our new owner was a great watch.
Thomas handled all questions in a professional and passionate manner. His
answers clearly demonstrated that he’s a man who is clear on what needs to be
done and how to go about it.
Thomas showed detailed knowledge of all areas of the club
and it became obvious that his time invested in it is a tad over 2%!
It’s often said that running a football club isn’t like any
other business. That’s true of course but doesn’t mean that it should be
divorced from the more sensible methods of doing so.
Failure to invest, plan for the future and sustainability
would be disastrous (don’t we just know it!). Thankfully, it’s clear from last
night that our Danish owner is dealing with the fundamental areas that have
been neglected for so long.
That allied to him being so accessible and open to fans is
superb and gives us all cause for optimism.
Bowyer has called for patience in respect of tomorrow’s game
and the same needs to be levelled at the club. Sangaard is putting all the
building blocks in place for a bright and promising future. It won’t happen
overnight but will surely happen given things that Thomas has done in his short
tenure to date.
On the pitch I hope that Maddison is fit enough to start
tomorrow. I feel he can be a massive player for us and have such a massive
impact on games. His ability from free kicks and long range shots alone gives
him an edge.
I’d like to see Maatsen and Matthews start too with one of
Pratley or Watson in the CDM role.
Up front I’d go for Aneke and Bogle with Chuks just behind
his strike partner.
Hopefully, Williams will feature at some stage. We lack a
bit of creativity and attacking intent and he certainly gives us that.
Whatever the side that Lee puts out, let’s pray for a return
to winning ways tomorrow!
Come On You Reds !
