Crewe-cial Game

 Amazing that so early in the season we have a pretty much must win game. The hopes of “clean sheet victories” or even getting one of those 25 clean sheet games are but a distant memory.

Visitors Crewe are one of three teams below us in League One. However, we’ve scored twice as many goals, two to their one!

The Railwaymen played Leeds on Tuesday in the League Cup losing 3-0 which isn’t a bad result considering that Leeds are a top flight team.

Whilst we have taken the one point from Wednesday, Oxford, MK and Wigan, the Alex have got a draw again Cheltenham and lost to Portsmouth, Oxford and Accrington.

Charlton simply can’t afford to lose this though. There’s enough pressure on Adkins and to a degree also Thomas too following previous comments regarding what The Addicks were going to do this season.

It’s too early to say it won’t still be a successful season but with only 4 days left of the transfer window we look desperate.

The failure to recruit a left back and a striker early doors is poor. Aneke was always going to prove difficult but almost impossible at this late stage.

Acquiring a loan striker from a Prem or Championship club would be good but I can’t imagine we’ll be fortunate enough to get a proven goalscorer who would totally fit the bill.

League One is a different kettle of fish to playing Under 23 or even Championship football. We’ve got to pray that we unearth a gem between now and Tuesday!

Elliot Lee is a really good signing for us and just the type of player we need. He immediately strengthens our team and I’m sure he’ll do well for us.

The performance is as important as the result. I think most of can, to a degree, accept losing games. However, it's been the manner of those defeats that is the real issue.

We've created so little chances, look weak in midfield and appalling defensive lapses have cost us dear. Weak squad or not the manager must accept and face up to his responsibility for that.

I do hope we move away from banging long balls up to Stockley. It’s not working especially when there’s no one near him. I fail to understand why Adkins doesn’t see it!

The manager surely has been drilling the team to pass better and look to get the ball out to the wingers more. They, in turn, must look to be more attacking and to get early balls into the box.

Hopefully, Charlie Kirk, will be up for the challenge against his old club.

Things need to turn around and that must start tomorrow. I dread to think of how another defeat will be greeted and have no wish to see it!

Come On You Reds!