Kreamer still not bovvered

In a question and answer session at the CAS Trust agm barrister Lauren Kreaner gives some background  to recent events at Charlton, including the Elliott letter: https://www.castrust.org/2020/11/lauren-kreamer-still-not-bovvered/

Bogle praises Bowyer's help

Omar Bogle was understandably delighted to bounce back from his early withdrawal at Burton Albion with a goal at Ipswich: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-forward-omar-bogle-delighted-to-put-first-half-withdrawal-against-burton-behind-him-with-maiden-addicks-goal-at-ipswich/

Bogle paid tribute to Lee Bowyer saying, 'The gaffer has stuck with me.  He's been great with me, he's helped me a lot.'

Defensive boost for Wednesday match

Akin Famewo will be in the squad for Wednesday's match against MK Dons.  The Norwich loan player has been impressive since his arrival at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-handed-defensive-boost-for-milton-keynes-match-but-striker-will-miss-out/

Jason Pearce will get some time in the under 23s today, but is evidently not match fit.

Paul Smyth had to have five stitches in the cut he received at Ipswich and will not be available, but Conor Washington will be back.

The club does need to pay some attention to the ticketing ballot for Wednesday.  A fan has commented on social media: 'In spite of emailing the ticket office to tell them I simply cannot get to evening kick offs in time I have been allocated a ticket for Wednesday along with my son. So that’s two empty seats that needn’t be. There are fans on the ‘Uncensored’ FB page too in the same situation. Have emailed them again and asked for our seats to be re-allocated. Not hopeful as they have their blinkers on and don’t appreciate that not every ST holder lives within a few miles of the Valley.'

Has Hemed found his level?

Former Charlton loan player Tomer Heder has joined Australian A-league side Wellington Phoenix: https://the72.co.uk/203451/ex-charlton-athletic-qpr-man-joins-australian-a-league-side/

One unhappy dentist

Unconfirmed rumours on social media are claiming that Craig Freeman is already unhappy with the level of public scrutiny that fronting Chris Farnell's attempt to squeeze Thomas Sandgaard is bringing.

Next front man at Lex Dominus is rumoured to be Fred Rose.  He is a 'consultant solicitor' from Hale, Greater Manchester - a familiar location.

A little taste of Suffolk

This was the advert for local sausages at Portland Road, but it was Charlton who came away with a nice taste in their mouth after defeating Ipswich Town 2-0.  Morgan and Bogle scored their first league goals for Charlton.

It was a controlled performance and the big difference from Tuesday night was that the midfield was well-organised and worked as a unit, Ben Watson doing particularly well.

Charlton opened their account on 22 minutes.   After good work by Williams and Matthews on the left, Aneke won the ball back.  Shinnie put the ball in and it may have taken a deflection, but in any case it was a great finish by Morgan on his 50th appearance for the Addicks.

Ipswich suffered a blow after their striker Norwood had to limp off and Drinnan replaced him.

Following an Ipswich free kick, Amos had to make a great save to deal with pace on the header.

Pratley took risks when he failed to usher the ball out, but Judge failed to take advantage of the opportunity and put the ball over.   Subsequently he received a yellow card for a foul on Shinnie.

Charlton seemed edgy in the four minutes added on.

Half time: Tractors 0, Addicks 1

Gilbey replaced Williams on 54 minutes.  Two promising opportunities on the left were wasted, first by Smyth and then by Gilbey.

Smyth was injured and had to be driven off, it was unclear whether it was ankle or knee.  Ipswich brought on Jackson as an attacking substitute.  Bogle replaced Smyth.  Smyth suffered a 'nasty gash' but it doesn't look too bad: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nasty-gash-forces-charlton-athletic-striker-off-as-boss-explains-conor-washington-absence-for-ipswich-game/

A Matthews throw in was collected by Pratley who found Bogle at the far past who had no hesitation in making it 2-0.

Aneke replaced Purrington on 70 minutes who put in some excellent work, particularly in the seven minutes added on.

Maatsen was booked for an argument with Ward who also received a yellow card.  Maatsen will now miss the match against MK Dons as it was his fifth yellow card.  Sanguine supremo Lee Bowyer wanted to give him a 'little rest' anyway: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-makes-admission-over-on-loan-chelsea-defender/

Charlton have moved up to 3rd in the table.

Smiling supremo said that Charlton were back to their best, although they should have scored more: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-lee-bowyer-i-knew-id-get-a-response-against-ipswich-that-was-the-proper-us/

Shinnie: why I joined Charlton

Although he got sent off there, Andrew Shinnie loved playing at The Valley.  When the fans got behind them, Charlton were a difficult team to beat.

Shinnie discusses the thinking behind his move to Charlton with Richard Cawley of the SLP: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/andrew-shinnie-on-factors-behind-his-loan-switch-from-luton-town-to-charlton-athletic-and-excitement-at-fans-returning-to-the-valley/

Tractors have difficulty getting into gear

The pressure is mounting on manager Paul Lambert as Ipswich Town face Charlton in a top six clash at Portman Road today.  It is also a key match for Charlton as it represents their game in hand.

In their last seven games, the Tractor boys have won four and lost three but have not shown consistent pressure in any of them.  Four penalties have also been conceded in that run, along with errors leading to other goals.   Against Hull on Tuesday night Ipswich conceded three avoidable goals while the visitors didn't have to get out of second gear.

Before the Hull fixture, however, Ipswich had won all that games at home and had scored ten goals against one conceded.  It is their away record that has held them back.

No wonder then that that the local paper's preview conveys an impression of tractors stuck in the mud rather than revving up for a goal harvest: https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/preview-ipswich-v-charlton-1-6947098

Charlton's makeshift defence is, of course, a continuing worry with the heat maps showing Gunter drifting to his natural position on the right in Tuesday's defeat.

It is eight games and eight years since we last beat Ipswich: https://www.castrust.org/2020/11/ipswich-please-can-we-play-a-bit-better/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ipswich-please-can-we-play-a-bit-better

The Addicks tried to land Ipswich striker James Norwood, but the Suffolk club could offer twice as much: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-got-outbid-for-ipswich-town-striker-as-boss-bowyer-wary-of-their-attacking-threats/

Meanwhile, Lee Bowyer is looking forward to the return of the fans to The Valley next Wednesday for the visit of the Franchisees: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-welcomes-pressure-of-having-fans-back-at-valley-next-week/

One of my oldest friends is the only known Ipswich fan living on the Orkney Islands, but I hope nothing happens to lift his winter gloom today.

Here comes the dentist

Prospective new owner

Cardiff-based specialist dental accountant Craig Freeman is about to buy Lex Dominus off Paul Elliott as a prelude to taking control of Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/cardiff-based-businessman-set-to-complete-deal-for-lex-dominus-and-targets-taking-control-of-charlton-athletic/

He says that he will serve the court order that will give the company full control of Charlton.

A legal friend reckons it is a ploy to get hold of the £500k perceived debt plus interest.

VOTV editor Rick Everitt tweeted: 'Not taking this guy very seriously if he believes Lex Dominus owns Panorama Magic - AFAIK the court order gives it control of ESI, not ESI’s owners (Panorama and Southall).'

The Rickster added: 'Hard to believe any serious party wanting the club would buy into this situation knowing they had to go to law to remove the current owner - and would bring a ton of shit down on their head from fans in the process.'

Barrister Lauren Kreamer stated: 'The latest addition to the cast of characters parroting the line that a court order in the Lex Dominus v Panorama litigation gives Lex Dominus control of Charlton Athletic. That is categorically untrue. It's another distraction.'

Bowyer gives it large

Searing supremo Lee Bowyer has reminded players that if they do not work hard they will not get game time as he discussed the early substitutions of Omar Bogle and Marcus Maddison at Burton.  'They are playing for a great club,' he emphasised: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-doesnt-hold-back-as-he-discusses-substitutions-of-omar-bogle-and-marcus-maddison/

What went wrong at Burton?

An in depth critique, even using heat maps: https://medium.com/@benjynurick/picking-through-a-disaster-analysis-of-charltons-4-2-defeat-to-burton-c2b78094e25c

Dylan Levitt had to be sent home ill: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-explains-absence-of-manchester-united-youngster/

Charlton should be in Tier 2 under the new pandemic arrangements so 2000 fans should be able to watch home games.

Aneke has a 'temperamental body'

Lee Bowyer has explained why he took Omar Bogle off just after the half hour mark at Burton last night: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-reveals-thinking-behind-omar-bogles-withdrawal-during-first-half-of-loss-at-burton-albion/

The smarting supremo said that there was nothing wrong with what Bogle was doing except that he wasn't doing what he was expected to do as a striker which says it all really.

The dilemma is that Aneke is really limited to 60 minutes in a match.  According to Bowyer this is because he has 'a very temperamental body' which is a new one to me.

Charlton second best

Charlton's makeshift defence were run ragged by Burton Albion tonight as the Addicks were beaten 4-2 at the Pirelli Stadium.  The midfield also failed to contribute for much of the match and Charlton were simply second best to the determined Brewers.   Charlton failed to play as a team and there were too many individual errors leading to goals being conceded.

Burton dominated the early exchanges and there was little Charlton possession.   Careless in possession, on eight minutes Amos made the initial save but Akins made no mistake in finding the back of the net.

A shot from Bogle was tipped over by the keeper.   Charlton were not defending as a unit and the commentators were critical of the formation.   Gunter received a yellow card with Burton players demanding a red.  Maatsen was making some good runs down the left, but lacked an outlet.

Bogle was taken off on 33 minutes for Aneke.   Many fans would have preferred Aneke to start, but he can't last 90 minutes.

Edwards was given a free header, but was unable to use it.   A rare poor clearance by Amos was used by Powell to make it 2-1, Charlton again succumbing to an individual error.

Maddison won Charlton a corner and after some head tennis Smyth scored his first Charlton goal with his second shot.

HT: 2-1

The ray of hope was soon dimmed.   Maatsen gave away an unnecessary corner.   The corner routine was well worked by Burton and Hughes was able to score from the rebound to make it 3-1.  Bowyer cut a frustrated figure.

On 52 minutes Washington and Morgan came on in place of Maddison and Smyth.  A Gilbey header was cleared off the line.  On 66 minutes Aneke made it 3-2 with a great bicycle kick. A shot from Washington was blocked and another went wide.   Williams replaced Gilbey.

Burton scored another avoidable goal after Pratley slipped to make it 4-2.  Maatsen got a yellow card and is now one off a suspension.  Aneke also received a yellow card.

A Washington shot came off Aneke and into the keeper's hands.  It was that sort of night.

Charlton are now 6th in the table.

Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer told BBC Radio London: 'Poor from start to finish. Too many people going through the motions. You can't give teams, no matter where they are in the division, a two-goal head start. I've never seen anything like it.'

As complaints about the manager's decisions mount, Lee Bowyer has given his assessment of what went wrong. Reading it through, I'm not sure that he knows. However, if it is just a one off the occasional bad night is part of football: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/it-was-like-weve-never-played-football-before-lee-bowyers-frank-assessment-as-charlton-are-humbled-4-2-by-struggling-burton-albion/

Don't read the result off the table

It's always tempting to read results off the table.  Burton Albion are currently bottom of League One and have won just one game at home and lost four.   They are third from bottom in the form table, but Charlton are not.

They have had Covid-19 problems with their squad.  Even so, I always thought that they were punching above their weight with Nigel Clough, now reviving Mansfield with the help of George Lapslie.

After Saturday's home defeat by Northampton, seething supremo Jake Buxton said, 'We didn't give ourselves a chance.  I have to stick to my beliefs.  The players all want to play in the correct way, but we are not picking up the results.'   This is Buxton's first managerial role, but Burton have a very limited budget.

The Brewers tend to give cheap fouls away, so there may be opportunities from set pieces.

Four Four Two forecast a finish in 22nd place.

I forecast the 1-1 draw at Gillingham correctly for the West Sussex CASC Badgers League, my forecast today is a 3-2 win for Charlton.

New contract for Doughty

Amid persistent reports that Celtic have already made up a kilt for him, Alfie Doughty has been offered a new contract at Charlton:https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/alfie-doughty-gets-offer-of-new-charlton-athletic-terms-with-addicks-owner-sandgaard-hoping-winger-commits-future/

No need to panic - Bowyer

The injury position in defence at Charlton has not changed, but sanguine supremo Lee Bowyer is relaxed about the situation. He thinks that Darren Pratley and Chris Gunter did well at Gillingham: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/110484-2/ 

Charlton face basement club Burton Albion tomorrow who will be trying to brew up a recipe to get them off the bottom of the table.

Conor Washington will stay on penalty duty despite being denied at Gillingham by an excellent save by their keeper.  Lee Bowyer was full of praise for the contribution of Omar Bogle whom he does not blame for distracting Washington: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/conor-washington-stays-on-penalty-duty-for-charlton-athletic-as-boss-lee-bowyer-has-praise-for-role-being-played-by-omar-bogle/

Charlton's 'best football of the season'

Charlton played some of their best football of the season in their 1-1 draw with Gillingham on Saturday, according to media duty player Albie Morgan: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/albie-morgan-we-played-some-of-our-best-football-of-the-season-during-charltons-1-1-draw-with-gillingham/

I am a glass half man, but I am not so sure.  It is true we had 69 per cent possession, but it has to be possession with a purpose.

We need to create more chances and then use them clinically.   I am still not sure that the midfield is working is well as it should.   For all the tireless efforts of Bogle and the increased sharpness of Aneke, we need a quality striker in January.

Rochester-born Morgan thinks he has benefitted from playing alongside players who have performed at the highest level and is determined to keep his place in the side: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-midfielder-albie-morgan-determined-to-keep-place-in-lee-bowyers-side-after-winning-managers-trust-with-recent-performances/

Charlton's eastwards potential (not Ebbsfleet)

An in depth interview with new commercial director Wayne Mumford.  He sees great potential for Charlton in East and South Asia and there have already been discussions with East Bengal FC: https://www.castrust.org/2020/11/exclusive-mumford-interview-when-i-walked-into-charlton-i-felt-at-home/

Inniss out for a while

Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer was unable to name a recognised centre half against Gillingham today and Ryan Inniss will be out for a while: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ryan-inniss-set-for-a-spell-out-as-charltons-defensive-injury-woes-continue/

Aneke eases penalty woes

A goal by Chuks Aneke gave Charlton a 1-1 draw in windy conditions at Priestfield this afternoon.  Gillingham had gone ahead through a second half penalty after the Addicks had a first half penalty saved.

Charlton have slipped back to 5th, but have games in hand on the teams above them.

An early shot by Samuel for Gillingham was not far wide.  Shinnie shot from distance and was just over.  The dulcet tones of charm merchant Gills manager Steve Evans could be heard as he advised the referee to foxtrot oscar.

Charlton's possession was not good in the early stages of game as they struggled to build in midfield.

A Morgan ball in avoided everybody.   A Maddison free kick required Bonham to make an excellent save.  Watson saw the keeper off his line and a free kick from near the halfway line had to be tipped over.

Amos made a double save from Graham then Dempsey.   Maddison took one for the team and received a yellow card as the home side launched a counter attack.

Amos had to make an outstanding save to stop what would have been a tap in.  He was later named in The Football Paper League One team of the day.

Bogle and Washington were not getting much service.   Bogle was called offside when he wasn't.   Then he was brought down in the area.  He wanted to take the penalty himself and this may have unsettled Washington, but Bonham made an excellent save.   The last time Charlton failed to score a penalty was Karlan Grant against Peterborough in January 2019, then managed by Steve Evans.

A Washington shot was well saved.  A good shot from Washington led to a Charlton corner.

Half time: 0-0

A Maatsen shot was deflected for a Charlton corner, again unproductive.  Bonham saved well deom Maatsen.  Oliver received a yellow card for a foul on Pratley.

On 65 minutes Charlton made a triple substitution: on Aneke, Smyth and Gilbey (who looked a bit rusty).  Off: Bogle, Washington, Maddison

Aneke fed Gilbey well, but he shot straight at the keeper.

I thought the ref was going to give a yellow card for diving, but the fourth official told him to award a penalty.  Amos got a touch to the ball, but Graham made it 1-0.

Charlton had been playing very patiently, perhaps too patiently as the Gills defended in depth.  Now they became a little frantic and needed to calm down.   Amos made a great save.

Gilbey got a yellow card.  A calm assist from Smyth saw Aneke score with his left foot.

Dempsey got a yellow card for a foul and Samuel was booked for dissent.  Charlton had a corner, but Aneke headed over.  Morgan was replaced by Purrington (earlier in the week Bowyer had said he was against the move from three to five subsititutes).

In five minutes added on, Maatsen got a yellow card for dissent.  There was a missed opportunity to score from a Charlton corner.  McKenzie got a yellow card for a foul on Smyth.

Evans managed to get more of his view across calling Matthews 'a ****ing useless prick.'

Charlton had 69 per cent possession and eight corners to one for Gillingham.  We need to make more use of them.

Bowyer thought there were many positives to be taken from the game, but was critical of the perfotmance of the balding referee: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-pleased-with-display-after-late-chuks-aneke-strike-earns-pointed-at-gillingham/

Lee Bowyer has given his views on the penalty dispute between Bogle and Washington.  He also said that Bogle does a lot of the dirty work for the team that Aneke takes the credit: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-has-his-say-on-disagreement-between-omar-bogle-and-conor-washington-over-penalty-taking-duties-at-gillingham/

Bowyer laughed off claims from Steve Clarke that Charlton have a £10m budget: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-manager-lee-bowyer-laughs-off-claim-from-gillingham-boss-steve-evans-that-addicks-have-a-10m-budget/

Salary cap woes

Steve Gallen has revealed that Charlton were one of the clubs that voted against the League One salary cap and only the fact that they had a decimated squad in the summer meant they could cope with it: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-voted-against-league-one-salary-cap-only-player-exodus-and-relegation-helped-them-trim-wagebill/

Here is an article I wrote about salary caps for a recent Voice of the Valley:

There is a continuous search for new ways of regulating football so as to create more of a level playing field between clubs.   Unfortunately, some of the proposals create more problems than they solve and this applies to the introduction of salary caps.   Charlton have, of course, been restricted to £1,200 a week because of the salary embargo. 

Formerly, clubs in the League 1 and League 2 operated within a spending constraint framework termed the Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP). SCMP limited spending on player wages to a percentage of a club’s turnover. In League 1 clubs could spend a maximum of 60 per cent of their turnover on wages, in League 2, the limit was 55 per cent.   The wages of coaching staff were not included. There were no restrictions (in themselves) on the amount a club could lose or spend on transfer fees.   Initially introduced into League 2 in 2004/5 for guidance purposes, sanctions for breaching the SCMP thresholds were introduced during the 2011/12 season, with Swindon the first club to be sanctioned under the rules. 

Crucially, a club didn’t have to overspend to incur the embargo, it only needed to be shown to be heading for an overspend. This interactive approach enabled clubs to increase their wage bill if their circumstances improved - a successful cup run will generate increased income and the Football League may be able to sanction additional wage spend. Because SCMP didn’t rely on the retrospective scrutiny of club accounts, it was also extremely effective at stopping overspend before the spending actually occurs (something that has been a problem for the Championship's version of FFP).

Salary cap proposals were brought forward for Leagues One and Two as an alternative, but were opposed by some of the stronger clubs such as Portsmouth, Plymouth Argyle and Sunderland.  They argued with some force that they would be better established as a percentage of a club’s turnover.   

Sunderland will have a grace period to cut their wage bill, with the wages of players already signed for the upcoming season been counted as an agreed divisional average, rather than their average wage. That will last until the end of the current contract.   In the future Sunderland will be capped at the same level as clubs like Accrington Stanley and AFC Wimbledon, who are able to generate far less than the Wearsiders and who would be effectively running beyond their means were they to hit the maximum wage cap allowance.

Portsmouth’s chief executive commented: ‘All the salary cap will achieve is a levelling of the playing field, enabling the smallest club in the league to compete with the largest for the same players – it has nothing to do with sustainability in its current form. A club like Portsmouth can afford, approximately, double [the permitted] figure and can’t even spend the money on players we are self-generating. It makes no sense.  How can it be right that a club with an average attendance of, say, 2,000 can have the same player budget as one with 30,000?’

Nevertheless, League One and League Two clubs voted in favour of squad salary caps to replace the Salary Cap Management Protocol in August 2020, doubtless because smaller clubs saw it as a way of constraining their bigger competitors.  There was overwhelming support in League Two, but in League One the vote was 16 for, seven against and one abstention.

The cap takes the form of a total limit of £2.5m in League One and £1m in League Two.  This averages out at around £1,700 per player per week in League One (just over £88k a year) and £1,000 per player per week in League Two.  To solve the issue of clubs currently paying in excess of the caps, the EFL will not account for any wages players earn over each league’s average salary.  So, if a player currently earns £3,000, then only £1,700 of his wage would be recorded for the cap.  

When calculating total salary spending, the ‘cap’ includes: basic wages; taxes; bonuses; image rights; agents’ fees; and other fees and expenses paid directly and indirectly to registered players.  There are financial penalties for overspending of up to five per cent which would amount to £125,000 in League One and £75,000 in League Two.  Above five per cent and clubs will be referred to a disciplinary commission that will be able to dock points. 

The Championship is reported to be considering a salary cap of £18m which says something about the financial gulf between the second tier and the lower divisions.  Their introduction in the Championship is being resisted, though arguably they are needed more there given the extent to which clubs overspend in an effort to reach the top flight. In the Premier League, they would risk undermining the global attraction of the competition because of its ability to attract world class players.

The Professional Footballers’ Association set out a substantial critique of the salary cap proposals which they described as illegal and unenforceable.  They considered that the proposed rules lacked clear objectives.   They claimed, ‘there is no evidence e.g. supported by financial modelling, of how the regulations will aid future financial sustainability or why they are the appropriate mechanism to achieve the overall objectives (which do not appear to have been defined).’   It was unclear how the salary cap had been determined.   The issue of an allowance for marquee players appeared not to have been considered.  ‘ The proposed salary caps, if implemented, could potentially reduce the ability of clubs to generate commercial revenue with sponsors and commercial partners now fully aware that clubs wage obligations will in some cases be significantly reduced. This effectively represents a potential loss of revenue to EFL clubs.’

The rules appear to be based on the Premiership Rugby Salary Regulations, but there were a number of differences between the two competitions, not least in the range and disparity of clubs. The PFA noted, ‘The financial performance of clubs in League One and League Two has remained relatively consistent in the last ten years with revenue growth being matched by increases in staff costs. Financial disparity is prevalent with the average ratio of top to bottom revenue generators being 7:1 in League One and 3:1 in League Two between 2014/15 and 2018/19.’   They pointed out that there were more important disparities between League One and League Two with a much higher ratio of highest to lowest revenue generating clubs (7: 1) in League One compared with League Two (3: 1).   They were concerned that the process of developing the new regulations had been rushed through without proper consultation, arguing that it typically took between 11 and 25 months to devise new sporting regulations.

Evasion and securing compliance has been a characteristic difficulty with salary caps elsewhere, notably in the US.  The PFA noted, ‘The ultimate goal of the draft rules should be to ensure compliance and we believe it is necessary for the EFL to demonstrate further how they shall monitor and enforce these regulations, before the Clubs carry out a vote on their adoption.’  It was unclear whether the rules would satisfy competition law scrutiny. 

Leading sports writer Gabriele Marcoti has commented: ‘U.S.-style caps only work if revenues are roughly equal throughout the league like they are in the NFL, where broadcasting and sponsorship income is equally distributed and the only variance come from matchday receipts and sponsorships.’ He continued, ‘In the long run, there are better ways to ensure the stability and solidity of clubs, such as having tougher rules on cash reserve requirements and ensuring there's enough oversight and legal muscle there to enforce them.’

Down the line early doors

It's down the line to Gillingham today for an early doors kick off. 'Gillingham front, Maidstone rear' the trains used to say in my childhood.  Having to play the Gills is a reminder of how far we have fallen. At least Charlton fans will not have to endure the 'temporary' away stand.

One fan tweeted: 'Gillingham away normally means a trip to that awful Meccano scaffold & a walk where most houses have sofas in front garden instead of their front room.'

Gillingham are 16th in the table, having played one more game than Charlton.  At home, they have lost two games and won four, scoring five goals and conceding nine.  In the form table Charlton are top and the Gills third from botom.  A potential banana skin, then.

Gillingham were 10th last season and Four Four Two forecast more mid-table mediocrity with a 9th place finish.  The fan quoted reckons its about progress not consolidation, hence there will be more pressure on the manager and the players.   He forecasts a 6th place finish   Chairman Paul Scally is named as the pantomime villain.

Charm merchant manager Steve Evans is a good match for Scally: https://www.castrust.org/2020/11/gillingham-1pm-kick-off/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gillingham-1pm-kick-off

Lee Bowyer reckons that Marcus Maddison has sharpened up in the international break, but will be at his best in three or four weeks: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/marcus-maddison-one-of-the-charlton-players-who-has-been-able-to-sharpen-up-during-international-break/

Bowyer reveals how bad things were at the club

Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer has revealed how bad things became at Charlton.    The club was within days of folding.  As it was the club almost ran out of footballs.  On away trips they were staying at hotels that were one grade above doss houses: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/lee-bowyer-exclusive-charlton-nearly-out-of-balls-b74907.html

Paul Smyth interview

Paul Smyth discusses his loan move to Charlton, his relationship with the Super Hoops and his problems with asthma: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-loanee-paul-smyth-on-valley-move-how-asthma-attack-forced-him-to-miss-wembley-showpiece-and-debt-he-owes-to-former-manchester-united-and-preston-striker/ 

Sandgaard says Elliott is a 'zero threat'

Thomas Sandgaard reckons that Paul Elliott represents a 'zero' threat to his ownership of Charlton Athletic which is costing him £1m a month: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/thomas-sandgaard-reveals-financial-burden-he-is-shouldering-and-sees-paul-elliott-as-zero-threat-to-his-ownership-of-charlton-athletic/

Sandgaard expects to lose £20m

Thomas Sandgaard expects to lose £20m in his first year as Charlton Athletic owner, twice the £10m loss forecast by VOTV editor Rick Everitt.  However, the pandemic has taken its toll: there will be no bail out money from the Government and Sandgaard thinks that funds from the Premier League will not make much difference.  Additional legal expenses probably haven't helped: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54994484

However, in eight years he expects Charlton to be not just a Premier League side, but playing regularly in Europe.

Lee Bowyer opposed increase in subs

Lee Bowyer will be able to use five substitutions at Gillingham on Saturday, but voted against the change.  Giving his reasons, he revealed himself as something of a traditionalist, arguing that one shouldn't tamper with the game: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-lee-bowyer-voted-against-increase-of-subs-and-explains-why/

Remember that Saturday's kick off is at 13.00.

Win an 'infamous' Range Rover

The 'infamous' Range Rovers have been repossessed and now fans can win one of them in a competition: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/motoring-charlton-athletic-fans-stand-a-chance-of-winning-one-of-infamous-range-rovers-as-thomas-sandgaard-makes-it-prize-in-competition/

Elliott gives it large

So-called 'Manchester businessman' Paul Elliott was interviewed by the incisive Jim White on Talksport this morning.   If nothing else, this justified the alternative name of the station as 'Talk****.'

Elliott said that Thomas Sandgaard has not recognised money he claims to have put into the club.   He said that Sandgaard had produced 'cheap tricks' and 'sound bites' which brings to mind the pot and the kettle.   Elliott said he had never come up with any lies.

He says that a 'sealed' legal order has gone to Sandgaard's legal team, but he cannot discuss that for legal reasons.  I am not sure what a 'sealed' legal order is or why is it superior to an unsealed order.  If it is sealed with wax, it will be a new experience at Freshfields.

Elliott again claimed to own Charlton Athletic, but the court order refers to the empty vessel of ESI rather than the club.

Richard Cawley reports, 'Elliott says he expects to pass the Owners' and Directors' test on appeal. Asked what message he has for Sandgaard: "Come and talk to me. If not we carry on with court action - the club doesn't need that. It doesn't need to be dragged through more legal wranglings on ownership."'

Remarkable sense from the Orange One with Simon Jordan making the point that if Elliott has put money into the club it should be in black and white. Also doesn't understand why it needs to be a sealed order. And how it helps 'insulting' someone on national radio when he is seeking mediation.

Rick Everitt notes that Jordan has missed the point that there is no evidence at Companies House that Elliott owns either ESI or Charlton Athletic.

Richard Cawley correctly comments: 'I think the message coming out from his side is that he wants the money he feels is due. I don't think this has ever been a play to gain control of Charlton.'

Rick Everitt points out: 'Possession may not be nine tenths of the law, but it matters. The big difference from pre-October is that Thomas Sandgaard is in possession of the club. Until that changes, if it does, this remains just noise.'

Everitt added from his Ramsgate fastness: 'Perhaps for tactical reasons, neither side in this latest Charlton episode has so far engaged with the details of what Elliott’s court order says or what it means - all we’ve had so far is assertions the other party is wrong. That doesn’t assist understanding.'

The VOTV editor concludes: 'Suspect Elliott can’t actually follow through because he knows even if he did take ownership of Charlton he’d 1) have to take on the liabilities and 2) he’d have to satisfy both the EFL and Roland Duchatelet, neither of whom will want to deal with him.'

Former Charlton target interview

One time Charlton target Sorba Thomas was interviewed by Louis Mendez at the Bromley game, but it looks as if he is mainly interested in boring for Boreham Wood: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/boreham-wood-prospect-sorba-thomas-looks-to-the-future-after-failed-approach-from-charlton-athletic-during-transfer-window/

Sandgaard's lawyers strike back

Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard has told Talksport there is no chance of him being forced out of the club: https://talksport.com/football/efl/790491/thomas-sandgaard-letter-leave-charlton-no-merit/

He described the letter from Paul Elliott as 'entertaining'.   His smart lawyers sent back a two line reply o Elliott and his associates which seems to have pissed them off (my words, not those of the owner).  Ha! Ha!

Good news on the injury front

Jason Pearce and Deji Oshliaga are going to get some game time in an under 23s match against Luton Town today: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-duo-set-to-build-up-minutes-with-runout-against-luton-town/

Alex Gilbey is further behind with his recovery, but is now training with the team rather than on his own.

Charlton's special place in ilic's heart

A great interview with Sasa Ilic who has had his ups and downs in life.  He tells the tale of the 10p coin he flipped in the goal at Wembley and the special place Charlton has in his heart: https://medium.com/@benjynurick/sasa-ilic-exclusive-charlton-is-like-my-home-its-special-to-my-heart-906ab40eef55

Bowyer ready for resumption

Charlton are 4th in the table after yesterday's games, Peterborough and Sunderland both losing.  Even a Max Power goal could not stop the Black Cats going down at home to the Franchisees who hadn't won away for nearly thirty games.   The Posh looked down market and anaemic at mighty Crewe.

Lee Bowyer knows he will have to call on all his players in the crowded schedule ahead: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lee-bowyer-ready-for-league-one-resumption-and-knows-squad-will-come-into-play-for-crazy-schedule/

Staggering

George Lapslie scored in Mansfield Town's 2-1 victory at Forest Green Rovers today, his third goal for the Stags.   Lapslie was in The Football League Paper League Two Team of the Day.

Josh Davison scored a 89th minute equaliser for Woking.

Ben Amos had to be persuaded to stay

Steve Gallen has praised the professionalism with which Macauley Bonne and Dillon Phillips handled their exits from the club.   Rather than following the advice that some agents give to smash doors down, they were polite and respectful: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-director-of-football-steve-gallen-praises-macauley-bonne-and-dillon-phillips-for-way-they-handled-exits/ 

Gallen also revealed that Ben Amos had to be persuaded to stay.  His agent pointed out that he had spent a year at a club that had been relegated without playing a minute.

Inniss grew up as an Addick

Former Glazier Ryan Inniss grew up as a Charlton fan and started singing Valley Floyd Road when he was offered the move: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ryan-inniss-sang-valley-floyd-road-after-he-arrived-at-valley-to-sign-for-charlton-athletic/

The ones that got away

Thomas Sandgaard was willing to splash the cash in the summer transfer window, but at the last minute Dane Ronnie Schwarz decided not to make the move, reveals Steve Gallen: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-dof-steve-gallen-on-failed-move-for-ronnie-schwartz-attempts-to-land-clarke-harris-and-arsenal-youngster/

Gallen also discusses the other two misses, Bristol Rovers' Jonson Clarke-Harris and Arsenal youngster Tyreece John-Jules.   It seems that Arsenal were put off by all the turmoil behind the scenes at the club.

Gallen also gave Richard Cawley an in depth interview on the transfer window, revealing the physical and mental toll on him of the difficult times at the club: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/in-depth-with-steve-gallen-charltons-director-of-football-on-the-last-transfer-window-and-one-of-the-toughest-periods-he-has-had-in-the-game/

Amos is player of the month

Ben Amos has been named as League One player of the month but Peterborough's Darren Ferguson has beat Lee Bowye to the manager of the month title: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-keeper-ben-amos-wins-league-one-player-of-the-month-award-but-lee-bowyer-misses-out-to-peterboroughs-ferguson-in-boss-version/

Amos has been quick to praise his team mates, saying 'You can't keep clean sheets on your own': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/daft-ben-amos-quick-to-shift-praise-on-to-team-mates-for-his-league-one-player-of-the-month-award/

Sandgaard 'ordered to leave the club'

Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard has been 'ordered to leave the club' by Paul Elliott: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54925763

As always, the situation is complicated and confused, but the first point to emphasise is that a legally drafted letter is not the same thing as a legally enforceable order.

As barrister Lauren Kreamer points out, 'calling something a "notice" or saying that someone has been "ordered" to do something is only really true if a Court has issued the notice or order. If someone writes a letter "ordering" someone to do something...they've written a letter.'

VOTV editor Rick Everitt comments: 'Bear in mind the quality of output to date from the Farnell-Elliott gang before taking these latest stories seriously. They no doubt have a court order giving them control of ESI; anything else will be bluster and bullshit.'

What this really is a ploy for Elliott to recover money he thinks he is owed. Richard Cawley has tweeted: 'Indications from Charlton Athletic are that they aren't concerned/worried by Paul Elliott's statement. And that it is being dealt with by their legal team.'

The response of CAS Trust to the letter is here: https://www.castrust.org/2020/11/elliott-statement-are-we-bovvered/

VOTV editor Rick Everitt assures fans that it is 'just noise': http://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2020-21-blogs/13-11-reality-will-drown-out-the-noise-from-the-north/

Non-league ace off the radar

Director of football Steve Gallen saw Boreham Wood's Sorba Thomas as a development project rather like Macualey Bonne who might make some money for the club: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-transfer-chief-talks-about-recent-bid-for-boreham-wood-youngster/

Thomas has since been transfer listed by the non-league club, but Gallen says he hasn't given him a second thought.

New chance for Celtic to sign Doughty

A Celtic blog reckons that Alfie Doughty's injury gives them a new chance to sign the Charlton player in the January transfer window: https://www.67hailhail.com/news/alfie-doughty-couldve-played-his-last-game-for-charlton-ball-in-celtics-court/

Apparently earlier offers have been in the region of £400k - £600k.  Before Thomas Sandgaard took over, that sort of money might have tempted us.

I don't want to lose Doughty, but Celtic seem to be persistent in their attempts to sign him.

Charlton have responded promptly by offering him an improved contracr: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-to-make-fresh-improved-contract-offer-to-celtic-target-alfie-doughty/

Pearce on the road back to match fitness

Jason Pearce came through his 45 minutes in the Papa John trophy last night without any problems and was able to claim two extra free toppings on his complementary pizza: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lee-bowyer-gives-update-of-fitness-of-key-members-of-squad-as-jason-pearce-returns-to-action-after-injury-lay-off/

Lee Bowyer also gave an update on other injured players.

Bowyer and Amos in for accolades

Lee Bowyer has been nominated as manager of the month and Ben Amos as player of the month in League One: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-duo-lee-bowyer-and-ben-amos-nominated-for-october-efl-awards/

Some fans think the manager of the month award is a curse, but all runs of good form eventually end.

Two pizza takeaways

Two takeaways from tonight's 3-1 Papa John trophy victory over Leyton Orient was the progress made by Albie Morgan and an improved performance from Marcus Maddison who got his first Charlton goal, both players having been criticised by Lee Bowyer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-pleased-to-see-progress-from-both-albie-morgan-and-marcus-maddison-during-efl-trophy-win-over-leyton-orient/

With Charlton 1-0 ahead at half time it was already pizza all over the gaff.   Jason Pearce was able to get in a useful 45 minutes in the first half.   Ashley Maynard-Brewer made a great save in goal in the second half.

An excited Louis Mendez tweeted: 'Plucky underdogs Charlton with one of the giant-killings of this season's Papa Johns Trophy, beating an Orient side a whole two places above them in the pizza league southern group G table.'

Lee Bowyer expects Alex Gilbey to be back in training next week.

One lucky fan won a pizza.

Maddison was 'rusty'

Marcus Maddison was 'rusty' in his debut start for Charlton and he will have to work harder to satisfy Lee Bowyer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/marcus-maddison-will-have-to-work-harder-if-he-wants-to-play-for-me-lee-bowyer-has-his-say-on-charlton-athletic-midfielders-full-debut/ 

Bowyer is not afraid to criticise his players if they fall short of what he expects which is as it should be.

Lapslie scores cup winner

George Lapslie's loan spell with Mansfield Town did not start too well when he was sent off for two yellow cards on his first appearance.

However, yesterday he scored the winning goal for the Stags in their FA Cup game at Sunderland.   Four minutes after the break Kellan Gordon sent over a cross and Lapslie got ahead of his marker to head in the only goal of the game.

Nigel Clough is taking over as the new boss at Mansfield.

No free pizza for Lee

Lee Bowyer passed up the chance of a complimentary pizza by calling the Papa John's trophy as the EFL Trophy is now called a 'stupid cup': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-chief-lee-bowyer-says-the-stupid-pathetic-efl-trophy-should-have-been-scrapped-this-season/

The seething supremo is also worried about the impact of so many international games on his players.

Happy 63rd birthday to Alan Curbishley.

Charlton out of the cup

A second half goal by Plymouth Argyle put Charlton out of the FA Cup this afternoon.  I won't complain about the result and there were some positives.  Charlie Barker had a great game and Lee Bowyer's confidence in Ashley Maynard-Brewer was justified.  Bowyer also rates James Vennings and he did well as a substitute.

In the first half Charlton played some decent football, but were also sloppy at times.  Plymouth often looked dangerous on their right.

Barker dealt well with a cross from Kamara, Plymouth's best player.   Maynard-Brewer made a good save and Barker threw himself in front.

Levitt got booked for an agricultural tackle and failed to impress throughout the game.

Half time: Addicks 0, Pilgrims 0

When a Plymouth player burst through, Maynard-Brewer dealt with it well.  Then on 59 minutes Plymouth threatened again down the wing, enabling Jephcott to score.

Four minutes later Maddison and Aneke, who had picked up a yellow card, were withdrawn and Washington and Vennings came on.   The subs made a difference, particularly Washington, who is a quality player.

Vennings put in a good ball to Purrington but his header was saved.  Maynard-Brewer had to make a save.  Forster-Caskey, who had received a yellow card and then a telling off, was replaced by Maatsen.

Eight minutes were added on.  Barker put in a great shot which looked as if it might go in the top corner.  However, the youthful Cooper, seen by some Plymouth fans as a future England keeper, managed to tip it over.

Maynard-Brewer made another good save.

Plymouth put out the same side that beat Swindon midweek.  The Charlton side was stronger than expected, but some players still looked unfamiliar with each other.

Commons report praises Charlton's community work

The House of Commons Petitions Committee has provided a summary of the recent evidence it received from fans in relation to the suspension of attendance during Covid 19: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/14361/default/ 

It highlighted the following quote from a Charlton fan: 'Without the club, there would not be the outstanding Charlton Athletic Community Trust, an independent charity which regularly receives awards and visits from politicians. A popular program of the Trust is the Charlton Upbeats, a team for children with Down Syndrome. These young people inspire fans and have raised awareness of disabilities in the community.'

'As the father of a child with autism, I cannot speak highly enough of the work of the Trust. I would also like to highlight the way the Trust and club have led in regards to racism in football, having one of the oldest antiracism programs of any club in the county. there is huge reach with football clubs to do good in this regard, especially given the mixed demographic of people attending matches.'

Tough test for Plymouth

Plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe wishes that the Pilgrims had an easier draw than against Charlton in the FA Cup tomorrow: https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/ryan-lowe-argyle-charlton-cup-4675210

As it likely to happen with Charlton, Lowe may make changes to his in form team tomorrow.

As the CAS Trust preview notes, current form could be irrelevant as much may depend on team selection by the two managers : https://www.castrust.org/2020/11/plymouth-the-start-of-a-cup-run/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=plymouth-the-start-of-a-cup-run

Charlton set a high bar for themselves

The SLP's Richard Cawley reviews Charlton's start to the season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/richard-cawleys-big-match-verdict-on-charlton-3-fleetwood-2-addicks-setting-bar-high-as-they-show-more-than-one-way-to-win-league-one-matches/

Cawley notes that the biggest number of wins in a row was 12 under Alan Curbishley, but even half that number is impressive when you consider the compacted nature of the schedule and the wholesale changes to the squad.

Lee Bowyer did, of course, think that Charlton would be playing catch up because of the late lifting of the transfer embargo.   The judicious journalist notes, 'The difficulty now is that the Addicks have set the bar high at a point of the season when manager Lee Bowyer expected them to still be finding their feet.'

Baggies plump for Bowyer

After their poor start to the season, Slaven Bilic's future at West Bromwich Albion is in doubt.   The Baggies think that Lee Bowyer could be the man to get them out of trouble: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/west-brom-slaven-bilic-bowyer-22966097?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar 

Bowyer says that it is nice ti be recognised and he is ambitious.  However, Charlton now have an owner who wants to move the club forward and he is happy at The Valley: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-lee-bowyer-reacts-to-west-bromwich-albion-link/

Famewo out for a month

Akin Famewo will be out until early December with his hamstring injury: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/on-loan-norwich-defender-ruled-out-until-december-as-charlton-boss-hails-his-early-influence/

This is a setback as I have impressed with his work rate and reading of the game.   His positioning is excellent.

Given our injuries, the postponement of the Rochdale game because of international call ups is no bad thing.   Hopefully we will in better shape for the delights of a trip to Gillingham.

Limits on transfer activity

Charlton are near the League One salary cap and this will limit transfer activity in the January window.  Steve Gallen explains some of the complexities that are involved including loan deals: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-charlton-athletic-transfer-chief-outlines-budget-and-signing-plans-for-january-window/ 

Bowyer talks tactics

Lee Bowyer talks in depth about Charlton's tactics in recent games and says he is not bothered by adverse possession statistics: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-lee-bowyer-our-tactics-have-worked-it-wasnt-possession-for-the-sake-of-possession/

Maddison back in

Marcus Maddison will feature in the games against Plymouth Argyle and Leyton Orient says Lee Bowyer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/marcus-maddison-set-to-boost-match-minutes-and-will-feature-against-plymouth-and-leyton-orient/

Jason Pearce may be available against Orient.

Great quality of Charlton squad

Conor Washington reckons that there is not a stronger squad than Charlton's in League One.  He also says that training has stepped up a gear since the new players arrived: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/we-have-crazy-quality-in-the-squad-for-this-level-charlton-striker-conor-washington/

Already up to five in the campaign, Washington is hopeful of a decent goal haul this season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/the-leagues-going-to-be-in-a-bit-of-trouble-conor-washington-has-message-for-charltons-rivals/

A new edition of Voice of the Valley is out tomorrow.   Order at http://www.votvonline.com/ and it will be delivered in a discreet plain envelope for you to enjoy in the safety, comfort and privacy of your own home.

Charlton battle for three points

Charlton battled away to beat Fleetwood Town 3-2 at The Valley this evening for six wins on the spin.   The Addicks went 2-0 ahead, but with three goals in four minutes the visitors made it 2-2.   Charlton scored from a penalty in the second half and were able to deal with the pressure from Fleetwood.

The Addicks moved into third place with a game in hand over the top two.

Charlton applied early pressure and won three corners in a row.  On three minutes Purrington had a free run and scored with a header.

Fleetwood came alive after the goal and they moved quickly with some fluent play.   Bogle put the ball over: he should have passed to Washington.

From a Charlton corner Purrington ran into an excellent position, but he hit the ball too hard and it went over the bar.

Fleetwood played the ball back in from a corner, but the header went over.  Maatsen was off target.  A Maatsen run set up Bogle but his header went over.

Good work from Gunter saw the ball go to Bogle, his shot rebounded from the keeper and Washington made it 2-0 with a clean strike on 30 minutes.

Three minutes later Evans scored from the edge of the penalty area leaving Amos with no chance.   A minute later he got the ball over Inniss and with Purrington on the floor made it 2-2.

Half time: Addicks 2, Cod 2

Morgan went on a mazy run and was tripped in the area.  Washington made it 3-2 from the spot on 49 minutes.

Fleetwood were forcing Charlton back and Amos had to made a good save from Evans, tipping the ball over the bar.  Washington was not far wide.

On 71 minutes Morgan was replaced by Matthews.  Fleetwood brought on danger man Camps.  Amos had to save a strong shot from the substitute.

Bogle was one on one with the keeper but couldn't control the ball.  He was replaced by Aneke.   On 79 minutes Aneke hit the post and was wide a minute later.

Maatsen was stamped on by Evans.  He subsequently received a yellow card.   Three Fleetwood corners in succession created some pressure.

Five minutes added on did not present the kind of threat experienced last season.  Charm merchant Finley received a yellow card for fouling Maatsen.

My man of the match: Ian Maatsen, skill and determination.

Lee Bowyer told Richard Cawley:  'We're way ahead of where I thought we'd have been. There is a long way to go but to gel a group together it takes a bit of time. It's not easy to bring in 12 players and get them to gel.'

The satisfied supremo also said of Albie Morgan: 'He had to do the horrible side of the game and he did it very well. And he got the penalty. I don't think he took the ball away. Albie has taken a big step forward tonight.'

On Maatsen: 'He took a lot of whacks but what pleased me was that he then gave some back.'

Fleerwood manager Joey Bartion was disgruntled that the better footballing side did not win but said that Charlton's physicality would serve them well in the division: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/fleetwood-town-manager-joey-barton-we-were-the-better-footballing-side-im-disappointed-to-have-left-the-valley-empty-handed/

Haddocks versus Cod

Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton says that his players are in a 'SAS mindset' ahead of this evening's fixture at The Valley: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/fleetwood-town-boss-joey-barton-confident-ahead-of-charlton-athletic-test/

Of course, he says it's a 'tough test', but they all say that.  It helps with his alibi if his team lose and if they win or even draw he can portray it as a great victory.

Fleetwood are currently 9th in the table.  At home they have won four, drawn one and lost one.  Away from home, they have won one and lost four, although two of these wins have been at Gillingham and Shrewsbury.   However, they are very much the form side, one place behind Charlton form table (second and third).

One of the things I don't like about being in League One is playing Fleetwood.  It's difficult not to see them as a jumped up non-league club, but they are there on footballing merit.   The ratio of attendance to population is one of the highest in League One.

After last year's 6th place and play off exit, Four Four Two are forecasting a 4th place this season.  The fan contributor is more modest forecasting 8th.  Four Four Two comment: 'Beware the wounded Joey Barton, who has over 100 games as manager under his belt and shown himself to be more than capable. Adding Callum Camps from Rochdale is smart business.'

Last Saturday Camps 'chested the ball down before volleying home superbly.'   He was withdrawn on 76 minutes to rest him for tonight.

The fan contributor says, 'The fan's opinion of the gaffer is like Marmite: some like him, some don't.   I wasn't a big fan at the start, but Barton has proven me wrog.'

Williams had to score after Mystic Lee's prediction

Jonny Williams has said that he had no option but to score on Saturday at Portsmouth after Lee Bowyer told the whole team that he would: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jonny-williams-reckons-he-had-no-choice-other-than-to-break-charlton-duck-after-lee-bowyers-premonition/

Williams says he is over the moon about scoring and praises Bowyer's guidance.

The Welsh winger says it is time for Charlton to regard themselves as serious contenders: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/it-is-time-we-start-to-count-ourselves-as-serious-contenders-charlton-athletics-jonny-williams/

Injury update

Lee Bowyer has provided an update on current injuries.  Akin Famewo is to have a scan today to determine the extent of his hamstring injury.  Marcus Maddison continues to have problems with his ankle injury.   Jason Pearce could be back for the cup game on Saturday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-defender-set-for-scan-as-manager-lee-bowyer-provides-team-news-for-fleetwood-fixture/

Bowyer was full of praise for Chris Gunter's performance at Portsmouth: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/unreal-lee-bowyer-has-praise-for-charlton-athletic-defenders-display-in-victory-at-portsmouth/

Sandgaard interview

An extensive in depth interview between CAS Trust and Thomas Sandgaard: https://medium.com/@benjynurick/thomas-sandgaard-exclusive-its-been-an-amazing-welcome-into-this-club-i-love-every-piece-of-it-283a4cb08256