Tuesday 28 February 2023

Conflicting accounts from Methven and Sandgaard

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).'

'In the meantime, we've got a club that is heading for yet another distinctly mediocre and underwhelming season. Again.

Any season ticket pitch is going to be interesting for Charlton.   There is a high level of apathy, absolutely understandably so, within the fanbase.’

Poor prospects at Peterborough

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.

Saturday 25 February 2023

Table toppers outplay Charlton

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/













Friday 24 February 2023

No time limit on Holden contract talks

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!

Massive Challenge

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/

Thursday 23 February 2023

Curbs: Holden faces selection dilemma

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.

Monday 20 February 2023

Ainsworth not Holden for Super Hoops

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. 

Saturday 18 February 2023

Expected defeat

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/

Friday 17 February 2023

Playing for pride

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 to start for Holden

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!"

Thursday 16 February 2023

Orange one in takeover talks

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.

 

Season 'still alive' says Holden

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.

Maynard-Brewer remains optimistic

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.

Tuesday 14 February 2023

Clean sheet win

Charlton secured their third away win in a row at the Bolt New Lawn tonight, their fifth win in seven.  Charlton are now 11th.

Chuks Aneke started at Forest Green Rovers tonight. Bonne was dropped to the bench after a search in the nearby countryside for a barn door he could hit.   Sessegnon was fit enough to start.   The Inniss red card had been rescinded.   

Charlton made some good early moves and dominated possession, but there was no end product.

Rak-Sakyi advanced down the right with a great run, cut inside and fed Blackett-Taylor who couldn't miss to make it 0-1 on 11 minutes, his sixth goal of the season.

Clare put in a ball from the right, Aneke headed it on but Rak-Sakyi wasn't able to take advantage of the chance.

Charlton's play was fluid with good contributions from the midfield.

A Forest Green free kick in a potentially dangerous position was unproductive.

Charlton were caught on the break, but Clare managed to hold things up and the shot was off target.

Forest Green were growing into the match more and won a corner.  Aneke provided a defensive header.

Blackett-Taylor advanced down the left, but his shot was wide of the near post.   Steve Brown thought he lacked composure on the shot.

Scott Minto said that not a lot really happened.  Curbs said it had been a bit of a flat half, but we were in the lead.  Steve Brown said we wanted more of a clean sheet mentality in the first half.  If we stayed organised, we should see it through.

HT: Vegans 0, Addicks 1

Garrick had to go off on 48 minutes and was replaced by McAllister for FGR.

A good break won a Charlton corner but it was taken short and was unproductive.

Dean Holden was worried that the defence was dropping too deep and conceding possession in dangerous areas.

Robbie Savage's son Charlie came on, his dad was watching in the stands.  He did add something.

Aneke came off after 69 minutes and Bonne came on.

Dobson got a smack in the face but was able to continue.  Sessegnon put in the third shot on target for Charlton of the match.

Charlton were on the back foot as the home side won three corners.  Fraser made a good tackle for the third one.   The home side were being given too much space.

Forest Green made a double change.    FGR advanced with pace, but their shot was wide.

Blackett-Taylor and Kilkenny came off.   Hector made his debut.   Payne came on.   FGR won another corner.

FGR counter attacked, Hector headed away and a corner was conceded.   Maynard-Brewer made a great save to his right hand side, but there was a free kick.

There were five minutes on.  Bonne won two free kicks.   Hector made an important block.

Charlton rode their luck in the second half, but they collected three points.   Congratulations to the 800+ Addicks who went to a chilly Gloucestershire.

The pundits

Curbs said we conceded too much ground in the second half.   Curbs said that Forest Green lacked quality.  We had the one bit of quality on the night.  Steve Brown said they were a team lacking confidence, struggling to score goals.  Curbs said we had some great blocks.   Steve Brown said we were on the back foot, a bit of desperation in terms of last ditch defending.   The tempo of passing was too slow in the second half, it was laboured.   It looked like Saturday.

Dean Holden thanked the supporters who made the trip.  He admits that the players thought it was too easy after the first 25 minutes and they started to be careless: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-offers-to-help-lovestruck-charlton-fans-as-he-praises-their-support-during-forest-green-win-on-valentines-night/


Sandgaard: Plan B is an aspiration

Charlton Fan Adviser has published the following updates from Thomas Sandgaard who is going to Denmark to attend his mother’s funeral.

'This takeover did not materialise due to the interested parties exclusivity period ending and agreements not being met. Thomas is aware of Charlie Methven’s statement to the South London Press but will not make any further comment at this time.

Plan B - Thomas informed us that he was surprised that the “Plan B” statement taken from Richard Cawley’s article in the South London Press last week was taken as a headline. The plan remains to be searching for investment in the football club.

Following an article published by The Athletic today, Thomas informed us that American businessman Marc Spiegel is one of many people interested in investing in the football club.

Thomas Sandgaard confirmed that Peter Storrie would be joining the club in the role of CEO. The appointment of Peter is decision made by Thomas and not that of any potential incoming owner. Peter will be responsible for the day to day running of the club.  [This has not been welcomed by many supporters].

Thomas confirmed to us that he is keen to see Dean Holden remain in position beyond the expiry of his current contract which ends at the end of the season. Discussions are ongoing with Dean’s agent, but Thomas is hopeful an agreement can be reached soon.'

 

No nailed on points at Nailsworth

Dean Holden will not give an absolute commitment to stay until the end of the season, but Richard Cawley comments that this is understandable given the fluidity of the ownership situation at the club: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/every-word-dean-holden-had-to-say-when-asked-about-his-charlton-athletic-future/

The 'El Glosico' with Cheltenham Town is the highlight of the season at Forest Green Rovers, but tonight gives them the chance to take points off a weakened Charlton side without Miles Leaburn and a depleted defence.

The Vegans are currently bottom of League One and third from bottom in the form table while Charlton are sixth.  They have won just four games at home and lost eleven.  They have conceded 27 goals at home and scored just 11.

They drew 1-1 at Morecambe on Saturday.   Morecambe's manager said: 'They were really well drilled and the new manager [charm merchant Duncan Ferguson] had them really well drilled and they made life really difficult for us.'

I had this down as a 2-1 win the Badger League, but I am less confident now.   You never know with Charlton, but even less so these days.

Monday 13 February 2023

New bidder for club offers higher price

The Athletic has reported that Thomas Sandgaard is in talks with Marc Spiegel, an American businessman who is co-founder of at Altanta-based recycling business.   He has offered a higher price for the club.

He is a big fan of MLS team Atlanta United.

Storrie in as CEO?

Richard Cawley has reported that Peter Storrie could be coming in as the new Charlton CEO.  The initial reaction from fans on social media has been unenthusiastic.

Peter Storrie is linked to Joseph Oughourlian (Amber Capital) apparently. Owns French Ligue 1 side RC Lens and prestigious Colombian outfit Millonarios, through Amber Capital.

Storrie describes himself on Twitter as the 'Gordon Gekko of football.'

He is a lifelong West Ham.   His involvement in football clubs has been controversial: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Storrie