Slade Turns Down Job Offer

Mr Slade was quick to rule out any move for the England job last night and a collective sigh of relief was heard across the rest of League One.

Elsewhere, there was obvious disappointment for Frazer, Jones, Godfrey and Mr Sponge……the Walmington Wanderers midfield quartet, all thought to be favoured by Mr Slade, who will no doubt be disappointed as it could spell the end of their international careers.

In any case commentators remained unsure as to whether the international football scene was ready for Slade’s brand of fast flowing,  pass and move football. That is now seemingly going to remain the preserve of S.E. 7. where many disaffected fans can be seen kicking themselves for failing to renew their season tickets.

Those fortunates with season tickets, like your author, simply can’t believe their luck as The Addicks continued their climb up the table last night following a scintillating 1-1 draw against Oldham.

Determined players passed the ball around well and had the run of the midfield were unlucky not to score a hatful  as they spurned several good chances…….yes, The Latics will be gutted they didn’t leave with all 3 points !

I have to say that in my time ( it’s like doing time ! ) I have seen some utter bilge from Charlton and last night’s performance was right up there.

The first half definitely ranks as one of the worst. After 10 minutes the residents of Nelson Mandella House behind the Jimmy Seed could be seen closing the curtains and drawing down the blinds. You’ve got to pity those whose properties have views facing The Valley as their value is increasingly plummeting.

I believe that at least 2 residents were talked down off the roof !

I like Big Josh but I do feel that his presence lends itself to our hoofing the ball up to him more than is good for his neck and that of any spectator !

I like Novak too and he worked hard last night but I’m not sure that the two big lads up front is such a good idea.

Why would Mr Slade be afraid to go into a game like last night not playing two wingers ? Botaka must have done something on Slade’s chips to get such little game time. Much more of this and Leeds will be asking for him to return.

Similarly what’s the point getting Chicksen ? Fox had a distinctly average game and on one occasion in the first half got skinned as though he wasn’t there. Surely young Adam can’t be that bad or perhaps he’s also drowned Slade’s fries !

Given our ponderous midfield you’d want to add any bit of creativity and speed you can yet the players we do have that offer that remain on the bench.

Yet again much like the Wimbledon game you could see the equaliser coming and we were lucky not to lose. 

Slade’s response……..get Ajose on ! Really ? Outmuscled again and didn’t show enough desire. Why not try Hanlan at least he has something about him.

Why was Lookman left on the bench ? Start him, get the game won and then take him off if you want rather than he comes on when we’re chasing the game.

In their number 24 Oldham had a player who looked so ungainly he could have been playing in stilettos ! Yet he had so much time to pick passes.

Green also had lots of time too and used the ball well……I was impressed by him. When he lost it with one of his teammates after a poor pass some around me laughed at him. I thought it was good and wished we had a few like him that cared as much as he does.

Yet again we fail to win from having the lead and the oppo get more out of their players and squad.

I said before that repeated failure to win will see not only the fans but the players lose faith in Mr Slade. I fear that will come to pass.

Seeing some of our boys slumped on the pitch at the end, head in hands was reminiscent of last season. Frustration that may well turn into an acceptance that we’re in another relegation battle.

At least post-match Slade spared us the “ draws turning into wins “ spiel. However, he heaped a lot of blame onto the players. Ahem ! Please put your hand up too, it’s not only down to them.

I get so frustrated when we don’t look to play out from the back. I can’t remember us getting any joy when the ball was banged up to Josh. Add to that the long throws that look so desperate and it paints a horrid picture of a team devoid of attacking ideas.

We must be better than that surely ? I could go on but it’s not helping !

Rochdale come calling on Saturday having just beaten Millwall away ( yes, really – imagine ! ) and Bolton. It’s not going to get any easier.

Please God that Slade sorts it out because I can’t take much more of this. Forget your stats, the only ones that count are the goals for and against and points on the table.

In the absence of any improvement I suppose I could contact the boys from The Telegraph to see if they can help !