Miles Leaburn may be available to play against Wycombe on Saturday while Lucas Ness is awaiting advice from a specialist, but looks unlikely: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-wont-risk-striker-prospect-against-wycombe-as-boss-talks-about-squad-requirements-for-next-season/
Dean Holden made some implicit criticism of pre-season preparations and squad recruitment saying that he wants a squad that is 'robust, resilient and well conditioned enough to go all season.'
Charlton have extended Richard Chin's contract for a year. Dean Holden points out that he can play in a few positions: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-extend-defenders-deal/
CAS Trust have reported on their online meeting with chief executive Peter Storrie: https://www.castrust.org/2023/03/cast-meeting-with-peter-storrie/
He is in daily contact with Marc Spiegel, who is very enthusiastic and keen to move things forward. Peter admitted that the club was losing significant money and that this would likely continue next season. The squad needs further rebuilding over the summer.
He stated that he was not aware of the detail regarding future source of funding, whether Spiegel was acting with other investors and whether or not Sandgaard will retain any form of stake.
CAST welcomed the openness of the meeting with Peter Storrie in his role as acting CEO. We found him to be much more realistic about the challenges of running a League 1 football club than Thomas Sandgaard, who of course thinks it's easy. We hope that Peter's knowledge will bring a bit of calmness and stability to the day to day operations.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is really grateful for the support he has received from teammates and staff at Charlton. He is not happy about the dismissal of Patrick Vieira at Crystal Palace: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jes-rak-sakyi-patrick-vieiras-dismissal-was-really-disappointing-news/
The Glaziers seem to be at sixes and sevens with the owners falling out with each other and Roy Hodgson to be recalled from retirement.
Rak-Sakyi is confident that Tyreece Campbell will step up to the plate during the enforced absence of Corey Blackett-Taylor: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charltons-jes-rak-sakyi-backs-teammate-to-step-up-to-the-plate-during-corey-blackett-taylors-absence/
Dean Holden hopes that Corey Blackett-Taylor may be back before the end of the season, but it is far from certain: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-dean-holden-provides-update-on-corey-blackett-taylor-injury-and-matt-penney-absence/
Holden also discusses Matt Penney. In another article, Louis Mendez is franker. describing him as a 'passenger' and another example of poor recruitment decisions.
With Rak-Sakyi in double figures, Dean Holden has set him a new goal target: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-sets-crystal-palace-loanee-new-charlton-target-after-goal-at-cambridge/
Miles Leaburn was withdrawn at half time against Cambridge because of a concern about his hamstring: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-reveals-miles-leaburn-was-withdrawn-during-win-at-cambridge-due-to-injury-concern/
Charlton won 2-1 at Cambridge this afternoon after a game of two halves. The Addicks have gone up to 11th.
Corey Blackett-Taylor was not available this afternoon and will be out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring problem. Charlton played a 4-3-3.
Charlton won the first corner of the game after nine minutes, but it ended in a goal kick.
Cambridge won a corner. Morgan headed it away.
Rak-Sakyi provided the perfect assist for Leaburn to score on 16 minutes after a good ball over the top from Sean Clare. Cambridge had tried to claim for offside.
Charlton were being given space and also creating it for themselves. The midfield were dynamic and the wide players were doing well.
Morgan's free kick was excellent with a delivery to the near post and Rak-Sakyi scored on 28 minutes to make it 0-2. It was very well worked with Campbell distracting Cambridge.
Sean Clare had to receive treatment for a head injury.
Disgruntled Cambridge fans started to turn their disappointment on the officials.
Three minutes were added on. Cambridge got a last minute corner but the delivery was over everyone. Charlton had clearly dominated and created a lot of opportunities.
Steve Brown said we had played with an excellent tempo, we had come alive today. The front two wide players looked really good. We needed a killer instinct in the second half. He would like to see Morgan and Fraser break into the box and get a shot away.
HT: 0-2
Kanu came on after the break for Leaburn. He may have had a niggle. Cambridge made three changes which made a difference. They moved to four at the back.
Hector had to concede a corner. Cambridge had a free header but Maynard-Brewer made a good save diving to his left.
The second half was not going the way of the first in terms of chances and possession.
Charlton had to concede a corner. Cambridge got a goal back on 71 minutes with the unmarked Jones stretching at the far post after an initial header from Brian Bennett.
Kilkenny came on for Morgan. Sessegnon came on, replacing Thomas.
Cambridge were winning the 50-50s. Kilkenny headed away a Cambridge corner. It had been a difficult 10 minutes for Charlton.
A shot from Brophy was blocked. Inniss cleared away an attempt from Tracey.
Charlton were still under pressure despite the changes with Payne coming on. Kanu was brought down, but nothing was given. There is general agreement that it was a penalty. A Charlton corner ended in a free kick for Cambridge.
Seddon got a yellow card for a foul. The free kick was unproductive. Cambridge made another substitution.
Four minutes were added on. Rak-Sakyi came off. Charlton won a late corner.
The pundits
Kevin Lisbie said that we gave away the ball sloppily in the first five minutes of the second half encouraged Cambridge. Steve Brown said that Sean Clare got caught in possession twice. Scott Minto asked whether we had missed the physicality and mobility of Miles Leaburn in the second half. Kevin Lisbie said it was evident we had missed him in the second half.
Louis Mendez provides his four takeaways from the game, noting that Michael Hector is looking more the part: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-1-win-at-cambridge-travelling-supporters-deserved-uptick-in-away-form/
Dean Holden is looking forward to a summer rebuilding job to make Charlton promotion contenders from League One: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-holden-on-punt-paying-off-and-outlines-plans-for-summer-rebuild-to-make-club-a-league-one-promotion-contender/
Let's hope the money is available.
Corey Blackett-Taylor is a new injury worry for Charlton and is being sent for a scan on a potential hamstring problem. The knee injury to Lucas Ness is still being assessed: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-have-fresh-injury-concern-for-cambridge-united-match/
Dean Holden was full of praise for Tyreece Campbell's performance at Morecamble. Curbs always complained about players banging on his door, but Holden said Campbell should bang on his door more often.
Charlton hope to maintain momentum at tomorrow's game at relegation threatened Cambridge United. I had this down as a 2-2 draw in the Badger League predictions.
At home Cambridge have won six, drawn four and lost eight. Manager Mark Bonner has said his team 'are really devoid of confidence.' Losing to MK Dons last week, they 'got worse as the game went on.'
CAS Trust have said that the best we can hope for is an 11th place finish and we could still have our worst finish since 1927: https://castrust.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=47ab8cc58db1fe6727e9ed9c2&id=7f684fa532&e=97ed1d02c3
Away tickets have sold out and 1,474 Addicks will be there.
Meanwhile over at Palace, with the Glaziers three points above the relegation zone, Patrick Viera has been sacked.
Dean Holden says that The Valley playing surface is difficult, but is not using it as an excuse for poor performances at home: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-dean-holden-on-difficult-valley-playing-surface/
Charlton are 12th in League One after a convincing win at Morecambe.
Charlton produced an excellent performance to demolish struggling Morecambe 4-1 at the Mazuma Stadium.
A brace from Corey Blackett-Taylor and goals from Miles Leaburn and Scott Fraser gave Dean Holden's side a convincing win.
Leaburn gave the visitors the lead in the 17th minute when he volleyed neatly past Connor Ripley from eight yards out.
Four minutes later the visitors doubled their lead from another corner. The ball was floated to the far post for Ryan Inniss to head back across goal for Blackett-Taylor to volley home from close range.
Charlton made it 3-0 two minutes before the break when Tyreece Campbell's cross from the right found Blackett-Taylor, who got the wrong side of Dynel Simeu to score his second of the game.
Morecambe hit back just past the hour with a sweet strike from Donald Love but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Scott Fraser played a neat one-two on the edge of the area and slotted coolly past Ripley eight minutes later to complete the scoring.
Dean Holden told BBC London: ''I was really pleased with the tempo we played at. We played with real personality. We'd had a good chat with the players after the weekend in terms of the way we want to play. Last few games, we'd gone away from what we're good at.'
He has challenged his squad to be more consistent: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-sets-charlton-squad-challenge-after-emphatic-4-1-win-at-morecambe/
Corey Blackett-Taylor came off as a precaution after his brace: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/corey-blackett-taylor-is-claiming-a-brace-after-dubious-goal-at-morecambe-and-reveals-the-reason-for-his-withdrawal/
Corey Blackett-Taylor, who attracted transfer interest from Wigan in the January window, has seen his contract extended by 12 months: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-attackers-contract-extended-by-a-further-12-months/
Lucas Ness is being sent for a scan to assess the extent of his knee injury: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-defender-sent-for-scan-to-determine-extent-of-knee-injury/
Ryan Inniss has recovered from his dental problem and will travel to Morecambe tomorrow.
Dean Holden is reluctant to say anything about contract talks with young players, believed to be Lucas Ness and Aaron Henry: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-asked-about-latest-state-of-play-on-contract-talks-with-young-prospects/
Dean Holden says that he was delighted to sign a new contract but admits there is still need for certainty about the club's ownership: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/holden-delighted-to-sign-new-addicks-deal-but-admits-club-still-needs-certainty-around-ownership/
A meeting between CEO Peter Storrie and the fan advisers didn't yield much, although it is evident that the prospective owners are a consortium and they won't be buying the stadium and the training ground: https://www.charltonafc.com/news/storrie-takeover-update-and-his-remit
The official language is also now 'takeover' rather than 'seeking investment'.
Charlton limped to a 1-1 home draw with Accrington Stanley this afternoon and remain 16th in the table. Sessegnon scored the first Charlton goal in nearly eight hours. It is now five games without a win.
Charlton had only three shots on target compared to eight for Accrington.
The returning Corey Blackett-Taylor put an effort wide after eight minutes following a powerful run for the hosts. The midfielder almost forced Mo Sangare to turn into his own net five minutes later but the defender found his clearance hitting the post.
Accrington took the lead when Whalley was left unmarked in the area to head home just short of the half-hour mark but the Addicks equalised with a stunning 35-yard effort from Sessegnon eight minutes before half-time.
Accrington had the better of the play after the restart without creating a clear-cut chance until the 68th minute.
A solo run by Whalley finished with his shot palmed away by Ashley Maynard-Brewer, who then tipped an Aaron Pressley rebound over the bar.
Late on Accrington had to rely on keeper Toby Savin to block the onrushing Daniel Kanu and keep the score level.
Dean Holden says that the goal was a cheap one to give away. The stop-start nature of the second half prevented the development of momentum: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-says-stop-start-nature-of-second-half-meant-charlton-couldnt-build-momentum-against-accrington-stanley/
Louis Mendez provides four takeaways from the 'snoozefest' at 'The Valley morgue': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-1-1-draw-with-accrington-stanley-addicks-fans-dealt-another-snooze-snoozefest/
Ashley Maynard-Brewer has signed a long-term contract until 2026. Dean Holden says that he still has a lot to learn, but is full of praise for him: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-goalkeeper-ashley-maynard-brewer-signs-new-long-term-contract/
Dean Holden is to stay as manager at Charlton after signing a contract extension: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-set-to-sign-contract-extension-at-charlton-athletic/
Some good news at last.
Charlton still have work to do says Dean Holden even though three of their five upcoming matches are against clubs in relegation danger starting with Accrington Stanley on Saturday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-on-run-of-fixtures-against-clubs-in-great-peril-of-dropping-out-of-league-one/
Scott Fraser is still an injury doubt for Saturday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-man-still-an-injury-doubt-for-accrington-stanley-fixture/
Oxford United want to talk to Dean Holden about their managerial vacancy following the dismissal of Karl Robinson according to TalkSport and other media sources
Charlton have not received an official approach.
Dean Holden says that Daniel Kanu will get more minutes but they will have to be managed: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/we-have-to-get-the-balance-right-dean-holden-asked-if-daniel-kanu-will-get-more-minutes/
Holden revealed that Lucas Ness apologised for his mistake that led to the first goal at Plymouth. Holden admits it is not great being a Charlton fan at the moment, but we need to stick together: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/thats-shows-the-mark-of-the-man-deal-holden-on-defenders-apology-after-charlton-fall-to-defeat-at-plymouth/
In line with my Badger League prediction, Charlton lost 2-0 at Plymouth Argyle this afternoon and fell to 16th in the table.
Charlton have now gone seven hours without scoring.
Second half goals from Ryan Hardie - just nine seconds after the restart - and substitute Niall Ennis saw the Pilgrims clinch their 15th home league win out of 17 games this season.
In his four takeaways from the game Louis Mendez notes that Macaulay Bonne has not scored in 420 days: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-0-defeat-at-plymouth-seven-hour-goalless-run-shows-changes-needed-up-top/
Charlton had an early opportunity to test Argyle when they were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out after a foul on Jack Payne by Galloway.
The ball was clipped into the box and headed clear out of the penalty area by Wilson as far as Kilkenny, whose strike from distance went harmlessly over the bar.
Jack Payne fired over for Charlton from 20 yards out after the ball was flicked across to him by Kilkenny as the visitors made a confident, purposeful start.
Payne was influential for Charlton, playing in a central position behind striker Macauley Bonne, and from one of his crosses Sean Clare put the ball over the bar.
There was controversy on the stroke of half-time when Argyle were adamant they should have been awarded a penalty for a handball by Hector. Woolmer awarded a corner instead of a penalty and Argyle continued their protests at the end of the first half as Hardie, Edwards and assistant manager Mark Hughes all went over to the referee.
Charlton took the kick-off after the break and the ball was played back to defender Lucas Ness, who went to hit it forward but had it charged down by Hardie. The striker then advanced into the penalty area and chipped the ball over the onrushing Maynard-Brewer and into the net for his 16th goal of the season in all competitions.
With the home side in the ascendancy Dean Holden made a triple substitution as Hector, Macauley Bonne and Payne were replaced by Corey Blackett-Taylor, Miles Leaburn and Daniel Kanu.
Charlton had more attacking energy about them after the triple substitution and Argyle had to repel some promising attacks from the Addicks. Rak-Sakyi sent one header across the face of goal and wide of the far post as Charlton started to enjoy much more possession in the final third and caused some anxious moments for Argyle.
Kanu sent a low shot wide of the far post after a Charlton break before Schumacher made a triple substitution, with Galloway, Azaz and Hardie, replaced by Lonwijk, Niall Ennis and Cosgrove.
Charlton pushed on with increasing urgency as they chased an equaliser and Argyle had to stay strong and look to play on then break, which they did successfully in the 87th minute. Edwards broke forward and played the ball outside to Wright, whose low ball inside found Ennis and he sent a shot past Maynard-Brewer into the bottom corner of the net.
Thomas Sandgaard and SE7 partners continue to make contradictory statements about what happened in the failed sale and it may need the courts to sort it out. As far as fans are concerned, it is the search for another bidder that is now important, although I think that we had a lucky escape with Charlie Methven: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-owner-agrees-that-sale-of-club-unaffected-by-se7-partners-dispute/
The Athletic has a long feature article on the dispute today which mainly looks at it from the SE7 Partners perspective and does make a few new points: https://theathletic.com/4265459/2023/03/02/charlton-athletic-ownership-latest/?source=user_shared_article
VOTV website editor Rick Everitt is understandably pessimistic about the state of the club in his latest analysis of the situation and has some critical things to say about Sandgaard. He is doubtful about whether Marc Spiegel has the resources needed to turn the club around: https://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2022-23-blogs/3-3-recycling-the-same-history-is-charlton-s-problem/
Promotion chasing Plymouth Argyle are looking to bounce back against Charlton tomorrow after their 5=2 defeat at Peterborough last Saturday: https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/plymouth-argyle-target-charlton-athletic-8207278#
Argyle have won 14 of their 16 home matches this season, losing just one. However, they have slipped down the form table to a midway position.
My Badger League prediction was a 2-0 defeat and I don't see much hope of us getting anything from this game, but I would be happy to be proved wrong.
CAS Trust notes that it seems a long time since we beat Argyle 5-1 at the beginning of the season: https://www.castrust.org/2023/03/the-long-road-to-plymouth/
Louis Mendez says that Charlton have been a sleeping giant for too long: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-are-a-sleeping-giant-which-has-been-in-a-coma-for-too-long/
Chuks Aneke is out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-striker-chuks-aneke-set-to-miss-remainder-of-league-one-season/
It is difficult to recall such an injury prone player.
Peterborough had defender Josh Knight sent off in a second-half flare-up during a goalless draw with Charlton.
Knight was dismissed by referee Andrew Kitchen in the 54th minute after kicking out at Charlton forward Jesurun Rak-Sakyi as the pair clashed on the floor.
Rak-Sakyi was hugely fortunate not to follow Knight down the tunnel, escaping with a yellow card for lashing out at Knight in retaliation.
Another Peterborough player, Jack Taylor, was also booked for an initial foul on Rak-Sakyi which sparked the incident.
Charlton were unable to make their numerical advantage count, with captain George Dobson firing over and substitute Corey Blackett-Taylor being denied by Posh goalkeeper Will Norris.
Ryan Inniss had earlier squandered Charlton's best chance of a low-key first half when heading over from a Sean Clare corner.
Peterborough rarely threatened, with League One's leading scorer Jonson Clarke-Harris coming closest when his header midway through the first half was kept out by a smart Ashley Maynard-Brewer save.
Taylor tested Maynard-Brewer in stoppage-time after dribbling from box to box only to be denied.
Charlton went up one place to 13th.
Richard Cawley reports: ‘Charlie Methven's group indicating they will go public with their stance on the collapsed Charlton takeover at the end of exclusivity - which they claim to be the end of this month. This contradicts Thomas Sandgaard's claim that exclusivity ended on February 1.’
Cawley notes: ‘I use the word “claim” for both these things,
as so far nobody has provided any kind of paperwork to prove anything. The
response, of course, is that this could impact any legal process.
Cawley adds: 'There is a leaked document doing the rounds, showing the split of Charlton ownership if Methven's group completed their takeover. Worth pointing out that their bid for the club looks dead in the water. Only question now is any kind of legal action (set to become clearer tomorrow).''
'Some of the info is blacked out but Americans Gabriel Brener
and Joshua Friedman would have owned a controlling stake. Methven shown as
owning around 24.1% but their side say that was made up of more than individual
(would have been likes of Rodwell, Warrick etc and others). Methven's
side say that the former Sunderland co-owner would have had a 10 per cent stake
(works out as an investment of around £850k).'
Any season ticket
pitch is going to be interesting for Charlton.
There is a high level of apathy, absolutely understandably so, within
the fanbase.’
It looks uncertain whether Miles Leaburn can start against Peterborough tonight despite a shortage of up front options: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ive-got-to-be-careful-charlton-athletic-boss-makes-miles-leaburn-admission/
Peterborough crushed second place Plymouth 5-2 on Saturday, although they were without their first choice goalkeeper.
At home Posh have won ten, drawn one and lost four. Charlton have had no wins in their last ten fixtures against Posh.
I have this down as a 2-0 defeat in the Badger League. If there is to be any hope, we have to avoid conceding an early goal.
Dean Holden is involved in a forward planning meeting on Thursday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-on-charlton-athletic-contract-talks-and-thursday-meeting-to-map-out-some-of-next-seasons-plans/
Of course, any planning meeting is best with uncertainty until the ownership issue is resolved.
Holden mingled with fans in the Royal Oak in Saturday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-manager-dean-holden-on-making-post-match-pub-visit-after-sheffield-wednesday-match/
Charlton fell back to 14th after a 0-1 home defeat by league leaders Sheffield Wednesday.
Miles Leaburn was back in the line up against Sheffield Wednesday. Bonne had not been able to train on Friday, but was on the bench.
Ness had to make an important early interception. The visitors won an early corner in front of the Covered End. A shot from Bannan curled away from Maynard-Brewer and off the post.
Wednesday got in behind Ness and advanced quickly to make it 0-1 within 10 minutes. Palmer was completely unmarked for a simple side footed finish. An early goal conceded was the last thing we needed. Curbs said we were at sixes and sevens.
Steve Brown said we could not stand off and fail to pressurise.
Maynard-Brewer made a good claim as Wednesday advanced.
Steve Brown said we were not penetrating into the space without the ball. Wednesday were always looking to get someone in behind.
Palmer had another chance after Windass got in behind but Maynard-Brewer made the save. Charlton were fortunate not to be 2-0 down.
Steve Brown said they were suffocating all our strength. As soon as the ball got to one of their 'danger players', they had one or two players around them. They had done their homework well on us. They were just doing a lot more with the ball.
Blackett-Taylor got a yellow card for a foul.
Steve Brown said we hadn't penetrated behind once. We had not troubled the keeper at all. Our communication levels weren't quick enough. Our midfield were chasing shadows at time and were nullified as an attacking force.
Maynard-Brewer punched the ball away following a corner taken short. The second corner was punched away. Maynard-Brewer claimed well but was dragged back.
Rak-Sakyi had to receive treatment after a foul. Expected goals for Charlton were zero.
Ness made a brilliant last ditch challenge on Windass to keep Charlton in the game. Windass had made a well-timed run.
Four minutes were added on. Sheffield Wednesday won a corner. Kilkenny eventually cleared away. Maynard-Brewer had to save from Iorfa at close range, he was in the right place at the right time.
Steve Brown said we might have to go direct and get the ball forward a lot quicker.
Curbs said he had not seen a more professional outfit in all aspects of their game. There was a chance for us to come back out. Sean Clare and Blackett-Taylor has struggled as wing backs. They got in behind Clare a couple of times. It was their movement, their confidence, they had dominated us, running off the ball. All over the pitch they had been better. Maynard-Brewer had kept us in the game. They closed us down and won the ball back in dangerous areas. They're aggressive, not giving us a minute's peace. Their professionalism was too much for the referee. He's had a poor half for me. They had made professional fouls in the right area which had stopped us from getting going. They had had three yellow cards, but could have had five or six.
If Mile didn't get going, that had to be one change.
HT: Addicks 0, Massives 1
Charlton tried to start brightly as they played towards the Covered End. Blackett-Taylor was forced outside and the cross was gathered by the keeper.
Wednesday won a corner through Windass in front of their fans. Inniss won the first header.
Leaburn couldn't finish as he got the ball on to his right foot. It was good pressure from Clare that created the opportunity. Steve Brown said it had been our best spell in the entire game. There was more urgency, we were playing in their half.
Kilkenny came off and Aneke came on.
Wednesday won a corner which sent their fans into raptures but led to a Charlton goal kick.
An effort from Aneke was the first shot on target but it didn't trouble the keeper. An effort from Clare went wide when he could have brought Leaburn into play.
Steve Brown said it was a much better performance from Charlton, Wednesday were being pulled about. We had been very timid in the first 45, at least we were asking a few questions.
Wednesday made a substitution with Brown coming off.
One Wednesday corner led to a second which ended in a goal kick after a header.
Blackett-Taylor cut inside and got a shot away which struck the post and won a corner which was unproductive.
Iorfa had to made a vital interception as Leaburn was favourite to come on to the ball. Bonne replaced Leaburn. Smith went off for Wednesday. as they used their strength in depth.
Aneke went down in the Charlton penalty area clutching the back of his leg. The stretcher came out and Aneke went down the tunnel. Steve Brown said he had been looking a bit of a handful, he had had a couple of opportunities. Payne came on.
Steve Brown said they had been the better side overall, we had given it more of a go second half. It was much more encouraging.
Six minutes were added on. Wednesday made a substitution. Charlton won a free kick in a dangerous position around 25 yards out. Payne's effort went straight into the wall. A Blackett-Taylor delivery was too high for Dobson.
The pundits
Curbs said the damage was done in the first half, they were so much better than us in and out of possession. He hoped that Miles was ok, he limped off. Dean had to assess the squad and where he could improve it. Sweaty Balmer said that in the second half they got after them. Curbs said if we made a foul, four or five of them surrounded the referee.
In his four takeaways on the match, Louis Mendez says it could have been a lot worse, but notes that Charlton have struggled to keep the ball out of the net whoever is in defence and this was one of the worst goals they conceded: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-1-0-defeat-against-sheffield-wednesday-addicks-narrowly-defeated-when-it-looked-like-it-could-be-a-lot-worse/
Dean Holden says there is no time limit on talks on a new contract. Talks with Thomas Sandgaard are ongoing, but it needs to be done before the end of the season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/__trashed-18/
Hopefully sooner rather than later!
Table topping Sheffield Wednesday are targeting a 20 match unbeaten run at The Valley tomorrow which would beat a club record set in 1960/61.
They beat MK Dons 5-2 last Saturday, albeit that the Franchisees are going through a bad patch. The Massives are understandably confident of securing automatic promotion to the Championship which they see as a way station to their rightful place in the Premier League.
They have sold out the Jimmy Seed and it is expected that some of their supporters will have bought home tickets.
A predicted a 1-3 defeat in the Badger League and I see little reason to change that. Only three teams have beaten the 'champions elect' in the league this season and the last one was in October. They have only lost twice away from home and conceded just nine goals. A repeat of last year's 0-0 home draw would be an achievement: https://castrust.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=47ab8cc58db1fe6727e9ed9c2&id=8bbe858612&e=97ed1d02c3
Corey Blackett-Taylor is having a good season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/rashford-mbappe-and-vinicius-jr-charltons-corey-blackett-taylor-studying-the-wing-kings-to-add-extra-goal-threat/
Alan Curbishley says that Dean Holden faces a dilemma in terms of who should start up front against the Massives on Saturday. Curbs rightly says that Macauley Bonne has struggled to make an impact since his return, but Chuks Aneke does best as a sub: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/curbishley-charlton-athletic-boss-facing-tough-call-on-which-striker-to-start-against-sheffield-wednesday/
Whether Miles Leaburn will be available is uncertain, probably at best from the bench. He has certainly been missed.
It looks as if Gareth Ainsworth is going to join plunging QPR, a shame for Wycombe Wanderers who are a decent small club.
Earlier reports had suggested that the Super Hoops wanted to talk to Dean Holden. It was reminiscent of the time they tried to lure Curbs to a 'bigger' club.
However, the amount of interest in Holden should prompt Sandgaard to conclude contract talks.
I had this down as a 3-0 defeat in the Badger League, so 2-0 is a little more respectable. Charlton remain in 11th place.
It was a comfortable victory for the Rams over Charlton at Pride Park. A David McGoldrick penalty and a header from central defender Eiran Cashin ensured the Rams remained unbeaten at home in the league since early October.
Charlton's bid for a fourth consecutive away league win suffered a setback when they conceded in the ninth minute.
Conor Hourihane's shot was handled by Michael Hector and McGoldrick coolly dispatched the spot-kick.
Rams goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith did well to close down Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, but Derby threatened whenever they went forward and Hourihane had a low shot saved by Ashley Maynard-Brewer in the 33rd minute.
McGoldrick was denied a second in first half stoppage time when Maynard-Brewer made a good save low to his right and Wildsmith had to react sharply to keep out a Scott Fraser drive in the 49th minute.
But Derby gave themselves breathing space in the 69th minute when Hourihane's free-kick from wide on the left was headed in by Cashin from eight yards.
Louis Mendez commented: 'Derby are top six material and we're not. We can look okay against Exeter and whoever, but look that little bit outclassed against the big boys.'
Dean Holden was frustrated by the number of unforced errors in the game: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-bemused-by-amount-of-unforced-errors-during-charltons-defeat-at-derby-county/
Louis Mendez says that Charlton face another season in which there is nothing left to play for. Macaulay Bonne needs to provide more, although it is not all his fault as he lacks service: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-0-loss-at-derby-county-rams-rarely-out-of-second-gear-but-had-more-than-enough/
CAS Trust try to be hopeful about our trip to Derby tomorrow: https://www.castrust.org/2023/02/playing-for-pride-in-our-only-away-derby/
I had this down as a 3-0 defeat in my Badger League prediction, but if we can avoid an early goal we might get something out of the game. Rak-Sakyi is on form and the two defenders put on him by Forest Green on Tuesday could not close him down.
At home Derby have won ten, drawn three and lost two, scoring 31 goals and conceding 12.
They have stumbled a little recently. Their unbeaten run came to and at Wycombe on Saturday and they drew at home to 10-man Lincoln.
Contract talks for Dean Holden are expected to start this weekend: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-dean-holden-set-for-contract-talks-this-weekend/
I would be very cautious about an article claiming that Thomas Sandgaard walked away from a £17m deal to buy The Valley: https://www.footballinsider247.com/charlton-athletic-owner-sandgaard-walks-away-from-17m-deal-sources/
I would question whether The Valley has 'redevelopment potential', although the railway line is not the issue. There is limited access; the stadium has a different planning designation; and demolition costs would be substantial.
Richard Cawley has commented: ''I'm not saying he is wrong but there are things I've never heard. Info I received was TS never pulled plug over percentage with Methven's group and the railway angle about halting development is a new one!"
Simon Jordan just told TalkSport that he was 'approached to talk about' and had 'conversations' with people involved in Spiegel's takeover bid.
“I know about [the new ownership situation], I was
approached to talk about it. I can’t see myself ever wanting to get involved in
Charlton quite frankly." [Just as
well, as we wouldn’t want him].
“I’ve had
conversations with people about it who are very well known to me and are in the
mix. They’ve made some sensible decisions so far, by bringing Peter Storrie
back, who is a very capable operator.”
‘Operator’ is
certainly one word that could be used. I
must say that I am bit puzzled by having a CEO on a consultancy basis, but I
suppose it reflects the current uncertainty.
Dean Holden says that Charlton's season is still alive and continues to target a play off place: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/this-season-is-alive-charlton-athletic-boss-dean-holden-still-targeting-play-off-place-this-season/
Realistically I don't there is a real chance, but psychologically it's the right approach as we come up against the Rams and the Massives.
Ashley Maynard-Brewer thinks that Charlton can still reach the play offs and that a win against Derby County on Saturday is possible: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-keeper-hoping-for-big-result-at-derby-county-to-fire-up-league-one-play-off-prospects/
Charlton were disappointing against an awful Forest Green Rovers side who lack a credible striker. However, we often provide our better performances against top teams and lack motivation against lesser sides.
We did, however, seem to be reverting to playing out from the back on Tuesday and that is not the way to go, certainly against the Rams.
Derby were frustrated by a 1-1 draw against 10 man Lincoln on Tuesday: https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/conor-hourihane-defends-derby-county-8152191
I do think that it is no longer possible to reach the play offs and we just have to hope for a resolution of the ownership situation.
