Karl Robinson hopes to achieve 500 games in management at Charlton which means he would be at The Valley for another 150+ games, rather more than those who suggest he will be out before the end of the season. He also asserts that the Addicks are the biggest club in League One: Giving it large
He can certainly talk the talk, whether he will be allowed to walk the walk under Roland remains to be seen, but perhaps for now he should be given the benefit of the doubt.
I have to go into hospital for knee replacement surgery tomorrow, so I won't be posting for a while. It will probably be at least six weeks before I can make the journey to The Valley.
At one time that would have been a big wrench, but not these days. My identification with the club has been eroded.
I suppose there are now three groups of Charlton supporters. First, those who don't come any more and probably won't come back even under a new regime. Second, those whose primary purpose is to come to protest. Third, those who come and do not support the protests, an apparently growing number of whom oppose continuing protests to judge from the boards. Disagreement between this group and the protesters can make for a divisive, even toxic atmosphere.
The Bloke Beside Me met someone from Belgium the other week who knew about Roland. He said that he seems himself as a rebel, and the more criticism he gets, the more he likes it as he thinks he is stirring things up and challenging the conventional wisdom.
For all the sophistication, verve and energy of the CARD campaign, I don't see Roland going any time soon. Even if he was disposed to sell the club, I think that his price would be unrealistic.
I have to have a second operation in the summer, so I will have to consider then whether I get value from my season ticket. The bonds are loosening.
Leaked e-mails show Roland Duchatelet giving Chris Powell detailed advice on which players he should select and how he should set up his team: Getting to know the network
The Daily Mail report on the story is here: Explaining 4-4-2
Karl Robinson has insisted that he wants Chris O'Loughlin as part of his coaching team. Core trouble makers had suggested that he was being forced on Robinson as Roland's spy, and that was the only reason he wasn't on the first available Eurostar, but Robinson insists that this is not the case.
Apart from a 'the more the merrier' approach, Robinson wants O'Loughlin to teach him what he has learnt from Belgian football: Please stay
I would have thought the main lesson to be learnt was to avoid any involvement with Roland.
In a three-and-a-half hour meeting in Paris new Charlton manager Karl Robinson found Roland Duchatlet 'single minded'. He then met Katrien Meire at the training ground and was told 'Yes, Yes, Yes' in response to every demand: Press conference
Robinson also said that unity on and off the pitch was crucial to success. He claimed that it was hisision to ask Chris O'Louglin not to get on Eurostar but to stay to help out: Unity the key
Patrick Bauer says that he is looking forward to working with Robinson (mind you, he is hardly likely to say he doesn't want to have anything to do with him): Bauer excited
An interview with the Evening Standard is here: Bringing back stability
It is being rumoured that Karl Robinson is to sign a new keeper with Declan Rudd sidelined because of injury until the new year. One name being mentioned is that of Ian McLoughlin who played under Robinson at the Franchisees.
I think that Dillon Phillips has performed well so far, although admittedly we do not have experienced cover and that is presumably what McLoughlin would be. He last played in 2014 for Newport County and is currently a free agent: Career details
Kevin Nugent is to stay on as part of Karl Robinson's coaching team at Charlton: Nugent
Nugent says that, based on what he did at MK Dons, he expects Robinson to play open, expansive football.
Nugent has expressed his thanks for the response he got from the Charlton players: Praise for players
A last gasp equaliser by Patrick Bauer gave Charlton a point in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United at The Valley this afternoon. Kevin Nugent bows out as caretaker manager with an unbeaten record, Karl Robinson having watched the match from the stand.
Coming to the ground I saw a cavalcade of taxis headed by the 'Taxi for Roland'. The start of the game was delayed after stress balls and plastic taxis were thrown on the pitch.
We managed to just about match the Blades in the first third of the match without creating anything much. Magennis was inches away from tapping in a Johnnie Jackson cross after six minutes and then a goal by Magennis correctly ruled offside. Crofts, whose game is improving, got in the way of a close range strike from O'Connell on 19 minutes.
Then a rather dubious free kick led to a well-worked routine by the visitors which caught us with a sucker punch, Duffy scoring. Ajose put an effort on to the roof of the net on 38 minutes.
After the break the visitors pressed for the decisive second goal but we managed to stand firm, although they were pressing us hard and had more tempo to their game. Fouls off the ball on Lookman, whom the Blades clearly saw as the danger man, were ignored by the referee. Lookman forced Moore into a save on 73 minutes.
Then Bauer scored from a Adam Chicksen's free kick to make things level and Charlton had a last minute effort to score a second.
Phillips had an excellent game in goal. Sharp's overhead kick was easily dealt with by Phillips early in the second period and moments later the home stopper was at full stretch to tip behind Fleck's long-range drive. Phillips came to the rescue once again for Charlton with a top class save to somehow deny Duffy and was on hand to prevent substitute Caolan Lavery heading home 10 minutes from time.
Charlton stay in 11th place. They are 7th in the form table.
I have to say that I was amused to hear all the Palace fans on 606 saying that Pardew has 'got to go'.
Football League Paper player ratings
Phillips, 8; Foley, 6; Bauer, 5; Pearce, 7; Fox, 6; Crofts, 5 (Botaka 81, 5); Ulvestad, 5; Lookman, 6; Jackson, 6 (Chicksen, 52, 6); Magennis, 6; Ajose, 5 (Novak, 63, 5).
Sheffield United had six shots on target to Charlton's two and 11 corners to two for Charlton.
Sheffield United have no concerns that the appointment of Karl Robinson as manager will boost Charlton's performance tomorrow. As their manager points out, Robinson will not be on the pitch: No fear
This is no match against a Chesterfield or Port Fail. The Blades are one of the giants of the division and are eager to get out of it at last so that they can once again confront their city rivals, the Massives.
Our last match against them at this level in 2011/12 resulted in a 1-0 win for the Addicks. Odds are: Charlton 21/10, Draw 23/10, Sheffield Utd 13/10.
Josh Magennis is delighted that his strike partnership with Nicky Ajose is clicking. Not before time: Partnership
Karl Robinson wants to bring in his No.2 Richie Barker to The Valley, currently caretaker boss with the Franchisees: Assistant
There is no news of the fate of Kevin Nugent or Chris O'Loughlin, although VOTV editor Rick Everitt assumes that the latter will stay as Roland's spy in the camp.
The match that matters is that between new Charlton manager Karl Robinson and eccentric owner Roland Duchatelet asserts VOTV editor Rick Everitt in a new blog post: Robinson v Duchatelet
The Ramsgate-based fan argues that in different circumstances the appointment of Robinson might have been welcomed by the Addickted. He is a young manager who has got a team promoted out of League One, but he is used to a very different type of owner. He has no experience of dealing with a Thomas Driesen figure offering his insights hunched over his computer in his shorts in a back bedroom in Belgium.
One has to feel a little sympathy for manager number eight under the regime as he settles into his office, takes a sip from the poisoned chalice and nervously eyes the ejector seat in the corner.
The generally shared view is that he will be out by the end of the season. Although the squad is depleted, I am not quite so pessimistic. In my view it's the best appointment Duchatelet has made. But then it could be argued that the regime and its incompetent chief executive will overshadow any skill set that Robinson may bring and doom his best efforts to failure.
Unlike Russell Slade, CARD will offer him no moratorium in protests with action promised for Saturday's match against the Blades.
Norwich City could recall Declan Rudd in the January transfer window. It would be their last chance to make some money out of the keeper who has interested Championship clubs: Nervous wait
Charlton could make an offer themselves, particularly given Rudd has expressed an interest in staying, but he could cost a significant amount.
After an impressive performance at Bristol Rovers, academy graduate Dillon Phillips hopes to bid for the position of No.1 keeper at Charlton while Declan Rudd is out injured: I can play at League One level
He was disappointed not to keep a clean sheet.
It is always good to have some competition for the position of keeper.
Kevin Nugent was coy last night about whether he would be part of Karl Robinson's coaching set up: Nugent
According to a tweet from a fan, Robinson said last night when he left the Memorial Ground that the protests on Saturdays would have to stop and 'we have to stick together.'
Kevin Nugent bowed out as Charlton's caretaker manager with an emphatic 5-1 win over Bristol Rovers and a hundred per cent record in his two games. Thanks for all you tried to do!
p>Phillips dealt effectively with a ball into the box on three minutes. An early Charlton corner was unproductive. Neither side dominated in the opening minutes, although Bristol Rovers had more of the possession. 411 Addicks were in the crowd of 8,089.Charlton started to look threatening, with Chicksen prominent, but Rovers were able to clear. Lookman was about to pull the trigger, but was well tackled.
Phillips made a good save with his feet as top scorer Taylor advanced down the right.
Lookman put a free kick into the box, but Roos punched it clear, clattering one of his own defenders.
Bauer knocked the ball up to Magennis who controlled it superbly on his chest, Lookman took a left-footed shot from 20 yards out and it deflected into the back of the net to put Charlton ahead on 26 minutes. It was the first shot on target for the Addicks.
Magennis fired over from a Lookman free kick. The home fans started to get frustrated. Phillips made a great double save from Taylor, although there was a foul for handball anyway.
Magennis broke through after Lookman turned provider, but Lockyer intervened and cleared the ball away off the line. Lookman’s corner went out for a goal kick.
A Rovers free kick led to a corner. A Rovers header came off Crofts by the post. Phillips tipped the ball over the bar from Clarke-Salter. Taylor came into the box on his own from the right and drew a great save from Phillips.
With Charlton under pressure, Rovers won another corner which Phillips jumped for and claimed.
Magennis buried the ball to make it 2-0 after good work on the right, at first with Foley and Ulvestad, a good ball from Lookman found Chicksen who dragged it back inside the six yard box.
At the other end, Taylor sent a header over from close range.
Half time: Gasheads 0, Addicks 2
The Gasheads made a double substitution at the break. Hartley and Colkett replaced Moore and Montano. Rovers went for three at the back.
Ulvestad broke into the area and his shot was deflected for a corner taken by Lookman. Bauer’s header went into the bottom right hand corner to make it 0-3 on 52 minutes. In reaction Rovers took Sinclair off and brought on Harrison.
Chicksen forced Roos into a save from six yards at the expense of a Charlton corner which was cleared.
Magennis crossed for Ajose, but he was denied by a sliding tackle leading to a Charlton corner. There was a break in play while Clarke-Salter received treatment. The stretcher was brought on for a dislocated shoulder. The Gasheads were down to ten men on 65 minutes, having used all their substitutes.
Rovers cleared Lookman’s corner. Hartley gave away a corner. Chicksen’s effort was unproductive. Another Chicksen corner was cleared. He was then booked for a foul on Taylor.
Pearce blocked a shot at the expense of a corner. After a number of efforts, Charlton cleared. Taylor put a shot wide. Hanlan replaced Magennis on 74 minutes who received warm applause from the Addickted as he went off.
Rovers took a corner quickly, it was well cut out by Hanlan.
Fox went on a run down the left, Chicksen struck from the edge of the area and it took a deflection to make it 4-0 on 76 minutes. It was the first time Charlton had scored four goals in a game since Rotherham away in January.
Lookman made way for Botaka. Bauer made a great tackle and received a yellow card. Taylor’s free kick hit the wall and went out for a corner. Phillips punched the ball away.
The home crowd became excited as Rovers won another corner but Leadbitter shot over the bar. The home fans continued to sing their heart out.
A good move saw Ajose take a shot and he found the bottom right-hand corner to make it 5-0 on 84 minutes. It was a patient build up, Ulvestad picked out Ajose. Jackson replaced Chicksen who had had a good game despite doubts about his selection.
This was the first time since Charlton had scored five goals in an away game since Peterborough away in November 2010.
Botaka put one in from distance whhttp://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/10668422/bristol-rovers-1-5-charlton#ooid=Z2NHRyNzE6oegn6Bbsm8xZQ6lFj324Jsich went just over the bar.
Six minutes were added on. Rovers were awarded a penalty after Phillips took out Gaffney. Phillips was shown a yellow card. Taylor took it and scored, depriving Charlton of a clean sheet.
Charlton moved up to 11th in the table, three points off a play off place and above Millwall who drew 0-0 at home with AFC Wimbledon.
Ajose got round the keeper, but a defender cleared for a corner which was claimed by Roos. In the sixth minute of time added on Ajose shot over from the edge of the box. Charlton won a final corner, but it was cleared.
Video of highights here: Goals
Karl Robinson was at Bristol Rovers tonight as he prepared to take over as Charlton manager. He met with Roland Duchatelet in Paris yesterday and accepted the role. He will be the eighth manager in the last three years.
Most Addicks seemed underwhelmed or indifferent at the news and speculated how long he would last.
The absence of Declan Rudd with a hip injury was the shock team news from Bristol tonight with Phillips replacing him in goal. There was also surprise at Chicksen replacing Johnnie Jackson.
Richard Cawley says that the big challenge for the next Charlton boss is not mounting a promotion challenge, it's turning around the mixture of anger and apathy felt by most Charlton fans: Challenge
Unfortunately, the time for bridge building has long since gone, particularly with an owner who thinks that the club is worth 1.5 per cent of his time.
How a season goes can often be determined by midweek matches away in winter. A win against Bristol Rovers tonight would propel Charlton towards the play offs. A defeat would have them looking over their shoulders at the relegation struggle. Perhaps the most likely result, a draw, would confirm that it is going to be a season of mid-table mediocrity.
The Gasheads are currently eighth in the table with the same number of points as AFC Wimbledon in sixth place. They are lower in the form table. At home they have won four matches, drawn three and lost two.
On Saturday they drew 0-0 at home with relegation strugglers MK Dons. A triple substitution by 38-year old manager Darrell Clarke on 52 minutes failed to pep up their attack, but he was satisfied with an 'honest' performance. Clarke, of course, brought them out of the non-league and then into League One and rejected an offer from Leeds in the summer.
Last season Rovers fans repeatedly tweeted US politician Darrell Clarke, mistaking him for their manager. The politician responded, 'I can relate to the manager because we both get blamed when things go wrong.'
Top scorer Matty Taylor will be available for Rovers despite picking up five yellow cards this season. However, one of those was in the Checkatrade Trophy and doesn't count. He scored 13 goals in 12 matches at the end of last season's campaign.
The Bristol Rovers official site coverage of the game includes a paragraph on the protests (the club is Jordanian owned): Preview
Rovers select three Charlton players to watch: Josh Magennis, Nicky Ajose and Ricky Holmes (injured): Key players
Caretaker manager Kevin Nugent will be in charge. A 'panel' is considering short listed candidates for the post of manager. Latest odds are Robinson, 1/4; Caldwell, 11/4; Nugent, 16/1.
Odds are: Bristol Rovers 13/10, Draw 9/4, Charlton 21/10. In 2009/10 we lost 2-1 at the Memorial Stadium. In 2010/11 we drew 2-2.
Referee Simon Hooper comes from the West Country. He sparked controversy in his first Premier League game by taking a number of controversial decisions favouring Crystal Palace: Simon Hooper
Lee Bowyer has now completed his coaching qualifications and the 39-year old would like to manage at Charlton which he describes as a 'lovely' club (not so much these days, though): Keen on Charlton
I remember Bowyer coming to a midweek away game at Huddersfield after he had joined Leeds, so I think his heart is in the right place. How good he would be a manager, even in more normal circumstances than prevail at The Valley, is an interesting question.
Another injury blow for Charlton with Chris Solly out for several months with a knee injury: Solly
It is at times like this that the lack of depth in the squad becomes apparent. Thank you Roland.
Morgan Fox thinks that Russell Slade improved things for Charlton on and off the pitch and was surprised when he was sacked: Fox on Slade
In his weekly column in today's Sunday Times Millwall fan Rod Liddle criticises the rule of Roland at Charlton. He says, 'The madness continues at Charlton Athletic.'
He continues, 'the club show every sign of being administered by the inmates of a mental institution ... [Slade] didn't fit in with Roland Duchatelet's infamous network of "appointees", who are generally characterised by their complete and utter lack of knowledge of football.'
'The fans, while not terribly dispirited at seeing the back of Slade, who is not known for the flamboyance of his football, are in open revolt.' Chris O'Loughlin is described as 'part of Duchatelet's inept and hilarious network ... Katrien Meire, the club's loathed chief executive, has had to deny demanding that TalkSport block calls from fans who are antithetical to the way the club is being run - which, to my reckoning, is pretty much all of them.'
'The Charlton supporters deserve a medal for their continued objection to the destruction, through ineptitude, of one of the country's most likeable clubs.'
Former MK Dons manager Karl Robinson has emerged as the latest favourite for the hot seat at Charlton. However, caretaker manager Kevin Nugent now thinks that the job is much more attractive as Russell Slade has put the foundations in place: Dirty work done
Of course, that leaves aside the question of working for Katrien and the regime. However, Robinson is attracted by the club's thriving Academy: Odds slashed
It hardly qualified as the start of a new era, but Charlton secured a solid 2-0 win over Port Vale at The Valley this afternoon in front of what must have been then smallest crowd this season. The attendance was officially 8,992, but there were far fewer than that in the ground and the streets were eerily quiet afterwards. Both goals came in the first half and Port Vale pressed more in the second half while a potential third Charlton goal was ruled offside.
The Addicks took the lead in the 30th minute through a superb Josh Magennis header, with the Northern Ireland international finding the far corner from Morgan Fox's first rate cross. Charlton - with caretaker boss Kevin Nugent overseeing proceedings - doubled their advantage a minute before half-time, as Fox's pass found Nicky Ajose who beat the offside trap and slotted the ball past Jak Alnwick in the Port Vale goal.
Andrew Crofts almost put the result beyond doubt five minutes after the break when his 20-yard dipping volley went inches over the crossbar. The visitors, as expected, came out after the break searching for a goal back but Nathan Smith's flicked effort that evaded Declan Rudd's goal was the closest Bruno Ribeiro's side came to scoring.
The referee was the worst I have seen at The Valley for some time. He failed to see things that others saw and saw things that no else did. The follically challenged official booked Lookman after a Vale player fell over which they were prone to do.
Charlton are now 14th in the table. However, that is just four points off a play off place and they are eighth in the form table.
Football League Paper player ratings
Rudd,6; Foley, 7; Bauer, 6; Pearce, 6; Fox, 8 (star man of match); Lookman, 7; Crofts, 7; Ulvestad, 6; Jackson, 6 (Botaka, 7); Magennis, 7 (Hanlan, 6); Ajose, 8.
Charlton have rejected a verbal offer of £7m from Everton for Ademola Lookman and continue to value him at £10m. Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City continue to be interested: Lookman
At last Charlton are top of a league: they have sacked the most managers since the start of the 2012-13 season. All this at a club that was once a byword for stability. More details here: BBC sackings league
Port Vale are hoping to overcome their poor away form (one win in eight) by taking advantage of the chaos at Charlton tomorrow. In particular, former Addick Jerome Thomas is relishing the clash: Valiants
Vale fans have offered their solidarity with Charlton fans in their protests against the regime: Solidarity
Odds: Charlton 7/10, Draw 5/2, Port Vale 17/4.
A new Voice of the Valley will be on sale before the game. Look out for gnomes and elves wearing Roland and Katrien masks.
One of our few creative and talented players, Ricky Holmes, could be out for two months after breaking a bone in his foot: Holmes
Assistant manager Kevin Nugent has taken over first team duties until a new manager is appointed. Chris O'Loughlin has joined the coaching staff but will not be considered for the permanent managers job. Some Addicks think that he is already doing the job, but without the title.
A number of possible candidates have indicated interest, at least for the future. The most interesting of those is Jorge Costa, popular loan player and Millwall hater. In an interview, he said how much he had enjoyed his time at Charlton. The club still have a special place in his heart: The Tank
Another is former Burton Albion and QPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, although according to Twitter he wants a break from managerial duties after leaving QPR: Hasselbaink
The bookies have it as a two horse race between Johnnie Jackson and Gary Caldwell, but fans have said that they would not like Jackson to be sacrificed in this way and his career brought to an ignominious end at the hands of the regime.
An in depth and sympathetic look at the protests at Charlton with some historical context: Fans finding their voices
As a distraction from the chaos at Charlton, here is news that Crystal Palace are officially the worst team in English football in 2016: Glaziers
Richard Cawley of the SLP has now said that the story about the Football Association calling in Katrien Meire is incorrect and he has taken it down with his apologies. It would certainly have been an unusual step by the FA.
Roland Duchatelet has hit out at protests by Charlton fans, saying 'they have nothing to do with reason': Lacking reason
The man tipped to be the next Charlton supremo, Chris O'Loughlin, could not even get a job with a small club in Northern Ireland: Chris O'Hopeless
His Wikipedia entry is no longer available but what it said about his career was:
Don't ask me what the last entry means, at today's Valley anything is possible.
Celtic have joined the race for the signature of Ezri Konsa. Brendan Rodgers undertook a personal mission to watch him at Swindon on Saturday, but unfortunately he was on the bench. A number of Premier League clubs have also watched him: Konsa
Reports are circulating (from the BBC among others) that Russell Slade is to be sacked and a statement is expected at 7 p.m. After just 16 games in charge, he was given the news after training today according to a tweet from Richard Cawley of the SLP.
His spell as manager has been far from inspiring, although he is not the fundamental problem. We also have to be concerned about his replacement.
According to VOTV editor Rick Everitt his replacement may well be former Sint Truiden boss Chris O'Loughlin. The Irishman has no experience of the English league, but has remained on Roland Duchatelet's payroll: Likely replacement
There are reports that Nigel Adkins is also in the frame: Adkins
Another candidate to emerge is Steve Evans, but he has now sealed a deal with Mansfield: Steve Evans
The Rickster now fears that the whole future of the club is at stake: Club in danger
The official statement on Slade's dismissal did not appear until 9.40 p.m.: Parted company
Slade has expressed his disappointment at his dismissal and says he was not given time to finish the job he started. He says that the club needs stability (if only): Slade speaks
Slade does have the distinction of being the third longest serving Charlton manager under Duchatelet: Track record
Tomorrow is the 70th birthday of our generous benefactor, Roland Duchatelet. In order to commemorate this auspicious event, CARD are sending a specially decorated taxi on a three day tour of Belgium. The taxi will then operate in London for three months: Presents for Roland
The taxi forms part of a small convoy of vehicles which have now arrived safely in St. Truiden. The stunt is receiving publicity in Belgium. On Monday morning the taxi was in the main square of the Belgian town with a birthday card perched on top.
On Saturday Charlton fans were able to greet Roland with a banner as he was eating lunch: Video
Apparently, the CARD team received a hostile reception at the stadium. Roland has reportedly told a local journalist that he is 'very upset' that they are here on his birthday. The presents from CARD included a ticket for the Sheffield United game and a map of South London. Roland has also said that the protesters are ex-CAFC employees who cannot deal with a woman CEO.
The taxi is now on its way to Brussels.
Roland may wish to reflect that a special birthday can be a time for giving as well as receiving. Sell our club!
Charlton's unbeaten run ended with a deserved 3-0 defeat at Swindon today.
The lack of depth in the squad was painfully apparent as Charlton faced Swindon Town in front of the Sky TV cameras at the County Ground today. In particular, there was a lack of width with no natural left-sided player. At least pre-match humour was provided by the trousers of Swindon’s dancing Rocking Robin falling down and Ajose having a quarrel with the corner flag.
Solly made a good block to get in the way of Kasim’s volley. On seven minutes Doughty just headed over for Swindon from a cross. Charlton had difficulty getting possession with a lack of movement from the central midfield.
Novak won a free kick for Charlton. Jackson swung it in and Fox came close. After good defending by Bauer, Ulvestad turned provider for Ajose who put in a good low cross, but the keeper got there first.
Swindon won a couple of corners in succession, but Charlton were able to clear from the second. Ajose won Charlton a corner, creating something out of nothing. Jackson took the corner, but the referee blew for a foul in the box.
Ajose won a corner for Charlton, but although the Addicks created some pressure. It was ultimately unproductive. Rudd have to make a low save from Murray just after thirty minutes. Fox played it safe to head out for a Swindon corner. The referee blew up for a Charlton free kick.
Norris drew a save from Rudd and Bauer had to clear the ball away. Fox put in a good cross but Novak headed just over the bar.
Thomas got a yellow card after a late challenge on Foley. Jackson delivered the free kick and Bauer’s header was put behind for a corner. This led to another corner after Bauer won the header. It was cleared and Ulvestad fired well wide to boost the shot off target statistics.
A shot from Murray took a deflection off Fox to put Swindon ahead on 43 minutes. ‘Glad All Over’ rang out.
Ajose won a late corner, but Bauer put it over the bar.
It had been a woeful half from Charlton. Any viewer who switched on by mistake would have thought they were watching one of those slow television programmes. 504 Addicks were enduring the game in person.
HT: Robins 1, Addicks 0
Brandon Hanlan replaced Foley after the break. Swindon won an early corner, but it was cleared. Bauer put a cross behind for a Swindon corner. Jones was unmarked at the back post, the ball was flicked to him by Goddard, and Jones made it 2-0. It was a case of not doing the basics with poor defending by Pearce.
Novak won Charlton a corner, but it was headed clear. Crofts operating just in front of the back four was not working. Charlton were losing the ball in midfield and Swindon then attacked in numbers. Charlton were being forced into mistakes because they had no outlet other than kicking it long.
Novak chipped the ball to the far post, but Hanlan had his shirt pulled as he went for the header. It should have been a penalty. The unmarked Morris missed a chance to make it three after he failed to take advantage of a cross.
Novak’s cross was put behind for a corner. It led to a second which came to nothing.
Rudd made a good save from Kasim. Pearce blocked the rebound. Jackson was booked for a four on Furlong. Goddard got away with deliberately taking Solly out.
Good play between Novak and Solly won a corner for Charlton, but it was collected by the keeper. Jackson was replaced by Chicksen.
Kasim was allowed to run to the edge of the Charlton penalty area, the ball run to Goddard who slammed it into the back of the net to make it 3-0. Charlton fans chanted, ‘Just sell our club, our famous football club.’
Apart from their obsession with Tim Sherwood, Sky were repeating a PR line: Katrien has met with 34 supporters’ groups, bridges can be built, Roland has spent £38m etc.
Charlton will insist on a loan back if a Premier League club signs Ademola Lookman in the January transfer window. Everton are the latest club to show interest, but Crystal Palace remain keen. The Addicks are looking at a price tag of around £10m: Ademola Lookman
Three players are away on international duty for Charlton's match in front of the television cameras at the County Ground tomorrow, while Ricky Holmes is doubtful. However, Swindon sources reckon that the real danger man is in form, box-to-box player with his fine technique, the one and only Fredrik Ulvestad: The view from Swindon
Odds are Swindon, 12/5; draw, 12/5; Charlton, 23/10.
The director of sports at RB Leipzig was at a recent Charlton game. Red Bull are said to be in the market for an English club (they also own one in Austria and one in New York), although he also attended games at Brentford and Chelsea. Apparently, the main purpose of his visit to The Valley was to watch Ademola Lookman: Red Bull
Red Bull managed to get round Bundesliga rules to name their club RB Leipzig and in the unlikely event of their acquiring Charlton, the club would probably then become Charlton RB. In line with their other clubs, The Valley would become the Red Bull Arena. Our sister football economy site looks at how they took over a failing club in Germany, relocated it and renamed it: Getting round the rules
Richard Cawley interviews some of the key individuals who have been involved in the protests at The Valley including former pitch announcer Dave Lockwood and VOTV editor Rick Everitt who makes the point that the protests have been proportionate and have shown humour: A year of protests
And soon we have Roland's 70th birthday to celebrate!
Johnnie Jackson hopes that Ademola Lookman will not leave in the January transfer window. So say all of us, but I fear that he might. He is one of the few things than enlivens my trips to The Valley these days: Please stay
Ricky Holmes is to have a scan on his injured foot today to see if there is any further damage. It required three stitches after he was forced off in the cup tie against Scunthorpe. He may not be available for Swindon on Saturday where the Charlton side is already weakened by international call ups: Injury
Declan Rudd thinks that Charlton's defence has been a rare source of pride in a difficult season. The Addicks have conceded just 14 goals in 15 league games so far.
Rudd told the Football League Paper 'We're second in the league for goals conceded and it would probably be better if we'd had longer partnerships in the centre back position.'
Charlton progressed into the second round of the FA Cup yesterday, beating league leaders Scunthorpe
Ademola Lookman's brace was crucial. Johnnie Jackson also fired home for the Addicks as they saw off a second-half fightback from the visitors courtesy of substitute Tom Hopper's header.
Charlton were the first to threaten within a minute as Ricky Holmes got the better of Conor Townsend and raced into the box. Following early Scunthorpe dominance, it was Charlton who took the lead through a sublime left-foot strike from Lookman went into the top corner of the goal as the first-half substitute (replacing the injured Ricky Holmes) converted his fourth goal of the season in style. The Addicks doubled their lead six minutes later courtesy of Jackson's fine low finish.
The visitors managed to pull a goal back seven minutes into the second half as Hopper headed home from a Josh Morris corner. The Iron nearly levelled moments later but defender Charlie Goode saw his shot deflected onto the post before Kevin Van Veen's follow-up was denied by Declan Rudd.
Attendance was 4,123.
Football League Paper player ratings
Rudd, 8; Foley, 7; Bauer, 7; Konsa, 6; Fox, 6; Holmes, 6 (Lookman, 7); Crofts, 6; Ulvestad, 7; Jackson, 7; Magennis, 6; Ajose 5.
Scunthorpe manager Graham Alexander thinks that Charlton are a better side than their league position suggests and reckons that his side face a tough game in the FA Cup at The Valley tomorrow: Tough task
Odds are: Charlton 13/10, Draw 21/10, Scunthorpe 19/10.
I spent yesterday and the night in Scunthorpe. At yesterday's meeting I was approached by someone wearing a Scunthorpe United tie who turned out to be a shareholder in the club. 'You're not doing very well for a big club,' he said and 'we are top of the league.' No answer to that really.
Apparently the chairman of Scunthorpe is using the fortune inherited by his wife to boost the club.
There is little excitement here about tomorrow's match which is expected to be a routine victory.
Roland, I thank you.
