Sour Kraut !

Herr Rosler

No hair Rosler

What a silly sausage ! Uwe's behaviour was of the wurst kind !

What a good day ! Over a few pre-match beers we were full of hope and anticipation. I felt we might get a draw but ANEM colleague Clive was optimistic of a win having witnessed Tuesday's performance.

I was impressed with things both on and off the field. There were several new offerings of food and drink inside and outside the stadium although it was good to see the traditional burger stalls outside still. I felt obliged to try a Wye Valley beer from the Beer Shack and it was quite pleasant.

The stadium and the pitch in particular looked great. I like the addition of the placards of Valley Legends too, a nice touch.

In the east stand it was interesting to note that blocks A & B were somewhat sparsely populated, In contrast the central blocks seemed fuller, perhaps all those with the complimentary tickets decided to sit there.

The game itself saw us take an early lead as both sides looked to play passing football. Cousins scored a wonderful goal following a lovely cross-field pass from Gudmundsson I think. Jordan cut inside and followed up with a lovely shot that curled just inside the far post. Carson, who received a warm welcome from the home fans, was not going to stop that !

Wigan levelled a few minutes later when the excellent McManaman turned Wiggins inside out and fired home into the far corner. 

The rest of the half was fairly even as the Addicks stuck to the game plan playing nice, neat, passing football. The second was much the same save for the late 10 minutes or so where we created at least three good chances. Fortunately, we managed to take one of them albeit via a deflection that made up for the one we suffered at Griffin Park. 

I felt we deserved the win. Prior to going off with an injury that we hope will not be too serious, Henderson didn't have a save to make and Pope was similarly untroubled whilst on the pitch. 

I was impressed with the new players who pretty much all had good games. The fact fact that there is real competition for places can only be good and allows Bob a degree of confidence in knowing that replacements, if needed, can do a job.

A shame that Rosler had a hissy-fit at the end. This from the man who displayed similar childish behaviour in October 2011 against Notts County when he deliberately block a County player form taking a free kick. He was subsequently sent off. 

I'm not sure how close Bob got to the man whose forefathers invaded slightly more than technical areas but he does seem to he reacted badly opting to use some nasty language that us Addicks fans would never let pass our lips ! 

Got to love the enthusiasm and passion from Big Bob and the way he has us playing. Let's enjoy this win and look forward to another stern test on Tuesday when Derby come a calling. I rate McLaren as a coach, he's one of the best and it will be tough. However, the players rightly seem to be relishing the challenge at the moment and it should be good.

No Shorts But Here's Hoping.......

If you knew sushi like I know sushi...........

Bloody typical.............I miss a Tuesday game despite being in the smoke and it turns out to be a goal-fest and a grand performance. The self same thing happened a couple of years ago when we played Cardiff at home and in fact, I was in Camden to be precise on both occasions.  

I caught up with some family and had a really nice meal in Sen Nin a Japanese restaurant. The food is cooked in front of you at your table in a very entertaining style by the chef. Tuesdays are the best days to go as it is half price. 

I'm not a great fan of fish but there are alternatives and I opted for the steak...........very nice. Camden is quite a lively place and I'd highly recommend a visit to Sen Nin if you're in the area.

I digress, so back to the football. Yes, it seems we were rather pleasing on the eye on Tuesday with several good displays from those who'd not played on Saturday. Gomez slotted in well at right back I believe and we will need to accommodate him in the team somewhere if we want to hold onto him. Maybe he'll play against Derby next Tuesday should Solly be rested.

I had reports of a good passing game in the spruced up Valley where, I understand the food has improved but sadly not the beer. Oh well, you can't have it all and in any case I usually don't drink in the Valley aside from when we have an extended hiatus like last year's Doncaster game.

I always look forward to my trips to the Valley ( even during last season ) and given all that has occurred during the summer, tomorrow even more so, if that is possible. For the first game last term I wore my shorts and I'm sure they played a part in securing a win for us but sadly tomorrow they may not get an airing as I'd hoped as the sunny weather has disappeared quicker than a Huddersfield Town manager.

Despite an absence of shorts I'm optimistic of a good performance and probably a draw from the lads. Big Bob has some selection issues of the nice kind and that's good. One hopes that the league cup game will have further lifted confidence and team spirit and increased competition for places can only be an added positive ingredient.

The fixture computer or at least Nigel who programmes it has not been very kind to us. Wigan and Derby at for our first two home games isn't exactly what you'd have asked for but perhaps we're better playing them now before they really hit their straps.

Wigan manager Uwe Rosler was, of course, previously in charge of last Saturday's oppo, Brentford and so nearly matched his replacement's achievement of promotion. Possibly, had they been devoid of Europa Cup commitments last season they'd have gone up automatically. 

They will be a tough nut to crack and give us us a good idea of how we can expect to do this season. Callum McManaman will pose a big threat and I'm surprised he hasn't been snapped up by a Prem club. However, at 23 years old he has time on his side and it's good to see a promising youngster not jump ship at the earliest opportunity.

It's early days in terms of trying to predict what Bob will do ( he caught most of us out with team selection on Tuesday ) but I'd be surprised if he changed the starting much if at all. I'm so full of anticipation of seeing our new players and style of play.

Here's to tomorrow and catching up with folk and hopefully seeing our Athletic beat the other Athletic.......shorts or no shorts !

Come On You Reds !

All Change !

A disappointing weekend on the sporting front in contrast to the social one. I failed miserably in my attempts to get tickets for Griffin Park and experienced an ultimately pointless trip to Rugby School on Sunday as Kent's game against Warwickshire ( Birmingham / Bears - take your pick ! ) was totally washed out.

Bbqs on Friday and Saturday were splendid affairs and on Sunday my return to MK ended up with a few bevvies in my old cricket club.

I think most would have taken the draw prior to kick off on Saturday with a team that saw so many new faces with a manager to match. Ultimately it was frustrating not to win given that it appeared that we had the better chances and as per so many occasions last season, we conceded a goal to a deflection.......arghhh !

However, the performance was encouraging. Like many others I hold little store with what happens in pre-season as it never offers a true indication of the team's potential. On this early showing then I'm hopeful that we will fare better than last season...........well, it wouldn't be too difficult would it ?

Tonight we return for a home game and it's at home where we really need to see some improvement in performance and results. Last term it was dire and it must improve, not just for us poor sods who witnessed it but with the aim of getting new and lapsed folk back into the ground.......why should we suffer alone !

Having said that I won't be there tonight as a family commitment, ironically in the metropolis, rules me out. My first sighting of the revamped Valley and team will have to wait until Saturday.

Traditionally the league cup first round games see us put out a changed side from the league one and whilst I've no idea how Bob views things I'd be surprised if he didn't follow suit even if he seems reluctant to wear one.

Last year's tie against Oxford saw Cousins come to the fore and ultimately establish himself in the first team somewhat ironically ahead of Diego. If given the chance Gomez might well view this as a similar opportunity. Fellow centre half, Morrison will certainly have that view as one can't imagine he'll be too pleased at missing out on Saturday.

It's not hard to envisage the entire back five being altered with Pope, Wilson / Nego, Gomez, Morrison and Fox all adequate and probable replacements.

There's potential for changes across the whole team of course and a front pairing of Pigott and Church wouldn't be the biggest shock either.

Colchester flirted with relegation for some of last season before a decent string of results saw them finish in 16th place. All their summer transfer activity both in and out has been devoid of any money changing hands as they've been free transfers or loans.

Joe Dunne's team will pose a threat as these games are never easy but it would a big disappointment if the Addicks don't progress to meet Huddersfield in the next round. Bob may put out a strong bench in case things don't go according to plan.

Come On You Reds !

A New Dawn

Chabuddy G - do not buy tickets or Sean Paul Gaultier perfume from this man

Happy days ! The football is back and I've discovered my laptop again ! I can hear the audible sighs of relief, if not they wouldn't be audible would they ? 

There you go, in three short sentences you realise that following the hiatus this blog hasn't changed..........oh dear !

I did try and get tickets for Saturday but like a Norman Hunter tackle, I was way too late ( I've not lost my love for contemporary references ). Whilst some might suggest going along and trying to get a ticket from someone like our friend above I'm not taking any chances. No, I shall stay at home and tune into Kurupt FM as I believe they are carrying the game live.

Plenty of water has passed under the bridge ( and elsewhere ) since the last league outing, that wonderful away win at Bloomfield Road. Ironically, Riga needn't have ever left as he has now changed dugouts having saddled himself with a seemingly bigger basket case than even ourselves !

If anyone can save the Tangerines then it has to be Jose and good luck to him. I for one, will never forget the truly remarkable job he did in saving us from relegation. Fortunately, I had the chance to thank him personally at the end of season dinner ( perhaps I drove him away ). 

In what appears to becoming something of a tradition we start the league campaign away to a promoted team. Similarly, we start at home in the league cup. We have to hope that we fair better than last time, at Dean Court. At least our midfield is unlikely to be as aged as it was on that occasion.

It does promise however, to be every bit as tough as last season's opener. Brentford have recruited well, not least one time Charlton target, Alan Judge. In Mark Warburton they have an excellent manager who seamlessly took over the reigns from Uwe Rosler. There's plenty to admire in Warburton who has established himself in coaching / managership by self-funding his learning after taking the risky decision to pack in his lucrative, if stressful career, as a trader.

Brentford have plans to move to a new ground in the next couple of years and one assumes that unlike Griffin Park, the architect has not included a pub in each corner, a shame. Some will call the increased move to new stadia progress but I think it's a shame as we lose the tradition and character of the older grounds.

I feel the same, if not more so, in cricket with the Rose Bowl being a prime example for me. A cricket ground should allow you to wander round its entirety with various viewpoints as you do so to gain different perspectives on the game. It should have different stands and seating too. 

Sadly, this is being reflected in football too, grounds are becoming like the Rose Bowl, continuous rows of seating all joined together and devoid of character.

For the Addicks it has been a summer of intense activity both on and off the pitch. There has been a lot of investment in both areas and it looks on the face of it to be quite promising and in stark contrast to last season.

I haven't shared the frustrations of some in the owner and his team not meeting to face intense questioning from various quarters. As ever, actions speak louder than words and in the last few months those actions have spoken quite loudly. It may of course all end in disaster but for now it looks ok to me.

We have an as yet unproven manager but then again so was Jose and he turned out ok. Let's hope that Peeters can at least emulate his achievements. It would seem on early showings that he is keen on the team playing a decent passing and that is to be applauded. It would nice to see some aesthetically pleasing football, especially at home.

Sadly, after many years I have moved seats, lured away as I was by the offer of cheaper seats further along in the east stand. Those who've had to suffer my swearing and inane comments will be mightily relieved but for me it is tinged with sadness as I was rather fond of my seat and the view it afforded. However, for the sake of moving along 30 or so seats I was able to purchase three rather than two season tickets and save £150 at the same time.

Who knows what to expect on Saturday ? Should we lose and play badly then we can expect to hear that " the team needs time to gel " but the last time we recruited to this extent that didn't apply as the players became a team very quickly. Let's hope that can be repeated and we get off to a good start as we'll need it given that we have a testing batch of opening fixtures. 

If you're going to West London to see the game then I hope you have a great day out especially if you're one of those making the trip by boat. Hopefully we can start with a win and settle any early season nerves.

Come On You Reds !

   

  

A Rather Splendid Evening Part 2

Well done Diego

Last week was probably the best we've enjoyed all season both on and off the pitch. The back to back wins with a total of 6 goals scored and the sponsors and player of the year dinners saw to that. 

Last night I attended the latter event. Getting down early allowed me to visit some old haunts and once again bore the pants off my lad with tales of my youth....he'd heard them all before of course !

We stopped at the Antigallican having parked the car in the Valley car park. Time allowed for a couple of swift ones before making our way back to the ground. 

Once inside we found our table and sadly we weren't to have a player on it. No matter we found ourselves in decent company and it made for an enjoyable evening.

The players and staff were introduced in turn found their tables. It was great to see most buying a drink for everyone on their table. I think Wiggins actually got a second round in !

After dinner the winners were announced. Jordan Cousins was young player of the year. Michael Morrison was the CASDA player of the year. Wilson was player's player. Morrison was 3rd with Wilson 2nd and of course, Diego was the player of the year.

Jose Riga gave an excellent little speech citing specifically the values of our club and how honoured he was to work for Charlton. 

After all that their was time for many photos and how great were the players as always. I found all of them superb. In trying to tell Ben Hamer that I thought he'd had a good season and that we'd had a great end to it, I told him it'd had been a great season. " No it hasn't ! " he correctly observed. How to make a fool of yourself !

I got a photo with Skip and took the opportunity to tell him how impressed I've been with him and how fantastic the effort has been to ensure survival. 

I also managed to have a photo and a few words with Jose to tell him what a remarkable job he's done since he arrived.

Jose was later seen have a lengthy chat with Hamer, hopefully encouraging him to sign up for next season.

We continued drinking until being on the verge of forcibly removed. We made our way back to the Antigallican.

This morning saw us visit The York Cafe for the usual hearty breakfast before making our way home.

We really do have some special players at our club. A great night and one I will cherish for many years to come. 

  

Back To Back !

Callum treble !

Leaving it late has been the story of the season. Late winners against QPR and Bournemouth and leaving it late to secure safety has been the way of things. Fitting then, in a way that our first back to back wins in the league are achieved on the final day of the season. Not only that another 3 goal haul in the second game running.

One has to be pleased and delighted for young Callum with his first senior hat-trick. What a finish to a season that for the most part wasn't great for him. It is so pleasing as we all know what talent he possesses, it just needs to come to the fore more often.

It was a topsy-turvy afternoon at both ends of the table. Brighton secured the last play-off spot without playing particularly well at Forest. Sadly, Donny were relegated and Birmingham survived by the skin of their teeth. Almost predictably for a Lee Clark team it was a draw that saw them survive on goal difference.

Riga opted to make only one change from the team that ensured survival on Tuesday with Astrit coming in for Solly who was rested. I didn't think he'd rest too many if any at all. I guess the players would have up for playing in a no pressure game after all the hard work.

To win by three clear goals away to a team  that needed to get something from it in a game that meant little to us is further testament to the resolve in this team and indicates how Riga won't allow them to ease up. All good signs.

This has been a wretched season for all manner of reasons but there a few positives. Clearly the biggest of those has been the emergence of our academy players. Since our academy has been lauded for so many years it is about time that we witness so many of them flourishing in a Charlton shirt. All too often that hasn't been the case.

Even young Pope, whose season is far from over, has managed to progress albeit in his case away from the Valley. From that viewpoint alone this season hasn't been a total disaster and is one reason to be positive for the future. 

I really can't recall a season like this. In some respects it makes the 84-85 season seem almost like a bumpy ride in comparison. 

For now we can relax and enjoy our summer and see what the future holds. Much of the gloom and doom foretold by some has failed to come to fruition. My view has always been to wait and see what happens. No point in worrying about what might happen. I also feel that any issues should be addressed via the trust that has something of a mandate to do so. A united front is always the best way.

I got my tickets for the player of the year do last week before safety was assured. It's going to be good I'm sure and I'm really looking forward to that.

I'm there are long celebrations ahead in Blackpool for the remainder of the day and elsewhere too. Enjoy !

We've reached the end of a very long season and in typical Charlton style we've all been put through the wringer ! However, at no stage have I ever been anything less than proud to be an Addick. As Ferguson might well have said......." Charlton, bloody hell ! ".

Come On You Reds !

Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside........

especially if you've secured your Championship place.

Tuesday night's excellent performance and win of course means that those travelling up for this one can truly enjoy the trip. I'm sure many will be making a weekend of it. Many will recall Mildew urging us to do the same a few years ago. Many of us did and it wasn't a pleasant experience. This time it will be all the more enjoyable I'm sure.

Of late this fixture looked liked being a winner takes all game. Fortunately, we can breathe easy whilst Doncaster, Birmingham, Millwall and indeed Blackpool themselves all need something to ensure safety. Out of all of those Blackpool look to be in the least danger and not just because they're playing us.

The game presents us with an opportunity to secure back to back wins in the league for the first time this season. 

The 12.15pm kick off is ridiculous with fans as always being the lowest priority when television companies are paying so much money. At least it leaves plenty of time afterwards to sample the delights of the resort.

One could speculate about the make up of the sides but frankly my dear, I don't give a damn ! At least for those travelling there's an opportunity to see Fuller again.

We can all be totally relaxed for once on a Saturday. Life feels a whole lot better with safety now assured. Relegation would have been a massive blow especially as it would have been so unnecessary. 

As for who joins Yeovil and Barnsley then either one of Millwall or Birmingham will do as I've little time for either of them.

If you're going Saturday then have a great time. I'm sure there'll be a few stories come out of the weekend. Have fun one and all !

Come On You Reds !