Charlton to finish 3rd

According to Four Four Two magazine, Charlton will finish 3rd this season. Of course, this same magazine had us hovering just above the relegation zone in Chris Powell's promotion season.

The magazine says: 'The discord between Charlton fans and the club's owner Roland Duchatelet seems irreparable, not helped by chief executive Katrien Meire adding fuel to the fire every time she opens her mouth. But if there's one manager who can bring any sense of calm back to The Valley, it's probably Russell Slade.'

Commenting on Slade, Four Four Two states: 'The softly-spoken 55-year old delivers more than his resources allow and with a remit to get results while slashing the playing budget he did good work at Cardiff, even if the football was a little dreary. Simplicity and continuity are key. Slade tends to find a system to suit his best XI and then stick with it.'

With Ricky Holmes now providing the ammunition for a front two of Lee Novak and Nicky Ajose, it's possible to see a promotion charge taking shape. The drop in standard should also enable Johnnie Jackson to boss matches in a way he hasn't done with any real consistency in recent years.'

Lee Novak is selected as key player: 'Charlton beat off stiff competition to land the Birmingham City striker following on an impressive loan spell at Chesterfield. Novak bagged 15 goals for the Spireites - not bad for an unselfish player who stretches defences.'

Millwall are forecast to be champions and Gillingham 14th.

Putting a more sceptical view, VOTV editor Rick Everitt commented on the Glynne Jones list: 'Rudd’s a good signing as are the other three, but bearing in mind the loans and short contracts we had at the end of the season we’ve lost about a dozen players (Fanni, Motta, Suk-Yung, Sanogo, Makienok, as well as those sold, loaned out or just released) and replaced them with five so far. The squad is way too small and key parts of it are injured. I like Diarra and Kashi a lot, but will they ever play again regularly for us?'

The Rickster continued, 'A lot now hinges on Teixeira, Harriott and Lookman staying. Not sure I’d put any money on it. We have some good kids, but most will need to be played sparingly and when they are ready, whereas the Belgians will probably expect Konsa, Hanlan, Umerah, Thomas, Kennedy, Charles-Cook and Mitov to slot in at this level, along with Ahearne-Grant.