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.

Charlton bid for Aneke 2.0

Richard Cawley reports that Charlton Athletic are aiming to complete a deal for Stockport County striker Isaac Olaofe.   The 25-year-old scored 12 goals in 51 matches last season.

Lewisham-born Olaofe started his career on the books of Millwall and they are set to profit from any deal.

Charlton have been looking for a Chuks Aneke replacement without the injuries who can complement Matt Godden up front.

Yann gives the lowdown on Duchatelet

Richard Cawley has conducted a very informative interview with former Valley favouriteYann Kermogant on his Subtack page.

You should subscribe to read it, but here is what the Breton had to say about the barmy Belgian:

“I would say within a few weeks I could see he didn’t have a clue about football. He didn’t understand it - and especially not English football.

“After a few meetings - I think Chris Solly was there for one - and he (Duchatelet) was talking about swapping players from a different league, he had other clubs. He said: ‘I’ve got another right-back at another club and I can bring him here - it will be fine, he is a good player’. I was thinking: ‘Your guy is not even playing in this league and you think he will come to the Championship and help us? I don’t think you understand the toughness and competitiveness of it’.

“I couldn’t stay under this guy (Duchatelet). He didn’t want me to be there."

“I had been promised a new deal by the manager at the time. I think there was maybe a question about giving me three years and he (Duchatelet) didn’t want to give me the money I was asking for and felt I deserved."

The end of the pier show

Richard Cawley reports: 'Charlton will play at Southend United on August 2 (3pm). Final tune-up before their Championship season starts. No home friendly this time around - priority is ensuring The Valley pitch is in tip-top condition for the new campaign.'