Cautious start to transfer window forecasts Jacko

Johnnie Jackson reckons that the rise in Covid 19 cases will make clubs cautious about letting players go at the start of the January transfer window.   It will be a difficult window, but there have been discussions about where the squad needs strengthening: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-expecting-cautious-opening-to-january-transfer-window/

Euell should become permanent No.2

Johnnie Jackson is full of praise for the way in which Jason Euell has filled the caretaker assistant manager role, but who gets the job in the longer run is the subject of 'ongoing discussions'.  Most Charlton fans would be happy for Euell to get the job on a permanent basis: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-johnnie-jackson-says-talks-are-ongoing-regarding-assistant-manager-role-at-the-valley/

The coaching team are a coach light which is stretching them according to Jackson.

Crouch and Parry get involved in women's team row

Ramsgate: Rick Everitt reports that Voice of The Valley has learned that former sports minister and chair of the fan-led football governance review Tracey Crouch MP has spoken with Thomas Sandgaard about his intention to change the name of the women’s team.

One of her review’s recommendations was that club owners should not be able to change club names unilaterally.  [I thought that was intended to apply to the main team name, e.g., changing Charlton Athletic to Greenwich Royals].

We have also been told that EFL chair Rick Parry has been involved in discussions with Sandgaard on the move, which has been opposed by the female players, CAS Trust and members of the fans’ forum, including the fans’ adviser appointed by the owner himself.

For some fans this is a storm in a teacup, for others a matter of principle.   I still don’t really understand what Sandgaard thought the benefits of a name change would be, all it has done is stirred up a needless controversy.

Sandgaard has made it clear that it is 'full steam ahead' with the name change despite 'some noise from the side'.  However, the Comms Department have been rapped over the knuckles for handling the news in a 'clumsy' manner: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/thomas-sandgaard-name-change-for-charlton-athletic-women-is-still-happening/

Squad options look good for Saturday

Charlton look like being close to full strength for the New Year's Day game against Wycombe Wanderers at The Valley, while Sam Lavelle is close to a return to training: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-confident-of-healthy-squad-options-for-wycombe-wanderers/

The Chairboys lost 1-0 at Ipswich last night.  Manager Gareth Ainsworth was absent due to a positive Covid test.

Jackson reacts to Wombles

Johnnie Jackson has responded to demands by Wimbledon's chief executive who demanded that the EFL take measures against teams like Charlton who do not fulfill fixtures because of Covid.   He understands their disappointment, but says that the postponement was unavoidable: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-johnnie-jackson-reacts-to-afc-wimbledon-statement/

Target seen as 'luxury player'

A rather mixed assessment of Rotherham winger Kieran Sadlier who has been linked with Charlton but also Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers.  Apparently he has zero pace and doesn't try to win the ball back if he loses it, but there are also positives: https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/hes-almost-a-luxury-player-insiders-rotherham-united-verdict-on-reported-portsmouth-charlton-athletic-and-bolton-wanderers-target-ahead-of-january-window-3509826

Ged Roddy and the 'Peter Principle'

The 'Peter Principle' essentially says that people get promoted to their level of incompetence.  Ged Roddy has demonstrated this by landing a job at Fifa which allows him to put a gloss on his departure from Charlton: https://trainingground.guru/articles/roddy-resigns-as-charlton-technical-director-to-join-fifa?

Wombles boss demands tough EFL measures against Charlton

AFC Wimbledon's chief executive has called on the EFL to take tough measures against clubs like Charlton who have been unable to field a matchday squad because of Covid-19, claiming that the Wombles have done a better job of containing Covid.   Much is made of the club's small budget as he pursues his 'hard done by' theme: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dons-chief-executive-demands-tougher-measures-from-efl-after-charlton-and-portsmouth-matches-postponed/

The 'strongly worded' Wimbledon letter is here: https://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/2021/december/club-statement2/

The statement has received a mixed reaction from fans: https://fanbanter.co.uk/afc-wimbledon-receive-mixed-reaction-after-issuing-strong-statement-to-the-efl/?fbclid=IwAR0lVEMX7LsQzW4B2clEtSbrVNyohNvHzCpado9OqdHV3rMnEGqDyrVmOcY

Getting ready for the transfer window

An in depth Christmas interview with Johnnie Jackson who says that you have to be full blast at the job of manager.  He talks about all the congratulations he received on his appointment: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/you-have-to-be-full-blast-at-it-johnnie-jackson-on-managerial-life-achieving-his-goal-of-being-charlton-boss-and-making-plans-for-january-transfer-window/

He discusses plans for the January transfer window, stating: 'It’s not the most straight-forward of window. We have highlighted certain positions we feel we can maybe strengthen and add a couple. We have to be careful about the size of the squad and whether that means a couple have to go or a couple go on loan. The recruitment team have been working on lists of potential targets.'

Seasons greetings

Banner signed by Curbs

Best wishes to all readers for Christmas and a better 2022.   Johnnie Jackson becoming manager was the really positive news of 2021 and there is still the possibility of reaching the play offs.

Fans forum ranges across many issues

The full minutes from the fans' forum at the beginning of December are now available.   They cover a huge range of topics, but one revelation that surprised me was that some turnstiles were stripped for parts several years ago!  Minutes here: https://www.cafc.co.uk/uploads/eba9fd1726d530b86f99fbfd539efbc7

Success on the pitch will guide Jacko's contract renewals

Thomas Sandgaard has confirmed that Johnnie Jackson's automatic contract renewals are tied to final league position.  He says that it is 'fairly generous' in Jackson's favour, 'but I don't want to be stuck with it long term if it turns out long term that wasn't right: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-owner-reveals-what-triggers-contract-renewals-in-johnnie-jacksons-deal/

Sandgaard praised Jackson's performance as caretaker, particularly his decisive substitutions, and says that he decided that he wanted him to carry on in the role a month before it was formalised, but the legal details took more time than they should have done.

The fall of Ged Roddy

Ged Roddy is no longer a full-time employee at Charlton and is operating on a consultancy basis.  Thomas Sandgaard said, 'We are still trying to figure out his specific tasks.'  (Suggestions welcome)  Johnnie Jackson said: 'I wish him all the best into whatever he goes into': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-martin-sandgaard-appointed-charlton-athletics-director-of-analysis/

One speculative interpretation of events is that Roddy did not want JJ as manager and lost out.

Thomas's son Martin may have other duties added to his director of analysis task, but at the moment he and his small team are busy assessing 12.000 players.   One fan has called him the new Thomas Driesen, but I am sure he won't be munching his way through pizzas late into the night.

Boxing Day game off

Charlton's Boxing Day game at Wimbledon has been called off because of the number of Covid-19 cases among the squad.  The Sparrows Lane training ground was closed at the beginning of the week: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/afc-wimbledon-charlton-is-off-addicks-have-a-number-of-positive-covid-19-cases/

The fixture had attracted considerable interest from the Addickted with another 40 tickets being released.  A number of Charlton fans had purchased tickets among the Wombles.

The Gillingham game on the 29th may also be in doubt.   Given increasing evidence of the relative lack of severity of the Omacron variant, there may not be stringent lockdown measures, but the question may be whether either club can field a full team.

More Covid cases hit Charlton

With the Omicron variant hitting London particularly hard, Charlton have been hit by more Covid-19 cases, but are working hard to ensure that their Boxing Day meeting with the Wombles goes ahead.  Johnnie Jackson only found out about the three players affected at a late stage before the Plymouth game and this disrupted preparations: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-have-more-covid-19-cases-but-working-to-get-boxing-day-match-at-afc-wimbledon-on/

In further comments, Johnnie Jackson has said that it's 'a really delicate situation' with cases among players and staff: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-on-covid-19-cases-disrupting-his-match-plans-for-charltons-fixture-at-afc-wimbledon/

Louis Mendez has pointed out that the reduction in self-isolation to seven days could help in the cases of Akin Famewo and Conor Washington.

Recalling the 7-6 win

Recalling the 7-6 victory over Huddersfield on this day in 1957 - from a Huddersfield perspectrive: https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/charlton-7-6-huddersfield-town-12355401

Unfortunately we decided to go Christmas shopping in Woolwich that day!

Inniss wasn't meant to come, let alone start

Johnnie Jackson has said of the Plymouth game: 'It wasn’t even my intention to bring Inniss with us. He was going to stay behind and play for the u23s but losing Akin, losing Deji to an injury as well, I felt like I needed to bring him along.'

Louis Mendez of the SLP commented: 'Inniss was nowhere near ready to start, he wasn't even supposed to be on the bench but injury to Deji and Akin being out forced Jacko's hand.'

Mendez added, 'We badly missed Purrington at LWB yesterday. We're so lopsided going forward when he's required to sit in the back-three. Put everything on DJ and he was snuffed out fairly comfortably after the opening 20 mins or so. I want to see The Cat on the prowl.'

Changing of the guard at Charlton

Ged Roddy will focus on the academy and the women's team in future with Thomas Sandgaard' son Martin taking the lead in recruitment: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/thomas-sandgaards-son-takes-on-role-in-charlton-transfer-recruitment-process-with-ged-roddy-focused-on-womens-team-and-academy/

Defeat in Devon

A goal in time added on in the first half saw Charlton lose 1-0 at Plymouth Argyle this afternoon.

Thomas Sandgaard described it as a 'tough loss.  A decent start, but unfortunately we let them back in the game.'

There were three Covid cases for the Addicks. Washington and Famewo were missing from the team - Davison not on the bench. Souare and DJ into the starting line-up. Inniss and Gunter back on the bench.

Argyle top scorer Ryan Hardie forced Charlton keeper Craig MacGillivray to go full stretch to keep out his angled goal-bound shot. The ball rebounded to Hardie's strike partner Agard, who scored with a superb measured grass-cutter in off a post from the edge of the box.

Hardie and playmaker Danny Mayor both tested MacGillivray in the second half, which was a much livelier affair than the tepid first half.  Hardie looked as though he was set to double Argyle's lead midway through the second half but blazed his final shot on the run over the bar after skipping past the  offside trap.

Mayor was a continual thorn in Charlton's side in the second half but their best opportunity was clipped just wide by Agard at the far post as he latched on to Jordan Houghton's cross from the left.

Former Argyle player Ben Purrington bounced a cross off the bar in the 86th minute as Charlton pressed for a leveller. 

Charlton had 59 per cent possession, but eight shots on target to twelve from Argyle.

Johnnie Jackson said he was disappointed with the performance, 'I didn't think we did enough on the day', although Charlton were knocking on the door at the end.   They deserved to win in the end. I don't think we played the conditions particularly well, it's blowy here.  We didn't test their goalie.  Our decision-making wasn't good enough.'

Souare's performance attracted criticism from fans while Kirk also disappointed.

Strike partnership works for Stockley

Jayden Stockley says that his strike partnership with Conor Washington will go from 'strength to strength', although in the past he has been a lone striker and partnerships have not always worked for him.  He also discusses his sending off, reckoning that referee Trevor 'Steaming' Kettle was in a bit of a daze and lost control of the first half: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/you-gotta-have-faith-jayden-stockley-on-burgeoning-strike-partnership-with-conor-washington-and-being-dropped-by-former-boss-nigel-adkins/

Mason Burstow's rapid rise

Mason Burstow has had a meteoric rise at Charlton, and is a great hope for the future, but it hasn't been all plain sailing.  He has benefited from the expertise of Academy staff and the advice of senior players: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/the-inside-story-on-charlton-athletic-signing-mason-burstow-and-his-rapid-progression-to-the-first-team-ranks/

Jacko is permanent supremo

Johnnie Jackson has been appointed permanent manager of Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-fans-favourite-johnnie-jackson-appointed-permanent-boss/

His contract will renew at the end of each season.

Argyle manager relishes first home tie

New Plymouth Argyle boss Steven Schumacher is excited about his first home game with the Pilgrims after some taxing travel for the Green Army.  He may be hoping for a new manager bounce: https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/excited-steven-schumacher-relishing-first-6364872

His brief is to continue the work Ryan Lowe began.  'Schuie' said: 'We want to have continuity and look as if we have a clear identity in terms of how we play and conduct ourselves on the pitch.'

Following their recent dip, Plymouth are fourth from bottom in the form table while Charlton are in fifth place.  At home Plymouth have won six, drawn three and lost just two.

As Plymouth's form has deteriorated, there was 'serious disorder' at Home Park: https://castrust.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=47ab8cc58db1fe6727e9ed9c2&id=3695b5ba9a&e=97ed1d02c3

Charlton keeper joins Seagulls

17-year old Charlton keeper James Beadle has joined Brighton and Hove Albion.   Chelsea were also interested, but the Seagulls won the race: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/brighton-set-to-complete-deal-for-charlton-athletic-keeper-james-beadle/

We were unable to secure a contract with him as in the cases of Burstow and Elerewe, but apparently we have got a good deal including a share of any future transfers as he realises his potential.

As Richard Cawley comments, 'Can't win them all unfortunately.'

Jacko sees Covid-19 threat to games

Saturday's game at Plymouth Argyle is still on, but caretaker boss Johnnie Jackson is aware that Covid-19 may lead to matches being called off with the Toolbox already affected: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/its-a-real-threat-charlton-caretaker-boss-johnnie-jackson-on-covid-19-outbreaks-forcing-postponements/

Charlton are still in the FA Cup and the pizza trophy, so fixture congestion could become a real issue.

January loan market likely to be quiet

Thomas Sandgaard has talked about using the loans market in January, but fewer loans than usual may be available.   

The chairman of a leading Premier League club told The Athletic this week that they are already considering putting a block on fringe players going out on loan in January.  Although bringing in loan signings takes away the worry about making a longer-term financial commitment, everything points to there being a small pool of players to choose from because of the impact of COVID-19 on top of injuries, and how concerned managers are about squad depth.

Preventing fringe players from going out on loan next month is far easier than recalling loanees, even if it runs the risk of upsetting some, either by reneging on verbal agreements that were made earlier in the season with youngsters, or by denying frustrated first-team players the regular football they crave.

Premier League loans may not be that relevant for Charlton.  Realistically, it is Championship clubs who stand to miss out most from Premier League clubs being more protective over their players. That said, it could have a ripple effect further down the EFL, given that some Championship clubs will be reluctant to let under-23 players join League One and League Two clubs if they haven’t strengthened themselves.

Of course, Charlton will also want to loan some players out, ranging from first team fringe players to Academy hopefuls.   The context described above may help there.

Injury prone player makes small steps to start

Injury prone Ryan Inniss is set to make a tentative return with the Under 23s next week: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-defender-set-to-make-playing-return-from-injury-next-week/

When he will be fit to play in the first team remains to be seen, but it will be bench warming duties for a while with Pearce and Famewo settled in.

He's a talented player, but it wasn't a good buy.

Jacko wants 500 games in charge not just 10

Johnnie Jackson has made the best start of any Charlton manager, but he is not getting carried away with it - and he wants to be manager for 500 game not just 10: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/flattering-johnnie-jackson-on-making-best-ever-start-of-any-charlton-athletic-boss/

Give him the job and give fans an early Christmas present.

Pearce wants Jackson solution

Jason Pearce hopes that the future of Johnnie Jackson as manager can be 'put to bed' so that the club can focus on moving forwards: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jason-pearce-hopes-to-see-issue-of-caretaker-johnnie-jacksons-future-put-to-bed-so-charlton-can-move-on/

Pearce hopes that Charlton slowly move up the table so that they are in the play offs or thereabouts by the end of the season.

Jackson says that a fatigued Charlton managed to find a way to get past Cambridge United.   The midweek game against Ipswich had taken its toll and the U's offered more as opponents: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/tired-charlton-found-a-way-to-win-against-cambridge-united-jason-pearce/

Sandgaard discloses January plans

Thomas Sandgaard gave these quotes to Richard Cawley a month ago about the January transfer window but they are nevertheless interesting.   He says that the size of the squad is about right.  Trying to improve the quality of the midfield in the summer, which we did, may now mean that it is overloaded: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-owner-thomas-sandgaard-on-january-transfer-window/

The plan is to bring in young up-and-coming players who can be developed, plus perhaps one or at most two loan players.   Lyle Taylor anyone?  Not for me.  This also implies that a new striker will not be signed, but it is difficult to get value in January.  I would be interested in Colby Bishop from Accrington in the summer.

The big question is who will be the manager advising on the signings, I would have thought we would have a decision by now.   Sandgaard was right to be initially cautious because of the new manager bounce phenomenon, but Jackson has now proved himself to players and fans.

Jackson hoping for a decision

Johnnie Jackson is hoping for clarity over his permanent role as the January transfer window approaches so that discussions can begin.  He says that he has never seen League One as strong as it is this year: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-hopes-for-clarity-over-permanent-role-soon-with-transfer-window-approaching/

In his four takeaways Louis Mendez says that Charlton found a different way to win against another East Anglian team.   Washington was clinical and MacGillivay excellent: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-0-win-over-cambridge-addicks-found-a-way-to-win/

Charlton battle for three points

Charlton battled away in horrible conditions at The Valley today to beat Cambridge United 2-0.  It wasn't a classic performance by Charlton, but the three points were secured with another clean sheet in the last home game before Christmas.

Charlton are now 11th, but are six points behind MK Dons in 9th and eight points from the play offs.

The first ten minutes or so were indecisive.  Dunk, at one time a trialist at Charlton, was booked for a foul on Leko.   The free kick was slightly overhit by Lee.

Charlton had to concede a corner to through Lee to avert danger.   The game remained rather scrappy.  Charlton had lacked composure at times and allowed Cambridge easy possession.  

Heavy rain continued.  A shot by Smith went just wide.   May received a yellow card as he took one for the team to stop Gilbey.

On the half hour mark after Gilbey put in a good cross to Washington who scored with a great finish, his sixth of the season. He got the shot away before anyone could put in a block.   The match needed a goal.

Charlton did well to get bodies back after Williams got past Famewo.  Gilbey won a free kick. 

Famewo was booked after he stepped across Smith.    Stockley headed away from a corner.   Dobson did well to prevent a Cambridge break.   Clare did well to clear the ball.   Jason Pearce was in a battle with Cambridge top scorer, the physical Ironside.

Three minutes were added on.   Ironside caught Pearce having led with his arm and the roundhead received a yellow card.  Digby was incensed that Stockley was incensed.  The referee spoke to the assistant.   Both of them received yellow cards, giving a total of five for the half.

Lee won a corner for Charlton, but a free kick was given to Cambridge.

It had been a scrappy half.   Steve Brown thought that Cambridge had caught Charlton by surprise a bit, they were edging it.  They moved the ball well and had a good set up.  There was not the fluidity of Tuesday night.  There may be some tiredness because of Tuesday. We barely had any moves where we had five, six, seven passes. We had struggled to create anything worthwhile.  Clean sheet mentality was everything.   That was the most animated he had seen Johnnie Jackson.

HT: 1-0

Dobson did well to get back for Charlton and win the ball as Cambridge came at Charlton in the wintry conditions, the rain continuing.   After a pass from Clare, Washington put in a shot that was deflected.  The corner, taken short, led to a goal kick.

Clare fouled Brophy and got a yellow card as Cambridge players surrounded the referee and called for him to be sent off.   The free kick was in a dangerous position.  Gilbey cleared it away.

Leko drilled in an effort that was saved.   As Charlton rebuilt, Gilbey had to stall his run because he was worried about being offside.

Dunk went down holding his face after contact with Washington who got booked, the eighth yellow card of a fractious game.   The interruption slowed Charlton's momentum.

May shot and MacGillivray made a good save.   A shot by Washington was blocked as the game went end to end.   The atmosphere in The Valley was building with a torrent of noise.

Purrington missed the ball but Williams put in a tame shot after a moment of panic.  Leko showed great control, but the cross was cleared away.    MacGillivray came out to deny the angle from Smith and stop an equaliser.   DJ came on in place of Leko to provide fresh legs.

Pearce was forced to concede a corner, it would have been too risky to clear.   Purrington went down holding his left side.   He had to be taken off as a precaution bearing in mind future games and Souare came on.

Pearce fouled Ironside and received the ninth yellow card of the game.   Cambridge made a change, Gibbs coming on.   Smith ran forward and got past Souare but put the ball just wide of the post.

Famewo shielded the ball well from the lively Smith.   Pearce did well against Ironside.  

In the 88th minute Washington made it 2-0 after Souare put in a decent cross.   Washington dragged it back out to give a little more space.

Three minutes were added on.   Stockley put in a shot that went just over the bar as Souare found freedom on the left and put in a cross.  Washington advanced but couldn't get past two players, denying him a third.

Johnnie Jackson is now the most successful manager in Charlton history in the first ten games, a 70 per cent record.

Steve Brown said the performance was flat, but it was six points from six.  The opposition created chances and didn't take them, we did.   Charlton had been resilient when we had to be.   Graham Stuart said that Charlton were a hard side to beat.

Steve Brown said that Cambridge do make life difficult for you, they have some good players.   There were a couple of potential penalty calls.

Craig MacGillivray said it was a scrappy game.   We all enjoy defending, it means a lot us as a team, we want to keep clean sheets.  We all fight for each other.  If you're going to be a successful team you have to find different ways of winning.   The run we're on at the moment is very, very good but we're not getting ahead of ourselves.  

Steve Brown said that the keeper took a few games to settle in, but since then he had been outstanding.  The stats showed that it was a very tight game.

Johnnie Jackson said: 'Really pleased with the win, not as pretty as I would like, but a win's a win.  Conor and Jayden have a formidable partnership.   Conor is tireless in his work and his running.  You've got your keeper to thank, some big moments at 1-0, two real good chances where he's made some excellent saves.  Cambridge have a lot of quality at the top end of the pitch.  It was important that we kept eleven on the pitch, they showed some discipline, Sean Clare was on a yellow card and came up with some big tackles.  This is our last clear week for some time so we have to be careful how we train and recover.'

When not if for Jackson

It's a matter of when not if Johnnie Jackson loses the caretaker tag, argues Richard Cawley: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nobody-can-argue-that-johnnie-jackson-needs-to-lose-caretaker-tag-after-his-charlton-clean-up-job/

A decision certainly needs to be taken in time for the transfer window.

Cambridge want to enjoy the occasion

'Little Cambridge' want to be competitive and enjoy the occasion when they come to The Valley tomorrow.  They are full of praise for Johnnie Jackson: https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/sport/little-cambridge-united-aiming-to-douse-on-fire-charlton-9229917/

Cambridge won 5-0 at Cheltenham on Tuesday.   It seems to have been in large part a below par performance by Cheltenham, but it shows that Cambridge can score goals.  They have now won three games away from home and drawn three.    If they weren't draw specialists at home, they might be higher up the table.

CAS Trust says that the first half of their season has been unpredictable and points out that it is nearly thirty years since our last encounter with them: https://www.castrust.org/2021/12/cambridge-unpredictable/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cambridge-unpredictable

Jackson stymied on new contracts for key players

Johnnie Jackson says that he cannot sort out the contract situations of Ben Purrington and Conor Washington until his own situation is resolved, which is another reason for taking a decision soon.  However, he says that they are very much part of his plans: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-asked-about-contract-talks-for-charlton-duo-conor-washington-and-ben-purrington/

'The Cat' fell out of favour with Adkins and indeed with some Charlton fans who insisted he was useless.  However, Jackson sees him very much as a confidence player suited to the wing back role.

Stockley: we can still go up

Jayden Srockley is convinced that promotion is still possible for Charlton, despite the points gap to the top six: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jayden-stockley-promotion-is-still-achievable-for-charlton-athletic/

Stockley discusses Tuesday's game, saying that Charlton went toe to toe with Ipswich.

An appeal has been issued for Macaulay Bonne and Joe Pigott who went missing in SE7 on Tuesday evening.  A Charlton spokesman said they had not been seen in the area on Tuesday evening, but Bonne was last seen in Kent trying to hit a barn door with a ball.

Gilbey wants Jackson as manager

Alex Gilbey is 'desperate' for Johnnie Jackson to be appointed manager, the latest senior player to endorse his candidacy: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/alex-gilbey-im-desperate-for-johnnie-jackson-to-be-appointed-charlton-athletics-permanent-manager-now/

It would be good if an announcement could be made at or before Saturday's game.

Gilbey is in a car share with Elliot Lee and George Dobson, perhaps reminiscent of the famous 1990s car share from the Brighton area involving Steve Brown and John Robinson among others: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/alex-gilbey-reveals-that-connection-with-midfield-partners-elliot-lee-and-george-dobson-extends-beyond-the-charlton-midfield/

Charlton bounce back

Charlton bounced back from the disappointment of Shrewsbury with a good performance and a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at The Valley.

For the first portion of the first half the two sides cancelled each other out in a rather scrappy encounter.  There was little action in either box.

A Purrington cross was put over the bar by DJ.

Washington made a great run, the keeper saved but Stockley put the ball low and hard in the net on 26 minutes.

A lunging challenge on Gilbey led to a booking for Donacien.

Gilbey fed Stockley but the ball went across the goal.  

A Washington shot was blocked for a corner.   Stockley's free header went wide.

HT: Addicks 1, Tractors 0

An effort by Purrington was saved after Washington had turned provider.  It was a very good save.

Purrington put in a cross across goal, but there was no one there to receive it after a well constructed move by Charlton.

A header from Lee was just over the bar, Purrington having fed him.

Joe Pigott came on in place of Fraser on 64 minutes.  A shot by Lee was saved, another chance for Charlton.   Clare almost caught the keeper out in play following a corner.

Pearce got a yellow card for a foul.   DJ came off and Leko came on.   Aluko came off for Ipswich and Chaplin came on/  A great run by Gilbey led to a Charlton corner.

The keeper made yet another good save from Washington.   Following a free kick won by Purrington, Walton had to make another good save from Washington.

On 87 minutes Gilbey scored drilling the ball to the right hand side of the keeper.  The move started with great patience by Washington then Lee put the ball through and Gilbey evaded the defenders.

Four minutes were added on but Charlton were comfortable as the revving of reversing tractors echoed from the Jimmy Seed.   Addicks to Victory rang round The Valley.

Charlton made 18 attempts to eight, eight on target.

Curbs said you couldn't pick out a man of the match because there were so many.   It was a thumping 2-0 victory.   We never allowed Ipswich to get going after the first ten minutes.

Matt Holland said that Charlton were more positive in their passing and their play.

Jayden Stockley said: 'I feel great, a bit sore now.   There's always that fear at 1-0.  Both teams cancelled each other out a bit in the first 20 minutes, it needed that goal.  We played some really nice stuff.  In terms of clear cut chances we had a lot.   Our defence has been amazing, DJ put in a shift. We're coming into the best form of the season now as a unit.  Everyone feels part of it.  It was phenomenal to hear the Valley rocking.  Gilbey deserved that goal.  I want to finish my career here and look back on impressive numbers.'

Johnnie Jackson said: 'I'm really pleased, it was a wonderful night for us.  It was an even start.  Even before the goal we started to get on top.  We played some lovely football at times, we should have scored more goals.   We have to be more clinical.   Gilbey feels he should score more goals, which he should, but he's been outstanding for me.  We missed Jason Pearce.  There's going to be some tired lads after that game, we have to manage the training carefully.'

Ipswich's interim boss praised the job Johnnie Jackson is doing at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ipswich-town-interim-boss-mcgreal-complimentary-about-johnnie-jacksons-charlton/

Louis Mendez was full of praise for the Charlton performance in his four takeaways: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-0-win-over-ipswich-town-the-addicks-find-another-level/

Tractors head for happy hunting ground

Macauley Bonne will have a point to prove when he plays for Ipswich against Charlton at The Valley tonight.   Since joining the Tractors, he has found the barn door: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/macauley-bonne-may-have-extra-motivation-on-charlton-return-joe-pigott-also-has-strong-links-to-addicks/

The East Anglian press are billing this as 'the battle of the caretakers', but admit that it is 'now or never' time as the Tractors seek to get out of the mud and into gear.   Ipswich have not lost at The Valley since 2008 and have won four and drawn once since then: https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/ipswich-town/charlton-athletic-v-ipswich-town-preview-8543910

Ipswich have won three games away, drawn one and lost five.    Charlton are 7th in the form table and Ipswich are 13th.

Jackson pleased with pizza choice

Johnnie Jackson is pleased with the Papa Johns home draw against Milton Keynes Dons as Charlton continue their bid to reach Wembley: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-gives-his-verdict-on-efl-trophy-draw-against-milton-keynes/

I was surprised at how negatively some Charlton fans reacted to the FA Cup draw against Norwich.  It's a home draw against a Premier League team and one we have some chance of beating.

Cook exit poses problems for Charlton

Johnnie Jackson says that preparations for tomorrow's match against Ipswich Town have been made trickier by the exit of manager Paul Cook: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-caretaker-boss-johnnie-jackson-gives-his-reaction-to-paul-cooks-ipswich-exit/

Cook went after the 0-0 FA Cup draw with Barrow.  The Tractors were hoping for a higher league place after splashing the cash in the summer.

It is not yet known who will be in caretaker charge.   Players can react to the departure of a manager in two ways.  They can become disoriented or they may feel relieved and have more freedom to express themselves.

Jason Pearce will be available for the game.  Johnnie Jackson also provides an update on other injuries: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-injury-update-club-captain-jason-pearce-set-to-be-available-for-ipswich-match/

6-0 win for 'ruthless' Charlton

Charlton were 'ruthless' in their 6-0 victory over Northampton Town in the FA Youth Cup according to the Under 18s coach of the Cobblers: https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/coach-goddard-still-proud-after-young-cobblers-are-well-beaten-by-charlton-in-fa-youth-cup-3482765

To the Londoners 2-0

Charlton progressed to the 3rd round of the FA Cup tonight with a 2-0 win over Gateshead.  A first half header was scored by Jayden Stockley from an excellent assist from Conor Washington.  A Ben Purrington shot was then deflected in by Stockley in the second half.

Gateshead played their part in the game, although not to the extent that the biased ITV4 commentary tried to suggest.   They had their opportunities, but lost their composure in front of goal.  Stephen Henderson had to make three saves in succession to keep them out ar the end of the match.

Deji Elerewe had an excellent game at centre half and was praised by Stockley afterwards.  DJ started well, but faded in the second half and was eventually substituted.

Johnnie Jackson was impressed with how Gateshead tried to play football: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/i-hope-they-go-up-jackson-heaps-praise-on-gutsy-gateshead-after-charlton-progress-in-fa-cup/

Jacko was relieved to get the win: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnsie-jackson-relieved-as-charlton-edge-past-non-league-gateshead-in-the-fa-cup/

David versus Goliath?

Gateshead boss Mike Williamson reckons they are capable of beating anyone on the night: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gateshead-boss-mike-williamson-targets-22351277

Williamson played 150 times for Newcastle: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/newcastle-mike-williamson-fa-cup-25593073

Washington wants contract talks

Conor Washington is hoping that contracts will start soon, presumably once the managerial question is settled: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-striker-hoping-for-contract-talks-early-in-2022/

We need to retain the Northern Ireland international.

He played up front

Andy Hunt recalls his time at Charlton which he says was a really well-run club.  He is now back in football 'big time': https://www.secretfootballer.com/p/exclusive-interview-andy-hunt?fbclid=IwAR3DjymkY2mvSYWmx5dEQG585X32x1nQRnhZtkAYPVNgceX7Iorc-zImtgQ

Of Curbs he says: 'I think he was an extremely professional manager and extremely approachable and even when I was having a rough time at the end of my career he was just great about it, he was really understanding.  He could well have gone on to take other jobs too, I don’t really know why he didn’t, who knows?'

Fan-led review would have saved Charlton from grief

There has been some push back from Premier League clubs against the fan-led review and the idea of an independent regulator, one dismissing it as a 'Maoist' idea.   The Charlton Dossier is clear that the proposals would have saved Charlton from the depredations of a succession of owners: https://thecharltondossier.com/the-fan-led-review-would-it-have-saved-charlton-from-grief/

More pizza progress

Charlton beat Aston Villa under 21s 2-1 tonight in front of a crowd of 1,283 including Thomas Sandgaard.

Mason Burstow put the Addicks ahead in the first half.   Villa equalised, but shortly afterwards Jayden Stockley was brought down and scored from the penalty spot  on 43 minutes.

An Albie Morgan free kick rattled the inside of the post on 55 minutes.

Stockley made way for Leko on 65 minutes with Friday in mind.

Harness had a good game in goal.

Johnnie Jackson said: 'Really pleased. The most important thing was that we got through. But some good performances in there and good football at times. Some things to learn from as we do every week. But a good night’s work in all.'

The draw for the third round is on Saturday, still regionalised.

Sandgaard stays on

Thomas Sandgaard was originally going to return to the US on Sunday, but is now staying on until the Cambridge United fixture on December 11th.   He is spending a lot of time talking to Johnnie Jackson and the caretaker manager is hopeful of a positive outcome: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-caretaker-jackson-hoping-for-positive-outcome-soon-to-managerial-discussions-as-sandgaard-extends-stay-in-uk/

Wholesale changes tonight

Johnnie  Jackson is going to make wholesale changes for tonight's pizza trophy game against Aston Villa, seeing it as an opportunity to use the squad.   However, he still wants to put out a strong squad: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-set-to-be-much-changed-for-efl-trophy-tie-against-aston-villa/ 

Clarion call from Thanet on cup

Banana skin or the cup that cheers?   VOTV editor Rick Everitt makes the case for taking our cup clash with Gateshead seriously: http://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2021-22-blogs/29-11-it-can-be-the-cup-that-cheers-at-last/

The Rickster has further commented: 'Disappointing to hear that the club are not planning to run a supporters’ coach to Gateshead. I think that’s a poor decision that lets down some of the most diehard fans for the sake of risking a few hundred pounds, which is easily offset by profit they have made on other journeys.

Remember that the club will get a cut of ticket revenue from this game - if it chooses to accept it - and presumably a share of the TV fee too. Plus there is substantial prize money if they win the game.

I suspect this is a decision based on not understanding the fan base rather than the financial impact of possibly running with low numbers, which is trivial.'

One fan remarked: 'Especially with the replay, meaning fans had to wait 10 days to see who we played whilst travel and hotels prices increased each day.'

Update: the club has changed its position and will take bookings from this morning.

Stockley to feature in Villa clash

Jayden Srockley will get some game time in tomorrow night's pizza trophy clash with Aston Villa undre 21s, helping him to return to match fitness after his suspension: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-striker-jayden-stockley-set-to-feature-in-efl-trophy-against-aston-villa-u21s/

He will also qualify for a free pizza with choice of toppings.

Souare disappointed on Saturday

In his four takeaways from the defeat at Shrewsbury, Louis Mendez thought that Papa Souare was disappointing, a view shared by some fans on social media.   He was really brought in as cover when Purrington was injured: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-defeat-at-shrewsbury-an-ugly-end-to-an-untidy-contest/

All set for a cup classic

The Non-League Paper reckons that Friday night's game at the International Stadium between Gateshead and Charlton has all the makings of a FA Cup classic: 'A Friday night under the floodlights pitching an in-form National League North club against a former Premier League side now struggling for consistency in League One.'

The NLP points out that Charlton have not won more than one game in the same FA Cup campaign for eight years.

Gateshead was beset by unscrupulous individuals who nearly wrecked the club, an all too familiar tale in football.  They are now controlled by a supporter-led consortium.  They have remained a full-time club and are viewed as 'one of the most attractive clubs in Non-League's second tier.'

We need to put out a strong side to avoid the humiliation of another defeat by a non-league side on television (Northwich Victoria) and because there is a chance of securing a really exciting tie in the third round.

 

Bitter blow in time added on

Charlton's unbeaten run came to an end at Shrewsbury with a 1-0 defeat in an ugly and uninspiring game.

Charlton fans had a nightmare journey with trains to Shrewsbury suspended.   Fans had to get taxis from Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Crewe with one fan paying £65 for a Uber from Crewe.   It was a very cold day with a strong swirling wind creating difficult conditions at Montgomery Waters Meadow.  In attendance of 6,158 there were 949 Charlton fans, many arriving during the first half.

Johnnie Jackson praised the fans who battled through the travel chaos: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-pays-tribute-to-charlton-fans-who-battled-through-travel-chaos-to-see-team-at-shrewsbury/

Shrewsbury won an early corner from a free kick and the home side came close to opening the scoring.

An unforced error gave the home side another corner after seven minutes.   Charlton had been pegged back and were uncomfortable in possession.

MacGillivray had to make a great save from Bloxham at the expense of a corner.   Soare was not with his man and allowed a cross to come in.

Clare matched Bowman physically in a superb defensive move.   Shrewsbury had once again got down Charlton's left hand side.   

Gilbey took a shot on 21 minutes from the edge of the penalty area driving it low and the keeper did well to put it away for a corner.  Charlton won a second corner.   It was taken short and cleared.

Blackett-Taylor made a great run, Washington attacked the ball and Bennett cleared it off the line for a corner.   Charlton had a spell of possession and increased the pressure.  Shrewsbury pulled a lot of players back to defend their penalty area.   The Addicks were finally getting a grip on the game, having weathered the early storm.

Pike had to limp off for Shrewsbury.   Charlton won another corner.  The substitute came on.  

Shrewsbury were often playing with a back line of five and two central midfielders in front of them, making it difficult to get in behind.   Charlton were almost 70 per cent in possession, but had not created very much.

HT: 0-0

An effort from Washington after a run by Blackett-Taylor was saved and then saved again, Charlton winning a corner.

Shrewsbury won a free kick in a dangerous area, Famewo being booked.  

A shot by Lee was parried.   A shot from Bloxham went over the bar.

Davison was taken off and replaced by Leko.   After some minutes he won a corner for Charlton.  Good work by Lee led to a second corner which was cleared away.

Shrewsbury were happy to sit back and wait for a Charlton mistake.   They made a striker substitution, like for like physically.

Soare got a booking for a foul.   DJ came on for Blackett-Taylor.   Famewo had to defend at the expense of a corner.   Soare headed away.  The game was very scrappy with players anxious not to make a mistake.

Leko dug the ball out well and Charlton won a corner.   Lee was booked for dissent.   Clare was booked for a foul.

Four minutes were added on.   Perhaps inevitably, Udoh scored, a foul on Dobson being ignored by the referee.  Jason Euell was booked.

Curbs thought we laboured, any quality was few and far between.  We didn't keep the ball patiently enough in the final third.   Elliot never really got going today.   The conditions did not allow us to control the game.

Jacko said he was really disappointed with the nature of the goal, long throw in our box.  In the late stage of the game you had to have that killer mentality.   We had switched off for a second and it cost us.  In the second half of the first half we were dominant and then we stopped passing in the second half and when we did do it it was slow.   The quality of our cross was particularly poor.   Once we stand back we can be pleased with how it's going.  Today wasn't our day.

Johnnie Jackson was disappointed by aspects of his side's performance, but said that they will bounce back from their defeat: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-caretaker-johnnie-jackson-says-side-will-bounce-back-from-first-defeat-and-reveals-complaint-about-manner-of-shrewsbury-winner/

Life as a pitch announcer at the Valley

In this podcast Brian Cole talks about being a pitch announcer at Charlton.  There's a lot of stuff about United and West Brom to start with and Brian starts talking at around 12 minutes: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1190093/9601353

Henderson: I'm to blame for not reaching my full potential

Stephen Henderson says that he is keen to ensure that the next generation does not make the same mistakes as he made physically and mentally.   He is now older and wiser.   

In a revealing interview, he discusses his time with the Glaziers and the negative impact of Roland Duchatelet at Charlton, a cautionary note for those who insist that Thomas Sandgaard is no better.  Playing against Havant and Waterlooville was a big deal for Henderson: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-keeper-stephen-henderson-im-to-blame-for-not-reaching-my-full-potential/

One fan commented, 'It's refreshing to hear a play come across with such honesty.'

Sandgaard hopes for category one academy status

Thomas Sandgaard is hopeful that Charlton will soon join the 28 clubs who have category one academy status: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/it-wont-be-long-addicks-owner-thomas-sandgaard-confident-on-gaining-category-1-academy-status/

Sandgaard also talks about Deji Elerewe, it looks as if his agent made talks to secure his signature difficult.

Shrewsbury offer a physical challenge

Jonathan Leko should be available for Saturday's match at Shrewsbury.   Johnnie Jackson also discusses Papa Souare and Harry Arter who is fit but hasn't been getting game time because other players have been doing so well in his position: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-injury-news-leko-set-to-available-as-souare-and-arter-absences-explained/

Jason Pearce is a doubt and we will also miss Jayden Stockley against a physical Shrewsbury side.  They drew 1-1 with Sunderland midweek despite playing with 10 men for almost all the second half.   Their home record is much better than their away record where they have not won a match.  At home they have won four, drawn two and lost three.

The match with Charlton is regarded as a stern test: https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/football/shrewsbury-town-fc/2021/11/26/shrewsbury-town-urged-to-repeat-sunderland-display-against-charlton/

Manager Steve Cotterill reckons that the two teams play a similar formation and is hoping to avoid a hat trick of red cards: https://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/2021/november/steve-cotterill-previews-towns-fixture-with-charlton-athletic/

CAS Trust warn that the Shrews have improved their home form: https://www.castrust.org/2021/11/the-shrews-are-no-pushover/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-shrews-are-no-pushover

Jacko's optimism after talks

Johnnie Jackson has had positive discussions this week and is optimistic about the outcome: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-caretaker-boss-johnnie-jackson-optimistic-about-outcome-of-talks/

Trust backs review of football

CAS Trust has welcomed the fan-led review into football chaired by Tracey Crouch MP.  It discusses Charlton's involvement and the implications for the club: https://www.castrust.org/2021/11/cast-backs-the-fan-led-review-report/

Another manager demands sending off for Charlton

It seems that it is now the fashion for opposition managers to demand that Charlton players be sent off.  Hot on the heels of Sunderland charm merchant Lee Johnson, Shrimpers supremo Stephen Robinson says that Chris Gunter should have been sent off last night: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/morecambe-boss-felt-charlton-defender-chris-gunter-should-have-been-sent-off/

Jacko has good discussion with Sandgaard

Johnnie Jackson says he has had some 'good discussions' with Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard and all the feedback has been positive: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/good-discussion-johnnie-jackson-asked-about-update-over-charlton-boss-job-situation/

Jackson was disappointed that the referee did not award a foul for a trip by Stockton before the ball went out for the corner from which Morecambe equalised: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-caretaker-boss-unhappy-that-foul-went-unpunished-just-before-morecambe-equaliser/

Even if he wasn't a relative of Trevor Kettle, last night's balding referee was certainly part of his school of refereeing.   I have seen much better young referees in non-league football.

All square at the Mazuma

Curbs said before the match that it would be as big a test as against Plymouth and it proved to be the case.   Charlton have dropped back to 14th after a 2-2 draw.

In the second minute DJ drilled in a good cross after being set up by Davison and the keeper put it in his own net.

Gilbey made a great run, but Davison put the ball over and was justifiably annoyed with himself.

A great clearance by MacGillivray saw Washington forge forward on route one and chip over the keeper to make it 2-0 on 27 minutes.

Morecambe were back in the game immediately.  Gunter brought down Stockton and got a yellow card.   The penalty was scored by the striker to make it 1-2.

Peter Shirtliff thought we have been a bit wasteful after a bright start.   There had been opportunities where the end product had not been clear cut.   The players could do better as they had great technical ability.

Curbs said we had not been patient and precise enough.   It had been scrappy.   Steve Brown said that there had been a lot of sloppy passes and sloppy play.   We had to elevate our game by five to ten per cent. Fatigue was setting in.  [The pitch was rather heavy with sand, presumably from the bay].

HT: Shrimpers 1, Addicks 2

Following a Morecambe corner, they hit the bar but Famewo had been fouled.

DJ put in a great long pass to Washington, but Morecambe defended well.

Dobson got a yellow card for a foul.    Morecambe made a substitution, Dufus going off and Philips coming on.

Morecambe got a free kick in a dangerous position, but it was put wide.

From a corner O'Connor equalised with a free header to make it 2-2. on 71 minutes.   A tiring DJ came off and Blackett-Taylor came on.

Following a Charlton corner, there was a scramble in front of goal but no one could score.   Kirk replaced Gunter.  On 85 minutes Burston replaced Davidson.  Unfortunately, Davison is out of his depth.

The referee blew the whistle just as Dobson was about to pull the trigger.

The pundits

Curbs said it was a laboured performance, there were a lot of misplaced passes, we never got going in the second half.   The fans were drained in the second half because of the performance.  The game was drifting away from us.   Steve Brown said it just petered out later in the second half.

Steve Brown said we had twelve to six opportunities on goal and twice as many on target.  We weren't as sharp as on Saturday.

Conor Washington said it was a tough game, we knew it was going to be tough.  We were a little bit sloppy in possession, two poor goals to concede, but as strikers we have to do better.

Johnnie Jackson we started really well.  Getting pegged back from 2-0 up was disappointing, but it was another point on the board.   Were the energy levels quite there, maybe a little bit sloppy in some of our play. It's a tough place to come.  Our attitude was spot on, the boys tried their best.   We had enough chances to win the game, we didn't test the goalie enough.   The penalty gave them a lift.  It's a good run, six games unbeaten.  

Shrewsbury would be another similar test, I have to see how our squad are tomorrow.   Can we turn up there with the right attitude?   We have to find ways of freshening it.   Curbs said he didn't have many bodies to make changes.

Steve Brown said we had to be careful not to lose the game.

Jacko: my debt to Chris Powell

Johnnie Jackson says he looks back to how Chris Powell managed and got the best out of him as he discusses the ways in which he has changed things at Charlton, demanding greater intensity in training: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/charlton-athletic-johnnie-jackson-interview-b967720.html

Morecambe confident of netting Charlton

Morecambe are confident that they can match Charlton in tonight's game with the 'new manager bounce' coming to an end: https://www.morecambefc.com/news/2021/november/mcloughlin-ready-for-addicks-test/

The Shrimps are currently 18th in the table and third from bottom in the form table where Charlton are third from top.  At home they have won three, drawn two and lost three.

They won Saturday's derby with Fleetwood 2-1 after a 94th minute wonder goal from the centre circle scored by Cole Stockton.   Stockton is joint top scorer in League One with twelve goals.

Ben Purrington and Akin Famewo would pick up a suspension if they were booked in the game, but it then goes to ten games: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-key-duo-walking-disciplinary-tightrope-at-morecambe/

Mason Burstow will be in the squad tonight and has been praised by Johnnie Jackson: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/teen-striker-mason-burstow-has-earned-his-promotion-to-charlton-athletics-senior-squad/

Hasselbaink wants Charlton job

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is keen to become Charlton manager, but he is only one of a hundred applicants for the vacant position: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/burton-albion-boss-hasselbaink-keen-on-charlton-athletic-boss-job/

He has done a decent job with limited resources at Burton and he is certainly better than some of the external candidates that have been mentioned.

Fans and players continue to declare their enthusiasm for Johnnie Jackson, but this will be a business decision taken by the owner.   If it was down to me, I would give Jackson a 18-month contract, but I am not the person paying the bills.

As for a mass exodus of fans if Jacko is not appointed, if I had left every time I was dissatisfied with a managerial appointment, I would have left multiple times.   I still haven't got over Dowie who did us real damage (Karel Fraeye was just a joke in bad taste).

Clare adapts to his new role

Sean Clare reckons that Charlton have every chance of getting back in the promotion race.   He also says that he is enjoying playing as a centre back, something he has never professionally, although he started that way as a kid: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sean-clare-plymouth-triumph-lays-down-a-marker-in-charltons-season/

Clare is the latest player to endorse Johnnie Jackson as manager, saying that he knows what he wants from every single player: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sean-clare-adds-voice-to-list-of-players-praising-mr-charlton-johnnie-jackson/

In his four takeaways from the Plymouth game, Louis Mendez praises Sean Clare for the way he has slotted in and also singles out Ben Purrington.   The Cat has got three goals in four, but not so long ago some Charlton fans were writing him off as usless (certainly Atkins didn'r rate him): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-0-win-over-table-topping-plymouth-dont-look-a-gift-horse-in-the-mouth/

Thomas's son to focus on Charlton

Thomas Sandgaard's son Martin is to stay on in London in the long term and will take care of the footballing side at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/martin-sandgaard-to-stay-in-uk-with-his-focus-purely-on-football-side-of-charlton-athletic/

His father says he is well versed in modern as opposed to traditional football.   Although this is not stated in the report, presumably he will play a part in the search for a new manager at Charlton.

It is not clear how this development affects Ged Roddy's role.

Charlton go 12th after Valley win

Charlton beat Plymouth Argyle 2-0 at The Valley this afternoon to end the table topping side's unbeaten run.  The Addicks are now 12th in the table.

Plymouth manager Ryan Lowe said' We weren't quite at our best while Charlton were.   We were beaten by the better team.' 

The Addicks almost went ahead after seven minutes, when George Dobson pounced on sloppy defensive work, only to pull his shot off target.  After further Charlton pressure, where they forced a number of corners, Elliott Lee put a Dobson cross just off the outside of the post on 22 minutes.

Plymouth started to get into the contest and just before the half hour mark Ryan Hardie beat the offside trap but goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray saved well.

Charlton still dominated the rest of the half, but were unable to find a way to make their superiority count.

It was 0-0 at half time.   They suffered a blow 10 minutes after the restart, when captain Jason Pearce was forced off the field with injury.

Former Argyle player Ben Purrinton opening the score against his former club in the 61st minute.  Dobson received a short corner and delivered an angled cross which reached The Cat beyond the far past and he drilled a shot past Cooper in the Plymouth goal. 

In the 84th minute Conor Washington raced past the Plymouth defence to make it 2-0.

Substitute Mason Burstow tweeted: 'Buzzing to make my league debut in a packed out Valley, making my family and friends proud!! Fans were absolutely amazing, thanks for all the support! Been a dream of mine since I started playing football. Big game, Big win.'

Johnnie Jackson gives his reaction to the game and whether he would be prepared to revert to assistant manager: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-a-hit-as-charlton-caretaker-boss-would-he-be-prepared-to-go-back-to-assistants-role/

Stockley ban upheld but Famewo is back

Jayden Stockley's three match ban has been upheld, but Akin Famewo's booking for time wasting has been transferred to Ben Purrington who picked up the ball first.  Famewo will thus be available for today's game against Plymouth Argyle: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jayden-stockley-ban-is-upheld-but-charlton-get-major-boost-on-akin-famewo/

The SLP's Louis Mendez commented: 'How we can claim this was ‘mistaken identity’ is a bit weird as clearly Kettle booked who he wanted to book. But the fact the authorities have gone with it shows they must have felt it was a harsh yellow.'

Jason Pearce's motivation to prove Adkins wrong

Jason Pearce thought of leaving Charlton last summer after what he thought was a 'disappointing' conversation with Nigel Adkins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-captain-jason-pearce-i-had-real-motivation-to-prove-people-wrong-especially-nigel-adkins/

Jackson is not a shoo in

Thomas Sandgaard is to wait a month before making a decision about the next Charlton manager.  While appreciating what Johnnie Jackson has done, Sandgaard emphasises that it is a business decision, not a fans' popularity decision: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-thomas-sandgaard-gives-update-on-charlton-athletic-managerial-situation/

Discussions have been held with Aston Villa assistant manager Michael Beale who spent eight years in the Charlton academy.

One fan commented on social media: 'I think Sandgaard is possibly trying to figure out still if he's ready because yes there's the honeymoon period when we get the wins in but will Jackson be able to turn around a bad result in the future? Does he have the know-how to work the transfer market? I'm sure there's a few other skills in the job that we don't even consider as fans.'

VOTV editor Rick Everitt has commented: 'I think TS has handled the manager appointment just fine so far, but “30 days” is a hostage to fortune if Charlton carry on winning. And if they don’t it could look like he was waiting for the team to start losing to appoint someone like Hasselbaink (no thanks).

Blackett-Taylor signs up

Corey Blackett-Taylor has signed an 18 month contract extension: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-winger-ends-uncertainty-as-he-signs-contract-extension/

Dismissed by some fans as 'scraping the barrel' when he first signed, there is a recognition that his pace adds something to the squad.

Sam Lavelle has the same injury as Jason Pearce and that kept the skipper out for three months: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sam-lavelle-suffered-exact-same-groin-injury-as-charlton-captain-jason-pearce/

Jacko looking forward to tactical battle

Johnnie Jackson is looking forward to pitting his tactical wits against his old pal Ryan Lowe in Saturday's game with table topping Plymouth Argyle: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-caretaker-boss-johnnie-jackson-relishing-tactical-battle-against-plymouth-pal-ryan-lowe/

The CAS Trust match preview is here: https://www.castrust.org/2021/11/another-unbeaten-run-to-bite-the-dust/

So it's the 'Heed

I thought that Altrincham would beat Gateshead at home, but all credit to the National League North side.  Courtesy of Leamington TV, you can see some highlights of the 'Heed playing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PSTWh6hjIQ

Matt Holland's struggle with colour blindness

Five minutes into his Charlton Athletic debut, Matt Holland was struggling. Not because of a lack of fitness, or a lack of understanding with his new team-mates, but because he could barely tell his own side from the opposition.

Charlton, in their red shirts, were away at Plymouth Argyle, whose home kit is green, as part of a pre-season tour in 2003.

Being colour blind, Holland could not distinguish between the two, and only by focusing intently on the different designs of the respective sides’ shorts could he tell the difference.

Every time I looked up, all I could see was one colour,” Holland told The Athletic of that day in Plymouth. “I ran over to the dugout. Mervyn Day was assistant manager, with (manager) Alan Curbishley up in the stands. I said, ‘Merv, I have a big problem. I can’t tell the difference between the two teams here’. I was having to look at the shorts, which were different, but that isn’t great if you’re trying to do things quickly.

“He must have thought, ‘What the bloody hell have we signed?’ He told me I’d have to get on with it and that there was nothing they could do. I told them after it was a bit of an issue: I always did things quickly, one and two touches, and kept the ball moving. If I have an extra touch and have to look up that takes away from my game so I had to say I’ve got a problem here.

“We had green, orange, red bibs in training and he had to make sure I had a colour I could see. He was conscious in training that I got a colour I could tell my team-mates apart in, so I knew which team I was on.

“Those are the only times I’ve had major issues.”

Holland, 47, is now working in the media and adds: “I have had problems watching games, on TV and when I’ve been commentating, where the two teams are very similar. I have to really, really concentrate just to see the difference between the two.”

No early return for Inniss

Ryan Inniss is making a good recovery from his thigh injury, but Johnnie Jackson does not expect him back soon: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-caretaker-boss-jackson-provides-ryan-inniss-injury-update/

Stockley red card appeal

Charlton are to appeal the red card issued against Jayden Stockley, Johnnie Jackson also arguing that there should have been a penalty: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-to-appeal-jayden-stockleys-dismissal-at-burton-albion/

Trevor Kettle is notorious for issuing red cards when a yellow would do, but it is still allowed to carry on officiating.

He also loves flourishing a yellow card and Johnnie Jackson is incensed about the booking of Akin Famewo which means he will miss the Plymouth game: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ridiculous-charlton-boss-on-akin-famewo-caution-which-sees-him-miss-plymouth-match/

Three types of club in the National League says Alty chairman

 Altrincham's co-chairman talks about the club who are likely to host Charlton in the second round of the FA Cup.

“Money talks more than you might think,” says Bill Waterson, co-chairman of Altrincham. “That’s not unreasonable given that players have a very short playing career so they can’t afford to be altruistic. They have to maximise their earnings and it’s difficult to argue with that.”

Altrincham have been in the National League since the start of last season after winning the play-offs to land a return to the top tier of non-League after a five-year absence. They have a proud history outside the country’s top four leagues but since their return to this level last season, the gaps that have opened up within the league have grown more obvious.

“There are three types of club in the National League — the big clubs relying on the momentum of averaging over 5,000 spectators,” Waterson says. “There are the ambitious clubs that are not traditionally Football League clubs but have a big-money backer and are working their way up the pyramid. Then, there are those who don’t feel they can compete."

“The jump from one to another is quite substantial, as we are finding now trying to go from a club aiming to avoid the relegation zone to one challenging at the top. There is a chunk of clubs towards the bottom of the table who are biding their time. That’s an operating model which is, ‘Don’t worry about us, we’re just passing through’.

“We’re counting up to 50 points, so looking down rather than up in terms of what we expect to do this season, but our ambition is to be one of those smaller clubs competing with those traditionally bigger clubs. It’s about attitude as much as anything.”

If we are ever in a position to go up, we will be ready to go up and will be able to hold our own. It’ll be easier in some respects to hold our own in the Football League than it would be to get out of the National League just because of some of the resources that are available to the clubs at the top of this league.”

Dobson: how Adkins froze me out

George Dobson talks about being frozen out of the first team by Nigel Adkins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-midfielder-dobson-sunderland-situation-helped-me-cope-with-being-out-of-first-team-picture/ 

This was certainly one of the worst decisions taken by the former manager.

Man of the match performance from Pearce

Louis Mendez says that it was a man of the match performance by Jason Pearce at Burton yesterday and that is confirmed by The Football League Paper who made him star man.  Both he and Ben Purrington were in the paper's team of the day: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-tempestuous-1-0-win-at-burton-albion-a-chaotic-triumph-on-the-road/

The Times have selected our win at Burton as League One performance of the week.

Mendez says that the case for appointing Johnnie Jackson as permanent manager is now compelling.   It could be that an announcement will be made in front of the bumper crowd at the Plymouth Argyle game.

It looks like Alty

Gateshead supremo Mike Wilkinson says that his side will have to improve to get a surprise away win against Altrincham in Tuesday's replay which will determine which side face Charlton in a televised FA Cup clash.

The Altrincham squad has been hit by injuries and Covid cases, but a number of players highly rated by manager Phil Parkinson (not that one) are now returning.

Alty have lost three games in a row in the league and were fortunate to coming away with a point against Boreham Wood at home yesterday.   They are currently 12th in the National League.

Oshilaja is innocent says Hasselbaink

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says that Deji Oshilaja did not retaliate against Jayden Stockley and that Charlton caused them few problems in the game.   He says that in the second half 'it was all us' which leads one to question why they didn't have more shots on target: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/burton-boss-hasselbaink-deji-oshilaja-did-not-retaliate-charlton-did-not-cause-us-problems/

Johnnie Jackson says that losing Jayden Stockley is a blow and referee Trevor Kettle could have simply given two yellows.   He told his players to avoid going down to ten men in the second half: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-caretaker-johnnie-jackson-has-his-say-on-red-cards-for-stockley-and-oshilaja/

Match winner Ben Purrington is the latest player to say that he hopes Jackson is made permanent manager: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ben-purrington-i-hope-johnnie-jackson-gets-charlton-managers-gig-full-time/

Three points but a heavy price paid

Charlton piled on the pressure after the quarter hour mark with a succession of corners.  A big argument broke out in the penalty area after the third corner.  It looked as if Oshilaja was holding Stockley down.  He may have hit out with his arm.   Both players were sent off.   Steve Brown said at half time that he thought that neither the referee nor the assistant referee knew what was going on.

Charlton won another corner, Famewo flicked it on, bypassing two defenders and Purrington scored from within the six yard box.  He read the situation very well to score his third goal of the season. 

Lee got a yellow card after a trip.  The referee talked to both managers as they clashed in an increasingly heated atmosphere.  Jacko gave as good as he got from Hasselbaink. Kettle booked DJ for hitting the ball off the hoardings.

Hemmings was booked for a dive in the box.

Charlton had around two-thirds possession in the half.   Burton had not had a shot on target.  Five minutes were added on.  Famewo was booked for time wasting at a throw in.  This means he will be suspended for the next game.    The steaming Kettle booked someone in the tunnel.    Apparently it was Arter, an unused substitute.

HT: Brewers 0, Addicks 1

MacGillivray made a great save from Powell at the near post as Burton started on the front foot.  Charlton were able to clear the resultant corner.  

A good cross from Davison was headed behind before DJ could make use of it.   Josh Parker said afterwards that this was a bit of a wake up call.

Burton were playing further forward than in the first half.   At times Charlton struggled to get out of their half.

The hard working Davison who showed signs of tiring came off and was replaced by Blackett-Taylor. 

The 1,000 or so of Addicks fans in a crowd of 3,500 made a lot of noise. 

Famewo did superbly well to win a free kick for Charlton.   O'Connor shot straight at MacGillivray.

Good play from Lee teed up Purrington and led to a Charlton corner.  

On 83 minutes DJ, who had pointed to his groin, was replaced by Elerewe.    Gilbey headed away from a free kick.

Four minutes were added on.    Famewo made a great tackle and brought the ball away.   Lee made good covering defending and Charlton won a free kick.   Jacko and the players celebrated with the fans.

Steve Brown said that we were very resilient, something we had been over the last four or five games, it was a brilliant clean sheet.   Defensively we were doing things very well.   The balance of the side had changed, we had been too easy to play through.  We had a nice balance in centre midfield.  Gilbey covered run after run after run.

The Cat said the sending offs affected the way Charlton pressed.   In the second half Burton had a lot more of the ball.   We were showing that we were a solid compact unit, getting to know each other.  It was a completely different story, we knew what we were doing in possession.

Jacko said it was a great win, a strange game.  It was a proper away performance, you have to suck up a little bit of pressure.   We limited them to very few chances.   He thought that the referee should have booked both Oshilaja and Stockley.  I thought we had a real good shape about us.  What you need is that whole hearted honesty (referring to DJ).

 

Powell's verdict on caretaker management duo

Chris Powell says that making Johnnie Jackson captain was one of the best decisions he ever made as Charlton manager: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-chris-powell-gives-his-verdict-on-charlton-athletic-caretaker-management-duo-johnnie-jackson-and-jason-euell/

Powell hopes that Jacko and Jason Euell will be able to lead the club in the medium to long term.

Dilemma about playing today

Johnnie Jackson admits there were pros and cons to calling today's match against Burton Albion off: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-caretaker-boss-johnnie-jackson-it-would-have-been-a-real-dilemma-whether-to-call-off-burton-match/ 

CAS Trust also asks if we can win with a weakened team, recalling that the wheels fell off Lee Bowyer's campaign at the Pirelli Stadium last year: https://www.castrust.org/2021/11/momentum-to-continue-at-burton/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=momentum-to-continue-at-burton

Burton are currently 12th in the table, having won six, lost six and drawn four.

Former player backs Jacko as manager

Former player Jose Teixeira is the latest person to come forward and endorse the case for Johnnie Jackson to be manager.   The Portuguese centre back, now with Sint-Truiden in Belgium, played alongside Jackson and reckons that he was a warrior: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/former-charlton-centre-back-wants-to-see-johnnie-jackson-land-job-on-full-time-basis/

Apart from these positive endorsements, there aren't many available managers one would want anywhere near The Valley or the training ground.

The caretaker manager has hinted that he would like a permanent deal for Elliot Lee, something I would agree with and I suspect many other fans as well: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/i-really-like-him-as-a-player-charlton-caretaker-delighted-at-contribution-from-on-loan-luton-man/

Why Jackson is succeeding

An assessment of Johnnie Jackson's tenure as caretaker manager says that under Adkins Charlton were guilty of standing off their opponents, allowing them space to make a pass or take long distance strikes, but Jackson's side close the ball down quicker: https://londonfootballscene.co.uk/2021/11/11/johnnie-jacksons-rejuvenated-charlton-athletic-has-been-built-on-solid-foundations/

Elsewhere, Lee Bowyer must be delighted by the prospect of a 'controversial' new owner at Birmingham City: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/laurence-bassini-birmingham-takeover-watford-25438757

Jacko sees a tricky time at Burton

Up to seven first team players may be missing from the Charlton side for Saturday's away game with Burton Albion because of international duties and injuries: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/up-to-seven-first-team-charlton-athletic-players-may-miss-saturdays-match-at-burton-albion/

Apart from this Jacko says that preparing for the match will be tricky because the Brewers frequently change their formation and line ups: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-caretaker-jacko-reveals-why-it-is-more-tricky-to-prepare-for-jimmy-floyd-hasselbainks-burton-albion/

Preparing the team has been more difficult this week because they are a coach short and Jason Euell is away on England duty: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-a-coach-down-since-nigel-adkins-exit-and-jason-euell-away-on-england-u20-duty/