New signings before Saturday doubtful

Nigel Adkins does not sound too hopeful about bringing in new signings before next Saturday's encounter with the Massives and it's evidently not the outcome he hoped for, but he is heartened by the spirit in the camp and the commitment of the players: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-time-will-tell-if-charlton-can-do-any-further-business-before-season-starts-next-weekend/

One goal defeat ends pre-season

Charlton went down 1-0 at Craven Cottage this afternoon in their final pre-season game with the team that played in the first 65 minutes likely to be the starting eleven against the Massives.  The team were wearing the smart third kit.

It was a cagey game with relatively few opportunities for either side.  Charlton were not particularly creative, but the midfield looked better than last season with Dobson and Morgan doing well while DJ showed good skills on the ball.

The Fulham goal came on 31 minutes when the Charlton defence was caught out by Francois allowing Carvaliho to score.

Further strengthening of the side is needed, but looks unlikely before next Saturday's game with loan signings likely to be sorted out towards the end of the window.   On the basis of what I have seen I don;t think that Gomes adds enough value to make it worth signing him.  

No loan deals for Academy duo

Steve Avory does not envisage Aaron Henry and Charlie Barker needing to go out on loan to continue their development, it can be done at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/young-charlton-athletic-duo-dont-need-loans-this-season-to-continue-their-playing-development/

Either of them could feature in the first team, at least from the bench.   Barker has impressed in the past and has looked good in pre-season games.

Injury worries cast a shadow

Ryan Inniss will play 60 minutes at Fulham on Saturday as part of his carefully managed return after he put in a good session at training yesterday says Nigel Adkins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-explains-absence-of-charlton-defender-ryan-inniss-during-pre-season-draw-at-palace/

Ben Watson has been making progress and Ronnie Schwartz has been 'running around a bit'.

The future of trialist Madger Gomes is uncertain after he played at Palace last night, although Adkins made some supportive comments.   Fans' reactions were mixed from 'useful squad player' to 'wouldn't be disappointed if he didn't come: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-has-say-on-trialist-madger-gomes-with-former-doncaster-mans-charlton-future-still-up-in-the-air/

Ben Purrington will miss the first game of the season with a hamstring injury.  Chris Gunter played at left back last night.

All square at Selhurst

Charlton drew 2-2 at Crystal Palace at Selhurst this evening, twice coming back after going behind with goals from Stockley and Davison.

Ryan Inniss was rested again with commentator Jake Forster-Caskey noting he was wrapped in cotton wool.

Charlton started brightly.  DJ supplied Washington and the keeper had to come out.  Stockley was denied by a block by the centre half.  A header was cleared from under the bar for a Charlton corner.

On 14 minutes a defensive mix up meant that MacGillivray was unable to clear and Palace went ahead to the delight of the rather thin ranks of the assembled Nigels .

Morgan turned provider for Washington but his effort was saved.  Washington tried to turn provider for Stockley, but the effort was blocked.

On 37 minutes a Morgan corner was turned in by Stockley using his feet to make it 1-1.

Forster-Caskey noted that we could have played through the midfield more and we were going forward slightly too early.

HT: 1-1

Charlton made eight changes at the break and made a good start to the half.  Pearce put in a good ball but Stockley was off target.  A Vennings free kick was punched away.

MacGillivray made a great initial save.  The ball ended up in the net, but was ruled offside to the annoyance of the ultras behind the goal.

There was excellent last ditch defending by Barker as Palace threatened an empty net.  A poor clearance by MacGillivray set up an opportunity for Palace and Banks scored to make it 2-1.

Vennings fed Davison, who had replaced Stockley, but his header was saved.   On 78 minutes a breakaway powered by Ghandour saw an outstanding finish by Davison to make it 2-2.

It was a fluent and confident display by Charlton.

Vieira's new tactical plan

Charlton play Crystal Palace at Selhurst tonight, but unfortunately only Nigel Pooter and his fellow ultras will be allowed in.

Four Four Two magazine forecast that the Glaziers will finish bottom of the Premier League, noting that 'A summer's upheaval may have the Eagles wishing for Hodgson's rhapsody in beige.'

At least Patrick Vieira  has some new tactical ideas.  Commenting at half time at the France v. Germany Euro 2020 game he insisted, 'Germany must expose themselves.'   Four Four Two commented that 'it was a bold plan.  We wait to see whether Crystal Palace utilise it in the Premier League.'

Unconfirmed reports state that we have two medicals booked for tomorrow, one for a loan and one for a signing.

Clayden shows more promise at Reading

Richard Cawley provides four takeaways from the 1-1 draw at the classily named Select Car Leasing stadium and it wasn't a Nissan Micra.   Charles Clayden gets praised for his contribution while Sean Clare had a first outing with the Addicks: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charlton-athletics-1-1-friendly-draw-at-reading/ 

Jacko explains the plan for Inniss

Jayden Stockley missed today's 1-1 draw at Reading because of a stomach upset: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-assistant-boss-explains-absence-of-jayden-stockley-discusses-first-friendly-game-time-for-ryan-inniss/

Ryan Inniss took part for 30 minutes.   Some Charlton fans were concerned that was all he could manage, but Johnnie Jackson explained it was part of a detailed plan to have him ready for the opening league game against the Massives.

Ben Purrington had to come off with an injury and it is still being assessed.   Some fans don't rate 'The Cat', but I think he is a competent defender capable of getting forward.

Great hopes for young centre back

Academy boss Steve Avory thinks that teenage centre back Deji Elerewe has great potential: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/helluva-lot-of-potential-charlton-teenage-defender-earns-praise-from-academy-chief/

Let's hope he doesn't go to a bigger club for a relatively small fee too soon.

Charlton to miss out on automatic promotion

Charlton will finish 3rd in League One this season, forecasts Four Four Two magazine.  They comment: 'Owner Thomas Sandgaard isn't alone in his promotion ambitions, but the Addicks can back it up.'

The fan file is written by VOTV editor Rick Everitt and he cautiously forecasts a top six finish.

The Rickster says: 'Last season was a real wasted opportunity, but probably as much as we could have expected given the long-awaited resolution of the club's ownership in late September.'

'The big talking point among fans is our squad's depth, and whether it will be strong enough to deliver the very bullish predictions of new owner Thomas Sandgaard.'

The Ramsgate-based supporter warns: 'I won't be happy unless Charlton are promoted.  League One has some very sizable clubs, whose fans will think the same, but we cannot afford to hang around at this level or the current positivity will dissipate.'

'Our most underrated player is Conor Washington.  He impressed me last season, and we missed him when he wasn't available.  Look out for centre back Charlie Barker, who in September made his debut at 17.  Didn't look out of place.   Our key player will be Jayden Stockley whose loan, now made permanent from Preston, proved better than his career record.'

'The best thing about matchday at Charlton is seeing the groups of home fans streaming down Floyd Road in the hour before kick off - whether or not they stop to buy Voice of the Valley.'

'The fans' opinion of the gaffer is that he defied expectations.  Nigel Adkins only arrived in March, but quickly made an impression.  He wasn't many supporters' first choice - maybe he should have been.'

Everitt issues a clarion call from his Isle of Thanet fastness: 'The one change I would make is that rebuilding support in Kent (and south-east London) is vastly more important and realistic for Charlton than looking overseas.   Other clubs' fans don't know that we've got more fans 60 miles away on the coast than in London, barring the south-east boroughs.'

'The ground I'm most looking forward to visiting is Morecambe's on a November Tuesday.  What's not to like?  We've never played them.'

Roland does well for himself

CAS Trust provided a fan friendly guide to the 2019/20 club accounts.   What is clear is that Roland has done very well for himself: https://www.castrust.org/2021/07/the-simple-fans-guide-to-the-20-21-accounts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-simple-fans-guide-to-the-20-21-accounts 

Davison back in the squad

Josh Davison will not be loaned out this season, but will be back in the first team squad.   He has impressed Nigel Adkins in terms of leading the line: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/young-striker-set-to-be-part-of-charltons-first-team-plans-next-season-after-impressing-boss-nigel-adkins/ 

Not the time to splash the cash

Nigel Adkins that two League One clubs have been splashing the cash this summer (and it's no secret that they are Ipswich and Wigan): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-chief-nigel-adkins-gives-his-reaction-to-rotherham-managers-transfer-window-claim/

However, rather than rushing to make signings as some fans advocate the sagacious supremo reckons there will be better value next month when players find themselves without a pay packet.  Wage demands and agents' fees will come down.

It's very easy to over pay for players.

How Clare fits into manager's plans

Nigel Adkins has made it clear that he wants to play Sean Clare in midfield after he was played out of position by Gobby at Oxford: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-nigel-adkins-outlines-playing-plan-for-new-signing-sean-clare/

However, he admits that the player's versatility is a plus.  He also emphasises that Clare was a definite target and part of his plan to build an athletic squad.

At least Central TV will not be able to deploy their usual pathetic comment on the Addicks: 'Charlton were anything but athletic'.

Royal return for Inniss

Ryan Inniss is set to return in Saturday's closed doors friendly at Reading.  Nigel Adkins discusses his fitness, noting that a 'private situation' led to a late return to training: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-provides-fitness-update-on-key-defender-ryan-inniss/ 

Adkins back in the dugout

Nigel Adkins will be back in the dugout for Saturday's friendly at Reading after testing positive for Covid: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-nigel-adkins-expecting-to-be-given-green-light-to-be-in-dugout-at-reading/

Clare joining from Oxford?

As yet unconfirmed reports are stating that Charlton have succeeded in beating off competition to sign Sean Clare from Oxford United: https://www.teamtalk.com/news/exclusive-charlton-win-race-sean-clare-signing

His stay at Oxford was disrupted by Gobby playing him out of the position in which he had been successful in Scotland. 

Career details for the 24-year old midfielder: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Clare

Moaners who complain about a lack of signings are now complaining because Adkins has landed one of his targets.

A two year deal has been agreed for an undisclosed fee: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sean-clare-signs-two-year-deal-with-charlton-athletic-joins-for-undisclosed-fee-from-oxford-united/

Gilbey: 'I have never felt so ill in my life'

Alex Gilbey is suffering from Covid-19 and has never felt so ill in his life: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-midfielder-alex-gilbey-reveals-he-is-struggling-with-covid-19/

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Adkins is well

DJ picked up a knock when he scored a goal against Dartford yesterday but Johnnie Jackson insisted that the player, who has been having a sparkling pre-season, is fine: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-assistant-johnnie-jackson-provides-update-on-nigel-adkins-after-addicks-boss-misses-dartford-friendly-with-coronavirus/

Jacko also said that Nigel Adkins, who is self-isolating, is well.

Wembley hero Sasa Ilic is 49 today.

Charlton perk up in second half

Charlton beat Dartford 2-1 at a hot Princes Park this afternoon with goals from DJ and Josh Davison.  The second half was more entertaining than the first.

Nigel Adkins was absent having been pinged and Johnnie Jackson took over from him.

Dartford looked fluent and were not a team of strangers like Welling.   On eight minutes following good work on their right Roberts drew a great save from Havers who cleared on to the inside of the post.

On 12 minutes an Albie Morgan effort was tipped over the bar by keeper King.  On 19 minutes Washington advanced down the left and put in a shot.  Stockley hoped for a tap in, but Dartford were able to defend for a Charlton corner.

On 44 minutes DJ was just wide from a cross from Matthews.

Morgan and Washington played well together.   The quality of crosses was often lacking and there were too many over hit balls.

Player of the half: Albie Morgan who put in some great runs.  Elerewe attracted favourable comments online.

HT: 0--0

Pearce came on for Famewo and Barker for Matthews.

On 49 minutes DJ made use of a long ball, got past his man and provided a calm, composed finish to make it 0-1.  He was hobbling a bit afterwards.

Charlton never find it easy to hold on to a lead and within two minutes Graham had made it 1-1 with a powerful shot.   On 55 minutes Barker put in a shot that led to a Charlton corner.

On 60 minutes Charlton made wholesale changes replacing everyone except the half time substitutes.

A Clayden shot on 63 minutes produced a Charlton corner (needless to say, all unproductive).  Then on 65 minutes Davison powered a great shot into the bottom corner to make it 1-2.

Graham threatened again and Barker did well.  Charlton fan James Beadle made a great save.  Pearce put in a great challenge on former Addick Aziz.

There was a call for a penalty after a Barker challenge but Dartford just got a corner.  On 87 minutes the home side got a free kick just outside the penalty area but it came off the wall.   Aziz got the ball in the net, but it was ruled offside.

Player of the half: Jason Pearce, in the right place at the right time even if he was rebuked by the referee for taking things too seriously.

Charlton's big car bill

 The 2019/20 accounts for Charlton Athletic relate to the year in the Championship and the company controlled by Roland and then ESI.

Charlton’s total losses over the years exceed £71,000,000. Loans are down after £20m of them were converted into shares.

2019/20 income was up on the back of higher gate receipts and the TV deal in the Championship being worth about £6m more than in League One.   Charlton claimed furlough income of £634k until June 2020.

Charlton lost £100k a week in 2019/20 but player sale profits and loan interest written off by Roland Duchacelet reduced these losses.

Charlton bought players for £262k in the season but spent £522k on motor vehicles.  Charlton owed car leasing companies over £550,000 for future lease costs at end of season, excluding interest payment.   Charlton terminated leases for six vehicles after the end of the season at a cost of £261,000,

Total remuneration of ‘senior management’ was £1.7 million. Charlton were invoiced £150k for ‘consultancy services’ by directors.

Rental costs for Charlton nearly doubled to £31.2k.  Wages were up 20 per cent following promotion.  The average first team wage was £5,700 a week, compared to a Championship averge of £15,000 per week.

Charlton were committed to future rental costs exceeding £4.5 million at end of 2019/20.

VOTV editor Rick Everitt comments: 'A key point for fans is that the playing side was not funded for the Championship in 19/20 - although salary costs rise by about a fifth, a chunk of this was “senior management pay” (including Lee Bowyer’s new contracts).

The increase in turnover on 18/19 was £7.5k, very nearly double. The club still made an operating loss of £5.3m (down from £11.9m in 18/19).

Actual loss after player trading was £1.134m (which suggests that club might have broken even but for ESI and Covid). However, this was not a sustainable budget for Championship football. Even so, Charlton very nearly got away with it on the pitch.'

Accounts confirm that the rent - which was a notional £50k a year from 1993 to 2020 - rose to £188k under ESI and is now £500k a year, so a significant overhead. You can’t usefully look at that in isolation of other financial adjustments. It’s going to be 5% of income now though.

There is a £10.5m unsecured interest-free loan from  Thomas Sandgaard repayable in 2025 - basically he is only likely to be able to get that back if Charlton make the Premier League or he sells the club. Even windfall transfer profits will be absorbed by operating losses.

Significantly accounts reveal that Duchatelet will benefit if the club is promoted to the Premier League  in or before 2030 - the details of this are not disclosed.

The outspoken Ramsgate-based fan comments: ‘This was always a likely component of any deal in one form or another, although IMO it stinks. He made the financial mess.’

Since the accounting date (in practice over the whole of 20/21), the club has received £5.6m in transfer fees and has paid out £1.4m including termination payments and agents’ fees.

CAS Trust take a look at the accounts here: https://www.castrust.org/2021/07/2019-20-cafc-accounts-published/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2019-20-cafc-accounts-published

Quality goals at Park View Road

Charlton scored three quality goals to beat Welling United at Park View Road this evening and retain the Crown Berger Cup in front of a crowd of 1,152.

Charlton played a 4-3-3 formation.  The lively Clayden hit the bar,  Then on 12 minutes DJ provided a great finish with his left foot to make it 1-0.  A good header from Dempsey was saved by the keeper.

There was nearly a second when DJ fed Morgan who displayed great movement but Stockley was unable to tap the ball home.   More great work by DJ set up Stockley but the 'headmaster' put the ball just wide.

On 29 minutes former Orient under 23 Clayden cut inside and used his left foot to put the ball between the keeper's legs to make it 2-0.

On 32 minutes Morgan was just over from distance with the keeper off his line.

Player of the half: DJ, Albie Morgan and Clayden were all candidates, but Clayden just edged it.  He will be knocking on the first team door.   On Clayden, Nigel Adkins said: 'It's still early days for everybody. There's a pathway for young players to come through the academy. That's why we have the academy. We're having a good look at everybody.'

Half time: Wings 0, Addicks 2

The Welling team in the second half were more physical, particularly in midfield, and had more of the ball.

MacGillivray had to tip the ball over the bar from a Wings corner.

Having just seen a free kick sail over, Henry struck the ball long and hard beating the keeper to make it 3-0 on 57 minutes.

MacGillivray was replaced as keeper by Harvey.  He didn't have a lot to do, but showed himself to be capable when required.

On the transfer window, Nigel Adkins said: 'We'll be bringing more players in. Ideally, I would have loved to have the team we start the season with for the first day of preseason but everybody is working hard behind the scenes.'

Nigel Adkins gives his reactions here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-gives-his-verdict-on-3-0-win-over-welling-expresses-confidence-on-transfer-front/

Charge for training session opposed

CAST have stated that ‘We're disappointed that Charlton intend to charge ST holders and VG members for access to open training session on 30/7. It seems out of kilter with rewarding loyalty to the club. We have written to the club to express the hope that all fans can attend on a more equal basis.’

‘We fully support the club building its revenue streams. The amount and variety of responses already on this issue highlight the sensitivities of loyalty and fairness among fans.’

Another issue has been charges for using the Valley Express coach service.  The Rickshaw was originally devised as a loss leader to boost support.

Commercial acumen is important, but it needs to be balanced against fan loyalty. However, some fans have argued that the training session is a justified perk for joining the membership scheme which the club is trying to boost.   Season tickets get you admission to league games and that should be enough.

Charlton defeated but not disgraced

Charlton were beaten 2-1 by Celtic at Dragon Park this afternoon, the Welsh equivalent of St. George's Park. The Charlton team that played in the second half did better than the first half team.

On five minutes DJ had to clear off the line as MacGillivray came out.   Clayden did well on the right and along with Stockley won Charlton a corner.

Pearce conceded a free kick in front of the 'D' with an industrial challenge, but the shot came off the wall. Charlton were having to defend well.

Stockley got a long telling off from the referee after a collision.   Stockley is not known to be a Welsh speaker, but he got the message that it would have been a yellow card in a competitive game.

Celtic mounted a good attack down their left and on 24 minutes Dembele pounced to make it 1-0, taking advantage of a defender's stumble.

Morgan put in good work on the right and Dempsey drew a good save from the keeper.

On 39 minutes Purrington was unable to stop a run by the impressive Dembele, the ball went to an unmarked Celtic player who made it 2-0 with a header.

As the half closed, MacGillivray was able to parry the ball away to prevent a third goal.  Charlton had been on the back foot.

Player of the half: DJ looked lively all over the pitch.

HT: Charlton 0, Celtic 2

Charlton made a better start to the second half.  Charlie Barker, playing at right back, put in a great cross. He will be a contender for the first team squad, but probably needs more time in the under 23s.

Celtic had a chance but Famewo but in a good block.   The Addicks had a good 10-15 minutes, but then Celtic came back into the game.

A Washington shot was blocked along with the rebound.  Davison put in a ball that was too high and fast for Washington.

Charlton looked threatening on the break.  Harness in goal had to make a double save.   A Johnson shot came off the post with Harness rooted to the spot.

On 76 minutes Charlton broke.  Davison spotted the run of Washington who was one on one with tje keeper and put his shot through the keeper's legs to make it 1-2.

Harness came out well to clear a threatening ball.  Washington put in a great curling shot, drawing a good save by the keeper.

Player of the half: Conor Washington, often underrated by fans but our second highest scorer last season.

As Louis Mendez said, it's all about players getting minutes into their legs.  Celtic were already some weeks into their pre-season.

No sign of Inniss, Matthews, Gilbey or Welsh wizard Gunter.  Gilbey has picked up a niggle, Inniss will be back in full training on Monday and Matthews joined late.

In their first Football League season in 1921 Charlton played one practice match in front of several thousand at The Valley.   This season many of the matches will be behind closed doors, although hopefully with streaming.

You have to be patient, warns Gallen

 'You will have to be patient,' warned Charlton director of football Steve Gallen in an interview about recruitment with the SLP's Louis Mendez before today's pre-season match against Celtic.

Gallen said: 'We try to get players that will take us close to the top of the table.  There are a lot of players out there who think Charlton is going to splash out and we're not going to do that.  It's tiring, non-stop work.'

'We don't want to be without money for the last few players.  We're in the middle of he window.'

Gallen said that the Matthews signing had been an on off, it was the same last season as well.  Forster-Caskey was sorted out after a chat at the training ground.

'I have to get the best value for the chairman, we've got to give Nigel Adkins a chance to finish top two, top six.'

'I don't want to be signing ten players every summer, I want to sign two or three, hopefully that is where we will be next summer.'

'Get your striker right, get your goalkeeper right, then build around them, that's what we're doing.'

'Akin Famewo, that's been going on before the season ended.  He's a left sided centre back, he's young, he's hungry, there's things he needs to improve on.'

'I've got a few things, I'm working on daily, sometimes I have to ask myself which should be the priorities.  I want to reduce the age of the squad.  We've got a bit to do, the manager keeps reminding me of that in the nicest possible way.'

More about the interview here (Richard Cawley no doubt takes a faster note than I do): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-transfer-chief-gallen-we-want-permanent-deal-for-norwich-defender-akin-famewo/

Forster-Caskey determined to get back

Jake Forster-Caskey is determined to come roaring back from knee surgery.  He records his appreciation of the '8 - JFC' shirts worn by the team before the final game against Hull City: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/im-not-afraid-of-hard-work-charltons-jake-forster-caskey-determined-to-come-roaring-back-from-knee-surgery/

The sooner he is back the better, as he is a player of real quality.

Late return for Dane

Ronnie Schwartz will be returning late to training at Charlton because of a personal issue that has detained him in Denmark.   The nature of the issue is unspecified, but he did find separation from his family difficult: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-nigel-adkins-explains-late-return-to-training-for-ronnie-schwartz/

There is speculation that he may move on, possibly a return to Denmark.

Nigel Adkins also discusses tomorrow's friendly against Celtic.   Charlton will field a different team in each half and it will provide an opportunity for younger players.

If you are hoping to attend the rearranged Crown Berger cup match at Welling United, please note that their site temporarily crashed under the weight of demand but is now up and running again.

Welcome back, Akin Famewo

Charlton have signed Akin Famewo on a new loan from Norwich City with the option of a permanent deal: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/akin-famewo-back-on-loan-with-charlton-athletic-including-an-option-to-buy/

In my view this is a good move as he did well for us last season despite some fitness issues.  He is also an excellent pairing with Ryan Inniss.

Mathews stays

Adam Matthews has signed a one year contract at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/adam-matthews-signs-new-charlton-athletic-contract/

Deserved praise for Powell

Chris Powell has been described as the 'surprise media star' of the England coaching staff, but it is no surprise to Charlton supporters who know his many qualities: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chris-powell-england-euro-2021-b944357.html

Harry Maguire has praised him as 'brilliant and energetic', an excellent coach but good off the field as well: https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/football/19424613.england-star-harry-maguire-heaps-praise-former-southend-united-boss-chris-powell/

Forster-Caskey stays

Jake Forster-Caskey has signed a new one year contract with Charlton with the option of a second year: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jake-forster-caskey-signs-new-charlton-athletic-contract-with-option-of-second-year/

Thomas Sandgaard met him at the training ground today.

Not all fans have welcomed the news, citing his injury problems.  That, however, is offset by his skill,

Maynard-Brewer needs more game time

Ashley Maynard-Brewer has jetted off to Tokyo to join the Australian Olympics squad.  Nigel Adkins rates him highly, but has made it clear that his career development would benefit by going out of loan when he returns from his month's stay in Japan: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-gives-his-verdict-on-olympics-call-up-for-young-keeper/

More 1950s memories

The latest Charlton Retro article looks back at the 1950s again, recalling when Moscow Radio thanked Charlton.   The big team in the early 1950s were Wolves and I was able to swap memories with a 90-year old Wolves supporter (and later qualified coach) over lunch in Kidderminster last week: https://retrocharlton.blogspot.com/2021/07/when-moscow-radio-thanked-charlton.html

Dobson signs

George Dobson has now signed for Charlton from Sunderland.   He is still young, has plenty of energy and will press high which is what Nigel Adkins wants next season.

Career details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Dobson_(footballer,_born_1997)

AFC Wimbledon, where he was on loan last season, would have liked to have retained him but were not prepared to pay him enough.