Happy New Year !

2018 draws to close with the state of the country rather mirroring that of CAFC. There's been little progress over the last twelve months for our nation although one can point to some progress on the pitch now that Bowyer is our manager.

At the start of the year there was optimism that the owner was nearing a sale. Sadly, twelve months on and that looks as far away as ever. Clearly our club is an attractive proposition but not at any price. The old fool clings on to the hope that someone out there is fiscally foolish enough to pay his asking price for a club, that despite several cost cutting measures, is still haemorrhaging money.

Duchatelet would still have us believe via his recent interviews that money isn't an issue. Clearly it is although you'd have thought it wasn't really in his interests to hold on as he is.

One can but hope that in a year's time I can be writing about our brave new world under different and more caring owner/s. 

The last two games have taken a little gloss off the promising start to the season. However, it would be churlish to be particularly crictical of Bowyer and his players. One needs to look at the bigger picture and acknowledge that the manager is doing a fantastic job.

Effectively, Bowyer is trying to paddle across the Atlantic to the land of promotion on a semi-inflated lilo!

Doubts remain as ever as to whether we can hold on to loan players, that promising players won't be sold and that the manager gets any support in bringing in new targets.

We will have to wait and see but you anticipate that our hopes, like those of many recent previous seasons, will not be met.

All such a shame as our magnificent club, staff and supporters deserve so much more. The EFL, the Premier League and those who purport to run football ought to be hanging their heads in shame at the plight of numerous clubs like ours.

They won't of course as their attentions are focused on ensuring that the likes of Scudamore don't depart office without a good send off.

Thanks to anyone who takes time to read this blog. I haven't posted much this year as both work and personal commitments have impacted. I'm sure you've soldiered on though without it!

Thanks to all other Charlton bloggers, it's alway good to read their views even in these not so wonderful times.

Thanks too to Ketts for his company and chats at home games and for continuing to write so prolifically and insightfully about our special club.

Whatever you're doing tonight I sincerely hope that you have a great evening and I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year ! God willing may that extend to CAFC !

Come On You Reds !