Back to where we belong

Ramsgate-based fan and VOTV editor Rick Everitt looks at 'the coming storm' in the Championship and assesses Charlton's prospects compared with our last two promotions to our favourite division: https://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2025-26-blogs/31-7-at-last-it-s-back-to-where-we-once-belonged/

End of the Pier

More negative news from down the coast at Deal.   Leading armchair critic Desmond from Deal has had to call off his meeting for Kent coast malcontents at the end of Deal Pier.  Some potential participants felt they could not manage the trek up the pier and others did not like the vegetarian/vegan theme of the café there, one unfortunate having been asked whether he needed milk in his tea.

However, all is not lost.  Des says: 'I had a word with Graham at the King's Head on the sea front and he said we could meet there if there weren't too many of us (no problem about that) and we did insult Palace, Millwall or Gillingham.

Clearing up confusion

Richard Cawley reports: 'Saw some suggestions that the Dane Murphy situation could have affected the Harvey Knibbs transfer. Don't believe that has anything to do with it whatsoever. Murphy had not actually taken on the CEO role as he had not passed the EFL Owners' and Directors' test before there was confirmation he was not coming in.'

Cawley notes that Reading's boss has told in house media that the Knibbs deal is off.

When I'm cleaning windows

The contracted window cleaner came round to my wife's flat the other day and noticed the Charlton place mat.  He said he had been at the Charlton academy and had actually lived round the corner from Sparrows Lane.

My wife put him on the phone to me.  He said his name was Paul Young and mentioned various players he had known.  He didn't claim to have played for the first team, but I have some vague idea that he may have been a substitute in 2000/01.   Anyone remember him?

Championship favourites beat Charlton

Ipswich Town are favourites to win the Championship title this season and they beat Charlton 2-1 tonight at Colchester's stadium with its capacious car park.

All the goals came in a seven-minute spell early in the second half. 

Jack Clarke put the Tractor Boys in front on 51 minutes but summer signing Isaac Olaofe equalised four minutes later. 

Ipswich almost instantly responded, Ali Al-Hamadi slotted through the legs of goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski from Luke Woolfenden’s ball over the top.

Charlie Kelman played the last 20 minutes.

Charlton target Reading attacker

Richard Cawley has confirmed that Charlton are bidding for 24-year old Reading star attacker Harvey Knibbs.

Knibbs, 24, has been another of the standout attackers in England’s third tier with 20 goal involvements in the 2024-25 season, 14 goals and six assists. He successfully converted all four of his penalties.

Knibbs outperformed his xG (11.80) and created 44 chances, the same amount as Tyreece Campbell.

The former Aston Villa youngster has registered 16 goals in all competitions in each of the last two seasons.

Cawley has an interesting interview with former Addick Jake Forster-Caskey on his Substack page.  Injuries stopped him doing his best for us.

The end of the pier show

Desmond from Deal has confirmed that he will be organizing a meeting at the end of Deal Pier for Charlton fans who have been deprived of their opportunity to moan about the owners and the manager this summer.

Lisbie dynasty flourishes

Winger Kalon Lisbie has become the second member of the Lisbie footballing empire to sign up for Colchester United joining his older brother Kyreece who signed for the U's in February 2024 and has established his place there following an impressive loan spell with Braintree Town.

Kyrell, Kyreece's twin, is on a three year contract at Peterborough United.

It is believed that other Lisbies are available, just look out for the letter 'K'.

 

Charlton close on Kelman deal

Richard Cawley, now driving to Cambridge, has reported that Charlton are closing on a deal to sign QPR striker and US international Charlie Kelman.

Career details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Kelman

Jones refuses to comment on Everton raid

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has refused to “speculate” on the future of defensive prospect Reuben Gokah, 16, amid claims he is set to sign for Everton.

But the Welshman has made it clear to Richard Cawley that he is totally devoted to giving the club’s youngsters the opportunity to crack first-team football in SE7.

Gokah is seen as a top talent but might have better chances to progress at The Valley.

Cawley's latest Substack features interesting revelations by Peter Varney.

What future for the Gasman?

Gassan Adahme has three years to run on his contract and was our most expensive signing last season, but if I have interpreted remarks by Nathan Jones to Richard Cawley correctly, his future is not at Charlton.  Indeed, the word 'passenger' is used indirectly in the interview.   He did not go to Slovenia and has not featured in any of the pre-season friendlies.

The challenge is to get someone interested in a player who has had just nine minutes of football this year.  A prospective loan deal with Cambridge United fell through after the Gasman was not interested. Plymouth Argyle were reported to be interested earlier in the summer.

Weald yield

Some Charlton players made their own way to the suburban home of Wealdstone yesterday evening, but the tireless Richard Cawley and Louis Mendez were there already.

On 25 minutes Charlton went 1-0- up - Isaac Olaofe from the penalty spot after Josh Edwards was fouled by the goalkeeper. The Addicks were on the front foot for plenty of the opening exchanges.

The Stones defence love giving away a penalty. This time a foul on Dan Kanu, who had raced on to Alex Mitchell's excellent through ball. Kanu stepped up to convert.

Sonny Carey headed in from close range after a fierce shot by Nathan Asiimwe is only parried up into the air. Only one change made by the Addicks at the start of the second half - Josh Edwards replaced by Ibrahim Fullah.

Trialist today was Dexter Lembikisa - a right wing-back who is currently with Wolves.  The Addicks could hit double figures for transfer signings this window.

Talent gap will see Charlton relegated

In their season preview Four Four Two magazine forecast that Charlton will be relegated from the Championship in 23rd place.   Admittedly they did forecast we would dice with relegation in the year Chris Powell won the League One championship.

The magazine lists some of the players we have added, 'but [Charlton] still have more work to do to improve on their League One squad.  Will a siege mentality be enough to overcome the talent gap?'

However, in the fan file, Ramsgate-based fan Rick Everitt predicts a 16th place finish and 'we'll be more than happy with that.'

Everitt states 'Charlton are back at the level that fans expect and that the club's history, stadium and size of support merit.  The Addicks hadn't spent so long in the third tier since the1920s.'

'Fans think our ownership is well-intentioned but obscure .... Given that their immediate predecessor liked to play his guitar on the pitch, we're just relieved.'

'Our most underrated player is Kayne Ramsay, a right back we picked up from Harrogate Town in February 2024.   His composure in possession has stood out.'

'Fans think our gaffer has proven himself by turning things around after a difficult spell.  Nathan Jones is a very emotional and animated presence on the touchline, and he was won the fans' trust.'

Moaners' spokesman Desmond from Deal was not convinced by the warm words from around the coast: 'Four Four Two have taken a long, cold hard look at the facts.  Six weeks and the wheels will be off and then where will the so-called Welsh Wizard be?   He is no Messiah.'

Win in training camp friendly

Charlton beat HNK Goria 2-0 in today’s friendly in Slovenia, reports Louis Mendez.

In the first half Charlton's best chance just before the break as Olaofe headed just wide from Edwards' cross. Jones went in the book for a strong challenge midway through the half. First minutes for Kaminski who made a routine save from a free header.

Miles Leaburn started the second-half - good to see him back. Rob Apter in as well, as is Joe Rankin-Costello. Amari'i Bell captained the side for the second-half.

Karoy Anderson scored directly from a corner. Gorcia goalkeeper dropeds it over the line. 1-0 to the Addicks in the 83rd minute.

2-0! Great footwork from Fullah and he fires across goal and it goes in.

Owners splash the cash on Apter

Richard Cawley reports on X: ‘Signing number seven for Charlton is their biggest spend of the transfer window - Rob Apter from Blackpool. Most exciting addition of the summer so far? The 22-year-old Scouser, capped by Scotland at U21 level, has penned a deal until the summer of 2029.’

Cawley states: ‘Transfer fees are very tricky to pin down precisely but Apter’s fee is likely to be the biggest paid by the Addicks since they reportedly parted with £2million to bring in centre-back Naby Sarr from Sporting Lisbon in July 2015. One website has claimed that the transfer of the Tangerines’ prize asset exceeds that sum.

It’s definitely the most expensive outlay by owners Global Football Partners since they took control of the club in July 2023. Before that Gassan Ahadme is believed - this isn’t something I’d stand up and testify in court about (although why I would be in the dock in the first place would be puzzling) - to have cost around £750,000 from Ipswich Town last summer.’

Tom Mayne from a Blackpool podcast says: ‘Exciting is definitely a word to use. He is not the finished article but Nathan Jones and Steve Bruce know that. He played every single game last season, bar one.

He is fearless and has a lot of growing to do, which I think he knows himself. What I love the most is his tenacity, if he gets tackled or loses the ball then he’ll continue to try and do something for the team to create something out of nothing.’

Much more on Richard Cawley’s Substack page.

Leading moaners have convened a meeting at the end of Deal Pier as they search for a summer narrative.

Addicks interest in Apter confirmed

Blackpool boss Steve Bruce - on Charlton interest in Rob Apter - told a local journo: "We’ve had conversations with Charlton, but where it’s at, I really don’t know - that’s for others to talk about.”

“We don’t want to sell Rob, but we all know in football that everyone has their price. Whether there’s any more developments, I’m not too sure.”

“He’s a dying breed. He’s one of those that can go past people and make something happen. None of us want him to go, but it’s football. It’s obviously a difficult situation, for Rob he could get to the Championship."

A price of £2.5m has been rumoured.

Richard Cawley reports that Nathan Jones confirms that Charlton will loan out one of their two young strikers - Micah Mbick or Dan Kanu.

Jones hopes to make moe quality signings

Boss Nathan Jones on whether there is expected to be more arrivals in the next few weeks, reports Richard Cawley: "Definitely. In the next few days, we'd like to. Recruitment is ongoing - we're not finished yet."

 "We need more quality, in terms of how we play and what we do. We need to add that quality, that's what we've done. We've got a good base now to work from with the people we've brought in.”

 "Thomas (Kaminski) is a wonderful signing, Burke (Reece Burke) is going to be fantastic for us and Amari'i is a wonderful, wonderful signing. So we've got that strength and we've added a bit more quality in terms of Sonny (Carey) and Joe (Rankin-Costello). But we still want that real top-end quality and that is what we are striving to bring in."

Jones played it cool when asked by this website about reported interest in Blackpool winger Rob Apter.  The exciting 22-year-old right-winger is being linked with a move to the Championship newcomers.

Addicks make sixth summer signing

Joe Rankin-Costello makes it six signings this summer for the Championship new boys - and this time it's not from Luton..  Charlton have offered a four-year contract to the Blackburn player, who joins for an undisclosed fee.

Richard Cawley notes: ‘Lot of talk about his ability to play all over the place but interestingly Nathan Jones talks in his signing quotes talks about the 25-year-old as "a really versatile and technically excellent midfield player.” NJ: "We're really delighted to get Joe on board. He's a player I've watched for a number of years."’

Cawley adds: ‘He fought his way back into favour at Blackburn Rovers.  He is a goal scoring threat – especially against Millwall.  He is a handyman in a number of different positions.  A move down south can get his career motoring.’

Career details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Rankin-Costello

The speed, number and quality of signings is depriving pessimists of one of their favourite summer narratives.

Deal or no Deal?

We spent an enjoyable few days in Deal taking advantage of the sea air and some of the excellent food on offer.  However, from a footballing point of view, it was a desert.

There was initial excitement when our HST train stopped at Thanet Parkway, a station backed by Councillor Rick Everitt against 'know nothing' opposition.  It was even suggested that the estate containing the Rickhaus could be seen across the fields.

However, when we detrained at Ramsgate there was no sign of a civic welcome, not even a Millwall fan telling us we were not welcome.

Indeed, over the few days I saw hardly any evidence of football allegiance, although there was much background chat about golf and, like others, we were preoccupied with Wimbledon.   I did not see any shirts, badges or other tokens of support for Chelsea, Millwall, Palace, Gillingham or even Deal Town.  The one exception was a gentleman bursting out of his Arsenal shirt.

I did see one or two elderly gentlemen who fitted the profile of Desmond from Deal, but I could hardly approach them and ask, 'Are you Desmond from Deal, the scourge of Charlton managers?'  I might have ended up thrown off Deal Pier before I sampled the vegetarian cuisine on sale at the end (and very good it was).

Indeed, the main preoccupation in Deal seems to be walking the dog(s) who can have ice cream suitable for them served at the start of the pier or enjoy a veggie treat for dogs at the end.

The Times did have a good story about Millwall.   Apparently, the Rust Bucket is being refurbished.  The New Den was opened with a game against Sporting Lisbon, even bigger in the early 1990s than now.

The writer said that a typical Millwall supporter, overweight and covered in tattoos sat down in front of him with his son.   Impressed by their kit, he lad asked who the opposition were.  'Wankers,' replied his dad, 'Wankers.'

I did take a few days off electronically, but it is good news that Miles Leaburn has signed a new contract..  There is still potential to be realised.

Kent search for leading moaners

Decades ago papers like the long departed Daily Sketch used to send someone to seaside resorts in the summer to distribute a guinea to anyone who could answer a simple question in that day's paper.  No doubt many innocent holidaymakers were bothered by someone saying 'You are Loopy Lou, the answer to today's question is Elvis Presley and I claim my prize.'

I will be on the Kent coast later this week, anywhere between Ramsgate and Dungeness (I am hoping for a municipal welcome in Ramsgate from the leader of Thanet Council, Councillor Rick Everitt).  My question is, 'who was the American goalkeeper who played for Charlton>'

One of my main objectives is to work out why so many of the leading moaners and pessimists at Charlton are congregated on the coast.   Whilst I am unlikely to identify Desmond from Deal or Derek from Dymchurch, it would be interesting to hear why they are so negative.   I will probably end up with a crowing Nigel from New Romney.

Unhappy Hatter gives thumbs up to keeper

I met the local Hatter this morning.   He confirmed that Thomas Kaminski is a very good keeper and that he is a real loss for Luton.   He was certainly their best player last season.  If it hadn't been for his saves, Luton would have been relegated by mid-season.  He is a great shot stopper.   The Hatter thought that he did not have any obvious weaknesses.

Richard Cawley reports on another link with Luton:  'More big Championship experience added to the Charlton squad as they hand a two-year deal to Amari'i Bell.  This signing reunites the Jamaican international with Nathan Jones, who was a key factor in him signing for Luton Town. Bell released by the Hatters at the end of last season.'

More on the left back: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amari%27i_Bell

Third signing saddens northern Hatters

Richard Cawley reports ‘Charlton have signed Stockport County striker Isaac Olaofe on a three-year contract with club option of another 12 months. No fee disclosed but believed to be in the region of £1.5million. This is the third signing of the summer transfer window.’

Stockport County chief executive Simon Wilson on Isaac Olaofe’s departure: “It is with both a heavy but also proud heart that we say goodbye to Tanto, a player who has added so much to our club in the two-and-a-half years he has been here. I remember in his first interview, Liam asked ‘how would you describe yourself?’, to which Tanto replied ‘I like to be a nuisance for defenders’! He has been that for sure, but so much more too.”  

Cawley adds: ‘There will be a piece going up on my Substack today about Olaofe but I’m currently somewhere that doesn’t have the signal to upload it,’   Hopefully this will offset some of the inevitable moans before they gather momentum.

Cawley also reports that the Addicks are interested in a loan move for striker Daniel Kanu. ‘The young forward needs extended game time. Probably going to be a struggle to get that with the Addicks this season’ is Cawley’s assessment.

Unconfirmed reports are stating that Gassan Ahadme is close to signing for Plymouth Argyle.   The streets around SE7 have remained calm and there have been no reports of fans rending their shirts.

Keeper signing imminent

Richard Cawley reports that Charlton are expected to confirm the signing of Luton Town goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski.  A fee of around £1m has been reported.

Cawley comments: 'Very experienced. One of the Hatters' star men during their one-season stay in the Premier League.'

It is anticipated that the Belgian will be No.1 keeper with either Will Mannion or Ashley Maynard-Brewer as back up.   One of them will presumably be loaned or sold.

After the usual complaints about lack of signings, some fans are criticising this signing.  Yes, Mannion did do a good job for us last year, but we are no longer in League One.  Kaminsji has Premier League and Championship experience.  He wasn't the weak link that saw Luton relegated.

I expect to meeting our local mad Hatter later in the week, so will seek his opinion.