Break in service

Apologies forr the lack of updates, but I had a knee replacement at the end of last week.   It went well, but coverage will not resume until next week.

Curbs names his key season in charge at Charlton

In a long interview with Richard Cawley Alan Curbishley says his first season as a manager with Charlton at Upton Park was the crucial one for the club's future.   It required a siege mentality: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/alan-curbishley-on-his-key-season-in-charge-of-charlton-putting-record-straight-over-his-exit-and-being-picky-over-other-boss-jobs/

Curbs knocks on the head the recurrent myth that he was forced out of Charlton by restless fans who wanted European qualification.  It was simply that the chairman wanted him to sign a three year contract and he wanted to see out his remaining year and then make a decision depending on where Charlton were going.

Curbs has only recently dropped out of the top ten of managers who managed Premier League games.

Living next to The Valley

Residents of Valiant House and other locals tell the Currant Bun what it is like to live next to The Valley: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/22596034/our-flat-overlooks-major-football-stadium-london-free-game/

The responses are mixed with some liking the chance to watch a game for free.  As for the whingers, you don't have to live next to a football ground.

Wiggins recalls good times at Charlton

A long interview by Richard Cawley with Rhoys Wiggins.   Injuries forced him into early retirement, a process he did not find easy, although things are looking up now: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/it-was-taken-away-from-me-early-retirement-still-burns-for-former-charlton-and-crystal-palace-defender-rhoys-wiggins/

He was a good player for us and part of our League One 2012 title winning side.   He said that squad had a togetherness he has not seen elsewhere.

Inniss opts for Vegan diet

Red card specialist Ryan Inniss has joined Forest Green Rovers, their first signing of the season.   Boss Duncan Ferguson has said that he is the sort of player the Vegans need.

Inniss is full of the delights of moving to a 'lovely' area: https://www.fgr.co.uk/news/inniss-becomes-first-summer-arrival

I didn't see this coming, but I think we can live with it.

Wollacott on his way?

Charlton are open to offers for Garner era keeper Joe Wollacott who has two years on his contract: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-ready-to-listen-to-offers-for-goalkeeper-this-summer/

Addicks loan player Steven Sessegnon has been released by Fulham: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-loanee-sessegnon-released-by-fulham/

Richard Cawley thinks that he will be initially looking for a Championship move.

Albie's Tangerine dream

Albie Morgan has signed a three year deal at Blackpool with a one year extension clause: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65919805

Good luck to him, but I don't think we should have retained him.

Jonny Williams gets club

Former Addick Jonny Williams has joined Bradford after interest from other League Two clubs: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/former-charlton-and-crystal-palace-midfielder-looks-set-to-join-league-two-side/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=former-charlton-and-crystal-palace-midfielder-looks-set-to-join-league-two-side

He's not joining Bradford, he's gone to Gillingham!    This has given pessimists a chance to point out they will soon be above us in the EFL.

Williams celebrates his return to his native heath: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/former-crystal-palace-and-charlton-midfielder-makes-late-league-two-transfer-u-turn/

On transfer deals, Richard Cawley says that none are expected or in the pipeline for today.  The club is working on its targets.

Discussions on Alfie May continue

Richard Cawley reports: 'My understanding is that no bid accepted for Alfie May but that discussions still ongoing.   Thomas Sandgaard is in control of transfers until the takeover is completed, but out of courtesy will be talking to SE7 Partners until takeover is completed, but out of courtesy will be speaking to SE7 Partners.'   It is, of course, in Cheltenham's interest to have a bidding war.

Orange One gives verdict on takeover

The Orange One gives his views on the Charlton takeover, seeing the Addicks as no threat to Palace any time soon: https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/the-most-underperforming-club-in-english-football-pundits-big-statement-as-former-crystal-palace-owner-makes-portsmouth-derby-county-and-charlton-athletic-calls-4172896?fbclid=IwAR3JfR6MzEeOEfCO44nuj6B26b7odxiOSgV0irWH5eP2yNhhxiS-ACxRtYA

Well, we never thought that either.

Takeover could take eight to nine weeks

Chief executive Peter Storrie thinks that estimates that the completion of the takeover will take three weeks to complete are optimistic and eight to nine weeks are more likely.   With the transfer window opening on Tuesday, Dean Holden is in charge, although Storrie has been involved in two possible signings.   He is not saying anything about Alfie May where there is a lot of competition from other clubs: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-chief-executive-peter-storrie-talks-takeover-timeline-and-dean-holdens-crucial-role-in-transfer-window-business/

Why we should be worried about Charlie Methven

I formed a negative view of Charlie Methven watching the television series about Sunderland.  He came across as an arrogant, self-satisfied big ego who was also very shallow if superficially articulate.  A typical Old Etonian in other words.   A blog from Sunderland supporters tell us why we should be very worried about him: https://www.si.com/soccer/sunderland/opinion/sunderland-why-charlton-fans-should-be-very-worried-about-charlie-methven-takeover

Storrie to step down

Peter Storrie expects to step down as chief executive once the takeover is completed.  He confirmed that a budget is in place for transfers: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-chief-executive-storrie-expecting-to-step-down-once-takeover-completes-and-clear-on-transfer-budget-plans/

SE7 Partners are now controlled by Global Football Partners Ltd. registered in the Cayman Islands.

Sale confirmed

The signing of an agreement to sell Charlton to the SE7 Partners consortium has been confirmed: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-takeover-takes-big-step-forward-after-spa-agreement/

Richard Cawley notes: 'EFL approval likely to take a number of weeks - maybe between six to eight. Joshua Friedman's takeover party also need to get a lease agreement for Valley and training ground sanctioned by Roland Duchatelet.'

VOTV website editor Rick Everitt points out: '“Sanctioned by Roland Duchatelet” - what could possibly go wrong? Last time this was required it led to a 150% rent increase. The lease will have to be amended because Sandgaard’s US firm is explicitly named in it as the guarantor.'

If the deal is finalised, fans will judge the new owners by their actions not their words.

Sale agreement signed

Richard Cawley reports: 'Have been told tonight that both parties in the Charlton takeover talks have now signed the Sale Purchase Agreement. Expecting more clarity in the morning. Not had confirmation from Thomas Sandgaard on this, but aiming to add more detail tomorrow AM.'

Any sale will require EFL approval which may take some time.