Only Fools and Horses

Following last Saturday’s visit from our friends up the road, it is pleasing to be welcoming Ipswich Town to The Valley this weekend.

 

The Blues, The Tractor Boys or The Horses as they are sometimes called will provide an altogether better atmosphere than the Spanners supplied last time out.

 

The look of hatred and hostility on their faces whilst abusing the likes of Solly was truly disturbing. Most of them would have fitted in well if they’d been incarcerated on Shutter Island.

 

On the playing side they had clearly come for the draw and it was disappointing that given their 5 at the back we didn’t put someone up with Igor earlier. We needed to take the game to them.

 

At the end we departed we thoughts of “ if only “ in respect of George. Two golden opportunities missed in successive games isn’t good especially as I believe he has some ability.

 

Enough already, onto this Saturday. Myopic Mick ( I hope no one ever needs him as an eyewitness even with video evidence ! ) brings his Suffolk side along sitting handily placed in 4^th spot.

 

Ipswich have had a good season especially at home whilst on their travels games have mostly ended in draws. Everything suggests stalemate as the outcome but we have an unbeaten home record at stake and are on the telly………..so what do you think !!!!

 

Whilst having a richer history than ours, Ipswich are a club not totally dissimilar to ourselves. They aren’t prone to splashing the cash and McCarthy has, as usual, fashioned a good side without spending a small fortune. Mick’s teams are always hard working and tough to beat.

Hopefully we will have Igor available as we know how valuable he is to us. Sadly no Henderson but I'm comfortable with Pope after an assured performance last week.

Coquelin was superb last week and it is to be hoped that he starts tomorrow and also that his loan is extended.

The presence of the tv cameras doesn't bode well and we can only hope that particular hoodoo won't play its part.

If it's any comfort my Ipswich supporting mate is coming along ( in the away end by the way ) with his partner who he tells me usually means the Ipswich don't win. Let's hope that's a good omen.

The early kick off means a few leisurely beers after somewhere in Greenwich. It'd nice if that was done in the warm glow of having garnered 3 points.

Come On You Reds !

Playing For Pride

Up The Loins !

Don't worry about your typical Millwall fan getting the above, they'll be chuffed that a Charlton blog is promoting their team. In similar fashion they'll fail to see the irony of their manager being named after a famous gaol. However, they'll have a good laugh if they score more " gaols " than us on Saturday.

Much is made of our poor record against that lot from down the road but one does need to bear in mind the time we've spent in different leagues. Our years in the Prem being a case in point.

Nonetheless we do owe them especially after last year's insipid home performance. This was exacerbated by the usual guff about the players, management, tea lady etc. all appreciating what it means to the fans. Fornicate that ! Put in a performance, hopefully win and then make your comments. Talk is cheap !

There are two or three ex-Addicks now plying their trade for the Spanners most notably Ricardo Fuller. How on earth he ended up there, God only knows. He will pose a big threat as always. He was quality in his one season for us but sadly wasn't appreciated by all. There is a general misconception about his injuries and matches missed.

Fuller's goals aside, many also overlook his numerous assists and ability to win free kicks in dangerous areas. I won't enjoy seeing him doing similar for them.

We ought to be looking forward to this game with confidence especially following a decent away win at Reading last time out. However, this fixture stands alone in that form and relative strengths of teams go out the window. A shame as Millwall's form of one win in the last ten games is poor however, " Ollie " might want to dress it up.

Hopefully the international break has seen nearly all our injuries clear up and a start for Igor is essential for our success I'd suggest. I wouldn't mind seeing a start for Francis Coquelin get a start and wouldn't mind seeing Skip playing just in behind Vetokele as a knock on effect, Whatever I do hope that Francis gets a decent amount of time on the pitch.

Big Bob has already in his short time at the helm established himself as something of a cult figure and a loss on Saturday won't greatly damage that. However, a convincing performance and a win will go a long way to enhancing that.

Let's hope for the 3 points and we can go off and drink Charlton's surrounding areas dry or at least those that have watering holes open !

Come On You Reds ! 

Desmond....

was the score and with Redfearn only getting one point from the last two games it seems that Archbishop Tutu, seen above complete with flat cap, could be in the running should the Leeds owner fancy a change of boss.

A brace each for Mowatt and Gudmundsson at Elland Road meant that the Addicks recorded another draw, their ninth of the season. 

It was disappointing that Igor wasn't on from the start as Harriott, Gudmunsson and Wilson all came into the starting eleven. 

It seems that a fairly lacklustre game came to life in the second half with Leeds twice taking the lead with excellent goals from Mowatt. Gudmundsson equalised first with a shot from a narrow angle that their keeper should have done better with.

JBG's second came from the penalty spot after TBH took a tumble. There were complaints from those of a Leeds persuasion but unless TBH's shirt rode up of its own accord then it looked a fair shout to me. The penalty was dispatched with some aplomb.

An injury late on to Wiggins meant we played the last 10 minutes or so with ten men. However, as Mowatt was unable to conjure another goal the score remained two all.

Elsewhere the Championship threw up some unexpected results. Bournemouth have been one of the more consistent teams and the Cherries now sit top of the league, well done to them.

Reading secured a confidence boosting 3-0 win at home albeit to Rotherham. A tough task awaits on Saturday especially if we are without Wiggins just as he was starting to return to form.  

Hoof !

Excited Leeds fans await their turn to be offered the hot seat

Rumour has it that at the time of writing former £1 million Charlton player, Neil Redfearn is the latest manager at Elland Road. The Italian owner doesn't hesitate to replace a boss but won't offer the job to just anyone................

Colin..........it's only a matter of time again surely.

Of course the one decent manager they did have didn't wait around for too long.......

the great Brian seen here with David Harvey, the former Planet of the Apes star.

Following a draw against T'Wednesday on Saturday we now face another team from T'Yorkshire in the form of Leeds United. A draw was about right at the weekend although I felt we had the better chances. The appearance of Igor and Gudmundsson showed how much we missed them and underlined how few options we have. We have to hope they stay fit.

The club has today recruited Francis Coquelin from Arsenal. The Frenchman has joined on the briefest of loans as he is with us, initially at least, only until 1st December. He has gone straight into tomorrow's squad. 

Judging by the goals conceded by Leeds at the weekend it seems our best approach is to hoof the ball downfield. Forget about playing a nice passing game, a pump up the pitch seems to spread panic in the heart of the United defence and confusion reigns. 

Last time out at Leeds we managed to come away with a 1-0 win courtesy of a Reza goal and a Hamer penalty save. Remarkably only 5 of the 18 man squad remain from that night. A similar result would be most welcome although a draw is probably the best we can hope for.

I trust we won't be wearing the strip d'orange tomorrow. That needs to be consigned to the bin.

Good luck to those going oop north to support the lads. Remember, if you're a bit late for the game, be careful where you run..........you never know who you might bump into and may end up missing the game.

Come On You Reds !

Back To The Valley

The cover for Saturday's Valley Review

Following two successive away defeats The Addicks will be relieved to be returning to S.E.7 on Saturday to face the blue side of Sheffield.

Those two defeats were interspersed with a win against Bolton some of whose fans took time out to comment on my last piece to congratulate us on a fine win. 

Wednesday's season has been quite similar to ours as there have been plenty of draws and they don't score a lot of goals. They will be hoping the recent acquisition of Taylor-Fletcher on loan from Leicester will change that. The Owls main goal threat will come in the form of Stevie May who looks quite a capable player.

Addicks fans will of course be hoping that Igor and Gudmundsson return to the starting eleven. It may be too early for Wiggins who picked up a foot injury last week.

I'd like to see George start up front with Igor as this is potentially our best strike partnership and I don't think it was given enough time earlier in the season. 

At home Bulot really ought to play on the left and Gudmundsson on the right even if this means leaving Cousins out of the starting eleven. Jordan has been great this season and gives it everything but he is wasted out there and our attacking threat is curtailed without a more natural left sided player. 

I was pleased to Buyens have an improved game against the Trotters although he was still a bit short of his early season performances.

The first half on Friday evening was awful but it was good to see the lads come out and give it go in the second half with a more determined effort. The injuries we had and with Fulham playing a lot better than at the start of the season it was always going to be a tough ask.

Clearly our squad is on the thin side and a couple of experienced additions would make a tremendous difference to the team. I understand the cautious approach from Roland and his desire to run a tight ship whilst giving youth it's chance. Grant Holt is a case in point of someone who would have been a superb addition to the squad. There are others out there still but it seems unlikely that Bob will be able to add anyone unless we're right up there around the end of the year.

We need to go for it from the start on Saturday and maintain that for the rest of the game. In August we showed at home what we are capable of and we have to get back to that level especially with two tricky away games coming up.

It is good to see that the club is to focus on Remembrance Day with a commemorative programme, a plaque to be unveiled and a minute's silence before the game. 

The 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WW1 has served to remind us of the sacrifices, horror and reality of war. Naturally with less and less people surviving from the great war then it disappears from living memory and as with all conflicts the desire that " we should never forget " is more important than ever.

I know from first hand experience that our schools are playing their part in ensuring that today's children are educated about the two world wars, naturally with a greater focus on the first in this Centenary year.

I hope to get along to the see the poppies at the Tower of London as many friends and colleagues have been and tell me what a moving experience this is. In the meantime I shall, along with others, pay a silent tribute on Saturday ahead of the game.

Perennial Strugglers 2 – Bolton Wanderers 1

Charlton have one of the smallest and least experienced squads in the Championship. Last night that squad was hampered by injuries to several key players but still managed to emerge victorious against a plucky Bolton side that had a typical physical edge to it. That isn’t to suggest they were dirty, just that there were lots of niggling fouls that last night’s ref should have done more about. 

Newly installed Bolton boss Lennon labelled us “ perennial Championship strugglers “ and that of course is total nonsense. In my many years of supporting the Addicks we have rarely struggled and whilst not frequently troubling the top of the table, I’ve not seen us in the third tier in more than a handful of seasons. 

Possibly the seeds for the delusions of grandeur from Lennon have been sown by chairman, Phil Gartside. Back in the Allardyce era when the Trotters were  enjoying Premiership football, Gartside was rarely out of the media. He had plenty to say, most notably about establishing a Premiership 2. Should Bolton drop to League 1 this season I wonder if Gartside will still be so keen on the idea ! 

Given the players available I thought pre-match that we’d do well to emerge with a point. In addition, Saturday’s results and performances from both teams did little to suggest an Addicks win. The lads do like to surprise us though and dug deep to bag all 3 points. 

The opening minutes were end to end stuff and it looked as though there were plenty of goals to be had for both sides. However, there was little end product for either side despite some promising moves mostly involving the impressive Chung-yong as far as Bolton were concerned. 

It was a real surprise when George demonstrated no small amount of skill to give us the lead. He scored the goal he always looked like scoring – heavy on the irony there ! 

Tucadean went down far too easily and I thought he was doing his best to blow a golden opportunity for himself. However, the way he took his goal and the assist for Jackson’s goal reminded us all of the potential he showed when netting against the Rams earlier in the season. 

A few extra hours down the gym will certainly aid George because you need to be strong at this level. 

Once again the defence did well with Bikey and TBH showing what a great partnership they are and how good their understanding is. I note that Wiggins is getting some unwarranted stick in some quarters. I am led to believe he wasn’t great at Bournemouth on Saturday and perhaps that influences the views of some. However, I believe that Solly didn’t cover himself in glory either but he didn’t attract a lot of criticism.   

Feeney went off because he was getting no joy down our left and Davies, his replacement, played in a more central role I noted. 

Someone else attracting complaints from a few around me was Cousins. I can’t believe that some folk don’t appreciate that he is playing out of position. He’s the footballing equivalent of Dennis Waterman not writing the theme tune, singing the theme tune etc. but taking corners, playing on the left, on the right, there’s little that’s not asked of young Jordan. 

I don’t see him complain or ask for a rest like that Liverpool’s Stirling. Buyens had a better game last night and sadly picked up a fifth yellow. The one good thing that ought to come out of that is Jordan moving inside. I hope he grabs the opportunity to impress Big Bob on Friday. 

Skip also did well and broke up many attacks and got in some vital blocks. His contributions are so often overlooked. 

Last night’s result eases the pressure on Friday’s trip to the Cottage where a point will represent a good return given their recent upturn in fortunes following the sacking of the hapless McGath.

A Player Is In An Offside...........

position........forget it, just look at the picture above Lee.

Lee Clark, having already established himself as someone it easy to take an instant dislike to, managed to go one further and make himself look a fool too on Saturday. Trying to claim that Clayton Donaldson wasn't offside for the disallowed goal was laughable.

Possibly he was trying to outdo the odious Steve Evans who claimed that Skip virtually put the ball up his shirt the other week when bemoaning the lack of a penalty for his team. 

Add Uwe " we should have won " Rosler into the mix and it seems we're coming up against some managers who seem intent on making it appear as if Arsene Wenger has twenty twenty vision.

Enough of Clark whose offside nonsense remarks were probably borne out of jealousy at our unbeaten run and his suffering another defeat at the Valley. 

Saturday's script pretty much followed that of other recent games. We start brightly, go in front and sit back. I've not minded too much upto now but against a poor looking side like Birmingham then it was disappointing.

As others have observed I'm at a lost to understand why the formation was changed as soon as went ahead. Cousins in particular was doing fine. It didn't help us.

Clearly something needs to be done in terms of increasing our attacking threat. We aren't creating nearly enough chances especially for Igor. He is our most potent threat yet is devoid of a suitable partner or a team-mate who can load the bullets for him. Our midfield on Saturday often failed to spot his runs and he was chomping at the bit to be played through. 

Buyens has been a major disappointment in the last few games. The player that in August displayed a fine range of positive and attacking passes has for some reason regressed. This culminated in an error strewn performance at the weekend. Quite how Skip came off and he stayed on I really don't know. Johnnie's reaction to being subbed spoke volumes.

I understand and largely agree with the club's policy of not spending vast amounts on players and associated wages. However, it seems a real shame to see a player like Grant Holt go to Huddersfield when you know he'd be ideal for Igor.

Ironically for someone who's classed as a defensive midfielder, Cousins has, of late, shown that he is more than capable of producing a telling pass. 

In terms of Saturday's substitutions then I was saddened that Harriott and KAG didn't set foot on the pitch. There was an opportunity to go for it and both players had incentive, not least Callum who has a point to prove.

In postmatch comments Bob suggested that the players were tired after a tough Championship schedule. They shouldn't be as we've already had one international break already and the lads aren't playing twice a week, every week. 

The Addicks seemed to cope ok playing twice a week for 7 weeks at the end of last season with little change in personnel and under some pressure too. Therefore, I'm not sure why the class of 2014-15 should be suffering particularly this early into the season. 

I know all of the above sounds and probably is quite critical of Big Bob. It's not meant to be, just a few personal observations on how I think things could be even better. I'm more than happy with the progress being made by the club and it is reflected in a number of areas.

The 4 points earned form the last two games were as excellent as they were unexpected. In addition, I think Bob has been fantastic to date not least with the unbeaten start in the league.

It doesn't seem as if we're going to be signing Fabregas or Costa anytime soon so I hope that we can find someone from within the club who may be able to do a fairly decent job in either position.

The second international break of the season will allow for injuries and niggles to clear and we can go again away to Bournemouth. The chances of extending our undefeated start were helped by Yann's red card on Saturday. We know often our ex-players, most notably the strikers, come back to haunt us.

In the meantime we can relax as the national team goes in search or more glory !