Sunday 10 April 2016

It's a load of Cobblers

As Charlton head for League One, we take a look at the League Two promotion race to try and identify some of the teams the Addicks may be playing next season.

Northampton Town are already promoted and are likely to be champions. They nearly went into administration earlier in the season, with the players unpaid, but team spirit kept them going. The former owner is assisting police with their enquiries in relation to financial allegations, but there is now stability at the club.

The Cobblers have ruled the roost in Northamptonshire ever since the demise of Rushden & Diamonds. Kettrin', once a leading non-league side, have been through difficult times and have left Rockinghorse Road.

It should be a relatively easy drive up the M1 for Addicks fans and then a short journey to Sixfields, or Sickfields as detractors call the ground.

Oxford United also look very likely to go up and again the Kassim Stadium is relatively accessible by road, even if it does involve using the A34. I remember a number of clashes with Oxford when we were both in what was then Division 1, including a visit to their quaint old ground at Headington.

Accrington Stanley have typical home attendances of below 2,000, and are a second team for some Burnley fans. We had a link with them when we supplied them with two goalkeepers for a season, Darren Randolph and Rob Elliot. Remember them? It will be a long haul 'oop North for Addicks fans, but a new ground to chalk off for many. Oh, the glamour.

Bristol Rovers could well come up, offering a trip west to the delights of the Memorial Stadium. However, the long haul further west to Plymouth looks less likely with the Pilgrims faltering on their tight budget.

Portsmouth are in the play off places and at one time we had played them more than any other team. They would be guaranteed to bring a big and noisy away following to The Valley.

AFC Wimbledon are in the play off places which would offer a trip to south-west London. Wycombe, who humiliatingly dumped us out of the League Cup in the Premiership, have been fading, while Exeter have been gaining momentum and could make the play offs. Leyton Orient are also possible contenders, offering a trip through the Blackwall Tunnel.

Remember Fleetwood Town are hanging in there in League One, offering another new exciting venue.