Supremo salutes new spending rules but admits pitch disappointment

Charlton supremo Charlie Methven thinks that the new tighter spending rules being introduced by the EFL in League One next season will benefit clubs like Charlton with strong academies: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-hierarchy-supportive-of-new-spending-controls-that-kick-in-next-season/

Methven admits disappointment with the performance of the new pitch, but points out that more games are being played on it.   Even so, the club is seeking advice.   It is not clear whether this is from my learned friends or pitch specialists.   Hopefully, both.

Charlton need Top Grass to be pitch perfect

Finding it difficult to complain about three wins in a row, moaners turned to the state of the pitch at The Valley and it has to be said that the investment in a new one does not seem to have paid off.   I use Top Grass to keep my north facing patch of lawn in a walled garden in good condition so perhaps they could help out at Charlton (they're a national franchise and I would recommend them for lawn treatments).

Curbs has always said that one shouldn't get too pessimistic after a loss and too optimistic after a win and four wins in a row might be a challenge at Crawley, although we need to compensate for one of the most disappointing performances of the season.   Needless to say, the away end, such as it is, is sold out.

Crawley have won three, drawn two and lost five at home.  On Sunday they drew 4-4 at Exeter after being 4-1 ahead at half time.  I haven't been able to find out what happened at Exeter, but it suggests that Crawley can score goals but also have a porous defence.  We need to keep our defence tight, marshalled by Lloyd Jones, and rampage forward when the opportunity occurs.

In the West Sussex Badger prediction league, I forecast that we would be 8th at this stage of the season so 9th matches my expectations.  The play offs are within reach, although the graphs provided by Louis Mendez show the extent of the challenge.

Leaburn brace gives Charlton victory

There was not a great deal of action in the first half. Wycombe edged possession but Charlton defended their box well, as to be expected.  Charlton were disciplined defensively out of possession.   Lloyd Jones was controlling the back line.  Best chance of the game fell to Luke Berry.

Charlton were shooting towards the Covered End in the second half.   Leaburn got across his man and volleyed it home at the beginning of the second half (around 50 seconds) into the bottom corner of the net.  The cross from Edwards caused chaos in the Chairboys defence.

Leaburn held his run just enough for the lino to favour the striker and he made it 2-0 on 54 minutes with a great chip over the keeper from the edge of the penalty area.   He risked taking the hugs from supporters in the far corner.

The Chairboys made a double substitution.  

There was excellent defensive work from Coventry at the expense of a corner well won by Gillesphey.    Maynard-Brewer eventually gathered.

Alex Mitchell was seen holding his hip after a leg injury.  His attempt to carry on may have made it worse.   The physios were working on his knee.   He came back on, but the old school centre half did not look comfortable.

Wycombe were being denied time and space by Charlton.     The visitors made another two changes. Top scorer Kone came on from the bench.

Leaburn was booked for a foul on halfway, Harvey eventually got his way.   He had been trying to trick him into an illegal challenge.

A good pass from Berry finds Leaburn who beats the offside trap but shoots over.

T Campbell slipped through but shot over when there was space to the left of the keeper.

Leaburn was applauded off with a standing ovation after he had received treatment.  Ahadme came on.

Wycombe scored on 84 minutes, it was a good goal from Kone across Maynard-Brewer.

The keeper collected as Campbell threatened from a long ball.    He might have been able to head over the keeper.

Wycombe won a corner after a rather soft free kick.   The move ended In an Addicks free kick.

Seven minutes were added on.   Lloyd Jones was penalised for what looked a decent challenge so Wycombe have a free-kick 30 yards out and central.   Morley’s free kick went into the wall.

The whistle blew and the team second in the table were beaten.  Charlton moved to 7th for now.  Moaners asked for time to compose their complaints.

Official attendance 15,554, 1,457 Chairboys.

Nathan Jones suggests that Leaburn needs to 'knuckle down' and develop as a footballer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-jones-wants-trust-in-terms-of-miles-leaburn-development-after-brace-in-win-over-chairboys/

 

High flying Kazakhs likely to overcome Charlton

Very few commentators thought Wycombe Wanderers would be chairing the division at Twixmas, but there they are.  Four Four Two forecast a 13th place finish and their fan commentator saw them in 6th place.

Among those Charlton will face tomorrow is former Leamington ace Daniel Udoh whom Four Four Two forecast could fire a charge for the top six, noting also that the Chairboys have a 'sturdy defence'.   Away from home this season, Buckinghamshire's finest have lost one game, drawn three and won seven, scoring 28 goals, by far the largest total away in League One.  

They do better away than at home and we can expect a large number of their supporters to take their seats in the Jimmy Seed tomorrow.   My abiding memory of them is walking up the hill in Irthlingborough in 2003 after they had been defeated 2-0 by Rushden & Diamonds.   They refused to leave the stadium chanting 'Chairboys' as they felt they had been done an injustice by the officials.

Nathan Jones has made a valiant effort at getting his excuses in first, albeit with unusual brevity: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-assesses-next-league-one-challenge-as-high-flying-wycombe-set-for-valley/

After a quiet couple of games, I fear that social media will be full of complaints tomorrow as I can't see Wycombe being easily unseated.    Charlton's wins since early October have come against teams in the bottom five.  With the backing of their new Kazakh billionaire owner, there is speculation that that they may soon be in the Premier League.

R.I.P. Charlie Wright

We are saddened to report the passing of former Charlton goalkeeper Charlie Wright.  Tributes have been pouring in on social media: he was a boyhood hero to many and a fan favourite.  A little more about him here: https://charlton.chat/news/7-the-charlie-wright-episode

Charlie made a total of 203 appearances for Charlton between April 1966 and May 1971.  He conceded 209 goals.

Until Eddie Firmani banned him from talking during matches, he used to hold regular conversations with fans who would throw sweets to him.

After managing Bolton, the Scotsman returned to S.E. London and ran a transport café in Greenwich.  He was never capped for his native heath.

Good start not followed through

Charlton earned back-to-back League One wins as first-half goals from Tyreece Campbell and Miles Leaburn earned a 2-1 victory over Cambridge.

They are now 11th in the table, but graphs from Louis Mendez show how difficult it will be to achieve a play off place.   Pessimists have pointed out that a much better performance will be needed against Wycombe.  There was also criticism about the failure to make substitutions until late in the game.

The Addicks had a dream start at The Valley, with Campbell scoring after just 36 seconds. He raced on to a hooked ball forward by Leaburn to fire through the legs of keeper Vicente Reyes.

Charlton extended their lead after 20 minutes, Macaulay Gillesphey flicking on Josh Edwards' long throw and Leaburn heading past Reyes from close range.

Cambridge pulled a goal back in the 51st minute through Elias Kachunga, a simple close-range tap-in from substitute Liam Bennett's low cross from the right of the penalty area.

United, who boast the worst away record in the league with just five points from a possible 33, hit the upright through Sullay Kaikai just before the hour mark.

Charlton midfielder Luke Berry, facing his former club, forced two saves out of Reyes after that but Charlton were unable to restore their two-goal cushion.

Nathan Jones told Louis Mendez, ‘it was a little bit hairier than it should have been. First-half, I thought we were excellent, really front-footed. Two up would have liked us to have got another one because I felt we had enough of the play and we had enough of the situations’

‘We could have the impetus to go on and score again. They were doing a good job. Sometimes, you don't need to just change stuff for the sake of it. Everyone knew their roles, they were doing it and then we just added a little bit more aggression later on'

Blip or momentum?

Was the win against a poor Northampton side a blip or has it given the team renewed confidence for the Boxing Day encounter with Cambridge United?

Nathan Jones attracts ire from a wide spectrum of supporters.   The simplest explanation is that it is a results business, albeit one that focuses on the very short term, and the results have not been good,   In the long run, as Keynes reminded us, we are all dead but it looks as if the ownership is taking a medium-term punt on Jones.

He does say some very silly things, but then some fans were calling for a 'passionate' manager.  I prefer the cooler style of a Curbs.  All this jumping up and down on the touchline is a distraction for the players at best.

Momentum counts for a lot in football, as the current negative example of Manchester City shows.  Equally, one can never read results off the last one or relative positions in the table.

Cambridge are third from bottom in the real table and behind us in the form table.   Away from home they have won just one game, drawn two and lost seven.  They have conceded 20 goals and scored just seven.

Last Saturday they lost 0-4 at home to Huddersfield, so they will be looking for a comeback.  However, our defence is tighter than it was and Leaburn looks as if he is returning to form.   Three points are possible.

Turning round the ageing oil tanker that is Charlton

Charlton CEO Charlie Methven has given a comprehensive interview about the current state of play at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-chief-executive-officer-charlie-methven-on-current-league-position-transfer-window-and-style-of-play/

More of the interview has yet to be released, but Methven does seek to address head on some of the concerns expressed by fans, but makes it clear that Captain Jones is there for the long term to steer the rusting oil tanker on a new course.

Methven admits: ‘We’re about five or six points short of what the target was at the start of the season. Whether it be as a board, or the manager, we wouldn’t exactly be jumping up and down with joy about where we are right now. But, at the same time, we are very far from being out of it.’

“In some of the other clubs I’ve been involved in, in similar exercises, like Oxford United, around 12 years ago, and Sunderland, six years ago – the first thing you have to do is arrest the decline. It is easier said than done, because organisations which have got negative momentum – that is a very powerful form of momentum.”

“You have to gradually start turning the oil tanker around and that is a painful process. Every single thing the club does has to be unpicked and analysed – put back together again or restructured. I said it from the moment I came to Charlton that these are two to three-year processes.”

Methven offered little comfort to those wishing to see an early departure for Nathan Jones: ““There is a good reason why Nathan signed a long-term contract. It was the opinion of the board, once we had a chance to look under the bonnet in those opening five months that we were at the club, that the club was going to need quite significant wholesale change and that change was going to need to be bedded down over a significant period of time.”

I don't know about the oil tanker analogy when illicit Russian tankers have broken apart in bad weather, but at least Methven makes an attempt to outline the overall strategy.   However, a broad spectrum of fans lack patience and want another ide on the managerial merry go round.

Lookman's Charlton tribute

Ademola Lookman gives an emotional tribute to Charlton as 'my safe place', although it may be a recycled story as it quotes Michael Appleton as manager.  Still worth a read though: https://mycampusplug.com.ng/theres-a-lot-i-still-have-to-do-charlton-athletic-is-my-safe-place-ademola-lookman-shares-emotional-message/?

Mindset man helps Docherty throw off his chains

Charlton captain Greg Docherty is using a 'mindset' coach to free himself on the field of play: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-captain-greg-docherty-ive-been-seeing-a-mindset-coach-to-help-free-myself-on-the-field/

I must admit that this is a new one to me, and possibly a bit 'New Age' for someone of advanced years, but it brings to mind Rousseau's remark 'man is born free, but he is everywhere in chains.'   If removing those metaphorical chains helps Docherty to score goals, well and good.

It occurred to me that perhaps 20 of the most miserable supporters could be allocated a free mindset coach to see if it cheered them up.

Moaners show their ingenuity after 5-0 win

Last night I dreamt that Charlton beat Northampton 3-0, but as it turned out that was just the half time score and it ended 5-0.   Louis Mendez picks out the highlights here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-northampton-town-0-charlton-athletic-5/

What you also have to admire is the ingenuity of Charlton moaners.   First, they pointed out that Northampton were awful.   Undoubtedly the case, but you have to beat the team in front of you.

Second, they complained that Nathan Jones did not acknowledge the away support sufficiently after the game.  If this was the case, it might be understandable given all the criticism he has to put up with from fan 'experts'.   Needless to say, Jones was pleased with the win: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-very-proud-as-charlton-rip-northampton-town-apart-after-being-vilified-over-the-last-few-weeks/

Third, it was pointed out that it will count for nothing if we can't beat Cambridge United.  Well, the three points still stand and it may have given the team a much needed confidence boost.

Greg Docherty scored twice as Charlton thrashed struggling Northampton 5-0 at Sickfields.

Northampton's woeful defending was ruthlessly punished and the game was effectively done and dusted before half-time with Docherty, Tyreece Campbell and Miles Leaburn all scoring in the first 36 minutes.

Charlton led after just nine minutes when the home side failed to clear a cross and the ball dropped to Docherty, who drilled low and hard into the far corner.

Leaburn almost headed in a quick second but Charlton were dominant and they did not have to wait long to add to their lead with Campbell latching onto Leaburn's pass and finishing beyond Nik Tzanev.

Northampton were all at sea defensively and their afternoon went from bad to worse nine minutes before the break when Macaulay Gillesphey's long ball found Leaburn all alone in the penalty area and he calmly stroked home.

The Cobblers never threatened a comeback and Charlton piled on the misery with Docherty lashing his second from Luke Berry's cutback, before Danny Hylton came off the bench to score a fifth in stoppage time.

Over the festive period, to provide some non-festive reading, I am reproducing my series on what went wrong at Charlton on my Chatlton Retro site.  The first instalment takes the story as far as Dowie and Pardew: https://retrocharlton.blogspot.com/2024/12/what-went-wrong-part-1.html

Do well shod Addicks head for another dreary draw?

Charlton face the Shoe Army at Sickfields tomorrow, the Cobblers currently being led by caretaker boss Ian Sampson.  Australian Jon Brady resigned at the beginning of December.

Northampton are 19th in the table but only one place behind Charlton in the form table.  At home Northampton have won four, drawn two and lost three.   Like the Addicks, they don't score many goals at home (eleven versus ten).

Having beaten Nene Valley rivals Peterborough 3-0, the Cobblers went down 3-0 at Rotherham last Saturday.  Sampson said, 'We did not win enough first or second balls.'

Will London designer trainers overcome the more conventional shoes of Northants?   It could well be another dreary draw or perhaps a 1-0 win for either side.

Nathan Jones tries to talk a good game, but the Chicago Addick has mocked the clichés he produces at press conferences.  He may need another page from his Great Big Book of Excuses tomorrow.  There could be a Yuletide disappearance to gladden some Charlton hearts, but somehow I doubt it.  A decision one way or another needs to be taken before the transfer window.

CAS Trust says that we head to Northampton with 'hope in our hearts'.   Perhaps or lead in our shoes?  https://www.castrust.org/2024/12/almost-full-circle-in-the-calendar-year-as-we-head-for-northampton/

Green Army's warning for Charlton

Some supporters argue that Charlton's rightful place in the Championship and I can understand their logic.  Plymouth Argyle are a well-run club but they are finding it a struggle (I know that Wayne Rooney is a clown, but the playing budget is limited): https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2024/12/argyle-do-well-off-pitch.html

Well done Ademola

Former Addick Ademola Lookman has been named African Footballer of the Year.  His unfashionable club Atalanta are currently leading Serie A.  He has scored eleven goals for them this season, including one against Real Madrid, their only defeat so far in the Champions League.   He scored three goals for them in the Europa League final in May.

Atalanta is a mid-budget provincial club. Among the teams competing at the summit of Serie A, they are unique for having returned a profit every year of the past nine.

The striking aspect is that, mostly, they have kept climbing. A would-be superstar now leaves Atalanta thinking twice before he declares he’s upgrading to play more regularly in the Champions League. Atalanta have qualified for the competition more often in the past five years than United, or, for that matter, Tottenham Hotspur, home of Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski, both formerly of Bergamo.

Bore draw at The Valley

Mansfield ended a run of five straight losses in League One by drawing at Charlton.

The Stags stopped the rot to stay one point above their opponents in the table as the Addicks remained without a win at the Valley since October 5.   Charlton dropped to 14th.

Stags goalkeeper Christy Pym denied Karoy Anderson in the sixth minute after the Charlton midfielder had been played through by Tyreece Campbell.

Mansfield striker Lucas Akins ballooned a close-range chance over in the 27th minute from Frazer Blake-Tracy's delivery from the left.

Conor Coventry's cross on the stroke of half-time was headed straight at Pym by Charlton centre-back Lloyd Jones.

Charlton went close twice around the hour mark – both times through substitute Miles Leaburn.

First he shot past the right post with Campbell once again providing the pass and the pair quickly combined again as the striker's header grazed the upright.

Mansfield's Elliott Hewitt failed to find the target when Aaron Lewis' 63rd-minute cross found him in space 10 yards out, meeting the ball with the outside of his right boot as it looped harmlessly over.

Mansfield not worried about run of poor form

Charlton fans are already wallowing in their Slough of Despond as they anticipate another defeat at home to Mansfield tomorrow.

Mansfield made a superb start to their first League One campaign in 22 years and were fourth in the table at the end of October after losing just two of their opening 11 matches.

However, the Stags have since endured a six-game winless run, losing each of their last five league games, with 1-0 defeats to Wrexham, Bristol Rovers and Wycombe followed by a 3-1 loss at Bolton Wanderers and last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Huddersfield Town.

The Stags are 10th in the league but bottom of the form table.    Charlton are 16th in the form table and 12th in the actual table.  Mansfield have won four and lost four away from home.  The Addicks have won three, drawn three and lost two at home.

After their defeat at Huddersfield, Nigel Clough emphasised the difficulty of Mansfield playing against ex-Premier League clubs (quite a novel excuse).  He felt that Mansfield deserved a point and said 'The lads have to keep going and keep believing.'

I think that Clough is one of the best coaches in the lower leagues and will no doubt have prepared his time for Charlton's shortcomings such as vulnerability at corners and a belief that the pitch is narrower than is actually the case.

I am poor at making forecasts, but a draw is possible.

CAS Trust note that we have never lost a competitive game against Mansfield, but then encounters have been rare and this one could turn out to be a Stag party: https://www.castrust.org/2024/12/stag-party-or-charlton-cheer-in-saturdays-pre-festive-fixture/

A tale of two games

Charlton went down 0-2 to Leyton Orient from two goals in time added on late last night.   Only just over 1,300 witnessed the defeat and some of them may have come through the Blackwall Tunnel.

Fans on socials were dispirited both by the performance and some rather repetitive remarks by coach Nathan Jones afterwards.   Renewed calls were made for his resignation and various names suggested, although there are no firm indications that those in charge (whomsoever they may be) think there is a vacancy.

Leamington v. Rochdale was chosen late for pay per view streaming on global television, but as I had bought my ticket, I decided to go in the freezing cold to Harbury Lane, one fan commenting that I was wrapped up like the abominable snowman.   If you add on those watching the stream, the crowd was bigger than at Charlton.

Unsurprisingly for a former EFL team near the top of the National League, Rochdale were  by far the better football team and won 2-0, but there were no calls for the manager to be sacked after 15 years and home fans congratulated those who had made the long trip south.

There was, however, a very odd celebration when Rochdale scored their opening goal.  Their striker jumped into the crowd and hugged a tree.   The referee didn't see the joke and awarded a yellow card.

I also had the misfortune to have Sid and Doris Bonkers sitting behind me.   The Dale fans in front of me got fed up with their stream of abuse and looked ready to clock them.   I apologised to the Dale fans, saying they were known nutcases and calm was restored.

Cup opponents struggle financially

Many fans assert that Charlton could survive or even flourish in the Championship, but the finances of our cup opponents Preston serve as a warning: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2024/12/preston-need-to-do-better-but-few-signs.html

Former Addick threatens mayhem

Mansfield are looking to end a five game losing streak when they visit Charlton on Saturday.   Former Addick Deji Oshilaga is full of praise for Charlton, but forecasts a very physical game - so expect northern cloggers and no protection from the referee: https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-star-deji-oshilaja-relishing-return-to-former-club-charlton-as-stags-aim-to-halt-run-of-defeats-4903247

Tonight Charlton play yet another Blackwell Tunnel derby when they face Leyton Orient in the Vertu trophy.  Confidence is reportedly high in the Orient camp.

I would expect Nathan Jones to use a mix of fringe players and under 21s which seems sensible enough, but if we lose light blue touch paper and retire.

Paradoxically, it might be our best chance of getting to Wembley this year, but there are limits to the extent that we can invest in it.

I see that 'Chopper' Harris is leaving Millwall after his remarks about 'thickos' didn't go down too well with some sections of the support.

Although it is being streamed live, I am off to see Leamington v. Rochdale in the cold of Harbury Lane.

What is the significance of change in board structure?

A brief announcement from the club states that Gavin Carter has been appointed non-executive chair of the Charlton Athletic board and otherwise the roles of the rest of the board remain unchanged.   (Quite what is the 'Charlton Athletic board' is a moot point, but let's not go there).

Carter is a member of the CAS Trust and did an interview with them earlier in the year, in which he declared his adherence to the 'long haul' philosophy: https://www.castrust.org/2024/02/gavin-carter-its-a-long-term-project/

I don't know what significance to attach to this, as I find Global Football Partners somewhat opaque and I don't have an inside track.   It's a bit like trying to work out the meaning of a change in the Chinese Communist leadership.   Who is a real decision-maker and who is a running dog?

The best I can do is to surmise that it is meant to reassure the fans that a fan is the top honcho.  It may also signal a concern that the long haul is turning out to be longer than the long march.   On balance, it looks positive, but the proof will be what changes.

CAS Trust give a balanced response here, but probably not critical enough for root and branch pessimists: https://www.castrust.org/2024/12/we-need-new-year-resolution/

Lloyd Jones blames players for long ball

Returning from injury and playing 90 minutes at Lincoln, Lloyd Jones says his fellow players are to blame for long ball tactics: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/lloyd-jones-welcomes-positive-draw-at-lincoln-city-and-says-players-take-the-blame-for-recent-long-ball-antics/

Of course he can't criticise the manager publicly, but the return of players like him may well improve the standard of play.

Nathan Jones says he felt that Conor Coventry wasn't fit enough to play at Lincoln: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-explains-conor-coventry-absence-during-draw-at-lincoln-city/

He said he did not name a substitute goalkeeper because he wanted to be 'positive'.   Substitutes were available.  That seems a bit risky to me given that we no longer have a 'Steve Brown' who did well in goal when called upon.

BTW, I don't think Nathan Jones is beyond criticism.   I didn't think Curbs was: he often left substitutions too late to make a difference.  But I do think Jones knows more about football than many of his critics.  Sometimes I think we should just get rid of a coach and let a fans' committee take the decisions.  Many of them think they know what to do: 'if we can see it, why can't he?'

I was conscious when I had two knee replacement operations, but I didn't criticise the surgeon for his technique.   Good job he hadn't learn it on the internet.

Charlton are a 'work in progress'

Nathan Jones says that he does not set up his teams to play long and that Charlton are a work in progress: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-says-charlton-are-a-work-in-progress-and-he-does-not-set-them-up-to-always-play-long/

Jones also says that if you add in cup games we have won around half our games.   It would be nice if one got points for wins in the EFL trophy.

Nevertheless, pessimists need to be reminded that 12th is not a relegation position.   There is also no vacancy for manager and I do not think the owners are contemplating a change.

Dreary draw

In very poor conditions both sides failed to overcome their poor form at Lincoln. Each team had just one shot on target.  I will take an away point and a clean sheet, but there is plenty of material for moaners.

Maynard-Brewer had to palm the ball away as Lincoln took an early opportunity at the LNER stadium.   It was a good interception by the keeper with no replacement on the bench.  Decent build up play by the Imps won them a corner.   The wind was playing a big part in play, but the home team were on top.  Charlton were unable to maintain any pressure in the Lincoln half.

Charlton made a decent move when Campbell (T) advanced, but Kanu was unable to connect. Subsequently, the Addicks won a corner after a decent passing move.     With 20 minutes gone, Charlton were lacking shots on target.   It was a scrappy affair.

Maynard-Brewer had to save a shot to his left from Moylan.  It was tricky, but lacked power. 

Campbell shot over the bar after being fed by Docherty.   The shot was poor.

Lloyd Jones received a yellow card for a foul.

Charlton got in behind and won a corner around 30 minutes.   It was taken short.   Anderson’s strike took a deflection for a second corner.   Docherty shot over.   It was the best couple of minutes so far.

The Addicks were getting a little more confident in their play.  We were managing to get more players into the opposition half.

Lincoln won a corner.   It was headed away.

Lincoln won another corner after they advanced.   Kanu headed the ball away. 

Neither side had caused the other too many problems.

Attendance 8,307, 652 Addicks.

HT: 0-0

There was a scrappy and slow start to the second half.   The ball was behaving strangely in the wind.  The Lincoln keeper misjudged a cross and had to be rescued by his defence.

Lincoln won a corner, every Charlton player was back.   The corner missed everybody despite being a good ball in.   The Imps made the first substitution of the match on 64 minutes.   Jefferies replaced Ring.

Godden came on as Ahadme was taken off.   Leaburn also came on in place of Kanu.

A Lincoln corner was dealt with by Gillesphey with a good header.   Lincoln threatened again, but Hackett messed up the shot.   The wind was gusting harder in the second half.

The Imps replaced Draper with Cadamarteri (no speaka da English). Edwards came off for Charlton as did Anderson.   Small came on alongside Allan Campbell.

Steve Brown thought that both sides were guilty of unforced errors.

T Campbell put a dangerous ball across the front of goal, but A Campbell could not connect although he evaded his marker.   Hamilton replaced Moylan for Lincoln.

Cadamarteri should have done better, the referee bafflingly awarded a corner.   Gillesphey headed it away.   He was defending set pieces well.

Terry Taylor does well to hold off Reeco Hackett after Wickens' quick long kick.   He's been great for Charlton today.

Lincoln won a corner off Mitchell.   Gillesphey headed away.     Three minutes were added on. 

Man of the Match: Gusting Wind.

Nathan Jones says he was proud of the way his players battled the elements: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-nathan-jones-proud-of-addicks-display-as-they-battle-elements-during-goalless-draw-at-lincoln-city/

 

It never rains but it pours: High Court hearing for Charlton

 Charlton Athletic are being taken to the High Court over an alleged £500,000 debt owed to Paul Elliott, a Manchester-based businessman who attempted to buy the southeast London club in 2020.

The claim, filed on November 29, alleges that Elliott lent the club the sum after agreeing to purchase Charlton from the majority shareholder at the time, East Street Investments (ESI). The loan is said to have subsidised running costs, such as player and staff wages, to avoid the club going into administration and receiving a points deduction that would guarantee their relegation to League One.

The new claim is central to one of the most chaotic and controversial periods in Charlton’s history, reports The Times. After six miserable years under the ownership of the Belgian businessman Roland Duchâtelet, the club were sold to ESI in November 2019. However, just a few months later, the Abu Dhabi-based majority shareholder, Tahnoon Nimer, fell out spectacularly with the chairman, Matthew Southall.

Nimer publicly accused Southall, a former football agent, of using club money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including leasing expensive flats and purchasing a fleet of luxury cars, and said he was withdrawing his financial backing. Southall denied the accusations and claimed Nimer had failed to invest “a single penny of the promised funds” after their takeover was completed.

A consortium led by Elliott subsequently agreed to purchase the club from ESI — a civil court hearing later revealed the fee was just £1 — at the height of the pandemic, when the club’s financial situation was extremely precarious. The club were relegated to League One and there were genuine fears they might collapse. The alleged £500,000 loan is said to have staved off that threat.

However, after Elliott’s consortium failed the EFL’s owners’ and directors’ test, the Danish entrepreneur Thomas Sandgaard acquired the club from ESI in September 2020. Sandgaard claimed the following month that: “Since December or January no money has been put into the club. It was basically running with money from the EFL and some sponsorship money.”

That statement appeared to contradict Elliott’s claim that he had invested £500,000, which will now be challenged in the High Court. It is understood the club had previously acknowledged the loan in correspondence but that an offer to reimburse Elliott was never made.

Charlton were sold again in 2023 to SE7 Partners. The club said they were aware of the claim, which they stressed was related to the previous ownership, and have now referred it to their lawyers.

 

Imps likely to prevail

CAS Trust's comments on tomorrow's fixture at Lincoln have an ecclesiastical theme, but I doubt whether the Almighty will intervene on Charlton's behalf tomorrow: https://www.castrust.org/2024/12/brunch-time-battle-praying-for-victory-in-the-cathedral-city/

I am second from bottom in the Badger Prediction League, but I marked this down as a 2-1 defeat at the beginning of the season.   It might be 3-1 given recent performances, although Charlton can sometimes spring a surprise.

Lincoln are currently 9th in League One with hopes of making the play off places.   They are, however, 18th in the form table, one place below Charlton.   In the FA Cup last Saturday they beat Crawley 4-3 away, something we could not manage at home.

This is our ninth meeting in League One and student journalists remind us that Charlton have won just twice in those encounters: https://thelinc.co.uk/2024/12/preview-lincoln-city-vs-charlton-athletic-league-one/

So let's turn to the aftermath of a likely defeat.   There will be renewed calls for Jones to go, ignoring anyone else who might have some responsibility:

• The players - we are told they have to be motivated, but they are well-paid professionals.  Once my dentist has collected £90 for entering the practice, he is well motivated to find ways to increase the bill.
• The 'decision makers' at the club.  They have fancy titles and are presumably rewarded, but the value they add is less clear.
• The medical staff and physios
• The rest of the coaching staff, albeit weakened in August.

There will also be forecasts that we will be playing in League Two next season.  All that it requires to stay up is for four teams to be worse than us and this Charlton team is good enough to finish 17th.

Some think the club would disappear, but the 24 clubs currently in League 2 manage to stay afloat as do the former EFL teams that play in the two top tiers of the non-league system.  I don't think the attendance would fall as many predict as we would win more matches.

'It's being so cheerful that keeps me going'

Few readers will remember this catchphrase from the popular Second World War comedy show 'ITMA'. However, if one was looking for the worst moaning supporters in football it would surely be Tottenham Hotspur.   After their 1--0 defeat at Bournemouth last night some of them gave 'direct feedback' to their manager.   I did enjoy beating them at White Hart Lane through a Chris Powell goal (and he was a Spurs fan).

One person I was talking to on Facebook said that all football supporters moan.   This is undoubtedly true, but some moan more than others.   Complaints at my non-league club are relatively few and far between. The manager has been in place for 15 years and has an eye for neglected talent in the non-league system which he then develops and sells on to EFL clubs for a modest fee to them but valuable to a non-league club.   Two home matches over the festive season have been chosen to be shown on domestic and international television, bringing in a useful fee.

Of course, in one sense it doesn't matter so much although it was a huge effort to get the club reborn after 13 years out of existence when the ground was built over.   Physically and socially fans are close to the players (I think Charlton fans were closer to the side put together by Curbs).   The lino can be asked whether his mum knows he is there or if he has finished his homework.  

The club relies heavily on volunteers: for example, I write for each programme and coordinate a fund raising club that gives access to a half time 'lounge' (all right, it is a portakabin but the tea and biscuits are very welcome at half time).

Above all, fans have a realistic understanding of what is possible with the current 'stadium' and funds (the local Council has promised to build an EFL standard stadium, but this is increasingly looking like a mirage).

At least we own our current ground and the training 'pitch' which is more than can be said at Charlton and remains an albatross round our neck.

More about the Lincoln game and a  likely defeat later.

A cause for celebration

We have been preoccupied in recent days with the exhaustive and exhausting debate about whether Nathan Jones should go - it is pleasing to see the Chicago Addick argue convincingly that there are some other guilty but very low profile men who must take some responsibility for the present mess.

Today is Back To The Valley day when we celebrate our return to our spiritual home.  The years that followed were heartening ones as we rebuilt the stadium and the team.  Remember Target 10,000? All leading up to the Greatest Day.

Coincidentally, I met my late wife on 5th December, obviously decades before.   She came from Thornton Heath, although her first job was in Woolwich.   Her father was Palace, but she soon became Addickted.

It's over a century now since my father starting supporting Charlton, encouraged by cousin Ted.   As an apprentice, he didn't have much money, but earned pennies for admission by looking after horses while deliveries were made.

And there the line dies out.   Our youngest did come to the Greatest Game, but is not a football fan.

My great-granddaughter lives in Spain and is thriving although puzzled by the fact that people around her speak three languages: English, Spanish and Valencian (Catalan).

Calp could call themselves sons of the rock like Dumbarton - incidentally local dialect omits the final e

Her local team would be Calp, but they had an unfortunate incident a few years back when the police staged a raid during a game and removed several illegal immigrants from the pitch.

Her mum (my granddaughter) has said she wants to go and see Real Madrid (the travel time wouldn't be much greater than that from Warwickshire to The Valley).

Getting a ticket is another issue.   I have had dinner there.  I also had an audience with the current king (then crown prince) at his palace outside Madrid.   My photo with him impresses local Galician tradesmen, but it won't get a ticket to the Bernebau.

I have come over all Acworth!

Jonathan Acworth hasn't been heard of for some time, but he was always recommending non-league players when we were in the Premier League.

However, the gap between League 1 and the non-league is not that great.  The top two tiers of the non-league system contains many talented players who were let go by top division academies.

Charlton could have had Colby Bishop for a song when he went to Accrington.  Now he is a leading player at Portsmouth.

Having grown up with Sam Bartram, I always believed in building from the back.   In my view neither of our current keepers meets the standards required.

I wasn't able to go to my non-league cup game last night as I was listening to the dross from The Valley. However,, our excellent keeper Callum 'The Hawk' Hawkins (signed from Burton Albion) was substituted just before the penalty shoot out.  The Academy keeper then won the shoot out.   Bring on Rochdale on Saturday.

Jas Singh at Tamworth is another non-league keeper I rate, but he has a good day job in insurance.

Rather than spending money on compensating Nathan Jones, I would splash out on a quality keeper.

Lacklustre Charlton fail to take off

It looked as if substitute Kanu might have saved Charlton total embarrassment against Gatwick Airport at The Valley this evening with a well-taken equaliser in the second half, but a goal keeping error by Maynard-Brewer let Crawley back into the game.

The Addicks had a half chance from a corner, but Campbell couldn’t get his foot on the ball.

Six minutes were added on to no avail, although Jones had come on.    It was all a bit scrappy.  Rob Elliot was booked.  A late corner was the last opportunity. 

It was a cold evening in SE7, a small crowd and a flat game that lacked quality with the visitors going ahead in the first half through Swan.  They had three former Addicks in their starting line-up, as well as the visiting manager.

Charlton were booed off at half time with some boos directed at manager Nathan Jones as he went down the tunnel.

Steve Brown said that the right team won, it was another lacklustre performance by Charlton.   Nathan Jones was booed by the Covered End as he applauded them.

Charlton remain 12th in a tight table, but just four points above a relegation position.

The Addicks had eleven shots, but just three on target, as against six for Crawley.   They won three corners to zero, but were unable to make use of them.   Crawley had the edge in possession.

A long-term fan from SE7 now living in South-West London commented: 'The question with NJ is does he have a plan to improve things that the owners have bought into. Do they trust him with their money? I cant see any plan. Its tinker, tinker, no idea of the best team and tactics. Not a fan of constantly changing manager but this can’t continue.'

In his post match remarks, Nathan Jones was in Welsh windbag mode, lots to say, but no real explanation to offer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/it-was-an-edgy-night-nathan-jones-on-charlton-athletic-fans-dishing-out-the-boos-after-loss-to-crawley-town/

He might like to consider taking the walk outside the tent, but I don't think he will.   He is stubborn and would be due substantial compensation if removed.

As always, my question is, who is the quality manager who would want to take over?

Is Crawley full of Nigels?

My brother-in-law lives in Crawley and says he has no interest in football.   In fact I think he is Palace like his father which is entirely consistent with having no interest in football.

This led me to the thought that there may be quite a lot of Nigels (and Nigellas) in Crawley who have left the delights of Croydon behind after obtaining employment at Gatwick Airport.   If they are behind the check in desk, they can levy extra charges on anyone with a Brighton post code.  They might then have Crawley as a second team after Palace.

Crawley are finding life in League One a bit of struggle    They are currently 20th in the table, but are 9th in the form table while we are 17th,

Crawley's manager is one time Addick Rob Elliiot, back from the north-east and he was critical of his side's performance last Saturday in the FA Cup when they lost 3-4 at home: https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/24766112.rob-elliot-laments-poor-goals-crawley-town-exit-fa-cup/

It should be noted that seven of the players who won the play off final have left.

Pessimists say that the victory at Walsall was irrelevant, but it might have given the team some much needed confidence.   Three points tonight might move us into the top half of the table, but I am nervous about the outcome.

Cup tie lacks glamour but has its upside

Away to Preston North End is hardly a glamorous tie, but we might be able to win on penalties.   Preston are third from bottom in the Championship form table and have drawn five of their home games (won two, lost three).

I have been there with Charlton and it's a neat ground with good sightlines.  As for getting there by train being easy, it should be in principle but in practice the railways are an advert for broken Britain, only the Bundesbahn is worse.  Rick Everitt found himself in the company of a fox at St. Pancras after the Huddersfield game.  No way is it a case of letting the train take the strain.

Tottenham Hotspur have a tough task at Tamworth.  Jas Singh is an outstanding goalkeeper, but remains part-time as he has a lucrative day job.   It's a very tight ground and I watched their first round game on television.

I dreaded getting Dagenham & Redbridge.   When we were in the Premier League we drew 1-1 with them at home, Salako rescuing us with a goal.  We then had to go their grotty ground and just managed to win 1-0.  Curbs told me later that they had given us a 'torrid time'.

As the Dags are something of a second team for some West Ham supporters, the visit to Millwall should be interesting.

The key point is that if we lose to Preston there won't be headlines about our 'humiliation', although it will provide material for the moaners on social media.

BTW, Preston have been up for sale for over a year but no bidders have emerged.

Kevin Nolan

 Rick Everitt has written a heartfelt tribute to the Charlton legend: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/he-knew-the-game-and-had-a-great-gift-for-story-telling-a-tribute-to-charlton-athletic-reporting-stalwart-kevin-nolan/

You couldn't make it up

Leading Millwall fan Danny Baker has complained that photos displaying Gregg Wallace's Millwall tattoo are damaging the reputation of the club.  Cue an intervention by Rod Liddle or one of the other charm merchants that supports them.

Quite a few fans have said they would like to seen us drawn at home to Millwall in the FA Cup, but our record against them is not good.   We have done better against Palace (recalling the Fortune goal).  Someone like Stoke City at home would give us a chance.   My nightmare is Tamworth away.  Among top clubs I would like Tottenham Hotspur who could go all 'Spursy'.

Fans praised the contribution made by Terry Taylor in midfield at Walsall and Nathan Jiones was asked if he would make more use of him: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-asked-if-he-can-see-terry-taylor-and-conor-coventry-starting-more-games-together-after-impressing-at-walsall/ 

The Gasman has said that the gesture from his teammates at Walsall meant a lot: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/gassan-ahadme-on-teammates-gesture-following-win-at-walsall-it-meant-a-lot/

It has been pointed out that his goals were scored against a League Two club, albeit it one in 2nd place and with excellent home form.   I am pleased to see any Charlton player finding form, even if has meant training with the legendary barn door in Kent.

'Matt's my boy'

Nathan Jones has taken on his critics by arguing that Matt Godden is a worthy replacement for Alfie May: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-praises-gassan-ahadme-double-and-says-matty-godden-is-answering-questions-raised-by-alfie-may-departure/

May has scored fewer goals than Godden this season, although this may in part reflect his appearances for the Blues.

Jones explained that he didn't want to take a risk with Leaburn yesterday and had news about players returning: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-explains-why-miles-leaburn-sat-out-charlton-win-at-walsall-and-gives-positive-update-on-another-absentee/