Welcome, Josh Parker

Charlton have signed Gillingham's Josh Parker on a six month contract. The Antigua and Barbuda international is an attacking player who can play as a striker and out wide. Lee Bowyer envisages him playing alongside Lyle Taylor.

His career has had its ups and downs: Red Star nightmare

Billy Clarke has left for a permanent contract at Bradford City.

Richard Cawley of the SLP commented, 'I don't think anybody can kid themselves that Charlton have emerged stronger from the end of that window. Parker feels more like a Clarke replacement than the loan they wanted for Grant. Lost a 14-goal striker and not been able to fill that void.

Target Mo Eisa was linked with a late move to Sunderland, but ended up staying at Bristol City.

Loan striker coming in today

Richard Cawley of the SLP has just tweeted, 'Only Charlton deal in today will be a loan striker. Spoken to Lee Bowyer just now and he says the club are "in a good position" to get the one they want.'

The less than happy supremo told Cawley: 'We’re in a good position at the moment for the striker we want. Obviously he won’t be in to train today, which is disappointing. We’d hoped that would happen yesterday. Today we hear "yes" or "no". But I think we’ve got a good chance. And then that is us [done]. That’s all we’re trying to do, just replace Karlan.'

Farewell, then, Karlan Grant

The official site has just announced that Karlan Grant has joined Huddersfield Town. The fee is not known, but seems most likely to be £1.5m plus add ons, which should cover losses for three months.

Grant had to have a medical to check that his configuration would fit the bench.

Getting another striker in on loan is now urgent. I am not sure who will play up front on Saturday.

Grant said: 'I would like to thank Charlton for the past 10 years. It’s been a crazy journey with some amazing times. I would like to thank Bows and Jacko [Johnnie Jackson] this season in particular for helping me grow as a player and also the lads who have been brilliant to me.'

'Steve Avory, Joe Francis and Jason Euell have all been there since I’ve started. They’ve helped me through my journey from the academy all the way up to the first team and I can’t thank them enough for that. Charlton is a special club and I hope they achieve promotion this season and success in the future.'

Richard Cawley of the SLP commented, 'It's the end of the G & T partnership, lovely while it lasted.'

New deals to be signed

Dillon Phillips is expected to sign a new deal soon and Joe Aribo and George Lapslie are also expected to sign contract extensions: Contract extensions

However, it has been confirmed that there is no future for Nicky Ajose at The Valley.

Reeves needs to get scoring confidence back

Ben Reeeves reckons that he needs to get his confidence back in front of goal: Goal scoring touch

There is no authoritative news about Karlan Grant, although media sources are quoting a fee of £1.5m or £2m for the move to Huddersfield.

Katrien Meire's tale of woe

In a long interview with the Daily Telegraph Katrien Meire recalls how she was always looking around for a Charlton supporter who might push her under a train: Abuse forced me out

Karlan leaves Charlton with a missed penalty

It was the six pointer that turned into a two pointer with Charlton drawing 0-0 at Peterborough. The Addicks remain 4th in the table, although they have played three more games than Sunderland.

Charlton will rue a missed penalty by Karlan Grant as he leaves the club.

However, Steve 'Big Geezer' Evans has been struck by the curse of Charlton, having been sacked after today's draw.

It was a match of few chances for either side. After soaking up some early pressure Cullen tested O'Malley with a volley which the goalkeeper tipped over. A minute into the second half Posh could have scored when Ivan Toney crossed low to Matt Godden, but his strike partner shot wide.

Keeper Conor O'Malley earn Posh a point with a 79th-minute penalty save after Jason Naismith brought down Josh Cullen on the edge of the area. Grant, is expected t join Huddersfield in the Premier League, saw his weak penalty saved.

That was the second penalty the Irishman has saved in the league this season, on top of three in the cup.

The report from Louis Mendez is here: Left to rue missed spot kick

Lee Bowyer's red and white army

2,500 Addicks will be travelling to Peterborough today for the six pointer and ahead of the game the Daily Mirror profiles Lee Bowyer who talks about his playing career and the way in which he has matured: Bowyer's mentality

Charlton and Sunderland are being linked with 27-year old Bolton Wanderers midfielder Ehrun Otzumer who at one time played for Peterborough.

Bristol City striker is possible loan target

Bristol City striker Mo Elsa, who at one time played for Greenwich Borough, is another potential loan target for Charlton: Loan target

Huddersfield offer £2m for Karlan Grant

Huddersfield Town have offered £2m for Karlan Grant, but Charlton are holding out for more: Karlan Grant

It's not a bad offer for someone who has just six months left on his contract, certainly better than the derisory £500k offered earlier by Brentford. The concern is that, if he did go, would the money be reinvested?

Charlton have been linked with QPR youngster Paul Smyth on a loan deal. A forward, he has played for Northern Ireland: Career details

Lee Bowyer has confirmed that Smyth is one of a number of players of interest, but there will be no deal before the weekend: Interest in QPR striker

Reeco Hackett-Fairchild is set to deputise for Lyle Taylor at Peterborough.

Accrington player charged with violent conduct

Accrington charm merchant Sam Finley has been charged with violent conduct and faces a five game suspension after his stamp on Lyle Taylor was recorded by television cameras: Violent conduct

The appeal against Lyle Taylor's suspension was unsuccessful and he has apologised on social media which would seem to be completely unnecessary as he was sinned against rather than sinning. Accrington's keeper has had his red card overturned.

Cullen praises Grant

Josh Cullen reflects on Saturday's victory over Accrington and praises Karlan Grant for keeping his cool when he took his penalty: Praise for Grant

Huddersfield Town are reportedly taking a keen interest in Grant, as are Brentford and Millwall: Huddersfield interest

Justice is done - but at a price

A Karlan Grant penalty in time added on gave Charlton a 1-0 victory over Accrington Stanley at The Valley this afternoon. The Addicks remain 4th in the table on the same number of points as Sunderland.

Justice was hence done, but at the price of Lyle Taylor being suspended for three matches. Accrington were the dirtiest side I have seen at The Valley this season.

Very little happened in the first half, the main interest being the care with which the ineffective referee sprayed his white lines. He must practice in his back garden. The second half was livelier and Charlton were more effective, but insufficiently clinical.

The Addcks should have broken the deadlock in the 12th minute as Taylor delivered a low ball across the face of goal, but Darren Pratley and Grant both failed to apply what would almost certainly have been a scoring touch. Billy Kee's glancing header was straight at Dillon Phillips, while a vital headed clearance by an Accrington defender prevented Taylor from meeting Grant's dangerous cross.

Phillips made an excellent reaction save to deny Luke Armstrong from close range five minutes before the interval and was called into action again early in the second half to deal with Kee's looping header.

Only a superb Maxted stop kept out a header from 'The Cat', while Phillips did even better at the other end to tip over Kee's effort.

Grant dragged an effort agonisingly wide as Charlton began to dominate but things turned ugly eight minutes from time when both sides were reduced to 10 men. Charlton's Krystian Bielik saw a headed effort ruled out after Taylor was adjudged to have fouled Maxted. A goalmouth brawl broke out and after consulting his assistant, referee John Busby produced straight red cards for Maxted and Taylor.

Richard Cawley has tweeted: 'I couldn't see live that Taylor did anything wrong. Was around the keeper and got pushed to the floor by him. Seemed to be kicks heading his way while he was on the floor.'

The northern charm merchants continued to abuse the linesman after the penalty, one giving the Onanist signal, but all the referee did was issue one yellow card.

There seemed to be a rumble in the tunnel after the game as it was shaking from side to side.

The Covered End drum was brought into Harvey Gardens to accompany a chant of 'We won the FA Cup and now we're going up.

The report from Louis Mendez is here: Fiery affair

Accy boss looks forward to Charlton trip

Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman is looking forward to his trip to The Valley tomorrow: Aims for a happy Valley

He said, 'I watched Charlton’s last two games and they were two totally different styles, against Shrewsbury and Sunderland. They are a handful, they have good strikers and it’s up to us to come up with a plan to beat them. I am really looking forward to it. It’s a nice stadium, the pitch will be lovely and we should be able to get our passing game going.'

Lee Bowyer is expecting a physical encounter: CAS Trust Preview

After a strong start to the campaign in which they challenged for the promotion spots, Accrington have faltered somewhat with six defeats in their last nine league games. They are currently seventh from bottom in the form table while Charlton are seventh from the top. Away from home they have won five, drawn three and lost five.

Odds are Charlton, 5/6; Draw, 13/5; Away win, 16/5.

John Busby is the man in the middle.

No official approach for Grant

Lee Bowyer has said that there has been no official approach from Rangers for Karlan Grant. Charlton are trying to negotiate an extension of his contract and the player is weighing up his options: Response to speculation

Great care needs to be taken over last loan slot

Lee Bowyer says that great care needs to be taken in filling Charlton's last loan slot which is intended for a striker: We need to make our last loan count

The real practical difficulty is that anyone coming in is unlikely to disrupt the Grant/Taylor partnership. Players coming in and their clubs want them to get game time. We need the cover in the case of injury or suspension.

Clarke could be on his way

Billy Clarke could make a permanent exit from Charlton in the January transfer window according to Lee Bowyer: Farewell

He has been struggling to get game time.

No timescale for Page return

There is no timescale for the return of Lewis Page, according to Lee Bowyer. Progress is slow and he is still suffering pain: Unsure of return date

Bowyer was full of praise for Ben 'The Cat' Purrington, while admitting that he is no Jay DaSilva in terms of getting forward.

Richard Cawley of the SLP has tweeted, 'Josh Cullen and Ben Reeves both fit for Charlton's game against Accrington Stanley on Saturday. Major boost to have the West Ham loanee back available from a dislocated shoulder.'

Former Addick Ahmed Kashi is expected to complete a loan move from his French club to Oxford United today, re-joining 'Gobby' as he fights relegation.

The Campaign Against Roland Duchatelet have had a further meeting with the EFL, but there doesn't seem to be much new to report, although the discussion was apparently 'amicable and wide ranging' and the tone was 'positive'. The EFL are certainly take their time with their review.

Rangers in for Grant

Reports in the Scottish press are suggesting that Rangers are interested in signing a pre-contract agreement with Karlan Grant. His contract with Charlton expires at the end of the season.

A Rangers scout was noticed at Shrewsbury Town on Saturday and was thought to be looking at Taylor and Grant.

Stags capture Charlton 'striker'

This is the excited headline on the Mansfield Town website as they celebrate their signature on loan of 'proven goal scorer' Nicky Ajose until the end of the season: Nicky Ajose

The news has only just broken, so far the streets around SE7 have remained quiet with no reports of fans rending their shirts. As he has just six months left on his contract, he won't be returning.

Apparently Ajose has appeared 58 times for Charlton, but I can't remember very many of them.

Lee Bowyer discusses Ajose here: Nicky Ajose

Bowyer gave it large at half time

Lee Bowyer had a go at his players at Shrewsbury at half time, admits Darren Pratley who discusses his goal which his team mates said was really a clearance: Top corner rocket

Bowyer now has the best win rate of any Charlton manager after 40 games, 55 per cent, ahead of Jimmy Seed on 53 per cent.

Sweet revenge

After the behaviour of some Shrewsbury fans in the play off semi-final last year, many Charlton fans were particularly keen to win this game. The 580 Addicks were not to be disappointed with a 3-0 win. Charlton's goals came through a toe poke from Lyle Taylor, a screamer from Darren Pratley and a penalty from Karlan Grant.

Charlton remain in fourth place, two points behind Sunderland who drew at home with Luton, both sides having a player sent off. Barnsley and Peterborough both won at home, but Doncaster lost at Wycombe.

Charlton went ahead on 26 minutes when a corner was headed against the upright by a Shrewsbury defender and Taylor was able to poke the ball home.

Three minutes later Bauer received a yellow card for a foul. Shrewsbury had a free kick in a good position but it went straight into the wall.

As the end of normal time approached, Phillips saved well off Okenabirhie. In time added on, a corner was cleared by The Cat.

Louis Mendez thought that Charlton had edged the first half, but that Shrewsbury were vulnerable at set pieces.

On 48 minutes the keeper save from Grant when he was one on one. Three minutes later Grant shot wide. However, on 55 minutes Pratley delivered a screamer into the top right-hand corner of the net.

Morgan was replaced by Lapslie on 58 minutes. Five minutes later he put in a good cross to Taylor who was an inch wide. Taylor then put Shrewsbury under pressure with a good cross which almost led to an own goal. Bielik got a yellow card for dissent. Williams, who had made a good debut, was replaced by Marshall on 77 minutes.

After a superb run from halfway, Grant was brought down and scored from the spot. Dijksteel replaced Bielik.

In time added on an effort by Marshall had to be turned round the post by the keeper.

The report from Louis Mendez is here: Emphatic away win for impressive Addicks

Charlton seen as 'impressive'

The Shropshire press takes a look at Charlton, admitting that they are impressive and that Lee Bowyer's 'inexperience' has not been a problem (the Charlton discussion follows a story about Shrewsbury's 'jack of all trades' midfielder): Match preview

In 14th place, Shrewsbury do have a relatively good home record, having won six, drawn five and lost two. Charlton are less good on the road than at home, having won five, drawn two and lost six.

Charlton are 7th in the form table and Shrewsbury 18th.

Odds are Shrewsbury 11/8, draw 9/4, Charlton 2/1.

The CAS Trust preview argues that a win is necessary to convince fans that automatic promotion is achievable: Shrewsbury no pushovers

Mark Marshall rumours

There are reports that Swindon Town are interested in Mark Marshall, not clear whether this would be a loan deal.

Fans appear to be divided about whether it would be a loss if Marshall joined the Rocking Robins. I think that he has a good squad player and has done well on his recent appearances, including a good goal.

Others think he will not be needed when our injured players recover. But when will that be? I also don't think Marshall going would make any difference to us getting another striker.

Johnnie Jackson in frame for Luton

Charlton assistant manager Johnnie Jackson is now second favourite for the managerial vacancy at Luton rated 3/1 for the bookies behind favourite Stephen Robinson.

He would clearly be a loss, although one can see the attractions of becoming a manager in his own right.

Left back coming in today

A left back is coming in today on loan, according to Richard Cawley of the SLP.

This is a big boost as the lack of a proper left back has been our single biggest problem.

He has now been named as Ben Purrington, a Rotherham player who spent the first part of the season with AFC Wimbledon. With Plymouth Argyle from the age of nine, he moved to Rotherham in 2017 for a reported £300,000 fee: Career details

Lee Bowyer still hopes to bring in an attacking player.

However, Lee Bowyer has dismissed reports of Charlton links with Rushian Hepburn-Murphy.

There have been talks, but there is no deal

Tonight's Fans Forum confirmed that there have been serious talks about a takeover of the club this week, involving Roland's representative (Lieven de Turck), but no deal is in sight: Takeover update

The report of the Forum meeting confirmed that the talks have not been a mirage imagined by Jim White or invented by Rick Everitt. However, one interpretation is that Roland has used them, and in particular Jim White, to put pressure on the second (British) bidders as well as the primary Australian/American consortium.

They are supposedly now in 'sixth gear', hopefully going forward and not in reverse. I have always been sceptical about this group of bidders, particularly in terms of their finances. The other bidders seem to be continue to be either phantoms or time wasters.

Lieven de Turck did say that the complexity of the consortium had been reduced which he thought was good news. Contrary to one argument that has been circulating, he was satisfied that the consortium did have the money.

De Turck also confirmed that a bidder had been shown round the training ground the weekend before last, another report that had been challenged. The nationality of this person was Australian.

The news will no doubt be seen as vindication by nay sayers, but they should be careful what they wish for. Placing faith in the skills and dedication of Lee Bowyer may get us a play off place, but the play offs are a lottery. A new owner could bring the funds that Bowyer needs for real success.

The news that Nathan Jones is leaving Luton for Stoke City, which has driven Hatters fans more crazy than since they used lead in their hat production, does boost our chances, however, as he is clearly a first rate coach.

If the principal bid does not progress, the outlook is very bleak with the club's losses mounting. It does seem to be progressing more slowly than many of us had hoped. As always, it is the hope that kills you.

What the future could be like

The match against Sunderland showed what The Valley could be like in a post Duchatelet era, writes the SLP's Richard Cawley: A glimpse of the future?

Cawley cautions: 'Despite fresh takeover speculation exciting supporters – daring to dream once again of a brighter future – it only matters when there is some kind of official announcement.' However, he is now saying that talks could be completed this week, which is not the original timetable he set out.

According to Jim White, '1 1/2 hours of talks took place. Talks were "hugely positive". It’s all about ‘unlocking the money’.

The nay sayers have been out in force, although it's not clear to me why Jim White should want to damage his reputation by inventing stories about a League One club. Similarly, I don't see that Rick Everitt is motivated by selling a few extra copies of Voice of the Valley given that it can hardly make any money anyway. However, it is evident that the Ramsgate fan doesn't just rile Roland, but some fans as well.

As far as the Rickster is concerned, I just wish that I had sources of his quality.

Something is happening, but whether it will have the outcome fans want is another matter. Roland has to accept a realistic price and not insist on any conditions such as leasing Sparrows Lane or The Valley, something that would deeply concern fans. Admittedly, we are dealing with someone with a huge ego, so anything is possible.

As someone said, what is unfortunate is that these prolonged negotiations divide fans just when we need unity. Of course, we all want to get beyond Bowyer and the team, as was evident on Saturday. But Bowyer's chances of winning promotion would be much better with a new owner.

14 players will be out of contract

14 players are out of contract at the end of the season and unless they are paid what they are worth they will not stay. Lee Bowyer says that he and his team are plugging away at getting new deals signed. He may also bring in three additional players during the transfer window: Update on contract negotiations

New keeper on his way

Richard Cawley of the SLP is reporting that Charlton are to sign Preston North End keeper Chris Maxwell on loan: Loan signing

This news will not go down well with Dillon Phillips and his many fans, but Cawley's report appears to imply that Maxwell will not necessarily be first choice, but will offer realistic competition between the sticks.

Richard Cawley of the SLP has tweeted, 'Word on the street about Maxwell is that his distribution is excellent. Comes with a very decent Championship reputation.'

See great Chris Maxwell saves here: You Tube

Jonny Williams likes to get forward

Jonny Williams talks about joining Charlton in an interview with the SLP's Richard Cawley: Old school friend knew I would sign for Charlton

Sometimes it seems that Charlton players are like the tanks of a foreign country that were said to have sixteen gears and all but one of them was reverse. Jonny Williams showed on Saturday that he was keen to play the ball forward rather than back to the keeper.

Williams admitted, 'Getting the confidence in front of goal, taking it myself at times and not always trying to assist – to take on responsibility and shots myself – I think that will come with the manager [Lee Bowyer]. He’s looking forward to improving that side of my game. It’s all about confidence and being positive. My end product will be improved this year, for sure. I like to carry the ball forward. I’ll get better at riding challenges and getting out of the way of silly tackles.'

Takeover update: the mood is positive

Jim White has been updating the position on the takeover on Talksport. He reaffirmed that today and tomorrow are crucial days, that talks are imminent (stressing the word 'imminent'), later defined as the next 12 hours, and the mood is positive. It was all 'very sensitive and a level we don't operate at.'

White visited The Valley on Saturday. He spoke of the torture that fans had been enduring for so long and interviewed VOTV editor Rick Everitt.

He tracked down Sunderland's owner in the Jimmy Seed, noting that there could not be a greater contrast between two owners with Roland absent again.

He replayed an excerpt from his interview with Roland, noting that he was insistent that he wanted to sell the club. White said that his respect for Charlton fans had grown. Charlton fans loved the club and it was a massive part of their lives.

White said that the money could be unlocked in the next round of talks.

Danny Murphy said it was clear that Roland wanted to sell and allow someone else to move the club forward. There was a good structure in the club with the Academy. However, he did say that Katrien spoke well and that Charlton did have a big budget for the league. Lee Bowyer was doing a good job and he was very pleased for him.

White pledged that Talksport would bring the news first. He admitted that Charlton fans were getting impatient with him but said 'what we are trying to do to get this done and be the first to bring the news to you.' Well, maybe.

Charlton interested in Villa striker

Charlton are interested in taking 20-year Aston Villa striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy on loan: Striker loan

He has fallen out of favour at Villa since Steve Bruce left. However, Coventry City are also interested and he may make the short trip down the road to the Ricoh.

He is a product of the Aston Villa youth academy and was the youngest player to appear for the club during the Premier League era.

Charlton in contest with Gasheads for keeper

Charlton are reported to be in a contest with Bristol Rovers for the signature of Preston North End keeper Chris Maxwell: Transfer battle

Maxwell has 18 months to run on his contract at Deepdale, but has lost his place to Declan Rudd.

Local media have just announced that he is set to go out on loan today, but they don't say to whom.

The 28-year old began his career at Wrexham and joined Preston in 2016: Career details

A game of two halves

The 1-1 draw with Sunderland at The Valley this afternoon was very much a game of two halves. Sunderland won the first half and Charlton the second.

An early Sunderland goal took the wind out of Charlton's sails and for the next half hour they played very defensively. Free kicks were invariably played backwards, while Phillips kept playing the ball out to the nearest defender. However, in the last ten minutes they started to play with more verve and looked more threatening.

Charlton equalised through an own goal created by Lyle Taylor and were much more of a threat in the second half, although the visitors were still capable of launching threatening attacks and had a late flurry. Taylor came into the game more and Fosu was more effective.

Sunderland made the perfect start when James' second-minute cross picked out the unmarked O'Nien at the back post and he volleyed powerfully past Dillon Phillips.

Aiden McGeady and Max Power both saw attempts from outside the box go just off target as the visitors continued to dominate the early exchanges. Charlie Wyke should have done better when he shot well wide from inside the box despite having plenty of time and space. The former Bradford striker went close again moments later when he headed agonisingly over, after Lynden Gooch's initial shot cannoned back off the bar.

Charlton were almost back on terms a minute before the break but Kyrstian Bielik's 20-yard volley flew behind.

They did draw level five minutes after the interval however, after the unfortunately-placed James converted Lyle Taylor's low cross into his own net. Lee Bowyer's Addicks were now in the ascendancy and should have moved in front when Tariqe Fosu whipped in a dangerous free-kick but Darren Pratley headed inches wide.

Black Cats keeper Jon McLaughlin saved with his leg to deny Taylor and Karlan Grant failed to tap home from close range after meeting Anfernee Dijksteel's delivery. Dijksteel was providing a lot of service in the second half.

McGeady and Duncan Watmore both tested Phillips at the other end, while Taylor's cross nearly dipped in as a relieved McLaughlin looked on. Watmore almost snatched it for Jack Ross' Sunderland deep into stoppage time but blazed wildly over.

Williams looked very useful when he came on as a second half substitute with his pace helping him to penetrate the Sunderland defence. Sarr distinguished himself with an excellent tackle which broke up an attack.

Given that the Jimmy Seed was packed out, the away fans seemed relatively quiet.

The Quest EFL show gave twenty minutes to the match, including interviews with Johnnie Jackson and Lee Bowyer.

American money behind takeover

VOTV editor Rick Everitt has tweeted, 'The substantial money behind the Charlton takeover bid is American, I have heard tonight, although it’s still Aussie fronted.'

Another social media report states 'New Charlton owners are Scott Farquar and Mike Cannon-Brooks. They are the Sydney-based founders of software giant Atlassian. Nothing to do with "time waster" Andrew Muir. Both very, very rich.'

Meanwhile there will be some more twists and turns, while the nay sayers refuse to believe it's happening.

And we do have a game to play today. See you there.

Match excitement mounts

Sunderland make their first visit to The Valley for thirteen years tomorrow and it should be an exciting encounter. The CAS Trust preview is here, although I understand that Jose Maja, who has turned down a contract extension amid Premier League interest, will not be in the squad: Beware Charlton strikers

Louis Mendez has been talking to a Sunderland site and forecasts a score draw which is my hunch as well: Score draw

Odds: Charlton 9/2; Draw, 29/10; Sunderland, 19/5.

Referee Stephen Martin normally officiates in the Championship.

Sale of club to be completed by Monday/Tuesday

Talksport is reporting that Charlton Athletic will be sold by Monday or Tuesday of next week. The Australian consortium has passed the fit and proper person test. Proof of funds has been confirmed.

Jim White said, 'Charlton fans can get it into their heads - this is happening. He’s on his way out. He’s going. It’s happening as we speak.'

VOTV editor Rick Everitt has tweeted, 'Can confirm that is the message coming from the club, whether we choose to believe it or not.'

Sceptics will no doubt wish to remain in denial until they see it on the club website which is the last place it will appear.

There have been unconfirmed sightings of Roland at London Bridge station on social media. However, Louis Mendez has tweeted that it was a photo of him in Belgium in March.

1970s memories of Charlton v. Sunderland

Memories of The Valley and Charlton v. Sunderland clashes in the 1970s: Charlton and The Valley

Welcome Jonny Williams

According to Richard Cawley of the SLP, Jonny Williams is due to sign for Charlton today and Lee Bowyer has asked Charlton fans not to give him a hard time because of his Glazier links.

As long as he does a job for us, I am not worried about his antecedents. Inevitably, we have had a number of players over the years whom have played for Palace either on loan or as signings and the slate is wiped cleaned when they join us.

The one signing that did bother me was the northwards move of Iain Dowie as manager. Also, I don't like players moving to Palace, unless they are useless.

My hunch is that there has been more player movement between us and Palace than between us and Millwall, but I don't have the stats to prove it.

Chuks Aneke in the frame

With only two strikers (I'm not counting Nicky Ajose) Charlton are being linked with Chuks Aneke at Milton Keynes Dons as a possible signing: Striker signing?

He has scored 13 goals for MK Dons this season and Paul Tisdale will not let him go easily.

My pharmacist is a worried man

My pharmacist is a dead keen Sunderland fan and he told me this afternoon that he is worried about Saturday's fixture at The Valley. He fears that Sunderland will come third behind Portsmouth and Luton and then be defeated again by Charlton in the play offs.

Sunderland supremo Jack Ross has said this afternoon: 'I thought from the first game of the season that they[Charlton] would be around us. I think they've shown that as the season has gone on and their home form in particular is very good.'

Three Charlton fans have been selected to take penalties at half time to commemorate the 'greatest game'.

I see no ships, but do I see a takeover?

The Government has offered a tender for a Ramsgate to Belgium shipping service after Brexit to a company that has no ships. One might also ask whether the latest takeover stories are also a mirage, but from his Ramsgate fastness VOTV editor Rick Everitt tries to throw light on the situation: Waiting and hoping

The most interesting nugget was the news that Roland's front man Lieven de Turck had to show the prospective purchasers around Sparrows Lane on Sunday when normally the barmy Belgian's sidekick only appears in South-East London midweek. Hopefully, he was able to get back to Belgium in time for the New Year celebrations even without a boat service from Ramsgate.

It was also interesting that one of the prospective investors has Aussie Rules connections, although fortunately the Valley pitch is too small for the game which I have enjoyed in the expanses of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Meanwhile, happy 42nd birthday to Lee Bowyer.

Decision time for Phillips

Dillon Phillips will have to decide whether to renew his contract at Charlton. He does not want to be a No.2 keeper and sitting on the bench on Saturdays has been a 'horrible' experience: Decision to make about his future

Phillips has many advocates, in part because he is a Charlton academy product. His defenders would argue that if he had been given more game time, he could have developed further.

He is certainly a competent glovesman, but we may need more than that to win promotion.

Sale by Saturday?

Jim White has said on Talksport that an Australian Consortium are in final negotiations with Duchatelet, and that in between 48 and 72 hours Charlton could be Duchatelet free.

White has heard that the figure is between £20 million and £30 million, which would suggest that Roland Duchatelet has finally decided to bite the bullet and cut his asking price to a realistic level.

Of course, it's the hope, dashed so many times, that kills you. The match against Sunderland would be a great time to hear the news. Quest's EFL show is coming from The Valley on Saturday.

Jonny Williams is Charlton target

Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Jonny Williams is a loan target for Charlton. He was at the Walsall game: Loan target

With 17 caps for Wales, he has been loaned out to a number of teams, most recently Sunderland: Career history

He is injury prone, but that should help him to fit in.

Addicks up to 5th

Charlton are in 5th place in League One after their 2-1 win over Walsall today, but on the same number of points as Barnsley who drew at Luton. Karlan Grant and Lyle Taylor scored for the Addicks inside the opening eight minutes, Taylor from a penalty.

The Addicks opened the scoring when, under no pressure in his own half, Ferrier miss-placed a pass to Dobson. That allowed Fosu to play in Grant who entered the box before firing through the legs of Liam Roberts and into the net.

Taylor and Roberts both raced to meet a cross from the lively Albie Morgan. But while the keeper claimed the ball, Jack Fitzwater was judged to have pulled striker back with referee Ross Joyce pointing to the spot. Taylor then made no mistake from 12-yards with the goal the forward's sixth against Walsall is as many games.

Two goals up and full of confidence, Bowyer's side started moving the ball well as they went in search of a third. Ben Reeves saw a free-kick from the edge of the box sail inches past the post. Grant then raced past Jon Guthrie and into the box only to see a low strike blocked by the defender. The Addicks remained on top as the clock ticked past the half-hour mark.

Just two minutes after the interval, the Saddlers pulled a goal back. Leahy's ball into the box was taken down on the chest by Cook who then turned to work himself some space. And from 10 yards the striker then arrowed a low drive into the corner and beyond the reach of Phillips.

Charlton had a goal controversially disallowed on the hour when a corner was delivered right underneath the crossbar. Taylor nodded in but in doing so bumped into Roberts with the young referee awarding a foul on the keeper.

Cook put in a fierce drive well blocked by Bielik. With 10 minutes still to play, Taylor saw a shot from inside the box parried away by Roberts. And while Walsall went on to huff and puff in the closing stages they were unable to create a clear chance to get back on terms.

The report on the fifth consecutive home win from Louis Mendez is here: Addicks hold on

Lee Bowyer said that Charlton's first half performance was the best of the season and singled out Albie Morgan and Toby Stevenson for particular praise: Best 45 minutes of the season

Lee Bowyer says that Jason Pearce is likely to be out for several weeks and is will be joined in the busy Sparrows Lane treatment room by Ben Reeves who was taken off injured today: Injury blows

Lee Bowyer says that he is hoping to sign two players, one was at The Valley today. He wants to sign both before the Sunderland game on Saturday.

Takeover rumours revive

VOTV editor Rick Everitt has tweeted, 'New takeover rumours swirling around inside Charlton Athletic. Potential buyer said to have been at the training ground over the weekend. We have been here before though.'

Indeed, we have and for many it is a case of 'I will believe it when I see it.' It would be a great New Year present.

Rick Everitt tweeted after today's game: 'Understand potential buyers in the west stand, but not directors’ box. Aussie involvement. Club sources expecting it to happen, but usual caveats apply.'