I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside !

The Brighton&Hovejobs.com cricket ground !

I missed Paddy's testimonial on Saturday due to a long standing commitment to what would normally have a cricket tour weekend in North Devon. However, no such tour this year and a reunion in Hove took place. As such, the opportunity was taken to watch Sussex & James Taylor take on the Aussies.

Good weather, beer and company ensured that it was a great weekend. Only 40 minutes of play lost on Saturday to rain. Sadly cricket isn't immune to the difficult financial times we find ourselves in and Sussex, like many other counties now call their Hove ground by a sponsor's name, the Brighton&Hovejobs.com county ground.........arghhh ! 

You'd never have predicted this nonsense a few years ago nor indeed that these days you can locate cricket grounds by looking out for the floodlights !

The Aussies remain less than convincing and I'd be surprised if Agar retains his spot in the side although who on earth would replace him is anyone's guess. For a youngster presumably brought up on endless fielding drills in an era of the big bash / T20 etc you'd have thought he'd be quite good but his fielding is shocking. He shelled a relatively easy chance yesterday aside from generally being less than convincing. There's no energy in his bowling action and one wonders how he got in the side in the first place. Can only have been punt on the part of the Aussies selectors with Pietersen's weakness against slow left arm playing a major part.

Lyon didn't impress and Hamlton-Brown took him to the cleaners on Saturday with relative ease. The spin cupboard is bare for Australia which, given an anticipated turner in Manchester, doesn't bode well for them.

I assume that Warner will return for the Aussies at Old Trafford, I can't see how he can't.

Sad to see our pre-season unbeaten run end on Saturday. From what I read the game served to highlight how critical our need for a couple of strikers is. I really hope that we can secure Fuller and Obika but that increasingly appears unlikely with nothing done at this late stage although Spurs signing of Soldado may give some cause for optimism but that's against a seemingly awful financial background.

There's some way to go before the window shuts at the end of August with Premiership clubs still to finalise their squads but it's hard to be positive about our chances of recruiting anyone decent unless a buyer comes in or miraculously some money is found somewhere.

Hopefully something will happen before next Saturday and that our boys will enjoy their weekend beside the seaside as much as I've just done.  

Watt A Day !

Tom Watt - engaging and knowledgeable

Quite a good day at The Valley yesterday as Charlton held its club day. The glorious weather continued to make it an extremely pleasant day all round.

ANEM's very own  Clive had been lucky enough to win a golden ticket that saw him take a penalty on the infamous Valley turf. Ben Hamer's less than glorious record for saving penalties was never in any serious danger of being further damaged as Clive's Michael Gray-like effort tamely made its way towards the goal.

Clive had needed to report in at 11am and so an earlier arrival than otherwise needed was called for. Upon arrival we wandered around the car park and I took advantage of the 6 for £5 offer for old CAFC dvds.. A very good deal and I'm really pleased with my purchases. 

I also, finally, managed to sign up to the supporters trust. I'm glad to have finally done so at last !

A quick beer was quaffed before entering the ground to witness the training session. It was never going to be an intense affair but was interesting enough. The session was compered by Tom Watt.As most will know, Tom is an Arsenal fan  with a deep knowledge and love of the game and so he was an entirely appropriate and suitable choice for the job.

I later met up with Tom for a photo and from chatting to him I gather he's a close contact of Sir Chris. I reminded him of the time a caller to 606 was moaning about Charlton being in the Prem and how we didn't deserve to be there. Tom pounced immediately and asked the caller if he knew the history of the club. Suffice to say Tom put him in his place..........I've never forgotten that and it's not hard to imagine an entirely different scenario had it been Alan Green !

The light training session was interspersed with interviews with Sir Chris and the support staff. All quite entertaining and fun, not least Sir Chris's penalty and subsequent celebration. After the penalty shoot out we retired to Bartrams for more refreshment. Whilst sitting outside we were invited along to the Q&A session with Hamer, Jackson, Harriott, Gower and Roberts, Bloom and Umut.

The session was again hosted by Tom who asked the written submitted questions and posed some sensible, appropriate supplementary ones too with good humour. No shocking revelations unless you consider the news that Jackson and Hamer use Shockwaves on their hair as earth-shattering. However, it was clear they all have an affection for the club and are aware of our history. Jackson stressed how important the fans support is and cited the Cardiff home game as how it played its part. Skip also said that he felt that result was pivotal to the season's success as it gave them all real self-belief.

Had we not attended this q&a session then the day wouldn't have been as enjoyable. I would like to have attended the one with management team but it was not to be.

A couple of improvements could be made. I didn't understand why the q&a sessions were restricted as these could easily have been held on the pitch thus allowing everyone to submit a question or at lest hear the replies to them. I really couldn't understand why this didn't happen.

No bar was open in the West Stand. Why ? Surely that was a missed revenue opportunity on such a hot day. They could have opened a small part and sold beers at £2 a pint and soft drinks at £1 a go, say and still made a tidy sum.  

I know Bartrams was open and some folk did bring in a drink from there but I couldn't be arsed to go out to get one from there. 

Anyway, overall a good day and one that I hope will be repeated next year and an adoption of those ideas above plus an opportunity for everyone to meet more players and the great man himself would make the next one even better.

G'Day Sport

Maria Bertelli

Today we held our Sports Day at school. Unlike last year, when it was postponed three times and never actually took place, the weather was kind and it was completed in dry, reasonably warm weather.

Despite me organising the day it went very well. I'm pleased to say that these days the " non-competitive sports day " is pretty much a thing of the past. There were competitive races and events with clear winners. We finished with some relay races which for me are a real highlight as it needs team work and there's excitement right to the finish.

The top performing girl and boy in each year group were duly acknowledged by receiving a certificate of acknowledge. The winning country received the trophy. A great day in which there were some top quality performances from many children in a competitive yet sporting atmosphere.

When you children and parents alike enjoying themselves so much it gives you a real lift and I feel privileged to do the job I do.

We were supported today by students from the local secondary school all of whom bar one used to attend our primary school. It was great to see them again, to hear how well they're doing and watch them interact and encourage our kids. Almost to a man or girl they are all involved in one sport or another with a few at a very high level.

The day was greatly enhanced by the presence of our guest of honour, Maria Bertelli, pictured above. You may recognise her from the Olympics as she played in Team GB's Womens Volleyball Team. More likely though given our love of CAFC you may recall her as a player from the Charlton Womens team that was so successful prior to the mens relegation from the Premier League and the subsequent disgraceful decision to close down the ladies team.

Maria was excellent today spending loads of time with kids, demonstrating some volleyball and generally inspiring the children. Aside from that she was a really nice person much as you'd guess from someone with Charlton connections ! I really hope that manages to achieve her latest aim of representing Team GB in Rio.

Days like to today are wonderfully uplifting and inspiring and serve to remind you that contrary to what the popular press would have you believe kids of today love competing in sport. In addition, the older ones were superb in supporting and encouraging the younger ones.

For the record Australia won but you probably guessed that from the title of this piece. 

A Game Of Two Halves

C'est Magnifique !

 

I'm pleased to say that yesterday's game was one of total contrast in the two periods. Thank God for that because myself, Daniel and Alex missed the entire first half. Some idiot of a lorry driver failed to properly secure his load of chemicals which ended up all over the M25 @ 5am Saturday morning. I didn't know that and thus ended up trying to come off at Junction 25, not a good idea !

 

The expected 75 minutes journey took 4 hours ! It proved to be a test of my bladder's endurance as much as mine. The aforementioned lorry driver is due in court on Tuesday and if he is as gulity as it seems then I hope he is severly dealt with !

 

A couple of minutes on the East Stand concourse and I met up with Ketts who told me just how bad the first half had been. My mood improved a bit on hearing that and I was in a small minority of Addicks who were pleased that it was a dire 45 minutes.

 

Obviously news of our horrific journey reached Sir Chris and I understand his half time team talk was " Phil, Daniel and Alex have had a s**t journey down today, let's go out and make them happy ! "......................or words to that effect.

 

Whatever the boss said worked and we were served up another 4-1 home win on the final day of the season. Yann scored one of, if not the goal of the season following a superb cross from Gower. The finish was exquisite. Thins got even better when Solly showed us just how good his left foot is in sending one over for Yann to power home with his head.

 

A mistake from Morrison in failing to clear the ball saw City pull one back with Button injurying himself in the process. The injury was sufficient to force Button leave the field of play and see young Pope make his debut.

 

I'd love to be able to write about our Gallic hero's hat-trick but sadly he was denied by the width of a crossbar. His wonderful chip ( frite ? ) beat the keeper all end up but sadly not the bar, fortunately Obika was on hand to nod in the rebound.

 

Skip added a fourth soon after and the carnival atmosphere reached a crescendo with Sir Chris himself at one stage leading some of the comunity singing !

 

There was time for Wagstaff to have a cameo and bid goodbye to the fans. He has never been one of my favourite players seemingly lacking in strength and the ability to take on and beat defenders but I would never question his endeavour and will to win. I wish him all the best in finding a new club.

 

After an unconvincing start Obika is starting to grow on me. His late goals have proved crucial and his second half performance yesterday offered enough to suggest that he could flourish at The Valley next season. Let's hope we can secure his services.

 

I also hope we will see Fuller return. I find it incredible that some don't rate him. He has tons of nous, skill and experience and has been integral to most of the success this term. All that has been achieved whilst not been fully fit. I feel we'll need him next season and he will again prove to be a vital cog in the Charlton machine.

 

I'm not sure about Gower. As I said his cross for Yann's first was excellent and aside from that he did ok and that's the issue....he did ok. Against the poorest side in the league he just did ok. Perhaps it was an end of season issue. His pedigree suggests he should be a good acquisition for us with plenty to offer, if he stays then I hope he shows us that.

 

The last word is, as it should be, with the great man himself. His emotion filled voice told you everything you need to know about this wonderful man. He is Charlton through and through. He knows us better than we know ourselves, he's been through the ups and downs and above all he knows what it means to be a Charlton fan for he clearly is one himself.

 

I'm so glad he became our manager when he did and bear in mind that it nearly didn't happen and had Howe said yes, how different things might be. Had we not got Sir Chris then I've little doubt he'd be working some miracles elsewhere at another club with another set of adoring fans.

 

Some have observed that he bought himself some time and good will from the fans given his already legendary status. I've never bought into that view myself, in any case all of that would have evaporated by now if he wasn't upto the job. Last season and perhaps, even more so this he has proved himself more than capable.

 

He is intelligent and a quick learner but what sets him apart from the rest is his integrity and respect for others with a desire to treat all people equally. He knows how to manage players and treat people which has helped forge a group of players into a team with focus and vision.

 

Let's celebrate and reflect on what has been, in the end, a remarkable season. We can look forward to the next one if Powell is supported by the board and allowed to bring in the players he wants. One thing is clear, he won't lack support from the fans !

 

Come On You Reds !

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meat Head

The Middlesbrough manager is seemingly incapable of intelligent post-match comment and so ANEM sought the views of another Mowbray ( pictured above ). We found him altogether more intelligent and with a higher IQ.  Melton told us that looking at the form guide and the league table there was little realistic expectation of Boro beating the Addicks on Saturday.

Being a club of similar, if indeed not smaller, size to Charlton serves only to emphasis this line of reasoning says our porky pal. Melton does have some sympathy with the other Mowbray's comments because, in keeping with our porcine theme, he believes they may have been driven by a desire to save his own bacon following a terrible run of form, performances and results.

Our thanks to Melton, we'll leave it there and look forward to Tony's next visit to The Valley when he brings another massive side to play our little club.

After rushing into a two goal lead On Saturday thoughts turned to a possible repeat of Barnsley but sadly two late Boro goals saw us leave with only a share of the points. Fuller's effort looked onside but hey ho, them's the breaks.

Our away form this season has been terrific and has been due reward to all those who regularly make the effort. Of course, these last two seasons have been good to follow our boys on the road.

Next season we'll have a few more local teams to visit and I sincerely hope that Brentford will be one of them. A proper football stadium with some nice local pubs which all in all makes for a wonderful day out, particularly if we win. Aside from that the Bees were desperately unlucky not to go up automatically.

I'd have been happy this season if we'd finished one position above the relegation places in view of the lack of anticipated spend resulting in Sir Chris not getting the players he had clearly earmarked for this term. To finish where we will is a truly remarkable effort and a wonderful testament to Sir Chris and his team.

Make no mistake, Mr Powell is a very good manager with the potential to be a truly great one. Time will tell of course and we have to hope that he realises that promise with us. We will do well to hold onto him. I'm not overlooking the times that Powell has made mistakes especially regarding the use of subs but he does seem to have learned that lesson amongst several others.

The return of Hughes to the side has seen an astonishing upturn in the team's performances and results. Like many others I find it hard to put my finger on exactly what it is that he does. I do know that he possesses superb positional sense and his cover of the back four has allowed Skip ( Jackson ) to get forward and that has brought about more goals for him allied to a greater overall attacking threat.

On Saturday, I think we should look to celebrate almost as much as we did on the final day of last season. I feel that this campaign's efforts merit that. There is so much promise for the future as we've seen by the success of the Under 18's and Under 21's. Surely more of them will progress to the first team than we've seen of late. Home grown players lift the fans so much as demonstrated by how much we've all enjoyed seeing Harriott flourish this season.

If we can another two or three players of genuine quality and experience then we can a good go at the play-offs at least.

Tonight Millwall play Palace. That should be fun ! It's a no lose situation for us because we can take something every possible result. I hope Millwall lose because I'd love to see them go down. I don't seriously think that will happen but one can dream. I would say to any Spanners, if you do go down there's little you can do and there's no point in beating yourselves up about it, of course however, you already have !

 

Mike Denness

Mike Denness holding another trophy after skippering the Kent side to more glory !

Today sadly saw the passing of Mike Denness. A superb cricketer and gentleman. I'm so very glad that I was able to thank him personally for all the joy he brought me when watching him play and captaining Kent to so many titles and trophies during that golden age of the 70's.

He kindly signed a copy of his book, I Declare, for me a couple of years ago. I must read that again.

Kent were fortunate to have such a talented group of players, however, it needed someone special like him to lead them all to success. One needs to remember that the success he brought to Kent was achieved against a background of frequent disruption due to the loss of key players such as Luckhurst, Knott, Underwood and Woolmer to the Test and One Day England teams aside from himself of course. In addition, he'd lose Asif, Julien and Shepherd too to touring sides.   

He wasn't greatly treated by Kent when they removed the captaincy from him and so I was pleased to see him return to the club in later life as Chairman and then President.

I will always have those wonderful memories of him to look back on with great affection. 

Our loss is Heaven's gain with Luckhurst and Denness reunited to open the batting !

Mike Denness R.I.P.

Good Point Well Made

Another sterling away effort last night saw the Addicks gain an invaluable point at high flying Brighton. Albion are one of the better sides in the division and possess a good home record which underlines the fact.

One change saw Fuller drop to the bench for Wilson. I got won't repeat what others have said about the game other then it seems that there were fine performances all round aside perhaps from Wilson who didn't appear to have a great night.

All credit to Sir Chris for the last two games that has seen us garner four points that I didn't expect if I'm honest. The manner of the win on Saturday makes this all the more impressive.

We must acknowledge the gaffer's decision to reinstate Hughes in these last two games. Having had Gower arrive it must have been a real temptation to play him over Hughes especially as Andy has had less game time than Mark. It has proved to be a very sound decision.

Similarly, dropping Hamer has proved to be a success following a couple of below par performances from young Ben. He has returned in better shape and certainly seems to have a number of outstanding saves last night.

A glance at the table tells you how tight it all is with few points separating the top two thirds of the table and a great number of clubs remain " at risk ". Had we not got those four points it doesn't bear thinking about how we'd all be feeling and viewing the remainder of the season. The prospect of needing something from the Bristol City game is diminishing thankfully. It'll be nice if in a couple of weeks time we can sit back, relax and watch other clubs fret about their survival. I'm sure we all have our favourites that we'd like to see involved......

Leeds arrive on Saturday having just a dispensed with Colin's services. That's one distraction we won't have as everyone can focus more on the game than baiting the ex-Palarse manager. In his stead we have former Addick and relegation specialist Neil Redfearn. He'll be hoping to lead the team up the table rather than down although a play-off spot does now seem beyond them as Warnock's departure will testify.

Another returning ex-Addick is Luke Varney who, like many others it seems, never quite did it at The Valley and played some of his best football away from S.E. 7.

I've no doubt there'll be some tired legs after out last two outings and it won't be a surprise to see Sir Chris make a couple of changes not least Fuller ought to return to lead the line with Yann. I would like to see Haynes play wide right as it gives us more attacking options and pace.

I'm finally moving into my new house tomorrow which brings to an end the whole process that has taken a year to complete. My experience of estate agents hasn't been a good one ( bet you never thought you'd read that eh ? ) and I will blog on that one day, if only for cathartic reasons !

Years ago upon arrival at your new abode you could just plug in your new phone and t.v and away you go, however, those days are long gone ! I need to arrange t'internet, tv, wifi etc. Since this is likely to take at least a week, unless I get access to a computer in the meantime, you'll have to forego my ramblings. As and when I return I hope that we've managed to secure another 3 points in our quest for Championship survival.

Come On You Reds !