Will takeover boost Carlisle or distract them?

Today's opponents, Carlisle United, have new American owners, a takeover warmly welcomed by supporters who see it as a major boost: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67501658

However, boss Paul Simpson thinks it could be a distraction for his players who have only won once in their last five outings: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/carlisle-boss-wary-of-distraction-ahead-of-charlton-clash/

Historically Carlisle has been a place where we have secured promotion: https://www.castrust.org/2023/11/can-another-operation-brunton-cure-the-winter-blues/

Nearly 1,000 Addicks will be making the journey north with one train already cancelled.

Curbs: I'm available if needed

Curbs says that he would be happy to help out at Charlton if needed, but is enjoying retirement (he certainly doesn't lack holidays).  He talks about how his career hit the buffers because of the way in which he left West Ham: https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/alan-curbishley-fergie-mistake-west-ham-2772639

Better times at The Valley

This article argues that Charlton are making significant progress under Michael Appleton and the new owners, but surplus players need to be offloaded in January and the defence strengthened: https://londonfootballscene.co.uk/2023/11/23/michael-appleton-is-slowly-bringing-the-memorable-moments-back-to-charlton-athletic/

May's Haaland target

Alfie May would like to score more goals that Erling Haaland this season, but admits it was a wrench to leave Cheltenham: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13003293/alfie-may-interview-charlton-forward-on-his-hopes-of-scoring-more-league-goals-than-erling-haaland-in-2023

I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Dave of Drinking During the Game.  He was always on the button with his analysis of games and takeovers.   An excellent tribute from Charlton author Paul Breen can be found here: https://www.castrust.org/2023/11/raising-a-parting-glass-to-dave-thomson/

McGrandles is on the up

Michael Appleton was delighted with his players performance and attitude of his players in the 3-0 victory over Sutton United in the used vehicles trophy.   In particular he noted the continuing improvement shown by Conor McGrandles who was his captain at Lincoln: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-delighted-at-spot-on-attitude-as-efl-trophy-progression-secured/

The Valley Story

TalkSport takes an illustrated look at the history of The Valley: https://talksport.com/football/1642203/charlton-stadium-the-valley-condemned-arsenal-liverpool/

Job done

A professional performance by Charlton last night saw the Addicks shred Cray Valley Paper Mills 6-1 at the Valley of Reams, earning supporters the chance to once again enjoy the amenities of Gillingham's temporary stand.

Alfie May was deservedly man of the match and Dobbo scored a brilliant goal.  Good to see Mbick make his senior debut just after his 17th birthday and score.

Congratulations to Lisbie Junior on scoring the penalty, even if his dad couldn't look.  Fans calling for us to sign him up are wide of the mark.   However, National League sides should be interested as he clearly has an eye for goal.  Our priorities should be to retain CBT (albeit not at his best recenly) and Dobbo.

Cray Valley have played very well and I wish then success for the rest of a crowded season, starting with a FA trophy match on Saturday.  Unfortunately, they are too far down the pyramid for us to loan out players.