Dijksteel contract close

Charlton are close to negotiating a new contract for Anfernee Dijksteel: Emerging and versatile talent

Latest from the Daft Ideas Department

Roland's representative Lieven De Turck suggested last night that the English Football League can buy Charlton. How can the Football League buy one of its own clubs?

What is needed is for Roland to set a realistic price for the club. There are buyers out there. Even Yeovil Town has been sold to an American investor.

Not surprisingly, the Fans' Forum unanimously rejected the 'thinking outside the box' proposal.

Richard Cawley of the SLP has tweeted about the meeting: 'Just the same old lines trotted out about people being credible buyers - the same ones who have been on the scene for an eternity. Pretty insulting that they just keep feeding out the tired and insignificant scraps of non-info.

Louis Mendez has commented: 'How on earth did Lieven De Turck take that proposal to the Fans Forum with a straight face. Either he also doesn’t know what he’s talking about or he isn’t doing what everybody has to do in their job sometimes - some upwards management. Tell Roland it doesn’t make any sense.'

The notes from the meeting are available here: Fans forum

Roland has now demanded that the EFL buy the club citing changes in financial fair play rules, 'sometimes criminal' fan protests and fake news: Owner's demand

Squad struck by virus

A number of players and backroom staff at Charlton have been hit by a virus ahead of Saturday's match at Doncaster Rovers. Josh Parker was the first to be affected and missed the Wimbledon game: Virus hits squad

A club spokesman denied that it was a case of 'Rolanditis', saying that this was a chronic condition undermining morale and performance.

Lee Bowyer is not going to contest the FA charge against him, so we now have to wait to see what punishment he receives.

Roland and Comms: the real story

Barmy Belgian Roland Duchatelet has blamed the Comms department at Charlton for his problems at the club, but a member of that department, Matt Wright has now told the real story: How Roland lost the communications game

It's story of a series of errors and mistakes with Katrien Meire taking a prominent role in what went wrong.

I have met Matt Wright and I have great respect for his professionalism. I know something about it, as I work with a Comms operation day in day out doing work for television, radio and print media across the world.

Play off place is Charlton's to lose

The SLP's Richard Cawley reckons that a play off place is Charlton's to lose. He comments, 'As we begin to approach the home straight, Bowyer’s boys don’t need to be sprinting at full pelt. They just need to keep those points ticking over at a reasonable pace and their campaign won’t be over at the start of May.' He also looks back at last Saturday's win at AFC Wimbledon: No excuses if they miss out on play off place

Last night's 2-0 defeat of Doncaster by Shrewsbury Town was good news for Charlton. Peterborough look less of a threat than earlier in the season and Fleetwood Town are inconsistent.

Of course, it is one thing to get in the play offs and another thing to win them. The semi-final defeat by Swindon remains a painful memory. One possibility is, of course, a re-run of the Greatest Day against Sunderland.

Roland and Talksport

It has been reported on Talksport that Roland Duchatelet has been 'grossly upset' by the vandalism of his properties which was apparently carried out persons wearing masks and wigs: Grossly upset

I did not hear what Roland said on Talksport (I am doing other media work today) but according to those who did he took a stand for foreign owners, blamed the EFL for letting him in, inherited staff for PR gaffes, and said he will give the club away, just wants paying for the real estate (which could, of course, carry a substantial price tag).

Full transcript of interview here including Simon Jordan: Club available for free

Bowyer did not expect FA rap

Lee Bowyer has been charged with verbally abusing referee Chris Kavanagh when he was sent off at last Saturday's game at AFC Wimbledon. The shell shocked supremo was not expecting any further action by the FA: Charge not expected

Bowyer's initial yellow card was for waving his arms in the air after a foul on Chris Solly.

Properties belonging to Roland vandalised

Properties belonging to Roland Duchatelet were vandalised between Sunday night and Monday morning according to reports in Belgian media: Vandalism It is being claimed that Charlton supporters were involved.

The properties were daubed with graffiti, one of which advised Roland to foxtrot oscar. Another slogan said 'pay the bonuses'. The properties involved included the Sint Truiden stadium, a farm under renovation and a former home of the Charlton owner.

'Henry Irving' commented: 'Share the frustration and the sentiment but don't agree with the act. Will be used by Duchatelet and his apologists to smear all the many other legal protests that have taken place. Just sell the club/'

Super Kevin Lisbie

Two goals by 41-year old Kevin Lisbie helped Cray Valley PM to win 3-1 at Willand Rovers and put the Millers into the semi-final of the FA Vase where they will face Canterbury City.

His first goal was a penalty and then 'there was no doubt about the class he showed when latching on to a through ball deep into stoppage time before dinking over keeper Mike Searle to the delight of the travelling supporters.'

Another former Addick, 36-year old Luke Varney, had been named Player of the Month at Cheltenham Town. His reward? A shared platter at Nando's.

Jackson told Sarr to take free kick

Johnnie Jackson told Naby Sarr to take a free kick if there was on the right hand side on Saturday: Green light for free kick duties

Sarr reckons that the win could represent a fresh start for Charlton.

In this interview he explains where his new found belief comes from and thanks the fans for their backing: More games helped

Charlton leave it late

After an insipid first half, Charlton secured a 2-1 victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium this afternoon in front of 750 Addicks. Naby Sarr equalised on 51 minutes with a stunning free kick and Igor Vetokele scored the winner on 90 minutes. Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer was sent off.

Parker was out of the team because of a virus. Phillips denied an early effort by bearded wonder Scott Wagstaffe. Charlton won a number of corners, but were unable to make anything of them, although they were playing into the winter sun in the first half. However, their passing was often sloppy. Marshall advanced well on 13 minutes, but his shot went over.

Folivi served notice with a shot into the side netting from a Dons corner. Marshall got a yellow card for a high challenge. On 24 minutes a free kick was pumped into the box and Folivi tapped home from a yard to make it 1-0. Charlton looked toothless and Bauer had to make a last minute challenge to stop it becoming 2-0. Taylor was serenaded by the home support with a chant of 'You should have stayed at a big club'.

Taylor missed a close range chance with the ball going over. The Addicks were huffing and puffing and lacked quality in the final third. A Taylor cross was blocked.

Early in the second half the referee (a late appointment) gave Bowyer a yellow card and then a second yellow for his reaction. He had to go and sit in front of the press box.

A free kick won by Taylor was converted by Sarr with a left foot rocket. Then he was booked for a reckless challenge.

Aribo was just wide from 25 yards. Taylor then turned provider for Marshall, but the keeper made the save. Marshall was replaced by Fosu. A save kept out a Cullen volley and then a good shot from Williams was saved.

Vetokele replaced Lapslie on 79 minutes and on 85 Dijksteel replaced Solly. Taylor headed over from a corner. A Fosu effort was saved, but there was a scramble from the corner and the final touch came from Vetokele.

Charlton are six points ahead of Doncaster who drew at Scunthorope (but Donny have two games in hand) and three points behind Portsmouth who drew 0-0 at home with Barnsley. Charlton opened up a seven point gap over Peterborough who lost today. Sunderland won at Bristol Rovers.

Lee Bowyer has revealed what he said to the referee: Boss's comment

Could Igor be our hope today?

With Charlton missing Karlan Grant's pace, could Igor Vetokele give us a spark at Kingsmeadow today: Igr's moment?

Some Wimbledon fans are unhappy about the way in which Lyle Taylor left the club and have been giving it large, so a Taylor goal would be particularly sweet today. taylor discusses the fans who take umbrage: Small percentage of Dons fans

Odds: Home, 2/1; Draw, 11/5; Charlton win, 7/5.

Wombles find their form

AFC Wimbledon are something of a bogey team for us and the last thing we want is them to come back into form when we are facing them on Saturday. However, they managed to beat Rochdale 4-3 away last night with the rare event of a Joe Pigott hat trick. We'll just have to hope that Lyle Taylor can find form against his former club.

Elsewhere, Sunderland pulled away from Charlton with a 4-2 win over Gillingham. They are now six points ahead of us with a game in hand. Portsmouth faltered again with a home draw against Bristol Rovers, making our fixture against them even more crucial. Barnsley could only manage a goalless draw against Burton Albion.

Lasplie signs, but Aribo is still a target

George Lapslie has signed a contract until 2021, but Lee Bowyer is desperate to secure the signature of Joe Aribo who impressed on Saturday: Aribo an urgent priority

'The cat' on a familiar patrol

It's a bit of a statement of the obvious, but Ben 'The Cat' Purrington warns that Charlton will drop out of the top six unless they string some wins together, reminding us that it's a 'competitive league': Good bunch of lads

I suppose it is really quite difficult to say anything new in these interviews unless one is prepared to take the risk of offending Roland.

Charlton fans seem to have swung between excessive optimism and excessive pessimism in the last few weeks. At one time people were talking about an automatic promotion which I never thought was possible. Now some have even said we could dice with relegation. The probability is that we will scrape into the play offs, but that then gives us a one in four chance of going up.

Yet more frustration

Charlton drew 0-0 with Blackpool at The Valley this afternoon. The return of Lyle Taylor did not provide the talisman that was hoped for, minus his former strike partner. There were some chances, but finishing was far from clinical. Charlton were particularly poor in the first ten minutes of the game and could have gone behind. Too many needless fouls were given away.

The arrival of Mark Marshall as a half time substitute did improve penetration for the Addicks and Igor Vetokele made an impact in his late cameo. But once again the match confirmed that this is a team that finds scoring goals hard.

Charlton's Josh Parker was guilty of an air shot in the area after 21 minutes before Jonny Williams struck from 25 yards out, forcing Howard into a save. The midfielder made the keeper block again after 33 minutes, although from much closer range, after being played in by Joe Aribo.

Williams was denied once more by the hands of Howard nine minutes after the restart, with no Charlton player able to capitalise on the rebound. Blackpool offered little in attack.

Lee Bowyer said that Lyle Taylor needs to show more caution on and off the field of play after he picked up his ninth booking of the season following his criticisms of barmy Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet: Needs to show some caution

Bowyer was frustrated by Charlton's lack of cutting edge, although he thought that the second half performance was better: Disappointed at stalemate

Louis Mendez reports on the match as Charlton's winless run continues: Frustrating stalemate

Blackpool squad stretched

With nine players out, Blackpool are somewhat stretched for their visit to The Valley tomorrow, but are confident of getting a result: Stretched squad

Having drawn 1-1 at Sunderland earlier in the week, the Tangerines are something of an in form team. They are third in the form table, while Charlton are seventh. They are unbeaten in their last six games and have been particularly strong away from home.

Developments this week have led to hopes that Owen Oyston may be replaced as owner of the club: Tangerine Spring

Taylor criticises Duchatelet

Already a favourite with Charlton fans, Lyle Taylor has earned further credit by criticising Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet: Roland doesn't want to back Lee Bowyer

Valley of frustration, part 94

Lee Bowyer's primary reaction to last Saturday's draw with Southend United was one of frustration. Here Richard Cawley of the SLP discusses the numbed supremo's reaction and assesses the contribution of various players, not least Igor Vetokele: Bowyer's big emotion

I am not a businessman, but surely spending some money on a free agent would increase our chances of promotion and hence the ability to sell the club and get a better price for it?

Katrien quits Wednesday

Katrien Meire has left Sheffield Wednesday as chief executive following the arrival of Steve Bruce as manager.

Her innovations included a pop up shop at Meadowhall shopping centre and a 'fan zone' at Hillsborough to enhance the customer experience.

Her future plans are unknown.

Roland says no

Roland Duchatelet has refused to sanction a move for out of contract striker Joe Mason: Roland blocks signing

Lee Bowyer must be getting very frustrated.

Draw with 10 man Southend frustrates Bowyer

Charlton remain in 5th place in League One after a 1-1 draw with Southend United at The Valley this afternoon.

Ben Reeves' second-half equaliser rescued a point for Charlton Athletic at home to 10-man Southend United. The Shrimpers led courtesy of Stephen Humphrys' deflected 22nd-minute shot but were a man down five minutes later as Dru Yearwood was given his marching orders.

Reeves finally made them pay just before the hour with a headed equaliser but the Addicks were forced to settle for a share of the spoils by the resilient visitors.

Mark Marshall's angled drive drew a fine save from visiting keeper Nathan Bishop and Tariq Fosu blazed over after meeting Chris Solly's cross as the Addicks began brightly.

Michael Kightly saw a long-range effort go just over for the visitors and it was they who broke the deadlock midway through the first half. Humphrys unleashed a 25-yard shot which took a wicked deflection off Naby Sarr before flying past Dillon Phillips.

Southend were reduced to 10 men five minutes later when Yearwood went in late on Jonny Williams, prompting referee Simon Hooper to brandish a straight red card.

Sarr almost made amends for his error with an attempt from outside the box that flew inches over, while Krystian Bielik sent a looping header behind shortly before the break.

Reeves saw an early second-half shot go over the bar, while at the other end Sam Mantom fired just off target in a dangerous Southend counter attack. The Addicks finally made their numerical advantage count just before the hour when Marshall's delivery picked out Reeves, whose glancing header went in via the far post.

Bishop did well to tip behind Bielik's effort and came to the rescue again moments later by thwarting substitute Josh Parker from the resulting corner. Southend almost restored their lead in the 87th minute when substitute Michael Klass dragged an angled shot wide.

Klass forced another stop from Phillips as the Essex side went in search of an unlikely winner. But it was Charlton who almost sealed the three points in stoppage time as Reeco Hackett-Fairchild placed a header wide.

Lee Bowyer was left hugely frustrated after the draw with Southend. He singled out Tariqe Fosu and Mark Marshall for criticism, said their end product wasn't good enough today.

The report from Louis Mendez can be found here: Unable to find winner

No talks with Bowyer and Jackson

Roland Duchatelet has not initiated any talks with Lee Bowyer and Johnnie Jackson although their contracts run out in four months. It is evident that the barmy Belgian does not recognise what a talent he has and how much he is appreciated by fans: Final months of Valley deal

Powell hopes his team will turn up

Having lost his last two matches, Chris Powell hopes that his team will turn up at The Valley on Saturday: Not expecting repeat of Roots Hall ruckus

Powell also discussed Karlan Grant's move to Huddersfield Town, reviewing his Charlton career: Karlan Grant

Bowyer targets free agent striker

Lee Bowyer is targeting a free agent striker. He is good quality and was out of Charlton's price range, but his recent release has made him available: Bowyer has striker in his sights

One possibility is Joe Mason recently released by Wolves, but Plymouth are chasing him and he was born there: Career details

Bowyer is uncertain whether Vetokele will be able to start on Saturday: Chances of a start

Joe Aribo has had a setback.

Aribo injury kept him from being sold

Joe Aribo is a saleable asset and his knee injury probably kept him from going in the January transfer window according to Lee Bowyer: Injury ended risk of exit

Here are some of the free agents that Charlton could consider signing: Desperate times

Valley of Frustration

Erhun Oztumer was at The Valley last Thursday ready to sign papers, but the deal collapsed at the last minute when Bolton Wanderers were unable to find a replacement: Close to signing

Correction: Richard Cawley has now said he was at Bolton's ground.

Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer also discusses the bid to land Bristol City striker Mo Eisa.

Bowyer said the Addicks will have the same problem this weekend as they did at Fleetwood of being light. He commented, 'We’ll also look at people who are out of contract as well and see if anyone has come available since the window closed. But I don’t think there is much out there, if I’m honest. There is no point bringing a body, in just for the sake of it.'

Katrien Meire says that fans go to football to try and deal with their frustrations, but we are having them heaped on us at the moment.

I could stay on says Igor

Igor Vetokele says that he is open to staying on at Charlton after his contract expires in the summer: Pleased to be back in the thick of it

Vetokele is on a four year contract and is one of the highest earners at the club thanks to the negotiating skills of Katrien Meire.

He made a big impact when he first arrived, but has been injury prone and certainly could not command such high wages.

Women's coach profiled

The Guardian has published a profile of the Charlton Women's coach Riteesh Mishra: Profile

He says that discussions are taking place with the FA about getting Charlton into Tier One.

Their Sunday cup game against Huddersfield was postponed.

Bowyer nominated for manager of the year

Lee Bowyer has been nominated for London Football Manager of the Year. He is up against Maurizio Sarri, Mauricio Pochettino and Javi Graci, but apart from the Arsenal women's manager he is the only nominee from outside the Premier League.

Dillon Phillips has been nominated as Goalkeeper of the Year, but he is up against the likes of West Ham's Fabianski and Watford's Ben Foster.

Karlan Grant was nominated for Young Player of the Year and EFL Player of the Year.

Lack of firepower does for Charlton

Charlton went down 1-0 at Fleetwood Town this afternoon with their lack of firepower evident. Patrick Bauer was sent off for a second yellow. Charlton are now 5th in the table, although they are five points ahead of Peterborough who lost at home.

The first half was relatively uneventful. Reeves fluffed an early chance from a corner and a Curwen cross was headed off the line as was the Williams follow up. Louis Mendez commented that the midfield was decent, but there was nothing ahead of them.

Dillon Phillips was called into action several times after the break and acquitted himself well. He first had to dive to his left on 47 minutes to deal with a free kick given away by Bielik.

Parker came on after 54 minutes replacing Lapslie. The Addicks switched to a 4-4-2 with a diamond.

The home side made a double substitution on 61 minutes. A minute later Phillips had to save from Evans who pounced on a poor pass by Bielik. Two minutes later he punched away a corner and then had to claim another one.

Evans scored Fleetwood's goal from inside the area on 68 minutes.

Parker put the ball across the face of goal, but no one could connect. Reeves and Hackett-Fairchild were replaced by Fosu and Vetokele. Bielik and Sarr got a yellow card. After a mix up between Solly and Phillips, Evans missed an open goal. Bauer was sent off on 87 minutes.

As usual with Charlton matches, seven minutes were added on, but the Addicks were unable to make use of it.

The report from Louis Mendez is here: Defeat on the Fylde Coast

Hackett-Fairchild to start

Reeco Hackett-Fairchild will make his first start for Charlton at Fleetwood Town this afternoon. Josh Parker is on the bench where he is joined by a returning Igor Vetokele. Lapslie replaces Pratley in midfield: Senior league start

Karlan Grant is warming the bench for Huddersfield Town at Chelsea.

Australians at Notts County

Do the three Australian businessmen watching troubled Notts County this afternoon have any relationship to the Australians interested in Charlton? Visitors from down under

Anything is possible given the mirage like quality of the Australian interest in Charlton.

Tooting starlet in on loan

Abraham Odoh has joined Charlton on loan from Tooting for the rest of the season. His 17 appearances with Tooting have mainly been from the bench.

He has already had a trial with Middlesbrough, but whether he is the next Ademola Lookman remains to be seen.

Difficult decision for Bowyer

After the disappointments of the transfer window, Charlton travel to face the Cod Army tomorrow. Who to put up front is a difficult decision for Lee Bowyer, although the CAFC Trust match preview reckons that it could be Hackett-Fairchild and Fosu: Day at the seaside in February

Fleetwood are currently 10th in the table, but seventh from bottom in the form table. At home they have won six, drawn five and lost four.

It's not an enticing fixture, and I know some away stalwarts, who are not going, but it is the kind of game that could be important in the final outcome of the season.

The pitch has covered and there is not thought to be any problem about the game going ahead.

Tony Harrington from Cleveland is the referee.

Odds are Fleetwood,7/4; draw, 12/5; Charlton; 19/10.

Court issues order against former owner

Tony Jiminez, former co-owner of Charlton Athletic, has been ordered by the Court of Appeal to reveal details of his tax affairs. He has also been ordered to provide information about his use of chauffeur driven cars when visiting the UK: Jiminez

Jiminez had claimed he was not required to reveal the information as he was resident in Dubai.

Jiminez has been involved in previous court cases pertaining to Charlton which revealed details of his plan to move the club to the peninsula: New stadium plan