Cheltenham boss talks up Charlton

Cheltenham Town manager Michael Duff talks up Charlton ahead of tomorrow's game so that he can brag about even a draw.  To be fair, his remarks are sensible and balanced.

'I went to watch them at Crewe on Wednesday night and it was a funny game. They were excellent for 20-25 minutes, conceded from two set plays and then sort of came away from what they do. They had a go in the last 10-15 minutes and were probably unlucky not to get a result really. They had a disallowed goal, which was a bit of an odd decision.

'But since Johnnie (Jackson) has gone in, they have been on an unbelievable run and they have some good players. I expect them to be better than they were against Crewe and we played well at their place so I don't think they'll take us lightly. Again, as always, Charlton against Cheltenham is a big team against a little team so we'll have to be at it. We are both similar in the table, so it shows it could be quite a close game.'

I don't think they will underestimate us. . I am not sure if they underestimated us on the day, but there was a bit going on at the club at the time. It wasn't quite working, but if you look at the form since Johnnie has gone in, his record before the last three has been excellent. They have some good players and they are a big club in the league. 

They'll be disappointed with where they are in the table and I imagine they'd expect to be in the top six. They'll be expecting to kick on in the second half of the season and whether they get into the top six, I don't know. But they will definitely be expecting to be higher than they are now by the end of the season.

They are a good team with international footballers. People like Ben Watson on the bench, who has won the FA Cup and the career he has had. They have quality throughout the squad. Jayden Stockley could come in [no chance], another good player. Jonathan Leko and (Conor) Washington up front at Crewe, so we are under no illusions that it'll be anything other than a difficult game.'

Cheltenham have won five, drawn four and lost four at home.   The CAS Trust preview is here: https://www.castrust.org/2022/01/cheltenham-time-for-some-self-respect/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cheltenham-time-for-some-self-respect

Into The Valley

Cheltenham Town boss Michael Duff says that his side go into tomorrow's match at The Valley against 'ex-Premier League' Charlton as underdogs, but that will motivate his players: https://www.ctfc.com/news/2021/september/preview-duff-on-charlton-athletic/

Cheltenham are currently 16th in the table.  They have drawn two and lost one on the road.

Last Saturday they drew 1-1 at home with MK Dons with Swansea loan player Kyle Joseph firing them ahead on his debut.   Dons manager Liam Manning said that Cheltenham were well-organised and difficult to break down.   I rate their keeper Scott Flinders.

Four Four Two reckons that a sturdy defence and a long throw threat may not be enough and forecast a 21st place finish for the Robins.

The CAS Trust preview is here: https://www.castrust.org/2021/09/cheltenham-three-more-points-please/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cheltenham-three-more-points-please

First ever meeting with Cheltenham

The excitement of being in League One increases with Charlton playing their first ever game against Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road tonight in the League Cup. It would not have been possible last year as Cheltenham were in the National League.

Cheltenham is a spa town, but if you come in from the motorway you will pass the Government Communications Headquarters which undertakes Britain's electronic surveillance. No doubt there will be a few anonymous men and women from GCHQ in the crowd tonight, but at Charlton we have people who work for MI5. Incidentally, I can recommend my colleague Richard Aldrich's book on GCHQ, available at an airport bookstall near you or at a knockdown price on Amaazon: GCHQ

Cheltenham Town manager Gary Johnson has only 14 fit senior players for the tie. Club captain Aaron Downes (ACL), Jack Munns (knee), James Dayton (ankle) and Asa Hall (groin) are out along with suspended midfielder Kyle Storer.

Addicks striker Lee Novak is likely to retain his place, again playing with a cast to protect his broken hand.

This may seem as if it is a meaningless match, but it would be good to get a win rather than lose to a newly promoted League 2 side. My fear is that we will lose on penalties, exhausting the squad, although it is likely to include a number of players who would not normally feature. Odds are: Cheltenham Town 15/8, Draw 12/5, Charlton Athletic 7/5.

Referee Brendan Malone from nearby Wiltshire will make sure the city boys are shown no favours. You can read an interview with tonight's 44-year old man in black here: Family business

Incidentally, it is being reported that £7m is now being offered by Burnley for Dale Stephens and we have no sell on clause!