Spanners Away

Let's hope that Stuwall has sorted his ticket this time......

After the disaster that was the Middlesbrough game we’d have all happily “ settled “ for a return of 13 points from the next 5 games. However, having failed to beat 10 men Huddersfield and a somewhat lacklustre performance against Peterborough one can feel a little deflated. Realistically given all the injuries one shouldn’t dwell on that.

All in all it’s been a bl**dy good effort from all concerned and the view really ought to be that we’ve turned a corner. We have now found our feet at this level and are, as has been shown, capable of beating anyone……..

The ellipses are at the end of that sentence because should we win on Saturday against that lot then that statement will be complete and entirely correct. Typically we don’t do well in that den of iniquity and given that they’ve been on an even better run than us would suggest there’s not a worse time to play them.

Critically missing a natural left back, Morrison and Fuller won’t help in that equation either. Yet, and yet, this is football, this is Charlton and despite all the set backs, let downs etc. occasionally our team does something rather splendid and makes you really, really proud. Could it happen this weekend ?

Let’s hope it does. If we lose, we’ll not be too downhearted. We need only remind ourselves of those less fortunate than ourselves…….it won’t be too difficult. We could be supporting a club with a pitiful average gate that only rises above mediocrity when we play them. We could be watching our team play in one of the worst stadiums known to man. We could be amongst a bunch of fans for whom erudite means a type of glue.    

What of the Millwall team then ? Don’t know really and not interested to be honest. I know some bloke named Racon went there and occasionally sits on the bench. Another chap called N’Guessan wants away to sunnier climes, aside from that I’m not aware.

I’d go for a team of :- Hamer, Solly, Dervite, Cort, Seabourne, Kerkar, Frimpong, Pritchard, Green, Haynes and Yann. That’s assuming all are fit. I suspect that Sir Chris will go for :- Hamer, Solly, Dervite, Cort, Seabourne, Kerkar, Frimpong, Jackson, Pritchard, Hulse and Yann

It will be a hot atmosphere that’s for sure and one hopes that we can keep all eleven on the pitch but I’d have concerns that Yann and Frimpong might go at some stage, I hope not of course.

Lets’ hope our boys can do it and put up a good fight and that we can come away from that place with something to show for it. Come on lads, you can do it !

Come On You Reds !  

Tricky Riccy !

Fantastic Fuller Finish

A sublime goal from Ricardo Fuller set up a rather laboured win for the Addicks against the Posh.

Peterborough didn't come to the Valley to sit back and defend on Tuesday. They gave it a decent go especially when one considers their position. Their oft dreadful passing and decision making belied any air of positivity and confidence though. Their keeper in particular was guilty of some shocking kicks.

Tubby Tomlin and Boyd stood out for them. Tomlin forced Hamer into a full length save in the second half amidst some nice touches of skill. Boyd's control and passing was top drawer.

We were fortunate to a large extent that the Posh didn't score as they could easily have done so on occasion.

Last season the lack of injuries and suspensions served us well and with Sir Chris being able to filed a regular starting eleven that continuity paid dividends. This term of course it is very different and it's clear for all to see.

Our defending at short corners for instance was woeful on a couple of occasions. Only one player going out to it and it could have cost us dear, if repeated on Saturday it almost certainly will. One can only assume that this wasn't down to a lack on concentration more that it was a direct result of changing personnel and the roles associated with them.

Seabourne looked every bit a centre-back playing at full back. None of which bodes well for Saturday.

It was great to see Yann back for the full ninety and I think he'll serve us well on Saturday as I believe it is a game tailor-made for him.

What a goal from Fuller, a piece of quality and class. Only he in our team can score a goal like that. With Sir Chris again showing apparent blindness to the availability of his subs it was probably the only way we were going to break the deadlock.

I thought the boss had turned the corner on his use of subs but I fear not. Dilly-dally like that on Saturday and we'll pay the price.

Naturally we were all pleased to see Yann score. What a guy !

The loss of Morrison and it would seem Fuller are massive blows as we attempt to secure a rare away victory at the Toolbox.

Tubby Tomlin

One to look out for - Lee Tomlin, the Peterborough " wide " man has an appetite for goals, oh and pies apparently !

Lardy Lee came to my attention during the recent televised Posh v Blackburn game. Surprisingly he lasted the full ninety and even managed to score a goal late on. Mind you he lasted the distance mainly because he didn't exactly run himself into the ground.

I'm aware that telly can make you look larger than you really are ( Colin Baker is a slip of a thing really ! ) but it will be interesting to see if our full-blown friend is as large as he appeared. Overweight or not he scored again on Saturday and appears to on something of a hot streak. Perhaps we can wave bag of sweets in his direction to distract him.

I just looked up the word digress in the dictionary........Stewart Francis was very good last night in case you were wondering. The third time I've seen him now and his one-liners are as good as ever. This latest tour is nearly over but buy the dvd if you can.

Where was I ? Tomorrow night then and the Posh are on a poor run and of course there's no chance of us helping to bring that to an end is there ? No siree, we've no history in that respect have we and after all we're sweeping all before us at home !

Darren is under pressure and Posh chairman Darragh must be given Fergie's position some thought again having sacked him once before of course.

What of our boys then ? Please God Sir Chris will put players in their best positions. Kerkar should have played wide left on Saturday and there was no reason that I can see why Skip couldn't have played left back. Anyhow, hopefully Seabourne will be fit. If so, then I suspect that the immovable object that is Johnnie will be left midfield if the boss opts to play Stephens and Manny in central midfield. That would be unfair on Kerkar in my view but Sir Chris doesn't like to leave Skip out does he ?

Stephens still doesn't do it for me and I'd happily see Pritchard in the middle with Manny in the same way I'd rather see Green on the right than Bradley P.

Whoever is fit or otherwise I'd definitely go for Yann to start up front tomorrow. His cameo on Saturday reminded us of what we've been missing and he looked like a man on a mission, the mission being to make up for lost time. I also think Yann is the man for The Toolbox, he'll relish playing there !

We really can't afford not to win this one. Not least ahead of Saturday's game looming large on the horizon. We want to go into that full of confidence to give ourselves the best chance of beating them.

Come On You Reds !

A Frustrating Day

A succession of these suitcases got in the way of most folk yesterday as they so often do. To get the same effect I'm considering dragging around a dead dog on a lead on my next visit to the Metropolis ! Added to the outcome of the game, it made for a very frustrating day !

Another testing afternoon at the Valley yesterday as we again failed to be positive let alone beat a team down to 10 men for so long. Numerous options were open to Sir Chris and at a minimum that should have seen Skip move to left back with Kerkar getting further forward and Yann coming on to replace a tiring Ricardo a lot earlier than he did. All that side from going to 3 at the back........we don't need 4 defenders against one attacker.

Yet again my not getting to away games is costing me as I though Stephens gave another display of poor and mostly sideways passing. I don't get it cos he gets rave reviews outside the Valley.

Hey Ho ! Let's look at the bright side. Manny Frimpong ! How good was he ? Long may he continue to put on performances like that. Strong, decisive and able to pass forward, his will be the first name on the team sheet whilst he's here.

I thought we passed the ball quickly and well yesterday with Fuller putting on a very intelligent and competent display. With Frimpong things look very promising. If only we'd taken one of the good chances on offer especially the one Hulse spurned at the end when he headed safely into the arms of Smithies....a yard either side and we'd have won.

I quite fancied a beer at half time yesterday but didn't have time to have one. On reflection I should have followed the example of a Scandinavian gentleman near me who returned to his seat with a full pint that he did little to hide ! He was clearly oblivious to the fact he shouldn't have it and I advised him to keep it well hidden which he did inside his belly soon after !

Never mind four games unbeaten and a win on Tuesday would make thing look a tad brighter.

In need of a laugh I'm off to see Stewart Francis tonight at the excellent Stables Theatre in Milton Keynes.

Anything Ted can do.........

I can do better. For the second week running we play against a team which can count an ex-PM as a fan like his old adversary, Ted Heath, who was a Burnley fan apparently. Who can forget those heated exchanges across the dispatch box citing the merits of both the Clarets and the Terriers ? Nah, me neither !

Yes, more well known for his skill as a chat show host ( snigger, snigger ) Harold was indeed a fan of the Town. A tad more plausible than Ted being a Burnley supporter one feels as Harold might have said at the Amex conference !

This Saturday's fixture last season saw us end the " impressive run " Huddersfield had achieved under Lee Clarke. Umpteen games unbeaten..........with plenty of draws. Had there been more wins then they might have secured promotion but that was ultimately achieved under current boss, Simon Grayson.

For the Terriers, Jermaine Beckford may return from injury but James Vaughan is likely to miss out. Obviously it'd be better for us if they both miss. Simon Church got a late tap-in consolation last week against Brighton and one imagines he'll start.

I doubt we'll see Adam Hammill, the winger on-loan midfielder from Wolves, he's just avoided going to jail after being found guilty of assaulting two female paramedics. Apparently he didn't realise they were paramedics as he was paralytic !

What of the Addicks then ? Well Sir Chris has a few selection headaches now and it's a situation that I'm pleased to say won't get any easier as the injured start to make their return. SCP may be aided though to some extent by suspensions as Ketts alluded to the other day. With a few players on 4 yellows already one more will bring about a one match ban thus giving an opportunity to someone else. As we've seen already this season, they are likely to grab it !

Sadly Jonnson didn't enjoy the best of debuts last week which is somewhat understandable as he probably needs to get up to match fitness and speed. One would imagine that the Boss will remain loyal to Jackson and that Stephens will return. Therefore, unless an injury or illness occurs to another player then it's unlikely that Frimpong will make his debut on Saturday although one imagines he'll be on the bench.

Sir Chris has to somehow fit two of Fuller, Hulse and Haynes into what you'd have thought be a two man attack. Not easy. I can't see Haynes being dropped and Hulse has acquitted himself well of late so again it's hard to see past Fuller on the bench as a result.

Elsewhere, i.e. defence will be pretty much as you'd expect.......Solly, Morrison, Cort and Seabourne.

It's lovely that SCP has these " problems " and he'll be earning his corn as he attempts to keep the squad happy as much as one would like to believe that all players might view continued success for the team of more importance than their own wellbeing.

Hopefully, we'll see a good game and it'll be a cracking atmosphere on Saturday. I missed the Cardiff match but it sounded like The Valley atmosphere was returning to how it used be in those early days upon our return to it. At that time one really valued what we might have lost and as we progressed under Curbs there was a special togetherness that has been lost in recent years. Perhaps we really are getting our Charlton back !

Time to start really turning things around home and two home wins in a week would set us up nicely for the trip to our neighbours.

Come On You Reds !

14 Days

it's nearly a fortnight !

 

 

And they say a week is a long time in politics ! Casting your mind back to how you felt after the Boro game and it seems almost a lifetime away. The whole outlook has changed and very much for the better. Just a look at the league table is enough to confirm that.

 

It goes a lot further than just that of course. I had genuine fears for Sir Chris's position and wondered if a couple more defeats might see the end of his tenure. Not something that I want to see. As I said SCP has made mistakes but is too intelligent not to learn from them. The last 3 games have shown that clearly he has. I worried about the reaction of those in charge of our club with SCP being a slightly more isolated figure following recent departures.

 

Those fixtures have also demonstrated that whatever eleven players he sends out onto the pitch, he'll get the most out of them. His man-management skills have been acknowledged before but I believe they've been in evidence more than ever in recent weeks.

 

The gaffer has, of late, shown that he is not afraid to ring the changes and his use of subs has markedly improved too. He has selected some teams that have raised my eyebrows to almost Roger Moore levels and yet more often than not they've come up with the goods.

 

Sir Chris has also revealed a more hard-nosed approach as indicated yesterday when Eggert was removed early in the second half. Not only a necessary change by the sounds of it but a sound tactical one too.

 

We all knew that the Championship is a much stronger one than that which we left a few years ago. We all knew that for most of our side who'd not played at this level it was going to be a big step up. Now it seems that the managment and players are adjusting to it and starting to acquit themselves admirably.

 

If Sir Chris carries on like this he might become something of a Charlton legend ! ;) We can now look forward to the upcoming games with Huddersfield and Peterborough with a lot more relish than we did as we departed the Valley on 3rd November.

 

A fine performance again yesterday from the lads and they obviously dug deep to get the result. It does seem as if someone needs to take over from Skip for penalty duties. I'm really pleased for Haynes who's on a hot streak at the moment. Let's hope he can stay free from injury. Hulse has shown his importnace to the team and put in some good perfomances.

 

With the prospect of the injured players starting to return soon then the competition for places intensifies which is all for the better of course.

 

Anyone can beat anyone in this league as we've seen but we must surely go into the next two home games with great confidence. Hopefully that will set us up nicely for the game against those folk who don't care about us but will no doubt double their usual attendance to come and see. 

 

 

 

Who'd Have Thought It ?

T' Ted Heath, sans flat cap, a famous Burnley fan apparently. His lad, Adrian, played for the Clarets in the early 90's.

Well I never, how about that ! Seems old Ted was a Burnley fan, silly me should have guessed by the northern working class accent and with his constituency being so close Turf Moor 'n' all. 

Seems Anna Ford is too, again the strong Lancashire accent is a dead giveaway ! We all know about Alistair Campbell ( obnoxious bu**er ) and John Kettley of course

Since I'm doing interesting facts, no really........for me this is interesting let's be honest ! It appears that Burnley have been football league champions twice They and won the FA Cup once as do all quality teams. They are one of only three sides to have won all top four professional divisions of English football. PNE and Wolves being the other two.

The Clarets also reached the quarter-finals of the European Cup in 1961 and not a lot of people know that ! Maybe they did but it's not the Anglo-Italian cup is it ? 

New manager Sean Dyche has just replaced one-time Charlton prospect Eddie Howe. The former Watford manager has a bit to prove and I think he will in time. He wasn't well treated by the Watford owners who somewhat foolishly have invested in all things Italian........well not all things perhaps......they're not fu**ing nuts !

Charlie Austin is banging the goals in for them and will be their main threat. Hopefully Morrison and a returning Cort will keep him and the rest of the Clarets quiet.

Sunday's win at Bristol City may have escaped the attention of Radio 5 Live where it didn't get a mention on their sports bulletins nor the Premiership obsessed 606........yes, of course Alan Green you want to hear from fans of all divisions just so long as they're in the top flight and haven't been at the game or perhaps ever visited the ground of the team they profess to love. 

" We've got John from Cornwall on the line, come in John ". 

" Yeah, hello Alan er I'm a first time caller and Man U fan..." 

" Welcome John and hey, don't be nervous, you can't be a bigger tit than me ! ". 

" I couldn't get to Old Trafford today........."

Sir Chris and the lads have been terrific in the last two games and what a response following the misery that most of us felt after the Boro game. SCP is learning fast and is now starting to make more right decisions than wrong. Whether he's had some good advice from some quarters is or just had a good think on his own is not clear, however, the boy's doing good !

I'd love to see Fuller start on Saturday but am guessing the Boss will stick with the majority of those that have served him so well over the last two fixtures and you can't blame him. It'll be a tough game but if we can maintain our drive and commitment of recent times then maybe we can come away with something. A draw would be good and all 3 points would be even better of course.

Good luck and well done to all those going to cheers the boys on. Have a great day and make sure you look out for some more of those closet celeb Burnley fans !

Come On You Reds !