Pratley emerges from ice to give interview

Darren Pratley turns April in 40 and is still playing football: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/exclusive-interview-with-charlton-athletic-play-off-winner-darren-pratley-still-going-strong-at-leyton-orient/

Pratley had his critics at The Valley and said that it is a hard place to play when the crowd turns against you.  

Needless to say, tomorrow's Blackwall Tunnel derby with Orient is a crucial one for Charlton.  Orient have been something of a surprise package this season.  Four Four Two saw them finishing 17th, saying they could be short on genuine firepower up front.   The fan commentator forecast 9th and called for Nathan Jones to be brought in as manager.

CAS Trust draws attention to their sensible recruitment of loan players: https://www.castrust.org/2025/02/orienteering/

Two weeks ago they were tested in a 3-2 home win against out of form Lincoln City.   They then went down 2-1 at Bolton with manager Wellens complaining that his team looked slow, tired and lethargic. Taken with their 1-0 defeat at Birmingham midweek this suggests they are not invincible.

Nevertheless, they are still 5th in the form table, just two places behind Charlton.   At home they have won nine, but drawn three and lost five.

I have this down as a 1-1 draw in the Badger prediction league.

Grecians go away from Valley without any gifts

Charlton are now behind Leyton Orient (who lost at Bolton) only on goal difference after they beat Exeter City 3-0 at The Valley.   It was five wins on the spin in SE7 and nine unbeaten and also the sixth clean sheet out of seven.

Exeter City were outclassed as they slipped to a one-sided defeat.   Goals midway through either half before a late third saw the Grecians beaten 3-0 in a game where they never got going.

Charlton went ahead midway through the first half when a free-kick was turned into his own net by Angus MacDonald. The Addicks were totally in control but found creating chances difficult – but Karoy Anderson missed a sitter when he couldn’t score with a header from inside the six yard box.

Two much criticised players put the game beyond doubt. Tyreece Campbell though doubled the lead in the 68^th minute when he curled home a smart finish from the edge of the box as the hosts finally made their dominance count. Miles Leaburn made it three late on as his individual finish sealed the victory.

Charlton had the first chance inside two minutes when Campbell got on the end of a long ball, but fired wide when he should have scored. A late offside flag partially spared his blushes for the miss. The Addicks had a good shout for a penalty when Joel Colwill appeared to clip Anderson in the box, but referee Andy Davies waved the appeals away.

The Grecians’ first effort saw Ryan Trevitt force Will Mannion into a smart save from a free-kick. But it was a rare foray forward in the early stages at The Valley as the hosts dominated, and in the 20^th minute, they took the lead. Luke Berry swung in a free-kick from the right and Angus MacDonald in his attempt to clear the bouncing ball was the unlucky man who turned it into own net, with nothing Joe Whitworth could do about it.

Berry and Campbell then saw close-range efforts blocked as Charlton looked to extend their lead. Anderson saw a header cleared off the line by Alex Hartridge after a well-worked free-kick as it was one-way traffic for the large part. With 31 minutes gone, alleged drunk driver Niskanen, who had been booked, was replaced by Ryan Woods.

The pattern of the game didn’t change though, with Charlton on top with all the play around the edge of City’s own box, but Nathan Jones’ men weren’t creating much in the way of chances for all the control they had. Campbell poked wide in stoppage-time after a Thierry Small cross which should have made it two at the break. As it was, it was just 1-0.

Campbell picked up the ball 30 yards from goal, the defenders backed off him, and from the edge of the box, he curled the finish into the far corner to double the lead.

In the 84th minute, any faint hope City had was ended with Charlton’s third. Leaburn, off the bench, picked up the ball outside the box and drove into it. He produced two pieces of skill to wrong foot Hartridge and MacDonald, before slotting the finish in off the post.

Six minutes of stoppage-time were added-on, but it was all an irrelevance with the result long since put beyond doubt as City were comfortably beaten. 

 

Exeter think they have momentum

It's a 'must win, should win' match for Charlton against Exeter City tomorrow with promotion rivals scoring midweek victories.   I have it down as a 3-1 win the Badger prediction league, but my performance there is mid-table.

The Grecians admit that it will be a 'tricky trip', but think they have momentum even if one of their players has ended up in the arms of Devon & Cornwall Police: https://www.exetertoday.co.uk/news/sport/1734559/exeter-city-battle-on-amid-off-field-turmoil.html

Exeter have won five games away from home, lost eight and drawn just two.   Their 1-0 away win at Cambridge last Saturday was their first win since Boxing Day.  After last weekend they were third from bottom in the form table while Charlton were fourth.

Ashley Maynard-Brewer will not be available after he picked up a groin injury at Birmingham.  Nathan Jones told London News Online: 'You don’t necessarily have a number one – you need a goalkeeper department that’s really strong. We needed to improve it slightly, which we did. We’re constantly looking to improve every part of the squad.  

We have good competition. Ashley was probably unlucky not to start the season, but we brought Will in and he was excellent in pre-season. Neither one of them have deserved to be left out in any way – their performance levels have been very good.'

The CAS Trust preview reminds us that one time Addick Josh Magennis is in fine goal scoring form: https://www.castrust.org/2025/02/exeter-a-story-of-travel-from-the-home-of-one-brazil-to-another/

Curbs: Parker sale denied us Europe

A recent edition of Four Four Two has a double page spread interview with Alan Curbishley.

He states: 'After that first promotion to the Premier League, we made a joint decision that of whatever money we took from that season, a third would go on the squad, a third on the stadium and a third would be back-up money if we got relegated.  You see teams relegated from the Premier League having a mass exodus because they can't afford the players' contracts.   That plan meant we didn't have to sell anyone.  We could invest in the squad and we came back up as champions.'

'All of the players we brought to the club had a point to prove.  We never bought the ready-made Premier League player until later.   It ended up working to our detriment a little bit because once we got to that 40 point safety mark, we tailed off from some really good positions.'

'The closest we came to Europe was in 2003/4.  I'm sure we would have finished in the top four or five if Scott Parker hadn't joined Chelsea in January.  We got £12 million, but so late in the window I couldn't spend it.'

Curbs says he didn't get the interviews the other boys did for the England job in 2006, they were interviewed in a private house, he was interviewed in the FA offices because of a timing clash with a FA Cup replay.

In terms of other high profile jobs, Curbs said that he was in a position at Charlton where he was in charge of the whole football club.  He didn't think he was ready for a bigger club, he needed more experience.  He had one year left on his contract and has just been interviewed for the England job.  He wanted his contract to run out - but we all know what happened.

Addicks edged out of play off places

Charlton were edged out of the play off places on goal difference after their 1-0 defeat at Birmingham this afternoon.  It is no shame to be narrowly defeated by the league leaders, although they were dominant in the game.

Nathan Jones thought that his side lacked spark and sharpness: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-charlton-athletic-lacked-spark-during-defeat-at-birmingham-city/

There was some controversy in the game when Blues fans thought that Maynard-Brewer had come outside his area to pick up the ball.  The referee didn't think so and  Blues boss Chris Davies got a yellow card for his protests.  At least part of the ball was on the line and therefore inside the area,.  Nathan Jones said that he thought that Birmingham made far too much of this: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/that-was-mental-nathan-jones-provides-view-on-ashley-maynard-brewer-handball-accusation-at-birmingham/

The winning goal came after Ethan Laird flicked on a goal-kick from Ryan Allsop and Stansfield took it past Conor Coventry on the halfway line before lashing it into the roof of the net from the edge of the box.

Kieran Dowell almost made it 2-0 but his free-kick grazed a post and Willum Willumsson's curling shot from the edge of the box flew inches wide.  Tomoki Iwata was denied by Maynard-Brewer when his shot was saved.

Charlton were forced to replace the injured Maynard-Brewer with Will Mannion at half-time.   The Australian has a suspected groin injury.

The only on-target effort from the Addicks came in the 76th minute when Daniel Kanu's shot was saved by Allsop.

Captain Greg Docherty dissects Charlton's performance, saying that we lacked 'killer instinct': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-skipper-greg-docherty-we-lacked-killer-instinct-in-defeat-at-birmingham-city/

Charlton are Scott free

There have been no reports of Charlton fans rending their shirts or returning their season tickets after it was reported that technical director Andy Scott had left the club: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/andy-scott-leaves-technical-director-role-at-charlton-athletic/

Indeed, many fans took the view that rather than adding value to the team the overall balance was negative.

Blues prepare injuries alibi

Birmingham City are complaining about five injuries in case tomorrow's game against Charlton does not deliver the expected three points: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-injury-news-charlton-29851911

The top three clubs in League One have really serious money behind them, Birmingham City most of all. Their owners seem to have good judgment and a strategic vision.

I watched them play Newcastle United on television and there is no doubt that they have some quality players.  Alfie May fans should note that he played only a cameo role.

2,000 Addicks are making the trip to Birmingham and there would have been more if the Blues had been prepared to release more tickets.  The odds must favour the Millwall of the Midlands to end Charlton's unbeaten run, but the Addicks are in confident mood and a draw is possible.

Apart from the super Salopians, we are the only team to have beaten them in the league this season: https://www.castrust.org/2025/02/whats-it-all-about-alfie/

'Useless' player scores late winner

It looked liked being a valley of frustration at Charlton tonight until Gillesphey, a favourite target of moaners, scored the winning goal against Peterborough with a pinpoint header.

As is often the case, Charlton did not start particularly well with the visitors trying out a different formation.  

A shot from outside the area by Luke Berry hit the post after 32 minutes for Charlton, before Peterborough keeper Jed Steer had to save from Matty Godden at point blank range a minute later.

The game kicked into life in an amazing eight-minute spell. After increased Charlton pressure, the visitors were undone by a penalty after 54 minutes. Sam Hughes handled in the box, with Godden converting from the spot.  Steve Brown thought ir wasn't a penalty and was upbraided by his nemesis from Canada, Brown retorting that his critic had never played football.

It looked to become an awful evening for Peterborough when charm merchant Fernandez was dismissed after 58 minutes for lunging at Thierry Small.

However, they hit back three minutes later from a Malik Mothersille spot kick, after Ricky-Jade Jones was upended in the area.   Darren Ferguson was indignant that Ramsay was not sent off, but the double jeopardy rule did not apply.

The Peterborough resolve was finally broken when Gillesphey headed home an 88th-minute corner delivered by Alex Gilbert.

Nathan Jones admitted that it was more hairy than he would liked it to have been, but praised the mentality of Charlton's players who didn't give up: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-praises-charlton-athletic-mentality-as-they-strike-late-again-to-climb-to-5th-in-league-one/

Another key game tonight

At the end of the season midweek winter matches often turn out to have had a decisive impact on the final outcome.  Three points off Peterborough tonight are vital if Charlton are to qualify for the play offs.

Yo-yo club Peterborough were expected to be competing for promotion, but things have not gone to plan and they are 20th in the table and in a similar position in the form table.  Charlton are 4th in the form table.  Posh's away record is particularly poor, having won two, drawn two and lost nine.   They have conceded 29 goals away from home.  

Holders of the Vertu Trophy, Posh did manage to battle their way through to the semi-finals last week, beating Cheltenham Town 3-2.

Although I am hopeful that the Addicks can take three points tonight, Peterborough can be very physical and referees generally show little interest for fear of being seen as a 'homer'.

Magazine pays tribute to Lennie Lawrence

Lennie Lawrence has stepped back as Hartlepool United coach and taken the No.2 role: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce3lgy17q0ko

However, before this became known Four Four Two published a two page tribute to the Charlton legend in their March issue.   The survival of the club owes much to him.

Lawrence notes that Hartepool asked him to do the job for a month, just like Charlton did 40 years ago. 

The 77-year old says that  'Man management remains the most important thing and there are aspects of it that are the same as they were 30 years ago.   Others are different (he cites social media)and you need to embrace that.'

Lawrence says that he was not particularly abrasive or confrontational back in the day and 'these approaches now wouldn't hold you in good stead.   To use a modern buzzword, you have to show empathy towards players as well as being demanding and having standards - you've got to understand them and help them.'

'Sometimes it's not what you say but how you say it - that's the key, there has to be mutual respect.  The first thing I said to the players when I took Charlton over 40 years ago was "I promise I'll be honest with you and I'll try to be fair - I can't always be fair, but I'll try to be honest -that's the starting point.'

Charlton move into play off places

Charlton moved into 6th place in League One after a 2-0 win over in form Stevenage at The Valley this afternoon.   Bolton and Reading both drew in their games and in any case but had an inferior goal difference. (Bolton won 4-3 in the 96th minute but Charlton remained 6th). Leyton Orient were entertaining Manchester City so do have a game in hand.

There was some sloppy passing by the Addicks in the early exchanges, Stevenage were the better side and Ashley Maynard-Brewer had to race out to foil Louis Appere, who attempted to go around him.  Jamie Reid also drilled into the side-netting from a tight angle for Stevenage, who had won their past three games coming into the contest., 

However, a team talk around the 30 minute mark while Ashley Maynard-Brewer was down receiving treatment for an 'injury' arising from a need to slow the game down seemed to revitalise the team.   Matty Godden then scored on 44 minute with an attack started by him with a deft flick to Campbell.  He converted from Coventry's cross, squeezing it in at the near post. 

Berry made it 2-0 early in the second half on 48 minutes.   Campbell hit the bar and Berry scored from the rebound.   Charlton dominated the rest of the game, but were unable to score again.  Small had a shot blocked and Campbell sent a curler wide.

Charlton had 15 shots on goal of which three were on target, Stevenage managed just three shots, none on target.

In form Stevenage visit The Valley

Stevenage are 4th  in the form table and ahead of Charlton in 6th.   They have only lost three matches away this season in League One, but are something of away draw specialists (five).   They did lose 1-0 at Birmingham in the EFL Trophy earlier in the week.

They certainly have goals in them, beating a faltering Exeter 4-1 at home last week, making it three wins in a row in League One.   Before that they won 3-2 midweek at Wrexham.

Hopefully, Matty Godden will be able to score against his former club.  

CAS Trust admit that Stevenage will be no pushovers, but note that the early kick off could enable us to leapfrog Orient: https://www.castrust.org/2025/02/saturdays-early-shift/

We have now had a year of Nathan Jones in charge at Charlton and assessments on social media have been generally quite favourable if not over enthusiastic.

We may now have a chance of making the play offs, but that is a 1 in 4 chance of promotion.   Some of us can remember the semi-final defeat against Swindon at The Valley, but a defeat at Wembley might be even more painful.

Essentially, it's a three way fight between really wealthy owners trying to get out of the league before new spending restrictions apply next season: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2025/02/league-one-is-three-way-fight-between.html

Methven says Charlton's location helps attract investors

Charlie Methven has told The Athletic: "We thought we'd been so clever by investing in Sunderland," explains Methven. "We thought they were one of the biggest teams in the country, with a huge stadium, loyal fanbase, a great academy. What's not to like?

"But we really struggled to get potential investors or sponsors to come, particularly from overseas. They would fly into London and then say they didn't want to get on another flight. Or they would complain about the hotels and restaurants.

"We don't have those issues at Charlton. Potential partners can stay in their favourite hotel, eat in their favourite restaurant, go shopping, catch a show. It's just much easier."

However, Trevor Watkins, head of global sport at a leading law firm remarked of Charlton: "do they have much upside? Maybe. Like I said, there is no science to it!"

I'll be watching the club site for news of the next big investor.

Assessing the January transfer window

As expected, there have been complaints about the January transfer window, but it is difficult to get value in the window.  There is no point in wasting money.   The owners may be wealthy, but I expect they have other things they want to spend their money on apart from Charlton.

I decided to ask artificial intelligence sites what they thought.   The new Chinese site referred me to the club website which was not what I was looking for, but ChatGPT said:

'Observers noted that while the transfer fees were modest—relying heavily on free transfers and strategic loan arrangements—the overall business was a clear statement from the club’s owners. By investing in a mix of young and experienced players and actively reshaping the squad, Charlton demonstrated both a recognition of their mid‐season struggles and a commitment to turning things around for the remainder of the season.

In summary, Charlton Athletic’s January 2025 transfer window can be seen as a proactive and ambitious attempt to strengthen the squad. The incoming players were expected to provide immediate quality and depth, while the outgoing moves helped to balance the books and refine the squad. This activity not only addressed the team’s immediate needs but also signaled that the ownership and management were prepared to make significant changes in pursuit of a top-six finish in League One.'

That does rather look as if it could be written by the club's PR consultants!

Promising loan signing

I have been arguing for some time that the way to add value in the January transfer window is to make a good loan signing and I am pleased to welcome attacking midfielder Alex Gilbert to the club from 'Boro: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-complete-loan-deal-for-middlesbrough-attacking-midfielder/

Charlton has been interested in him for some time.  No doubt the usual suspects will write him off before he has kicked a ball, but former Talksport journalist Tash Everitt has said from Australia that her Boro sources indicate that he is seen as a player with real potential.  

Tide turns for Charlton

As Louis Mendez has commented, we would have taken a draw before the game but now the 2-2 at Blackpool against the League One home draw specialists feels like a loss.  Charlton took a 2-0 second half lead, but were unable to hold on to it.

At one point the Addicks would have been in the play off places but ended up 7th behind Leyton Orient on goal difference.

Chances were scarce throughout the opening exchanges, with a speculative off target attempt from Luke Berry being the only real shot from open play by either side.

Matt Godden tapped in the Charlton opener from six yards, his 11^th goal this season.   The second Charlton goal was an own goal.   After beating his man, Campbell placed a pass against Olly Casey - who was unable to stop the ball from going into the net off him.

Blackpool then got one back through a curling effort from substitute Silvera on 72 minutes.  The second om 87 minutes was a mistake from Gillesphey.   He missed his clearance, Pool broke in, hit the bar,  and the rebound was converted by Niall Ennis on his debut.

Report from Louis Mendez here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-blackpool-2-charlton-athletic-2-addicks-miss-chance-to-climb-into-top-six-as-they-throw-two-goal-lead-away/

Matty Godden talks of a 'gutted' dressing room but admits that Charlton were naive to let them back in the game: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/matty-godden-admits-charlton-were-naive-during-blackpool-draw-but-looks-to-keep-things-in-perspective-after-good-run/