Tuesday 31 January 2023

DJ is the last to leave


New look defence at Charlton

DJ went out to AFC Winbledon in a last minute loan deal.  He has not featured much this season.  Lavelle has gone on loan to Burton.  Terrell Thomas has been retained because we need cover in defence.  The deal for Wigan winger Gwion Edwards did not happen - Richard Cawley does not have any information at this stage.

However, he has stated that they made a late bid for Corey Blackett-Taylor.

Dean Holden thinks that Michael Hector could be a really good signing: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/former-fulham-defender-michael-hector-signs-six-month-contact-with-charlton-athletic/

The overall pattern of business was undoubtedly influenced by the fact that we have no chance of making the play offs, the unrealistic break even target and the uncertainties surrounding the prospective takeover.

It has been suggested that the wage bill has been cut by £1.4m.

Richard Cawley reports: 'No update from Charlton yet on the contractual situations of technical director Andy Scott, COO Jim Rodwell and finance director Ed Warrick - all three only had deals until January 31. Trio brought in as part of the Charlie Methven-led takeover.'

In they come and out they go

Defender and free agent Michael Hector has joined Charlton on a short contract while the Gavin Kilkenny loan deal has gone ahead as anticipated: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64470956

It's a starring or at least supporting actor role for Eoghan O'Connell who joins Wrexham who lost two defenders to injury on Sunday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/hollywood-a-listers-announce-charlton-athletic-departure-for-wrexham-bound-eoghan-oconnell/

Terrell Thomas may become a vegan and join Forest Green.   Sam Lavelle could join Burton as the clearout continues.  

Monday 30 January 2023

Farwell, then, Jayden Stockley

Jayden Stockley is to join Fleetwood Town on a two and a half year permanent contract: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-striker-stockley-set-for-fleetwood-town-move/

He will have the chance to score against us on February 11th.

The various departures will probably save a five figure sum each week in wages.

Kirk on his way

Charlie Kirk is to make a loan move before the transfer deadline, most likely to Burton Albion: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-winger-charlie-kirk-expected-to-make-loan-move-away-before-deadline/

I thought that he had great potential when he was signed, but it has not worked out for him at Charlton.

Kilkenny in?

Unconfirmed reports are stating that Charlton have signed 22-year old Bournemouth midfielder Gavin Kilkenny.   He was on loan at Stoke.

His stay at Stoke was blighted with hip and knee injuries, so let us hope he is not another candidate for the in demand Sparrows Lane treatment table.

He put in a plea not to be fotgotten: https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/23280279.gavin-kilkenny-dont-want-forgotten/

Career details for the Irish Under 21 international: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavin_Kilkenny

Richard Cawley says that the deal for Kilkenny is not done and dusted, but the right noises are happening about it at this stage.

Sunday 29 January 2023

Saturday 28 January 2023

Search for signings will go down to the wire

Charlton's transfer dealings will continue right up to the 11 pm deadline on Tuesday says Dean Holden: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/right-to-the-wire-charlton-athletic-boss-expecting-transfer-window-drama-on-deadline-day/

DJ and Charlie Kirk could still leave.

Charlton go behind twice

For the second season in a row Bolton did the double over Charlton.   Charlie Methven watched on as defensive failings cost Charlton.   The Addicks remain 15th.

An early Bolton free kick after three and a half minutes came in off the post into the top corner to put the visitors 1-0 ahead through Morley.

Charlton won a corner through Blackett-Taylor, but it was unproductive.

After Charlton lost possession through debutante Penney, Bolton advanced.  Maynard-Brewer made a good save, getting the ball on to the crossbar.

Bolton were targeting Charlton's right.  

Penney won a corner, but it was cleared away.  

Charlton had a free kick a couple of yards outside the penalty area on the right.   Rak-Sakyi's header did not have enough pace to trouble the keeper who saved.

Fraser won the ball back well but the keeper saved before Rak-Sakyi could pounce.  

Rak-Sakyi advanced but the keeper got enough on the shot to put it just past the right hand post. 

There was a delay after Johnston went down, but he did not need to be substituted initially, but was replaced at half time.   A shot from Dempsey was inches wide of the Charlton right hand post.

A shot by Charles was saved by Maynard-Brewer.   

Fraser had to tackle Bradley at the expense of a corner.   There were two great blocks, the first from Ness, the second from Dobson.  There were three scrambles in the penalty area, but Charlton survived.

Four minutes were added on.  Rak-Sakyi went down with a knock to his face.  It had been an end to end half.

Scott Minto said that Bolton had been the better side.  Curbs said they were dangerous and competitive and he was glad we were only one behind.   Steve Brown said they had a very resolute defence that were hard to break down.  We knew they were going to be a hard nut to crack.  Curbs said that Maynard-Brewer had made two outstanding saves.

HT: Addicks 0, Trotters 1

In the first minute of the second half Charlton equalised through Morgan after excellent build up play involving Clare, Fraser and Bonne.   Morgan played a one-two on the edge of the box with Rak-Sakyi. The shot went straight through Trafford in the Bolton goal.

Ness made a great interception.   

A shot from Morley was tipped over the bar by Maynard-Brewer.   From the corner Santos put his header wide in front of the Jimmy Seed.   Bolton had to make a substitution.  

A Morgan free kick was tipped round the post by Trafford.   Charlton kept up the pressure, but Rak-Sakyi was not able to get enough on it to score.

Blackett-Taylor was taken off and replaced by Campbell.

An Inniss header dropped for Dempsey. Charles had a simple tap in after being fed by Dempsey to make it 1-2 after 23 minutes of the second half.

Lee made a bad challenge on Morgan and got a yellow card.    A shot from Lee was over the bar after Bradley made a run.  Bolton looked a real threat in the final third,

Leaburn came on for Clare with Bolton in the ascendant.

Charlton made a double change in a last throw of the dice.  Dobson and Morgan came off, Payne and Henry came on.

A Leaburn shot was deflected for a corner, but Ness couldn't get the right contact.   Six minutes were added on.  

Charlton won another corner taken by Henry, but it was unproductive.   An attempt by Penney went into the back of the Covered End.   Inniss rescued a dangerous situation.  

Ness blocked a ball from Dempsey.  

Bolton had 24 shots to 12, eight to five on target.

The pundits

Curbs said that Bolton had caused us a load of problems today and deserved their victory.  Steve Brown said they were a very good side.  Curbs said they were competitive and strong, the midfield dominated us in the first half.  It could have been three or four but for Maynard-Brewer.   Steve Brown said he liked the response in the first half, we came out on the front foot.  There was a fight in the team which we might have questioned earlier in the season.

Curbs said we did well to stay in the game after the early Bolton goal.

The pundits said it was difficult to pick a Charlton man of the match.   There were three candidates, but they had all made mistakes.  Steve Brown said that Maynard-Brewer had kept us in the game in the first half.

Curbs said that Bonne had found it tough particularly dealing with Santos, described by Steve Brown as a 'brute'.   


 






Friday 27 January 2023

On the trot

Bolton Wanderers have only lost once in their last ten outings and are confident as they face Charlton at The Valley in a 12.30 kickoff tomorrow.  Their manager reckons that the new manager bounce is over: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/bolton-boss-delivers-charlton-athletic-verdict-ahead-of-valley-clash/

Fifth in the table, the Trotters (now often called the Whites) have won four, drawn four and lost five away from home.  Charlton are back down to 15th.

There is no doubt that Bolton will be a tough test, even if they are missing a few key players: https://www.castrust.org/2023/01/sky-high-in-the-early-kick-off/

Stockley to stay

It looks as if Jayden Stockley is going to stay at Charlton and fight for a first team place: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-striker-looking-set-for-january-transfer-window-stay/

It was reported that he would be going to Gillingham in a deal that would have included use of a static caravan at Herne Bay.  However, the new moneybags club have already made a number of signings.

Stockley will have a fight on his hands to secure a first team starting place.   In many respects he is most useful in defence when the team are under pressure and could be brought on to help safeguard a narrow lead.

Thursday 26 January 2023

Keeper transfer rumour

A speculative report is suggesting Championship interest in Joe Wollacott, presumably as a reserve keeper: https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/championship-transfer-interest-emerges-in-charlton-athletic-26-year-old/

Given the success of Ashley Maynard-Brewer, there isn't an assured future for him at Charlton.

Richard Cawley has also now run the story, it would be a loan deal.

Tuesday 24 January 2023

Former players hit the heights

Former Addick Ademola Lookman is the second top goal scorer in Serie A this season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ex-charlton-attacker-lookman-lighting-up-serie-a/

Meanwhile former keeper Nick Pope is building up an 'incredible' clean sheet record: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64395032

Varsity place for McGrandles

Conor McGrandles has joined Cambridge United until the end of the season.  He will still have two years left on his contract then.

After Richard Cawley released the news, the streets around SE7 remained calm.

McGrandles has been plagued by freak injuries: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-midfielder-makes-loan-switch-to-cambridge-united/

Takeover by end of month?

Things have gone quiet on the takeover front, but Richard Cawley states: 'Last I heard the group that had exclusivity period were hopeful of getting it done before end of the month. Think some paperwork had gone to EFL. But they weren't totally at that stage of complete submission to that part of the process.'

Saturday 21 January 2023

Left back signs

Left footed full back Matt Penney has signed on loan from Ipswich for the rest of the season: https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/23267656.ipswich-town-transfer-news-matt-penney-joins-charlton-athletic/

He was with Motherwell for the first part of the season and could have stayed there, but decided to hand in his kilt and join Charlton.

The 24-year old came through the Sheffield Wednesday academy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Penney

Game off

Today's match at Peterborough has been called off, the pitch deemed unplayable in a late decision.  This will be annoying for the 1,500 or so Addicks who had made the trip.

Why wasn't there an earlier announcement?   There was even no announcement about a pitch inspection.

Peterborough are undertaking a full investigation into the postponement, but that is little consolation.  Dean Holden said that the handling of the postponement was 'bang out of order': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-fumes-over-lack-of-communication-from-peterborough-united-ahead-of-late-postponement/

Posh owner Darragh McAnthony has tweeted: ‘To help towards making it right re away fans; myself and Jason Neale will pay personally for over 30 plus coaches to take all away fans with tickets from today to re-arranged fixture.  For those who cannot make the rearranged fixture, we will offer full refund but also free ticket to next home league fixture our club ever plays against your club regardless of timeline or league’s we play in.’

Charlton have fallen back to 14th in the table after wins for Oxford and Shrewsbury.   Louis Mendez has commented: 'Charlton nine points off the top six now following this afternoon’s League One results. Barnsley in sixth still have a game in hand over us as well.'

Friday 20 January 2023

Bonne wants to right wrongs

Macauley Bonne is pleased with the reception he got from fans and points out that we made good money on his initial signing: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/i-want-to-right-my-wrongs-macauley-bonne-on-joining-charlton-athletic-and-his-qpr-exit/

Unconfirmed reports are linking Charlton and other clubs with Bolton midfielder Kieran Sadlier.  Formerly at Rotherham, he has been a fringe player at Bolton.

Dean Holden on what he expects from players

When Dean Holden arrived at Charlton he found a lack of confidence and a flat environment.  Looking at previous matches, there was some good work on the ball but less so off it.  Now the team was running more and looking a lot more determined: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/you-wont-play-charlton-boss-dean-holden-on-the-non-negotiables-he-expects-from-his-players/

Mike Holden (no relation) analyses Dean Holden's management style: https://www.castrust.org/2023/01/why-are-charlton-winning-again/

Ferguson claims Charlton will be a 'tough test'

Retread Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson thinks that Charlton have been under achieving given the players they have and expected them to go on a run sooner or later: https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/peterborough-united-boss-on-leaving-players-out-and-the-need-to-keep-improving-as-in-form-charlton-visit-the-weston-homes-stadium-3993189

Of course, billing a match as a 'tough test' is one way of getting your excuses in first.

Peterborough have won eight games at home, drawn one and lost three.  They have scored 24 goals and conceded just nine.  Charlton have won two games away, drawn five and lost five.

Our last four visits to London Road have secured just one point: https://www.castrust.org/2023/01/darren-ferguson-again/

Over 1,500 Addicks are expected to make the trip.

Thursday 19 January 2023

Kane out for several weeks

As feared, Todd Kane's hamstring issue will keep him out for several weeks: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-team-news-coventry-city-loanee-set-to-be-missing-for-a-number-of-weeks/

Target Tayo Edun has a sore achilles, increasing his chances of joining the Addicks.

Wednesday 18 January 2023

Promotion for Pearce

Jason Pearce has been promoted to under 18s lead development coach after Hamza Serra left for Dubai.  Danny Senda has also been promoted: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/danny-senda-and-jason-pearce-land-charlton-promotions-as-hamza-serrar-takes-new-job-in-abu-dhabi/

Rumours that Palace shareholder John Textor are just that.   The notion attributed to him of wanting to develop 'a healthier relationship' between the two clubs is a bad joke at best.  Textor was the subject of a critical banner at Sainsbury's last night.

Tuesday 17 January 2023

Why keeper was masked

Ashley Maynard-Brewer was masked on Saturday because of a procedure to deal with the broken nose he suffered at Ross County last season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-explains-why-keeper-ash-maynard-brewer-wore-face-mask-in-barnsley-match/

There is no news yet on the severity of Todd Kane's hamstring injury, but the initial indications are not promising.

Steve Brown commented on Saturday that Kane not had many minutes.   Playing in the development team was not as testing as the old reserve leagues.

Steven Sessegnon is dealing with a knee injury from last summer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/more-detail-on-fulham-loanees-late-withdrawal-from-charltons-2-0-win-over-barnsley/

If you are a physio at Charlton, you will never lack work.

Sunday 15 January 2023

Don't get carried away

In his four takeaways from Saturday's game Louis Mendez warns that we shouldn't get carried away by three straight wins.   Getting into the play offs would require a 50 per cent win ratio for the rest of the season which would be a big ask: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-0-win-over-barnsley-lucas-ness-shines-but-play-offs-still-way-off/

At least we're hearing less from the 'We'll be playing in League Two next season' crowd.

Mendez also praises the 'Luc Ness Monster', something I think we can all endorse.  It reminds us why any new owners would be ill advised to cut back on the Academy.

Both Mendez and Ness admit that we rode our luck at times against Barnsley, normally the judgment made by Desmond from Deal.   Ness admits that it has been tough physically for him: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-defender-late-down-the-tunnel-and-misses-out-on-grabbing-shirts-from-manchester-uniteds-biggest-names/

Saturday 14 January 2023

Clean sheet win

Charlton made it three straight victories with a 2-0 win over Barnsley at The Valley this afternoon.  There were five Academy graduates on the pitch.

Sean Clare replaced Sessegnon who was injured in the warm up and Kane had to switch to left back.  Kane had to concede the first corner of the afternoon.  A second followed.  

Barnsley won a third corner as they tried for an early goal. A free header was put wide.

The masked Maynard-Brewer made a great save as Barnsley threatened in the penalty area.  Charlton needed to slow the match down.

Kane provided Rak-Sakyi with a great ball, his first touch was good, but not his second in front of an open goal. 

Leaburn tried to feed Campbell, but he couldn't get the ball under control.

A strike went straight into the safe hands of Maynard-Brewer.   Charlton had not yet settled as a defensive unit.   Barnsley were trying to close down Dobson at every opportunity.   

Payne showed technical ability in playing Campbell down the left who drilled the ball home on 20 minutes to make it 1-0, his first senior goal.

A Barnsley shot was goal bound, but Maynard-Brewer managed to get to it.   Benson was injured and had to be substituted.

Kane had to make a good defensive header at the expense of a corner, followed by a second.

Kitchen got a yellow card for a foul on Leaburn.  

Three minutes were added on.  Kane went down.  Barnsley hit the bar with a header, nearly leading to an equaliser.   The cross came from where Kane was down with what looked like a muscle injury.  Kane walked off in a blow for Charlton and O'Connell came on.  Campbell would have to do a lot of defending in the second half as the Addicks switched to a back three.

It had been scrappy at times with the playing surface affected by the morning's heavy rain.   Miles Leaburn was angry about a possible elbow off the ball.   Steve Brown said the correct thing to do was not to react.   Scott Minto said he need to channel his anger.  He had two centre halves all over him.

Steve Brown said that Barnsley had had a good half with two shots hitting the bar.   Charlton had been resilient.  The external commentator said that Charlton had won the battle in both boxes.  

HT: Addicks 1, Tykes 0

The wind was swirling round The Valley.   Charlton had to defend in the opening minutes.  They needed to be tidier in possession.

Maynard-Brewer had to provide quality goal keeping.  

A shot hit Clare and went out for a corner.   Charlton were stretched.   Leaburn headed the corner away.

Fresh legs were needed.  Henry and Bonne came on, Leaburn and Payne came off.

Rak-Sakyi scored from a Bonne assist to make it 2-0 on 61 minutes.   Henry set Bonne away and his low shot was tipped on to the post by the keeper.  The second goal knocked the stuffing out of Barnsley.

O'Connell headed away a corner and Henry volleyed it away.   Barnsley made a triple change, taking off their two strikers.

Maynard-Brewer punched away a cross.

Campbell put in a good cross but Inniss put the ball wide.  It could have been 3-0.

Ness made a good block, showing good awareness to get into position.

Henry put in a great free kick, Inniss made a run but the keeper grabbed it at the second attempt.

Barnsley won a corner.  Inniss got something on it.  

Inniss and Norwood were booked for pushing and shoving.   Blackett-Taylor replaced Campbell.

Clare got a shot away but it went wide.  Inniss got a final clearance away as Barnsley advanced.  The effort levels from a defensive point of view were good.

Martin made two efforts following a free kick but they were blocked by the Addicks defence.

Four minutes were added on.  Maynard-Brewer had to make a good save.   Ness blocked a shot.  Blackett-Taylor won a free kick.  

Charlton were the better team in the second half.

The pundits

Scott Minto said that Dean Holden had changed things around in a short time for the Addicks.  Charlton looked as if they had a bit of backbone which they didn't have earlier in the season.   Steve Brown said that our covering positions in defence were better.  There was resilience there.   Steve Brown said that Lucas Ness saw things early.   Maynard-Brewer and Ness were performing consistently every week.










Friday 13 January 2023

Farewell, then, Craig MacGillivray

Craig MacGillivray has joined Burton Albion on a free transfer, cutting the wage bill: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-confirm-goalkeeper-transfer-window-deal/

As is so often the case with a departing player, the words that come to mind are those used by the cinema newsreels when Neville Chamberlain was replaced by Winston Churchill in 1940: 'Thanks for all you tried to do.'

Tykes test

After the excitement of playing at Manchester United, tomorrow's match against Barnsley could determine whether we go up or down the Football League.   The CAS Trust preview is here: https://www.castrust.org/2023/01/a-six-pointer-after-the-lord-mayors-show/

Barnsley may have lost at home to Bolton Wanderers in their last outing, but prior to the defeat, they had gone on a seven game unbeaten run, which stretched back to October. Michael Duff’s side will be looking to bounce back against the Addicks, and a win could take them up to as high as 4th should other results go their way.

Steve Brown lost £200,000 in scam

Interviewed by The Athletic about Richard Rufus Steve Brown reveals that he lost £200,000 in a scam that he was introduced to by another former team mate whom he does not name.

“Every footballer has been hoodwinked by somebody,” he says. “Anywhere there’s lots of money you’ll find vultures and sharks.”

After being recruited by a former team-mate whom he would rather not name, Brown himself fell victim to an investment scam.

“I got hoodwinked in a property deal that was not a property deal,” he recalls, saying he put £200,000 towards what was supposedly an exciting new opportunity in Spain. “I never saw my money again.”

Footballers have always been well paid but it is only recently that players at smaller clubs have earned eye-watering sums which can fund a lifetime of glamour. Brown is still feeling the pinch from that bogus investment, acutely aware that that sum would have comfortably doubled in the following two decades if it had been invested sensibly.

He is comfortably off but a long way from the current Premier League stars who, even as squad players at smaller clubs, earn sums that players at teams like Charlton around the turn of the millennium could only dream of.

“Football was in that transitional period,” says Brown. “It did filter down eventually but if you were in that 1995-2005 bracket, some people were very, very well paid but some people weren’t (in comparison).”


Thursday 12 January 2023

Holden discusses Bonne

Dean Holden has addressed a controversial tweet sent by new signing Macaulay Bonne.  Not every manager would do that and it's another plus point for the new supremo: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-dean-holden-addresses-macauley-bonne-social-media-and-head-turned-comment-after-signing-striker/

There has been a mixed reaction from Charlton fans on social media to Bonne's return, but on balance it seems to be positive.

Rufus sentenced

Former Charlton player Richard Rufus has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for his part in a trading scam: https://theathletic.com/4084322/2023/01/12/richard-rufus-sentence/?source=twitteruk

My late wife was his shirt sponsor for many years and he always professed to be a sincere Christian.  However, he clearly couldn't let the football lifestyle go.  It's a sad day, but one can't dispute the verdict or the sentence.

Wednesday 11 January 2023

Two signings imminent

Coventry right back Todd Kane is coming in on loan and free agent Macauley Bonne is to be offered a six month contract: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-set-to-sign-coventry-full-back-kane-and-their-former-striker-macauley-bonne/

Kane has extensive loan experience: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Kane

Bonne has only played 60 minutes football off the bench at QPR this season.  He always put on a shift for us, but his shooting was not always accurate.

It is thought that Jayden Stockley and DJ will go to Gillingham.   DJ shows why pace is not enough to make a footballer.

Tuesday 10 January 2023

Loan deal on Edun close

Charlton are close to signing Tayo Edun from Blackburn Rovers on a loan deal.  He can operate either as a left back or left wing back: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/blackburns-tayo-edun-close-to-charlton-athletic-loan-move/

Rashford brought on to finish off Charlton

Marcus Rashford scored two late goals to take his tally for the season to 15 and put Manchester United into the Carabao Cup semi-finals at the expense of Charlton at Old Trafford.  The performance was a reminder of what Charlton could be.

Antony's first-half opener gave United the advantage but Dean Holden's visitors claimed plenty of credit for the way they continued to battle until second-half substitute Rashford found the net for a sixth successive game with goals in the 90th and 94th minutes.

Charlton's 9,000-strong travelling support, their largest ever for a midweek cup tie, applauded their side off, having backed them throughout, briefly raising hopes of an equaliser when Scott Fraser curled his free-kick straight at Tom Heaton.

In the opening minute of the second-half when Corey Blackett-Taylor lined up Charlton's best opportunity to equalise, only to fire over from the edge of the area.

Alongside owner Thomas Sandgaard among the Charlton delegation in the directors box at Old Trafford were former Sunderland executive Charlie Methven and Simon Lenagan, son of Wigan Warriors owner Ian.   Both were listed as 'club guest'

The chaotic cycle at Charlton

'A club stuck in a continually chaotic cycle.'   That is the verdict The Athletic has delivered on Charlton.

Off the pitch, however, there is once again speculation about a takeover and another twist in Charlton’s increasingly chaotic existence.

Sandgaard was hailed as a charismatic saviour from the turmoil that had consumed the club under the ownerships of Roland Duchatelet and the East Street Investments (ESI) group.

Duchatelet’s six-year spell as owner from 2014, when he bought Charlton to add them to a network of teams already under his control, was a hostile, spirit-crushing experience for fans from the moment popular manager Chris Powell was sacked shortly after his arrival. Powell was the first of eight managerial changes under the Belgian, and player turnover was also high, with emerging talents such as Nick Pope,, Ademola Lookman and Joe Gomez all sold as Charlton slipped down into League One in 2016.

Ricky Holmes commented: “We tried to not let the protests affect us. You’ve got to feel for any club that’s been through what they have, it’s been turmoil. I thought with the new owner coming in it would be better but it doesn’t look all rosy. It’s a great club, with great facilities in a great location… you want to see them back to where they should be.”

ESI, a consortium fronted by majority shareholder Tahnoon Nimer and executive chairman Matt Southall, first failed to produce the funds expected and then collapsed in an embarrassing battle for control of the club.

Events took a farcical turn as police were called to the stadium “to prevent a breach of the peace” while legal papers were served on Southall in a baffling few days where nobody knew who was in charge at Charlton.

Five months of interest and prospective owners resulted in a bid by businessman Paul Elliott, backed by lawyer Chris Farnell, being rejected by the EFL before Sandgaard finally became majority owner.

From choosing to reveal his interest in buying the club via Twitter, to wielding a guitar on the pitch as he played Addicks To Victory, the heavy metal song he penned for the club, Sandgaard — a businessman based in the US state of Colorado and founder of multi-million dollar medical device manufacturing company Zynex Inc — has been an eccentric presence.

“We had quite high hopes actually when Thomas Sandgaard took over,” says Heather McKinlay, chair of the CAST. “He went through a lot to get the ownership sorted, because at that point it was in the courts and everything. It was a complex transaction and he showed a lot of determination to get that done.

“We all felt that hopefully it would be the start of a new era but he was maybe a bit over-exuberant with some of his comments — he talked about (being in) the Premier League in five years, things like that.

“That probably is where it started to go wrong for him. If he had come in saying that we’re in the third tier, that’s how it is and it might take a while to get out, there’s a lot that needs rebuilding and we’re going to need to pull together to achieve it, that would have been a more realistic foundation. Unfortunately, he didn’t bring in the experienced management off the field and he’s chopped and changed managers on the field.”

The lack of formal management structure and Sandgaard choosing to involve his family in club operations “aren’t usually recipes for success” in the game, as one former football executive, speaking anonymously to The Athletic, observed.

Staff describe Sandgaard as stubborn and unwilling to accept his own failures. After initially humouring his image as the ‘rockstar CEO’ — Sandgaard is in a rock band of the same name — the feeling around the club is that too much emphasis is placed on his own image and putting himself, rather than the club, at the centre of things.

Charlton remain an appealing club for investment due to their London location, the size of their fanbase and a stadium that’s Premier League-ready, but sustainability remains a hot topic.

Sources familiar with the situation have indicated to The Athletic that a takeover could happen within the month, with the possibility of US-based investors looking to take a significant shareholding in the club while Sandgaard retains some level of ownership.

After another turbulent few weeks of boardroom speculation, Charlton fans are once again left pondering who the newest cast of characters looking to invest in their club might be and, more importantly, what their intentions are.


Owner may be absent

Richard Cawley reports: ‘Unclear yet whether Thomas Sandgaard will be at Old Trafford tonight. Has had some personal matters to attend to at the end of last week.’

‘The owner is in a period of exclusivity with a group that involves Simon Lenagan, whose father Ian owns Wigan Warriors.’

‘Indications I've had is that some of the main players involved in this group's move for the club have not come out in the public domain. If I was a gambling man, which I'm not, then my money would be on American investment. Time will tell.’

Rick Everitt comments: 'Jonathan Francis Cholak of Austin, Texas, is a name I can throw into the mix regarding potential Charlton investment - he appears to be a venture capitalist with an interest in a Swiss tech company. '

Semi-final hopes

The BBC [previews our trip to Manchester United, but focuses on the controversy surrounding Thomas Sandgaard: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64214102

Monday 9 January 2023

Escaping from the Valley of Gloom

The Carabao Cup tie at Manchester United offers Charlton fans a chance to escape from the Valley of Gloom according to The Guardian.   They are not referring to the club's notoriously negative supporters, but the takeover confusion surrounding the club: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/09/charlton-manchester-united-carabao-cup-gloom-takeover?CMP=share_btn_tw

Miles Leaburn is hoping to emulate his dad and score at Old Trafford: https://talksport.com/football/efl/1295515/miles-leaburn-charlton-man-united-carabao-cup-erling-haaland/

Blackett-Taylor praises Holden's tactical switch

Corey Blackett-Taylor says that a change of shape has led to an improvement in Charlton's performance under Dean Holden.  He has also changed training routines: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/corey-blackett-taylor-cites-dean-holdens-tactical-switch-as-catalyst-for-addicks-upturn/

It's early days yet, but Holden deserves praise for less playing out from the back.  We don't have the calibre of player to do that successfully.  He has also got Scott Fraser playing higher up the park which has delivered results.

Sunday 8 January 2023

4-3-3 likely for United

Manchester United are expected to go for a 4-3-3 formation against Charlton tomorrow.   Marcus Rashford will be kept on the bench as an impact substitute in case victory is not secured by half time: https://the4thofficial.net/2023/01/4-3-3-manchester-united-predicted-lineup-vs-charlton-athletic/

United supporter Dean Holden talks about his connections with the club: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/20980371/man-utd-dean-holden-charlton-superfan-fa-cup/

Saturday 7 January 2023

Clubs in for Stockley

New moneybags club Gillingham are interested in Jayden Stockley, as are League One clubs and clubs abroad: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/significant-interest-in-charltons-jayden-stockley-gillingham-league-one-and-abroad-all-options/

Charlton battle for three points

Charlton beat Lincoln City 2-1 at The Valley this afternoon in difficult conditions.   The Addicks are now 12th in the table.

Lincoln started on the front foot with some long throw ins, but the shots were blocked, the first from Dobson who may not have known much about it.  

Inniss had to make a superb block in play following a Lincoln free kick.   Clare had to block a shot.  Charlton weathered the initial storm.

It was a tight first twenty minutes.   Conditions were not good with heavy rain and a swirling wind, but it became a first half of two halves.

Walsh got a yellow card for an off the ball foul on Leaburn.

Steve Brown was surprised at how direct Lincoln were.

Blackett-Taylor fed Fraser who put in a cross across the face of goal.  It just needed someone to tap in at the far post.

Rak-Sakyi fed Fraser at the far post, but he headed wide.   Lincoln were struggling to clear their lines.

A good cross from Leaburn saw Fraser arriving at the far post, his header took a slight deflection to make it 1-0.

Charlton went from back to front with great movement and nice play from Dobson. A pass from Fraser allowed Blackett-Taylor to score a great goal with his left foot and make it 2-0.  

HT: Addicks 2, Imps 0

Lincoln made a substitution after the break with Diamond taken off.  

Charlton had a chance for a third but Leaburn was unable to convert with a tap in.  Rushworth made a decent save for Lincoln.

Steve Brown thought that halfway through the half our concentration levels were dropping a little.

Rak-Sakyi was denied by Rushworth who made a quality save.

Charlton made a substitution with Morgan replaced by Payne.  Lincoln put in a shot.

Ness did well to deal with a Lincoln break following a Charlton free kick.

A Dobson block saw the ball go back to a Lincoln player who blasted it into the net to make it 2-1.

A Leaburn header went straight to the keeper.   This happened again.   Rak-Sakyi came off and Kirk came on.

O'Connell and Stockley came on.   Leaburn came off as did Blackett-Taylor.  Seven minutes of added time.  Conditions were very difficult.  Lincoln had a chance to score. A further two minutes were added on, but finally the referee blew the whistle.

Possession was 60-40 in Charlton's favour, seven shots on target to two.  Yellow cards for Sessegnon, Payne and Dobson.

The pundits

Curbs said it was disappointing the number of times we got in the final third in the second half and didn't convert.  Barnsley at home would be a massive game.

Dean Holden's post match comments are here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-gives-his-verdict-as-charlton-make-it-back-to-back-wins-with-victory-over-lincoln-city/

Louis Mendez finds a number of positives from the performance: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-1-win-over-lincoln-city-another-encouraging-display/



Friday 6 January 2023

Can we beat Lincoln?

Lincoln boss Mark Kennedy thinks that Charlton have a squad of players who should be competing in the top half of the table.  One way of getting your excuses in first: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lincoln-boss-makes-charlton-athletic-league-table-admission-ahead-of-valley-trip/

The CAS Trust preview is here: https://www.castrust.org/2023/01/can-we-continue-the-pomp-of-our-100-record-in-2023/

Dean Holden has refused to comment on a possible interest in free agent Macaulay Bonne: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/the-net-is-wide-charlton-boss-dean-holden-on-january-transfer-window/

Personally I don't think it would be a good move, he had difficulty in hitting the proverbial barn door.

A win today would be a further confidence boost and help us to pull away from the relegation zone.

Lee Bowyer is interested in the Portsmouth vacancy: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ex-charlton-boss-reportedly-wants-pompey-job/

Holden praises fans for United turnout

Dean Holden has praised the 9,000+ Charlton fans turning out for next week's Football League Cup tie at Manchester United: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/incredible-dean-holden-expresses-admiration-for-charlton-athletic-fanbase-as-huge-numbers-set-to-make-old-trafford-trip/

Thursday 5 January 2023

Loan interest in Kirk

There could be loan interest in Charlie Kirk, but supremo Dean Holden is remaining tight lipped about moves in and out of the club: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-have-had-interest-in-their-players-at-start-of-january-window/

Mandela Egbo will not be returning from injury any time soon.   Dean Holden admits that the injury situation of Chuks Aneke is not easy to manage: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/summer-signing-still-a-long-way-away-from-being-back-available-for-charlton-athletic/

Tuesday 3 January 2023

Cowley brothers succumb to curse of Charlton

The Cowley brothers are the latest managers to succumb to the curse of defeat by Charlton, having been removed from their posts by Portsmouth.

The home crowd at Fratton Park were unusually quiet and George Dobson says that he knew it was possible to turn them: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/george-dobson-says-charlton-knew-they-could-turn-the-fratton-park-crowd-as-addicks-extend-winning-run-at-pompey-to-seven/

Louis Mendez provides his four takeaways from the game.  He emphasises that what is needed now is more consistency.  Holden getting Scott Fraser to play higher up the pitch helped: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-3-1-win-at-portsmouth-holdens-changes-shake-the-addicks-into-life-now-they-must-back-it-up/

Monday 2 January 2023

Two on their way out

Jake Forster-Caskey is to join Stevenage.  It is unlikely that a fee will be involved.  His serious injury disrupted what had been a successful career at Charlton when he was named player of the year: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/stevenage-to-sign-charlton-athletic-midfielder/

Charm merchant former Gills manager Steve Evans was key making the switch: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/steve-evans-key-in-charlton-midfielder-making-switch/

There is firm interest in Craig MacGillivray who is available without a fee: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-keeper-could-be-early-transfer-in-january-window/

Richard Cawley comments: 'Proof is absolutely in the pudding (no longer a Christmas one), but the talk is that Charlton in for numerous deals this window and that intent is to get at least a couple in early on.'

'Something doesn't add up' on takeover

Rick Everitt reviews the latest evidence on takeover moves at Charlton following the presence of Charlie Methven and former Oxford United director Simon Lenagan at yesterday's game.   His conclusion is that 'something doesn't add up': https://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2022-23-blogs/2-1-tenth-pompey-win-offers-more-takeover-evidence/

It appears that just £3.3m of the £11m takeover price would be working capital which, given that the club can expect to lose around £6m a year, 'doesn't touch the sides'.   Prospective investors have told that there is the prospect of draconian savings, including on the football side.   But how would that help the club to get out of League One or even stay there?   

There is also uncertainty about the £12m of loans provided by Sandgaard.  Roland, of course, still owns The Valley and the training ground and wants £50m for them.

To me this all smells like the Thames did in the 1950s.

Sunday 1 January 2023

No comment from Holden on Ferguson

The rumour mill has been linking Charlton with left-sided Rotherham player Shane Ferguson, but Dean Holden refused to be drawn on the issue which suggests there may be something in it: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-manager-dean-holden-refusing-to-be-drawn-into-conversations-about-reported-ex-millwall-transfer-target/ 

The Navy Lark

1,380 Addicks saw Charlton win 3-1 at Fratton Park this afternoon, their first win in nine.  It was the seventh straight win at Portsmouth's ground.

Maynard-Brewer had to parry a shot away on 11 minutes.

On 22 minutes the much criticised Rak-Sakyi scored.  Dobson won the ball in the midfield area and Leaburn fed Rak-Sakyi who put in a good curled ball.

Griffiths just managed to deal with a Charlton attack.

In time added on, after Maynard-Brewer conceded a corner which could have been avoided, Portsmouth equalised from the set piece.

Curbs said it was a perfect first half until the goal.   Steve Brown said he gave Rak-Sakyi a lot of credit for how composed he was with the goal.

The pundits thought that the marking by Sean Clare for the equaliser was poor.

HT: Pompey 1, Addicks 1

Portsmouth made three changes at half time, including bringing on former Leamington ace Colby Bishop.

A great run from Scott Fraser saw him make it 2-1 for Charlton with a left foot strike beyond the keeper on 47 minutes.

Fraser won a free kick, he took it but it came off the post into the keeper's arms.

Dobson and Hackett got yellow cards after handbags.

Pack got a yellow card for a foul.   He subsequently got a second yellow and the charm merchant was sent off as he was at The Valley.   Charlton have moved up to 16th, although the teams below them have games in hand.

On 72 minutes Morgan was replaced by Payne to provide fresh legs.  Stockley replaced Leaburn on 77 minutes.  Fraser was replaced by Henry on 87 minutes.

From a counter attack with good work by Stockley, Blackett-Taylor and Payne, a Dobson shot turned into an own goal for Charlton off Dale.

The pundits

Curbs said it was a confident performance.  Steve Brown said it was nice to see Fraser breaking into the box, it was a really good turnover.  Slight changes from how we were playing under Ben Garner made a big difference.  Scott Minto said it was a performance we hadn't seen since our last win.  We were starting to see a style that suits this team.  Curbs said we saw mobility, attacking pace and a press.  Lucas attracted praise, Scott Minto said 'he's really coming on.'   Steve Brown said that Albie Morgan had some very good assets, he just wished he would calm down.

Dean Holden said that in the first half we were regaining possession around the pitch.  It's a reset, this is what we can do, this is what this club can be.  We were really good in midfield in terms of our positioning.  We had to give the fans something, their noise drove the boys on.   It gives us momentum, we have to use that as best as we can.   Chuks felt something in his hamstring in the warm up so he had to pull out.   Fuller remarks from Holden here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-after-addicks-win-at-pompey-charltons-fans-needed-to-see-that-type-of-performance/

Dobbo said that to come to a full Fratton Park and put in a performance like that was something the cloub needed.  We needed to build on that, we were going to stay grounded.   It had been tough for everyone, changing manager, but we set our game plan and executed it perfectly.  The support was excellent today, it's been such a tough year for the club.  At half time we were saying after such a dominant first half performance we just had to make sure we didn't let our heads drop.  Being captain is the greatest honour I've had in my career so far.   I give everything for the club and I'll continue to do that.  We've got to turn The Valley into a fortress again.

Dobbo