Time To Kick Start The Season

The Addicks return to league action at The Valley today. Bolstered by the latest recruits and a squad that has mostly had a rest we ought to see a well organised and hungry team.

Sadly, I‘ll not be there due to a clash with another event that was postponed due to Covid. I’m gutted as I would love to be there and see the new players.

Last season’s League Two Champions, Cheltenham, have not had an indifferent start to the season in winning one, drawing 3 and losing 2 games.

Manager Michael Duff has fond memories of The Valley as he was part of the Burnley team that celebrated promotion from the Championship on the final day of the season in 2016. Let’s be honest it’s not a very select band of players that can say that given it seems to have happened on numerous occasions in recent years!

Following the deadline day trio that arrived we have since added a goalkeeper in Henderson and a left back in Papa Souare. The latter seems a bit of a gamble but that will pay off handsomely if the lad comes good.

The squad has an altogether better look and feel about it and the competition for places alone ought to see an upturn in performance and results.

Adkins now has to deliver in terms of how he sets up the team and how he manages games. I feel he’s been a bit lacklustre upto now. It took him a long time to acknowledge that Stockley was left isolated and address the matter.

I feel Kirk doesn’t stay out wide enough and drifts inside. On those occasions when he does get the ball in wide positions he seems to lack players in support and running off him.

I hope all this is addressed. Winning is nice but I’d want to see us play some decent football.

At least a month later than one would have liked we know have a squad capable of challenging in the top six. Now is the time kick on and move up the table.

Overall I feel much more confident and like Crewe, tomorrow is a game we really ought to win and comfortably too.

If he does set foot on the pitch then the biggest cheer is likely to be for Jonathan Leko. It’s so good that he’s back. I’m really looking forward to seeing him in a Charlton shirt again. It’s wonderful that he seems equally happy to be back in SE7.

All expectation is for a win backed up by a good performance today!

COYR!