How Seed was sacked

What was the real story behind Jimmy Seed's departure from Charlton as distinct from the spin at the time?  https://retrocharlton.blogspot.com/2021/05/the-departure-of-jimmy-seed.html

Tangerine dream

Congratulations to Blackpool on securing promotion at Wembley.  As has been pointed out, only the best clubs start by conceding an early own goal and go on to win.

For all the joy we have had at Wembley, it would be good to go up automatically next year.

Welcome Ryan Viggars

Welsh under 17 striker Ryan Viggars has signed for Charlton from Sheffield United.  He impressed on a trial with Burnley earlier in the season: https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/sheffield-united-burnley-pull-plug-20301106

Viggars has said that he is 'delighted' to have signed a professional contract at Charlton and is looking forward to the new season.

Congratulations to the SLP's Louis Mendez on his marriage.

The Brentford model

CAS Trust take a look at Brentford as a model for Charlton, suggesting that the owners of the two clubs have key features in common: https://www.castrust.org/2021/05/brentford-a-model-for-charlton/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=brentford-a-model-for-charlton

Book published

My book on Political Football has now been published with some Charlton content:

Football has been largely exempt from the development of the regulatory state and has been left to govern itself. However, new media have raised the profile of the game and globalization has created new pressures as football clubs become pawns in the ambitions of states, consortia and wealthy individuals. Clubs offer an important sense of identity for fans, but the impersonality and distance of ownership can set up new tensions. In addition, corruption in the international governing body has been a significant problem and the sport’s symbiotic relationship with gambling continues to be a concern.

Wyn Grant examines the political economy of football and its uneasy relationship with the market. There are no off-the-shelf solutions for regulation, he argues, but the complexities of the game and its economic size demand more attention from government.

More information here: https://www.agendapub.com/

The waiting game

Nigel Adkins says that Charlton are playing a waiting game on the offers made to out of contract players including Chuks Aneke, Jason Pearce and Adam Matthews.  Decisions also have to be made about whether younger players can step up to the first team squad or should go out on loan: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/waiting-game-for-charlton-athletic-as-players-weigh-up-best-options-in-transfer-market/

No move across South London for Pigott

Joe Pigott has left Wimbledon, but Richard Cawley of the SLP thinks there is little or no chance of him joining Charlton.  He wants to play in the Championship and there is interest there with Luton Town in the frame.  He worked well with Nathan Jones when he was at Charlton.

Cawley has also squashed rumours that Cambridge United's Paul Mullin is under consideration as a summer signing.

Friendly with Celtic

Charlton will play Celtic in their first pre-season game.   The match will be held behind closed doors, but will be streamed free on Charlton TV: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-to-play-celtic-friendly-on-july-10-dartford-fixture-also-confirmed/

Charlton interested in Pompey keeper

Charlton are interested in out of contract Portsmouth goalkeeper Craig MacGillivraiy: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-charlton-athletic-interested-in-portsmouth-goalkeeper-craig-macgillivray/ 

There is the possibility of a contract extension, but this would mean a jump in wages and cash strapped Portsmouth are trying to cut back on their wages bill.

He started his career with Harrogate Railway, going on to Harrogate Town.  He has been called up for the Scotland squad once: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_MacGillivray_(footballer)

This does not mean that the club wants to get rid of Ben Amos, but he is also out of contract.

Gunter in Wales squad

Penrtebach, Ceredigion: Chris Gunter is in the 28 man Wales training camp for the Euros: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-man-makes-wales-28-man-squad-for-euro-2020-training-camp/

Portsmouth face up to Charlton's 'financial muscle'

Bit ironic that Portsmouth are complaining that they lack the financial muscle of Charlton, although player wages have been cut and there does seem to be a financial black hole: https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/portsmouth-boss-tackles-reality-of-facing-financial-muscle-of-likes-of-ipswich-town-charlton-athletic-and-sheffield-wednesday-next-season-with-reduced-playing-budget-3246314

Meanwhile, we will be facing Gobby again next season.

Shields clears the air

A very interesting report from a fellow blogger on an online encounter with former Addick Greg Shields.  I was under the impression that there had been a falling out with Alan Curbishley, but the story was far more complicated and it's good to hear what happened in more detail: http://drinkingduringthegame.blogspot.com/2021/05/an-evening-with-greg-shields.html 

Pratley shocked by his release

Darren Pratley said that his release by Charlton came as a real shock.   The gutted Pratley said that he was one of the fittest players in the squad.   However, Nigel Adkins told him he wanted to bring down the age of the squad (Charlton had the second oldest squad in League One): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-darren-pratley-on-his-charlton-athletic-exit-and-why-news-came-as-a-real-surprise/ 

Pratley certainly gave his all, even if this sometimes involved yellow and red cards, but I wouldn't dispute the call made by Nigel Adkins.

We don't need League Two cast offs

The rumour mill is starting to link Charlton with assorted League Two 'hotshots' but great caution is needed about these stories.

What often happens is something like this.  Felpersham Rovers think that 31-year old central defender Joe Journeyman is nearing his sell by date.   Known for gaining the largest number of yellow cards in League Two in a season, the clogger can be passed off as a defensive midfielder on the basis of his trademark hoof up the field.

Borchester Town are interested, but are unhappy about the £50k fee being asked by Rovers.  Journeyman's agent therefore has to make out that there is competition for the player's services.   So why not suggest some of the better off League One clubs are interested?   Jaded journos looking for clickbait are only too willing to run the story.

Last week we were 'linked' with a League Two central defender, today it is a Cambridge United 'hotshot'.  Our priority for a central defender should be Akin Famewo.

Maddison joins Spalding

Spalding United have signed Marcus Maddison who was let go by Charlton: https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/spaldingunited/news/marcus-maddison-commits-to-spalding-united-2617582.html

I hope that things work out for him and he is able to make use of his undoubted talent and rebuild his career.

Hopes for a quality sponsor

During the Roland Duchatelet era, Charlton had difficulty in attracting good sponsorship deals.  Indeed, some long-term sponsors pulled out altogether in disgust at the barmy Belgian's antics.

On the end of season show last night Wayne Mumford referred to a big multi million pound deal over three to five years that we’re in talks for. He didn’t say anything about who or what, but said that’s the type of people who are showing interest in us now and where we’re heading as a club to be able to start getting deals like that. 

There has been speculation that it could be a kit supplier.

'We are going up' says Sandgaard

Thomas Sandgaard is confident that Charlton are going to get promoted next season, he told Charlton TV's end of season show tonight: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/we-are-going-to-blow-it-out-of-the-division-charlton-owner-sandgaard-totally-confident-of-promotion/ 

Let's hope he's right, yet another season in League One would be too much to bear.

Contract renewal talks under way

Charlton are in talks with six players about extending their contracts - Ben Amos, Chuks Aneke, Jake Forster-Caskey, Jason Pearce, Adam Matthews and Ben Watson: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-in-contract-talks-with-six-of-squad-and-confirm-exit-of-trio/

Oshilaja has been let go and Otzumer will not be returning.   Thomas Sandgaard has confirmed that Charlton are interested in two loan players, presumably Famewo and Stockley.

Of those engaged in talks, Ben Watson has attracted some criticism from fans.

Midfielders James Vennings and Ben Dempsey have been offered contracts and various forms of contract have been offered to a number of Academy players: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/james-vennings-and-ben-dempsey-offered-deals-as-addicks-take-up-options-on-ghandour-and-ness/

Massives target Aneke

Cash strapped Sheffield Wednesday are looking for free transfers and Chuks Aneke is on their radar: https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/chuks-aneke-who-is-the-former-arsenal-man-once-compared-to-yaya-toure-linked-with-sheffield-wednesday-switch-3239809

As well as the Massives, Blackburn Rovers are also said to be interested.

An online poll by one fan reveals a 52-48 per cent bovvered/not bovvered split.  It's a trade off between a player who can score goals and disrupt oppositions, but is not generally available for 90 minutes.

Conor Gallagher film

This Chelsea TV film portrays Conor Gallagher's time at Charlton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix7xD0u0DXs

If he'd stayed the season, we might have stayed up.

Pleased to hear that pitch announcer Brian Cole is back on the road to recovery after being seriously ill in hospital.

Most fun presenting that Minto has had

In an article well worth reading Charlton TV presenter Scott Minto says that Charlton can be optimistic about their future under Thomas Sandgaard: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/scott-minto-charlton-future-is-bright-under-thomas-sandgaard-they-finally-have-an-owner-who-cares/

Minto says that he has never had so much fun presenting as he has had with Charlton TV and he has enjoyed going down memory lane with players like Carl Leaburn.  Charlton has a special place in his heart.

He singles out Chris Gunter for always giving his all in every game he played in, even though he didn't have to.   He was impressed with his attitude.

There will be a special end of season show at 7 pm on Tuesday.

'They said I was too small'

A short film about Ian Maatsen's time on loan from Chelsea to Charlton: https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/05/09/watch-ian-maatsen-s-story-of-life-on-loan

He was told Charlton was a 'lovely club'.

Wishing him success in his future career.

When Southall threatened to sue fans' trust

It's a year now since Matthew Southall threatened to see CAS Trust: https://www.castrust.org/2021/05/the-day-that-southall-threatened-to-sue-us/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-day-that-southall-threatened-to-sue-us 

We should always be grateful that Thomas Sandgaard rescued the club from this 'entrepreneur'.

Valete, Andrew Shinnie

Out of favour with Nigel Adkins, Andrew Shinnie is leaving Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/andrew-shinnie-confirms-charlton-athletic-exit-changes-in-management-didnt-go-in-my-favour/

Opinions will differ.   I thought he was quite a cultured player, but I can also see the case for a thorough clear out.

Who should we keep?

Benjy Nurick takes a look at who Charlton should keep over the summer (not many according to some fans): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/whos-staying-whos-going-and-what-business-do-charlton-need-to-do-in-the-transfer-window-answering-the-crucial-questions-after-charlton-failed-to-make-the-league-one-play-offs/

Few would disagree with his assessment that the Ronnie Schwartz experiment has failed.  He will, however, not be easy to offload because of his age and his contract (and, although Nurick doesn't say this, because he isn't very good).

Minto's pick for signings

Charlton TV's Scott Minto has selected the two loan players he would like to see signed by Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/scott-minto-reveals-which-loan-players-he-believes-charlton-athletic-should-move-for-in-transfer-window/

Farewell, then, Darren Pratley

Darren Pratley has confirmed that he is leaving Charlton.

In a farewell message he said: 'I have loved every minute of it and proud to have worn the shirt over 100 times ... it really is a family club and those people behind the scenes are the heartbeat ... a big thank you to all the fans for cheering us on.'

The 36-year old is out of contract: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/darren-pratley-confirms-charlton-athletic-exit/

Ben Hayes commented: 'Pratley played his heart out every time he pulled on a Charlton shirt, a leader on and off the pitch. Also a much better player than a few fans realised. For the Donny semi-final and for coming on and changing the play-off final alone he deserves great credit.'

A number of fans have recalled his goal against Doncaster.

Premier League funding for Charlton

The Premier League provided just over £5.4m of funding for Charlton in 2019/20: https://resources.premierleague.com/premierleague/document/2020/12/16/967d4c07-e0e7-428e-9de3-c1adc19c9b5a/Premier-League-funding-to-EFL-clubs-Charlton-Athletic.pdf 

The amount we will have received in 2020/21 will have been lower as we have been in League One.

One year deal for Aneke?

Reports are circulating that Chuks Aneke has been offered a new one year deal after a meeting with Nigel Adkins yesterday, but I have no confirmation from a reliable source.

There were rumours that Blackburn Rovers were interested and they certainly need a striker as they are likely to lose Alan Armstrong.

Chuks can unsettle the opposition with his physical presence and can find the back of the net. The downside is his history of injury and his inability to last 90 minutes, although hopefully medical and other staff can work on that.

On balance I think that a one year contract would be the right decision.

Millar could return

Liam Millar has not ruled out a loan return to Charlton next season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/liverpool-winger-open-to-charlton-athletic-loan-return-next-season/

Not a grand finale

Veteran report Kevin Nolan gives his assessment of Charlton's last game of the season: https://charltonchampion.co.uk/2021/05/09/kevin-nolans-valley-view-charlton-athletic-1-0-hull-city/

Caskey wants to come back stronger than ever

Jake Forster-Caskey is determined to come back stronger than ever from his second ACL injury and says that the tribute paid to him by Charlton players on Sunday made him feel emotional: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jake-forster-caskey-on-winning-charltons-poty-expected-timeline-before-he-is-back-playing-again/

Up and down story of crowds at The Valley

Season tickets are selling rapidly as fans look forward with hope to next season and the prospect of being in The Valley again.  It is therefore an appropriate time to take a look at attendances at Charlton and the question of entertainment tax over at Charlton Retro: https://retrocharlton.blogspot.com/2021/05/crowds-at-valley.html

It was not to be

Charlton beat champions Hull City 1-0 at The Valley this afternoon, but Oxford claimed the play off place with a 4-0 win over Burton putting them ahead of the Addicks on goal difference.   Charlton finished 7th ahead of Portsmouth. 

Liam Millar said that 'obviously we're all disappointed.  We all went out there looking to win and we did that which is something we can be proud of.  The club's in a good place with the manager and next season everything should be good.  There were games we should have won where we dropped points, conceding goals in the last minute or failing to score in the last minute.'

Curbs said what' I like about Liam is what he can give one against one.  He and Jayden are two great loan signings.  We are attractive as a football club.'   Liam said that 'I'm come here and I've matured over the time I've been here.  Towards the end I was able to go inside or outside, not just one way.'   

Curbs said that he was taking two or three players out because they doubled up on him.   Millar said he was sure the club would speak to him about coming back.

Nigel Adkins said 'We've won the game.  They're champions for a reason.  They play out quickly from the back.  We changed the formation and we were able to get the ball and pass the ball.'  Referrring to the celebrations in the background he said, 'That's going to be us next year.'

'We kept a clean sheet.   Changing the shape helped us.   The lads have put a good performance in.  Thank you to all the players and staff.  I thought we played well against Peterborough, you just need to finish your chances.   I spoke with the owner last night, decisions need to be made.  I'll have meetings with all the players now.'

'I've been made to feel really, really welcome.  I feel really honoured and privileged to be the manager of Charlton Athletic.'

Curbs said it had been promotion form or certainly play off form since Nigel had been at the club.  We had lots of injuries.

It had been a slow start in both games, Lincoln and Hull looked stronger.  We played against two top sides in a week.   I think we've got a great opportunity in the summer, we are attractive, the stadium, the training ground.

Curbs said the penalty miss at Oxford with twenty seconds to go was one of the biggest blows.

Match report

Hull started well and Famewo had to make a good defensive block.  Amos have to make a save after Magennis broke through.

Gilbey won the ball back well but Millar was wide and high.   Gilbey got a yellow card after Elder went down and had to be substituted.

On 40 minutes Maatsen turned provider for Washington but his effort was just past the post.  Inniss got a yellow card for a foul.  A tricky ball from Gilbey was put wide by Stockley.   Famewo had to put in some good defensive work.

HT: 0-0

Millar fed Stockley but his shot came off the crossbar.   Good play by Millar saw a shot from him go just wide.

On 57 minutes Aneke replaced Washington.  A Stockley header went over the crossbar.  Amos palmed a shot away and Inniss made a good clearing header.  On 68 minutes Shinnie replaced Watson.

On 74 minutes a great ball in from Millar produced an own goal by Greaves.

Charlton saw out the match without any real difficulty.

Adkins: we will be aware of scores elsewhere

Nigel Adkins says that Charlton will focus on their own game this afternoon, but will be aware of scores elsewhere: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-ahead-of-final-day-play-off-showdown-we-have-to-do-our-part-but-well-be-aware-of-scores-elsewhere/

DJ back training

DJ could be in the squad for Charlton tomorrow.  Nigel Adkins says he has been really impressed with him and how coachable he is: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-set-for-winger-boost-as-diallang-jaiyesimi-trains-ahead-of-hull-city-match/

Massive blow

Charlton fans on social media have been taking some satisfaction in the relegation of Sheffield Wednesday, known to their fans as the Massives.   Many of us can remember the attitude of their fans on our first relegation from the Premiership. 

Adkins discusses his methods and vision

Nigel Adkins gives to the point and often in depth answers a wide range of questions posed by supporters via CAS Trust: https://www.castrust.org/2021/05/nigel-adkins-youve-got-to-keep-believing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nigel-adkins-youve-got-to-keep-believing

All we can do is hope

This season which has been both frustrating (on the pitch) and promising (off it) comes to an end tomorrow.   I think we are capable of beating Hull City, although the absence of Jake Forster-Caskey, one of our few quality players, is a concern.

I think that Burton will give Gobby's Oxford United a game.  If nothing else, the Brewers owe us for the six points we allowed them to take this season.  Whether Accrington's hoofball will hold off Portsmouth is a more challenging question.

The CAS Trust preview is here: https://www.castrust.org/2021/05/nothing-to-lose-everything-to-gain/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nothing-to-lose-everything-to-gain

Victory for Hull City will extend their unbeaten run to 15 games and bring the curtain down on a memorable season, and see them finish the campaign with League One's best away record.

Grant McCann's Tigers will be presented with the trophy and their medals at full-time.

Adkins still assessing players

No contract talks are taking place with any Charlton players.   It is evident from his reply that Nigel Adkins is still assessing the strengths and weaknesses of players and their potential contribution as he continues to familiarise himself with them: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-nigel-adkins-explains-why-contract-talks-yet-to-commence/

Powell on a horrible chapter in Charlton's history

Chris Powell recalls the 'horrible' Duchatelet era, the surprise arrival of the useless 'Polish Pete' (cost €800,000) and the departure of Yann Kermorgant (supposedly overweight): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/chris-powell-opens-up-on-horrible-chapter-in-the-history-of-charlton-discussing-polish-pete-fights-with-duchatelet-yann-kermogants-departure-and-happier-days-of-inventing-the-tunnel-jump/

Powell says that Roland was just totally the wrong ownership for the club. The arrival of goalkeeper Yoann Ulian-Thuram caused particular friction as the Belgian owner demanded the new acquisition play despite his manager feeling he simply wasn’t good enough.   More generally, Powell was told who he had to play and what formations he had to adopt.

He told Duchatelet: 'What you're doing is just wrong for this club, it's just disgraceful, I'm not standing for it.'

Can Morgan make a breakthrough?

Benjy Nurick provides an in depth assessment of Albie Morgan including a discussion about him with Steve Avory.   It has been another frustrating campaign for Morgan who has spent a lot of time on the bench, but questions remains about his defensive awareness and workrate: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/albie-morgan-shows-he-can-be-trusted-by-charlton-boss-adkins-as-steve-avory-provides-insight-into-midfielders-game/

Charlton to sign Stockley?

Charlton are considering making a bid for Jayden Stockley according to Lancashire Live: https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/transfer-news/jayden-stockley-charlton-athletic-preston-20527933

It is thought that Preston would want a fee of around £750,000.  He would be worth it in my view.

Waiting for injury verdict on Forster-Caskey

Charlton are waiting to assess the seriousness of the injury which Jake Forster-Caskey picked up against Lincoln, Nigel Adkins says it could be a soft tissue injury: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-left-waiting-on-injury-verdict-on-star-midfielder-jake-forster-caskey/

Only card collecting Darren Pratley and Ben Amos have started more games this season.

Adkins praises Stockley, assesses Aneke and Morgan

Nigel Adkins was full of praise for Jayden Stockley after his performance in the 3-1 win over Lincoln City: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/phenomenal-nigel-adkins-has-praise-for-one-charlton-player-after-3-1-win-over-lincoln/

Adkins praised Johnnie Jackson for the work he has done on set pieces: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-credited-with-charlton-athletics-set-piece-prowess/

Adkins said that Albie Morgan was talented with the ball, but needed to learn the other side of his game, echoing comments made by Lee Bowyer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-echoes-lee-bowyers-comments-on-charlton-midfielder-albie-morgan/

Adkins said that he had to take Aneke off before he got sent off: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-subbed-off-chuks-aneke-to-avoid-charlton-gamechanger-picking-up-red-card/

A fighting chance

Charlton kept their play off hopes alive with a 3-1 victory over Lincoln City at The Valley tonight.  All the goals came in the second half after Chuks Aneke came on at the break.

Curbs said that Aneke coming on gave Gilbey and Millar a lift, it changed the dynamic of the whole team.

Jayden Stockley said that in the first half he had to keep it alive, wait for everyone to get back up.  With Chuks on there was someone else in the box that had to be marked.   I feel that me and Chuks do have an understanding.   We weren't as threatening as we wanted to be [in the first half].

Bradley Pritchard said that Stockley is the type of character you want in the changing room.  He was a priority to be signed.

Curbs said that Chuks was a lucky boy, he could have been sent off.

Nigel Adkins said that Lincoln had the best away record in the league, we knew it would be challenging.  We made sure we were in the game.  We had scored from a corner again thanks to Johnnie Jackson's work. We score from set pieces.  I was disappointed with the goal we conceded, there was a suggestion he was offside.  I had to take Chuks off before he got sent off, he's got to learn.  The object was to win the game and we take it to the last game of the season.   

Chuks is a massive threat.   We've got to keep working with him.   We've got an excellent medical team here.   Chuks has only started two games this season and on one he got sent off.  We need to make sure that Jayden Stockley gets a good supply.   His goals are great.

Match report

It was a windy Valley with intermittent heavy showers.   Amos have to save at the expense of a corner on 10 minutes.  Purrington was booked for a professional foul.

Bramall got a yellow card for a foul on Millar.  From a Forster-Caskey free kick with Inniss turned provider but Maatsen headed over the bar and he was offside anyway.

On 28 minutes referee Kevin Johnson had to go off injured and the fourth official took his place.  Forster-Caskey went down and had to be replaced by Morgan on 37 minutes.

Jones got a yellow card for a foul on Inniss.  In the eight minutes added on Millar blasted over.  Sreve Brown thought that we were not creating enough chance.

HT: 0-0

Aneke replaced Purrington.   Gilbey supplied a great ball, Aneke headed downwards and Stockley scored with a half volley.

Charlton were almost caught out immediately and Amos had to save.  Ben Watson was at fault in letting Lincoln advance.

Aneke drew a save from Palmer.   Scully, one of Lincoln's better players, had to be replaced by Howarth.   The effective left back Bramall, formerly with Arsenal, had to be taken off as he was in danger of getting a second yellow.

Millar put in a ball to Stockley who was inches wide.  A Morgan corner found Inniss unmarked at the far post and he scored with a header to make it 2-0.

On 66 minutes Millar burst down the left and passed to Aneke whose shot took a deflection to make it 3-0.

Famewo made a great block.  A Lincoln free kick conceded by Watson in a dangerous position on the edge of the area came off the wall.

Aneke got a yellow card.  On 88 minutes Charlton were looking for an offside and Anderson scored with a neat shot for Lincoln.   This meant that our goal difference is two worse than that of Portsmouth.

Six minutes were added on and Aneke was taken off to be replaced by Pratley who collected his yellow card.  Charlton were being forced back and Morgan made a great defensive header.   Amos had to save and Stockley put in good defensive work, drawing a foul.   Then the whistle blew and Charlton were left with everything to play for on Sunday.

Consulting his book of excuses, Imps boss Michael Appleton said that his team failed to play with their usual edge: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lincoln-city-boss-appleton-we-might-get-the-opportunity-to-put-charlton-athletic-result-right/

Adkins knows what the task is

Nigel Adkins knows that Charlton had to win tonight to keep their fragile play off hopes alive.  He also reflects on snakes and ladders in football: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-charlton-have-to-beat-lincoln-to-stay-in-league-one-play-off-race-until-final-day/

Lincoln have outstanding away record

Lincoln City manager Michael Appleton will base his selection for tonight's game at The Valley on whether minutes on the pitch or a ten days training schedule is in the best interests for them. He will get the balance right.

The Imps boss recognised the impact of Nigel Adkins who had inherited a very good squad for the level. Adkins is very experienced, a great motivator, always upbeat, confident and doesn’t seem to have many bad days. Under Adkins Charlton will never give in as evidenced by their late equaliser during the weekend game.

“They’ll be coming all-out attack to beat us. We’re aware of that; we get that. Again our away record remains outstanding and hopefully it will continue to be that case tomorrow”.

Lincoln have won 13 games away, drawn six and lost only three.  A win tonight would take them above Sunderland in the play off places.   They are third in the form table and Charlton are 10th.

Historically we have a decent record against them, having won seven and lost just two, including the away fixture this season when there was a dubious penalty decision.   Tonight could finally end our hopes of a play off place. 

Konch's Kafe

Former Addick Paul Konchesky is now running a pie and mash cafe in Essex with his mum doing the cooking.  He recalls coming back from away games with John Robinson and stopping for fish and chips..  He admits he was 'a bit tubby' when he joined Charlton: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9061623/footballer-paul-konchesky-pie-mash-cafe-liverpool/

'Hastily assembled leftovers' simply not good enough

Benjy Nurick reflects on the Accrington game where he suffered pizza deprivation: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-need-a-core-rebuild-this-summer-with-the-accrington-defeat-underlining-why-they-are-set-to-fall-short-in-play-off-push/?fbclid=IwAR0O_N8zawzVG54WQ11BGk3Pyzdwi1mojhNrkfn_08NlRLIL9bd3sRUbOGI

The average age of the Charlton squad is the second highest in League One, but these are not experienced winners in their prime, notes Nurick.   Without a consistent threat out wide, Charlton had been too predictable all season.

Nurick takes a particular look at Conor Washington 'who painted a frustrated figure of anonymity' at Accrington.

Nurick concludes that the team of 'hastily assembled leftovers' are not simply good enough and a major reconstruction will be needed over the summer.  Come to think of it, I had worked that out for myself, as indeed had most fans.   Perhaps that's what Nurick meant when he referred to 'cheezy goodness' at the start of his article.

For me League One was summed up by the view at the Wham Stadium on Saturday.   At one end of the ground there is some (very) shallow terracing.  In the distance one could see a group of spectators following a park football match.  Would the quality have been much worse than the display of hoofball we paid £10 for?

An 'impressive feat' by Adkins

The usual suspects are already calling for Nigel Adkins to go, saying he is not a good fit for the club.

However, a feature article in today's Football League Paper takes a more positive view.  It states: 'Adkins had the unenviable task of moving into the hot seat at The Valley just as the season entered the blood and thunder of the final stages.'

'Without having the luxury of a pre-season or even a transfer window to help mould the side to his philosophies, it is an impressive feat that the former Southampton and Hull boss has been able to keep Charlton firmly in with a chance of making an instant return to the Championship.'   [Quite a long shot really even if we reach the play offs].

Adkins commented: 'Aren't the twists and turns the beauty of this stage of the season?  It's going to go all the way to the wire - we've got to make it go all the way to the wire.  And then who knows what happens?  I have loved it so far and we are absolutely not going to give up.'

The article describes Charlton's faithful as 'battle-hardened' which is one way of putting it.

Great strike from Davison

The Football League Paper has named Charlton loan player Josh Davison as star man in yesterday's 2-1 victory for Forest Green Rovers over Tranmere Rovers.

Davison put the Vegans ahead on 50 minutes when 'Davison found a sumptuous finish.'  It certainly looked like an excellent angled strike from distance on The Football League Show.

Interim Forest Green coach Jonny Ball said: 'It was great composure for Josh Davison's goal.  I'm really pleased for him, he deserved it.' 

A draw at the death

A last minute equaliser by Chuks Aneke saw Charlton draw 1-1 at Accrington today, but it didn't really help us very much.   As Steve Brown said at the end, there was a real lack of quality and creativity.  The fear of losing was a problem.

For much of the game I could have been watching a National League North fixture given the amount of hoofball and the time the ball was in the air.   The hope drained away as news of matches elsewhere filtered through.

Curbs said we never really got going, it was all about stopping Accrington, although they are not easy to play against.   Carl Leaburn said that Accrington are a strong side.

Scott Minto said that on Tuesday we didn't deserve to win and today we didn't deserve to win.  Curbs said it was difficult to get the ball down and play your own game.   All the corners we had were outswingers.

Carl Leaburn said in terms of chances everything was a rush or it wasn't bouncing properly, this reflected our anxiety.   The only bit of quality was the one we scored on.

Curbs said that you do get caught up in the way that Accrington play.  If we had won of the last two home games, it would be different.

Nigel Adkins said it was a battle, we adapted our shape, modified, see how direct they are.  It wasn't a pretty game to watch, a very poor goal.   It should have been a foul on Prats.  It was a poor game.  The pitch was very bobbly.   We didn't get the ball in their half of the pitch well enough.  It feels like a defeat.

We knew it was going to be direct, they are a big side.  We were trying to get a bit of momentum.  We made the changes to try to affect the game, but we could leave ourselves exposed in terms of spaces.  They're all very disappointed in the dressing room.  

We'll analyse it and learn the lessons from this.  Then you draw a line underneath and move on.  The next game will be totally different to this game.   We've got a long way to go.  It was a horrible, scrappy game.  We want to pass the ball, we want to be dynamic.   It was a poor game, that's what football is.

Curbs said that in trying to combat what they're good at we lost our way.  Scott Minto said that we did the ugly side well in terms of defending, but we just didn't get the ball down.

Portsmouth, Oxford, Blackpool and Sunderland all won away.   Charlton stay in 8th and have to win on Tuesday and even then it depends on results elsewhere.

Match report

Charlton started with a 3-5-2 in the windy conditions.   The wind was in Accrington's favour in the first half.   Amos's kicks went off for throw ins a lot.

On six minutes Conor Washington had an opportunity, but his effort went over the bar.  Famewo was putting in some good defensive work.  An effort from Gilbey was wide.  Pearce had to defend to deny Bishop.

In the one minute added on a shot from Charles hit the bar, Amos may have got a touch to it.

At half time Steve Brown said it had been very tight and a nervy game.  He also commented that we hadn't been able to string four or five passes together.  Scott Minto said it had been a war of attrition.  Curbs said we had to get the ball down and create something.

HT: 0-0

Accrington won a free kick on the edge of the box and Stockley had to clear the ball with a header at the expense of a corner.   Steve Brown complained that we were lacking creativity.

On 57 minutes Washington, who had been quite lively, was replaced by Aneke.   Russell fouled Maatsen and got a yellow card and was soon afterwards replaced by Pritchard which turned out to be bad news for us.

An Aneke effort won Charlton a corner.  Forster-Caskey provided a good delivery and Inniss was only inches wide with a header.   This was one of our best chances of the game.

Steve Brown complained that we had no composure.  Amos had to make a save under pressure and Gunter cleared the ball.   Forster-Caskey got a yellow card for a foul as referee Young built up his collection of Charlton names in his first game with the Addicks.

Stockley was taken down on the edge of the box when he could have gone through and McConville got a yellow card.   The Forster-Caskey free kick was aimed at the corner away from the keeper but was just over the angle of post and bar.   Millar replaced Pearce on 75 minutes.

On 81 minutes Accrington broke and Pritchard put the ball in the corner of the net to make it 1-0.  Pratley may have been fouled at the start of the move, but Famewo's positioning was poor and Gunter possibly could have done better.

As we tried to get forward we were caught offside a lot.  Inniss got a yellow card for a foul.

Four minutes were added on and Morgan and Shinnie replaced Pratley and Forster-Caskey.   Rodgers got a yellow card for a foul.  Morgan placed his free kick well in the box and Aneke tapped the ball home.

The root of our problems was last summer when all the disruption meant we could not assemble a team of sufficient quality.  There is a big reconstruction job ahead.