Not the best time to be by the seaside

Blackpool in winter can be a bleak place with a north-west wind coming off the sea.   We have lost there more than we have won, but optimists hope that we can maintain our momentum: https://www.castrust.org/2025/01/addicks-hope-to-ride-the-current-wave-of-form-up-in-blackpool/

At home this season Blackpool are draw specialists with by far the largest number of home draws in League One: seven (won two, lost two).  At home they have scored 14 goals and conceded 14.    Their last home game saw them draw 2-2 with Huddersfield.    The Terriers went in down 2-0 at the break, but then the Seasiders had what supremo Steve Bruce described as a bad five minutes.  

Last weekend Blackpool won 3-1 at out of form Exeter (second from bottom in the form table)/   This was Blackpool's first win since December 14th.

Blackpool have trimmed their squad, but have also brought in three players, one forward on loan from Stoke City: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/blackpool-boss-makes-admission-on-further-additions-following-third-signing-of-the-window-4969261

Jones tells ex-ref to get real over corner flag incident

Nathan Jones has urged ex-referee Keith Hackett to get a sense of proportion after he suggested that Thierry Small should be sanctioned for kicking the corner flag when celebrating his late winner against Shrewsbury Town.   Jones has pointed out that there are far worse things going on in South-East London: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/maybe-keiths-bored-charlton-boss-nathan-jones-hits-back-at-ex-referee-over-small-celebration-claim/

The corner flag was rescued by a staff member and is said to have recovered from its ordeal.

Jones urges Jones on

Now that Lloyd Jones has signed a new contract, something that I think will be welcomed by the majority of Charlton fans, Nathan Jones has urged to show him what he is capable of, admitting that one cannot use the word 'potential' at age 29: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-urges-lloyd-jones-to-take-opportunity-to-achieve-what-he-is-capable-of-after-extending-charlton-athletic-contract/ 

While we may not make the play offs this year, we are building a platform for the future.   At least the 'we will be playing in League 2 next season' crowd has gone quiet.

Comfortable home win

Charlton did their play-off push no harm with a 2-0 League One win at home to struggling Bristol Rovers.

Two first-half goals led to a comfortable victory for the  Addicks, who are just a point outside the play-offs, while the visitors remain at the wrong end of the table and sit just four points above the relegation zone.

The returning Matty Godden opened the scoring after 12 minutes, after poking home a drive by Thierry Small.  Josh Griffiths was the busier of the two goalkeepers, denying the goal scorer twice more, a Luke Berry free-kick and a Macauley Gillesphey header.

However, the Bristol Rovers resolve was broken nine minutes before the break, when Josh Edwards fired the ball down low into the net from the edge of the box.

Ashley Maynard-Brewer did well to deny a Scott Sinclair free-kick after 39 minutes in what proved to be the only visiting attack of the half.

Bristol Rovers looked to gain a foothold in the match and searched for an opening, while the Addicks came close again but Small failed to put in a loose ball with less than 10 minutes remaining.

Manager Nathan Jones would not like my headline saying such results are 'never comfortable'.  He very much took the 'long old season' line favoured by Curbs, saying he would not get carried away: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-nathan-jones-refusing-to-get-carried-away-after-addicks-climb-within-point-of-top-six-after-2-0-win-over-bristol-rovers/

Early goal needed against Pirates

Football is a game of fine margins and the wins over Bolton Wanderers and Shrewsbury Town were welcome but not entirely convincing.   As Louis Mendez has pointed out, we rely on goals scored after the 75th minute more than most League One teams.  It would be reassuring to score early against Bristol Rovers tonight.

Mendez states: 'Charlton have scored 12 goals in the final 10 minutes (plus added-time) of games - the most in League One this season. They've also only conceded 2 goals in that timeframe - the joint fewest.  The Addicks have also 'won' the most points with goals from 75 mins onwards - 12.'

The Gasheads are 18th in the table.  Away from home they have won three, drawn one and lost ten.  25 goals have been conceded away from home.  They are fifth from bottom in the form table: Chatlton are second.  

Although they lost 2-0 at Wigan on Saturday, Inigo Calderon has improved their performances since his appointment last month.   The previous Saturday they beat in form Barnsley 3-1 at home.

Dan Potts has now left the club after the expiration of his contract, but Nathan Jones has thanked the former Luton player for helping to establish the culture at the club, praise also extended to the departing Danny Hylton who will continue to hang around as a best mate: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-confirm-defender-exit-with-strikers-deal-also-expiring/

Hylton may yet rejoin in some capacity.  It's like Ian Dowie's brother, well not quite.

Moxon rumours are false

The authoritative Richard Cawley reports: ‘No contact from Preston for Thierry Small. And the rumours about a Charlton move for Portsmouth's Owen Moxon are completely false.’

Moxon didn't look like a great buy to me in terms of value added.

With players returning from injury, and loans (in my view unwisely) ruled out, I am expecting limited incoming in this transfer window.

Small Talk: 'culture in team is very good'

Thierry Small says that his last minute winning goal against Shrewsbury yesterday which sent the Covered End wild with excitement was 'unbelievable': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/thierry-small-on-last-minute-winner-for-charlton-and-hits-out-at-malicious-behaviour-by-bolton-player/

He said: 'We have got a clear goal and we want to get this club promoted. Everyone is on the same page. It is a good dressing room, even when we were going through a bad spell we were staying positive and together. The culture in the team is very good.'

Kayne Ramsay return a real boost

The return of Kayne Ramsay as a late substitute against the Shrews was a real boost as he was a key player for us before his injury.  Our assistant supremo is full of praise for him: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/he-is-an-athlete-kayne-ramsay-boosts-charlton-athletic-selection-options-after-injury-return/

Last gasp winner

There have been so many times when Charlton have lost a game in time added on, but today a last minute strike by Thierry Small gave them a 1-0 win against Shrewsbury Town.   Louis Mendez says this is the latest game winning goal for ten years.

The statto added: 'Charlton have scored 12 goals in the final 10 minutes (plus added-time) of games - the most in League One this season. They've also only conceded 2 goals in that timeframe - the joint fewest.'

Charlton had 70 per cent possession in the game and eleven shots to four, but only three were on target. Corners were nine to five.

Charlton are 10th, but only two points behind Barnsley in 6th place with a game in hand.  The Louis Mendez graph is looking more promising. 

Luke Berry went close for Charlton in the opening 10 minutes when his right-footed free-kick forced Jamal Blackman into a good save. 

In a scrappy game, Challton offered more of a threat, and they should have led just before the half-hour mark. Tyreece Campbell got the better of Alex Gilliead on the Town right, and his whipped shot was cleared off the line at the back post.

Salop survived another scare moments later when Thierry Small found himself with acres of space inside the penalty box. But his left-footed effort went flying into the Shrewsbury fans behind the goal.

Going forward, Shrewsbury relied heavily on set pieces for their threat, but the delivery was poor, often failing to beat the first man, and the Addicks easily cleared. 

After the break, Leaburn forced Blackman into a good save down to his left when he got away from his man and headed goalward.    Leaburn was not at his best and was eventually replaced by Aneke.

It felt like it was going to be one of those days for Charlton when Greg Docherty got a shot away from eight yards out, only for it to hit his own man inside the six-yard box. 

As the game went into the final 15 minutes, Shropshire's finest had their first effort on target when George Lloyd played in John Marquis - but the Town skipper's effort was saved by Maynard-Brewer. 

Kayne Ramsay, who returned from injury for the hosts, headed over with two minutes remaining on the clock.   Jordan Shipley had a golden chance to win it for Town four minutes into stoppage, but his scuffed effort was cleared off the line.

And with the final kick of the game, Charlton finally broke through the resistance of the Salopians as Small fired in beyond Blackman. 

With Nathan Jones fulfilling a prior engagement, Curtis Fleming said: 'It was something that we thought would happen. Last six or seven games, Salop have looked a resilient team. We spoke about it being 97 minutes that we may win the game"

More from the No.2 here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-assistant-boss-we-knew-it-might-take-late-winner-to-see-off-shrewsbury-town/

Quite a few fans have expressed respect for  Gareth Ainsowrth and the way he stayed on the pitch to shake hands with Charlton players after the match.  He is a class act.

I note, however, that he didn't make use of his Acworthan signings from Easteligh, Leamington and Telford.

Ainsworth confident of away win at The Valley

Shropshire's finest arrive at The Valley tonorrow afternoon.   Their form has improved under Gareth Ainsworth as manager and he is targeting his first away win against an 'under performing' Charlton: https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/2025/01/24/charlton-v-shrewsbury-gareth-ainsworth-targeting-first-away-win-at-the-valley/

The Salopians may have been fired up by Wrexham player James McClean [sic] calling Shrewsbury 'an absolute cesspit full of inbreds'.   In fact the town is very attractive and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, but it all kicked off at the Shrewsbury versus Wrexham derby leading to two arrests.  McClean had objects thrown at him during the game.

Under new director of football Jonathan Acworth the Shrews have been snapping up non-league target with the latest signing being Ricardo Dinanga from AFC Telford, the third tier club being somewhat surprisingly described as 'local rivals'.

Charlton are sixth in the form table while the Shrews are mid-table.   Away from home they have won once, drawn three and lost eight, 

For those who think you can read results off the table, this looks like three points for the Addicks, but I do not think it is a foregone conclusion.   Charlton are consistently inconsistent.

CAS Trust see it as a great chance to put more points on the board.  Let's hope they are right: https://www.castrust.org/2025/01/another-roll-of-the-dice-at-home-to-shrewsbury/

BTW, to see what both Charlton and Shrewsbury are up against in terms of the participants in the 'Hollywood derby' read here: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-wider-meaning-of-hollywood-derby.html

Jones hopes for new players

Nathan Jones says he is 'pretty' convinced that Charlton will bring players in before the end of the transfer window, but is rather vague about what sort of players they might be other than that they will add 'quality'.  Never mind the quality, feel the width: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/im-pretty-convinced-nathan-jones-makes-charlton-athletic-transfer-admission/

Jones seems more confident that he will conclude a deal with Lloyd Jones to extend his contract: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-very-confident-of-defender-agreeing-new-deal/

He is still fuming about the referee's failure to issue two cards at Bolton and has asked for 'observations': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/complete-and-utter-loss-charlton-boss-wants-answers-over-challenges-in-bolton-win/

It's really a waste of time, as much use as Karl Robinson's belief in a referees' conspiracy against Charlton, but the technophobes who dislike VAR should perhaps ponder.

To be fair, Jones did succeed and the player was banned for three matches, but he did have the decency to admit to his misconduct.

Shrews could use Brakes ace

Leamington lad and Brakes fan Cally Stewart went on to the pitch at Your Co-op Community Stadium at Saturday to acknowledge the plaudits of the Harbury Lane faithful after his transfer to Shrewsbury for a reported £150k.

Stewart was on the bench for the game against Wrexham, but could be brought on if the Shrews flag against Charlton on Saturday - although we mustn't fall into the trap of reading results off the table.

Read more about Stewart's rapid rise to be polished by the Paul Holleran EFL production line here (click on the Non-League Paper report to enlarge).

The pruning begins

The pruning of the Charlton squad promised by CEO Charlie Methven has begun with a loan deal for Terry Taylor to join Northampton Town.  His time at Charlton has been blighted by injury, but some fans think that this is a load of Cobblers and he has simply been out of favour with Nathan Jones: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/extremely-diligent-charlton-midfielder-makes-loan-move-to-northampton-town/

Initial fan reaction on social media has been mixed.   One fan said that he was overrated and there was a reason why three managers had not used him.

Another commented: 'Don't understand the decision behind sending one of our most creative players out on loan (Taylor) when we have been crying out for someone creative in the squad. Surely they have someone lined up to strengthen us and its not just about getting rid in this window.'

I think if one takes Methven seriously (and I accept that he is slippery) 'getting rid' is the agenda.

Victory at Bolton

Karoy Anderson scored a late winner on 86 minutes to complete Charlton's comeback 2-1 win at Bolton in League One.   The Addicks are now four points off the play off places  with a game in hand but we mustn't be complacent about Shrewsbury on Saturday.

Joel Randall's first goal since his recent move from Peterborough after 55 minutes appeared to ease the pressure on under-fire Bolton manager Ian Evatt.

But Lloyd Jones and Anderson both scored in the last 20 minutes to turn the game around.

Randall's eighth goal of the season - seven of them for Posh - came via a tap-in from Aaron Collins' assist.

Evatt's day began with an apology for swearing as he left the field at half-time of Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Cambridge.   However, he appeared to have a tantrum at the end of the game, exchanging views with Lloyd Jones.

Charlton hit back to earn a first win in three league games.  Bolton's already frustrated fanbase were seething when defender Jones met the supposedly useless Gillesphey's pinpoint delivery for his second goal of the campaign 19 minutes from time.

Up to that point Charlton had been second best, apart from two great saves by Maynard-Brewer, but they grew in confidence and Anderson's deflected right-footed effort sealed the Addick's win after 86 minutes.

Fuller report from Louis Mendez here and also comments from Nathan Jones who thought that the home side should have had two red cards (Bolton have had more yelllow cards than any other team in League ON e):: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-commends-charltons-character-after-turnaround-win-at-bolton-and-says-hosts-should-have-had-two-red-cards/

For a local perspecive, the Bolton News report is here: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/24874231.bolton-wanderers-1-2-charlton-athletic---full-time-report/

One wonders if manager Ivatt might be the latest victim of the curse of Charlton.

Under pressure Bolton manager promises response

Bolton Wanderers have strengthened their  defence in advance of tonight's match with Charlton by bringing in a highly rated young Newcastle defender on loan: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c98353yezpeo

Charlton's current policy appears to be not to use loans.   We have had dross in the past, but occasionally you can get a real gem.

Bolton fans chanted for the dismissal of Ian Evatt after last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Cambridge United when the home side snatched a last minute draw .  Relegation threatened United ended a five game losing run.

Evatt has vowed to 'silence the doubters', pointing out that his side are one win and one game in hand off the play offs.

Bolton are currently 9th in the table, but below Charlton in the form table.    At home they have won eight, drawn three and lost four.

This looks like a convincing home win.

Good news on Jones contract talks

The authoritative Richard Cawley reports that contract talks with key defender Lloyd Jones are going well: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-in-positive-position-in-terms-of-contract-talks-with-key-defender/

Speculation had linked him with Kazak billionaire side Wycombe Wanderers.  

Millers grind down Charlton

A resurgent Rotherham beat Charlton 4-2 at the New York Stadium today, leaving the Addicks 13th in the table.  The Millers went 2-0 ahead early doors, but Miles Leaburn gave a glimmer of hope with a strike just before half time, only for the home side to score a third.   Matt Godden scored a late goal ti keep the score line respectable.

Martyr to the cause Louis Mendez has commented: 'All over the place at the back today. Second came from the mistake from Jones, third from Small not reading a set-piece coming in and no one else dealing with it ahead of him either. '

I was hoping for at least a point today and Lloyd Jones is the last player I'd expect to make a serious mistake.

Charlton had not lost in the league since early December but were their own worst enemies in a sloppy performance.  Two goals in the opening 15 minutes from Andre Green and Alex MacDonald left the Addicks facing an uphill struggle – a mountain they never looked like climbing.

The Millers took the first chance that came their way after the visitors failed to deal with Joe Powell's cross from the left. Wilks deflected the ball into the path of Green and he tucked home from close range with the help of the right-hand post.

Before Charlton knew it, they were 2-0 down after inviting Rotherham in to make it two attempts, two goals.  Green turned provider, capitalising on a mistake by Alex Mitchell to get in behind the Charlton defence and feed MacDonald who finished with a shot across Maynard-Brewer.

Luke Berry had Charlton's first attempt on goal with a header that was comfortably saved by Dillon Phillips and the visitors' frustrations continued when Tyreece Campbell's penalty appeal was waved away following a tumble in the box.

Leaburn lifted the Addicks' spirits with a tidy finish from a low cross after Rotherham gifted back possession inside their own half – but Rotherham had the final word of the first period.  Charlton failed to deal with a free-kick into the box and Jules took full advantage with a looping header at the second attempt.  After the break Wilks put them 3-0 ahead.

Green's drive was well kept out by Maynard-Brewer after he was inexplicably played in by Charlton defender Mitchell and Rotherham peppered the visiting goal in the closing stages.  Cohen Bramall forced Maynard-Brewer into a smart save before the Charlton keeper denied Wilks and Joe Powell lashed the rebound over the bar.

Godden's pinpoint finish denied Rotherham the chance to move into the top half on goal difference but the afternoon belonged to the upwardly mobile Millers.

Commiserations to the away faithful who made the trip.

Shell shocked supremo Nathan Jones admitted that he did not see his team's chaotic performance coming: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-after-charlton-athletics-heavy-defeat-at-rotherham-united-we-werent-us-today-the-goals-were-catastrophic/

Louis Mendez says that the lack of defensive solidity was the worst this season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-rotherham-united-4-charlton-athletic-2-unbeaten-run-ends-in-spectacular-style/

Millers have disappointed early hopes

Yo-yo club Rotherham were expected to be promotion contenders this season.  Four Four Two forecast a 4th place finish, but things haven't gone to plan for the Millers: https://www.castrust.org/2025/01/rotherham-a-draw-isnt-enough/

The fan commentator said that morale had been lifted by the return of charm merchant manager Steve Evans, but that hasn't worked out.  Could he succumb to the curse of Charlton?

Evans is still chasing transfer targets, not that we seem to have any: https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/sport/football/rotherham-united/offers-are-in-heres-when-rotherham-united-expect-answers-4948287

A local fan reminds us that we haven't won there since 1983: https://rotherham.vitalfootball.co.uk/head-to-head-millers-v-addicks-2/

Shrews swoop for Brakes ace

Fans gathering at the Your Co-op Community Stadium for Tuesday's live televised fixture between Leamington and Chester were puzzled by the absence of star striker Cally Stewart who has scored 14 goals in 23 appearance this season.   But then it was revealed that he was signing for Shrewsbury Town for an undisclosed fee (reported to be £150k).

Manager Paul Holleran has been in charge at Harbury Lane for 15 years and was recently featured on Football Focus. He has made it his mission to spot talent lower down the non-league system (Stewart was signed from Coventry Sphinx) or players discarded by academies at Midlands clubs (such as keeper The Hawk' who came from Burton Albion).   He then develops them and sells them on to EFL clubs.  Fans have been trying to count the number, but it is certainly in double figures.

One of the outstanding successes from the Leamington production line has been Colby Bishop who initially went on to Accrington, but is now a success with Portsmouth.

Charlton have made it clear that they will not go 'all Acworth' and take a risk on the potential of non-league talent.

Out of the Cup

Mid-table Championship overcame mid-table League One at Deepdale tonight as Preston North End beat Charlton 2-1.

I listened to BBC Radio Lancashire who offered a fair and balanced commentary.  They were full of praise for Tyreece Campbell who was a real threat down the wing and also for the physicality and pace of Thierry Small.    They did wonder if playing three at the back left us exposed on the wings.

After Charlton had been the better side, a defensive mix up between Mitchell and Manion with the defender hitting an under powered back pass allowed the home side to go ahead.  However, Berry equalised before half  time from a Campbell cross.

On 47 minutes poor defending from a corner allowed Preston to go ahead with a volley.   Preston scored from their two shots on target.

Charlton kept themselves in the game and never really went away. It took a wonderful Woodman save to keep out Chuks Aneke's bullet header five minutes from the end to ensure that Preston progressed.

The Gasman had a poor game up front and was eventually replaced by Leaburn.

Attendance 7,734 (716 Addickted).

Nathan Jones considers that the game showed that Cbarlton were 'near Championship level' and fans thought that the performance was one of our better ones: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-after-narrow-fa-cup-exit-at-preston-charlton-athletic-have-a-championship-level-squad/

Preston are draw specialists

Preston North End are the draw specialists of the Championship, having drawn 12 matches and particularly those at home.  So tomorrow's FA Cup tie could end in penalties after extra time.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom has followed the usual practice of getting his alibi in first by saying that Nathan Jones has got the Addicks well organised and playing well.

Preston has been available for a takeover for over a year, but there have been no serious offers.  The cost of staying in the Championship is emphasised by a £69m loss over the years: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/search?q=Preston+North+End

The Iran illusion?

Those with an inside track at the club insist there was nothing much more to the club's relationship with Iran than the signature of Karim Bagheri who made his sole appearance as a substitute when we were losing to Ipswich on a rainy afternoon.  I was there and I can recall him making one directionless header.

One narrative is that by signing him the club was simply trying to appeal to rich Iranians living in London who might come up with some sponsorship.

But then I was given an informal briefing in Westminster around this time which suggested a more complex interpretation which involved using Charlton as an instrument of British diplomacy..

Then I noticed that records from government departments from 20 years ago were appearing in the press.

I decided to set up a meeting with 'Pete' who is an expert on the National Archives.  He said that there was now a 20 year rule, but his impression was that documents were being released somewhat selectively.

We also discussed what might have been behind the briefing that I was given, but we agreed that there were a number of alternative possible interpretations.

However, a quick search of the National Archives online using 'Charlton Athletic' revealed that back in 1966 the Foreign Office was considering sending Football League clubs to Iran.   This was, of course, under the Shah's regime rather than that of the Ayatollahs.  

'Pete' is a regular at the National Archives and he has agreed to undertake a preliminary search to see what he can find.

It may well all turn out to be a mirage and I may have played the role of 'useful idiot', but it is at least worth further investigation.

Small Talk

At 20 years old Thierry Small is still a developing player and according to Nathan Jones a transfer window priority is to get someone who can play down the right wing: as it is, Charlton's attack has been lopsided: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/thierry-small-impressing-for-charlton-athletic-but-transfer-window-focus-is-still-to-strengthen-down-that-side-of-pitch/

Mills: Charlton made my career

I was doing some sponsorship at Charlton on the Saturday after Danny Mills joined the club, a great spot by Curbs.   I was introduced to him.  'You are a great signing for the club,' I assured him and so it turned out to be.

Mills says that Charlton made his career.  He also discusses Saturday's cup game at Preston: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/danny-mills-charlton-athletic-move-made-my-career-it-took-me-to-a-whole-new-level/

At home with the Leaburns

The Guardian has published an in depth interview with Miles Leaburn, also featuring his mum and dad.  Tracey cooks jerk chicken dinners for the younger players.   She is a star in her own right: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jan/09/charlton-miles-leaburn-carl-tracey-interview

Leabiurn has been named as League One Player of the Month: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-striker-miles-leaburn-wins-league-one-player-of-the-month-award/

Euell: 'Dowie tried to show power over me'

During the festive period, I have fallen behind with my reading of Four Four Two but this excerpt from an interview with Jason Euell discusses how he came to Charlton, the strengths of Curbs and his falling out with Dowie (click on the image for clarity): 

Former Addick playing at 40

One time Addick Chris Dickson is enjoying a prolific season at age 40, scoring a hattrick for Isthmian Premier side Horsham when they won 6-0 at Potters Bar Town last Saturday.

Formerly at Chatham Town, he has played in Ghana and Cyprus as well as a mass of non-league clubs.  Je was at Charlton from 2007-10, coming from Dulwich Hamlet, and made 28 appearances.  He did not score for us and had a number of loan spells.

Dickson says he has to learn more about hold up player as he has got older, stating 'I remember my old Charlton boss Alan Pardew [for it was he] saying "That's like gold dust, bringing others into play."'

In 2009 he told the Greenwich Mercury he was trying to force his way back into the squad: https://addickschampionshipdiary.blogspot.com/search?q=Chris+Dickson

No goals but some entertainment

Talking online to Steve from Petts Wood before today's game against Reading we both agreed that a draw was the most likely outcome and at 0-0 Charlton remain in 11h place.  Reading's goalkeeper did a lot to help them.

Harlee Dean produced a vital goalline clearance as Reading earned a 0-0 draw at Charlton.  The Royals defender was in the right place to hook away Miles Leaburn's shot after goalkeeper Joel Pereira had spilled Thierry Small's cross in the 69th minute.

Both clubs came into the contest on a run of three straight League One victories but neither could break the deadlock in an entertaining contest.

Reading's Tyler Bindon had the best chance of the first half but steered Amadou Mbengue's cross wide of the right post in the 24th minute.

Tyreece Campbell's pace caused the visitors problems and his low shot was turned around the right upright by Pereira towards the end of the first half.

Charlton goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer denied Sam Smith just moments after the restart after the Royals striker was played through by Harvey Knibbs. The Australian stopper got just enough of a touch to divert it out for a corner.

Pereira needed to be alert again in the 75th minute, holding on to Lloyd Jones' first-time shot from Small's skimmed delivery from the right.

Serene supremo Nathan Jones said that the game showed that Charlton were one of the better sides in League One and were gaining momentum: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-after-goalless-draw-with-reading-were-now-showing-that-charlton-athletic-are-one-of-the-better-sides-in-league-one/

Whether we will gain enough momentum to get a play off place remains doubtful. but the hollowness of the 'relegation form' narrative has also been exposed.

Reading boss Hunt was delighted with his clean sheet: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/reading-boss-hunt-delighted-with-clean-sheet-at-charlton-athletic/

Losing Lloyd Jones in the transfer window would be a blow and the coach confirmed that contract talks were ongoing: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-asked-about-lloyd-jones-future-with-in-form-centre-backs-contract-talks-ongoing/

Author who wrote about Charlton passes away

David Lodge, who came from south-east London and wrote atmospherically about Charlton in the 1950s in one of his novels has gone to join Sam Bartram: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2nzgp5yp0o

Charlton were a leading first division side then, if a somewhat quixotic one. David Lodge recalls in one of his novels, 'they were always an interesting team to watch, fickle and unpredictable, but capable of heartwarming flashes of brilliance. More than once he and his friends left the Valley a few minutes before the end of the game, dispirited by their team's poor performance, only to hear, as they passed through the quiet, car-lined streets, a huge explosive roar filling the air behind them, indicating that Charlton had scored a last-minute goal and snatched a point.'

False modesty from the Royals

Reading manager Noel Hunt has got his alibi in first by praising Nathan Jones and Charlton ahead of tomorrow's encounter at The Valley.   If he gets a point, he can portray it as a great victory: https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/reading-boss-previews-fresh-charlton-050000522.html

The Royals are the only club in all four divisions under a transfer embargo because of the delaying tactics of useless owner Dai Yongge in refusing to sell the club.   I have covered this extensively on my business of football site, one report is here: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-strange-decline-of-reading.html

Nevertheless, team spirit is high and they are challenging for the play off places and are fifth in the table whilst Charlton are 11th after the postponement at Crawley.

The Royals do seem to do better at home and have won just three games on their travels, although they have drawn four, losing five.   They beat Cambridge United away 3-1 on New Year's Day.

The ludicrous postponement at Crawley may have disrupted Charlton's momentum, but I still think we could beat Reading tomorrow.

It's a hard frost in the Midlands this morning and the covers are out at Your Co-op Community Stadium after the New Year's Day televised win over Hereford with a spectacular penalty save by The Hawk.   It's the Battle of the Spas against Buxton on Saturday.

As far as I can tell, any sleet and snow is not likely to fall in SE7 until the end of the day.

Reading are expected to bring 2,500 supporters.  CAS Trust preview here: https://www.castrust.org/2025/01/brave-the-weather-for-reading-clash/

Game off

This afternoon's game at Crawley has been called off after an exhibition of dilly dallying by the referee,  achieving new heights of haplessness for a referee at this level.

After an initial pitch inspection at 1.15, Crawley mobilised their two ground staff with brooms while someone else got to work with a roller that looked like it was borrowed from someone's garden.

A further pitch inspection was time for 2.15 pm, but still no decision was forthcoming.  Apparently the referee was concerned about the fact that it was still raining.   Both teams came out to warm up, probably damaging the pitch further.

Meanwhile Jonathan Grade, arriving at the ground, had someone go into the back of his car, presumably an off duty air traffic controller looking for the ground.

The sell out crowd has made a fruitless journey with the game called off at 2.40 pm.  It is very unusual for a game to be called off so late because of a waterlogged pitch.

Leamington v. Hereford is on and being televised live.

I suppose if the game had gone ahead it might have been abandoned.   As it is, Charlton's players get a respite from their busy schedule, but they may also lose valuable momentum.   An unchanged team would have played.

With most other games apparently on, the Addicks are likely to fall down the table.

Dismal stats for 2024

The Athletic has produced a series of statistics for all the teams in the Premier League and EFL in the calendar year 2024.   For Charlton the stats are:

• Win percentage 28.9 per cent, 20th from bottom
• Points per game 1.27, 33rd from bottom
• Won 13, Lost 14, Drawn 18