Disappointment at draw

Charlton have fallen to 12th in a very tight table after today's 1-1 draw with Stockport County at The Valley today.  Many of those there could not work out how Charlton had failed to take all three points.

Stockport went ahead with a questionable  penalty in the first half.   Substitute 'Reg' Edmonds-Green scored in the second half for Charlton, his first goal for the club.   Following a corner, the shot was blocked by the keeper, but Reg made use of the rebound.

Hatters charm merchant Fraser Horsfall was sent off on 87 minutes for a second yellow card.

The visitors were awarded a penalty after Nick Powell clashed with keeper Will Mannion.  Louis Barry stepped up to punish both the keeper and Charlton to take an early lead.

Corey Addai had to get down well to save a Tyreece Campbell shot after 17 minutes, before blocking a Karoy Anderson flicked header off the line from the resulting corner.

The Addicks suffered a real blow when Kayne Ramsay had to leave the field injured after 37 minutes.  The extent of his injury is not yet known: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-left-to-sweat-on-kayne-ramsay-injury-as-nathan-jones-also-issues-updates-on-lloyd-jones-and-chuks-aneke/

Mannion was called into action to deny Barry a second, after a run from deep inside his own half.

Charlton equalised after 66 minutes when sub Rarmani Edmonds-Green tucked home a loose ball after Addai parried from Campbell.

Addai denied Alex Mitchell in injury time, but Stockport held on for the point.

The Addicks were unable to turn dominance into victory: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-charlton-athletic-1-stockport-county-1-addicks-unable-to-turn-dominance-into-victory/

A frustrated Nathan Jones said that Charlton were let down by a soft penalty: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-brands-charlton-side-excellent-during-draw-with-stockport-but-reckons-they-were-let-down-by-a-crazy-penalty-decisison/

Mad Hatters in town

Promotion chasing Stockport County visit The Valley tomorrow, two points ahead of Charlton in League One. 

They have not lost any matches away from home, winning two and drawing three.

Not so long ago the Hatters were in the National League North and visited Leamington.  One of their supporters went on to the pitch and poured a pint of beer over the Brakes keeper, the Barmy Binman.

Conor Coventry is serving a one match ban and Daniel Kanu has an ankle issue and will not be available: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/on-the-rise-for-a-while-charlton-boss-jones-on-stockport-test-and-latest-injury-news/

The match could be a turning point for the Addicks: https://www.castrust.org/2024/10/taking-stock-against-county-as-we-pass-the-ten-game-mark/

Advert draws attention

Wrexham have noted Charlton's use of a 'Welcome to Charlton' advert at New Eltham station modelled on their 'Welcome to Wrexham' advert: https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/news/charlton-athletic-advert-mirrors-welcome-to-wrexham-ahead-of-league-one-clash/

Some Charlton fans have apparently also taking offence, but the game is surely an opportunity to publicise the club and draw in new potential fans.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson was, of course, formerly at Charlton.

More difficult to reach The Valley on Saturday

If you are coming to this Saturday's game against Stockport, please note that there will be substantial disruption on train services to Charlton: https://greenwichwire.co.uk/2024/10/15/engineering-works-trains-greenwich-charlton-athletic-stockport-county-october-2024/

Jones rebukes fans

Nathan Jones has spoken out about abuse from Charlton fans during the recent poor run, saying he will go elsewhere if he is not wanted: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cly3z0rjq4xo

It's never a good idea to have a go at the fan base even when many of them are perennial moaners, the Spurs of League One.

However, if Charlton fans get a reputation as complainers it could affect future recruitment.   Sometimes the expectations among fans do seem excessive.

League leaders beaten

Birmingham’s seven-game winning streak in League One was ended as Charlton striker Matty Godden scored the only goal at The Valley.

It was nothing less than the Addicks deserved as they subdued the Blues’ attacking talents with Alfie May, facing his former club, replaced as one of three half-time changes by manager Chris Davies.

Charlton’s pressing caused Birmingham problems and the hosts, on a three-match losing streak, had chances to be ahead before the break.

Allan Campbell fired narrowly over from the edge of the box after 34 minutes, while striker Daniel Kanu could only steer across the face of goal from a tight angle after intercepting a Willum Willumsson backpass.

Ryan Allsop gifted Kanu a huge chance when he passed to him inside the penalty area but the striker’s poor first touch allowed the Blues keeper to regain the ball.

Charlton broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when summer signing Godden netted his fourth goal of the season in all competitions.

The former Coventry striker smartly hooked home from close range after Josh Edwards’ long throw dropped to him, while Birmingham failed to register an effort on target.

Pessimists and negativists had a difficult afternoon as they tried to construct a critical narrative.

Jones doesn't like the abuse he has received from his own fans and has asked them to trust the process, but he needs to realise that many Charlton fans were born to moan: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-on-being-absolutely-abused-by-charlton-athletic-fans-and-the-need-to-trust-his-process/

May: I won't celebrate if I score

Alfie May says that he will not celebrate if he scores for Birmingham against Charlton on Saturday.   He says that Charlton is a fantastic club but the story of his departure is yet to come out: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-city-alfie-may-charlton-30052657

Table topping Birmingham have won all of their three away games.

Nathan Jones says he chose the wrong side against Bristol Rovers, but given that he has known many of the players at other clubs and are his persoal picks this is somewhat surprising.

CAF Trust reckon we need a straw to clutch: https://www.castrust.org/2024/10/birmingham-low-expectations-recommended/

'Timid' Addicks scrutinised

Passive, timid and uncertain are among the words the SLP's Richard Cawley uses to describe the performance by Charlton at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.  He insists that it is not time to push the panic button, but a muh better performance will be required for the visit of Birmingham City on Saturday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/talking-points-from-charltons-3-2-loss-at-bristol-rovers-addicks-looked-timid-and-lacking-confidence/

Down the Football League we go

Another poor performance saw Charlton lose 3-2 at Bristol Rovers and drop to 13th in League One.

Gas skipper Scott Sinclair, 35, rolled back the years to put the hosts in charge on the half-hour with a classy left-footed curler from the edge of the box that gave Will Mannion no chance.

Midfielder Jamie Lindsay doubled the lead in the 57th minute with his first goal in Rovers colours as his stylish right-footed 20-yard effort flew past Mannion and into the top right-hand corner after being teed up by Promise Omochere.

Centre-back Wilson strengthened the hosts’ grip 10 minutes later when he nodded in from close range after striker Omochere flicked on Clinton Mola’s cross.

Nathan Jones’ Addicks struggled to get going against a hard-working Rovers side but pulled a goal back when Alex Mitchell headed in Matt Godden’s goal-bound effort after 79 minutes.

Godden volleyed in to further reduce the arrears four minutes into stoppage time and set up an angst-ridden finale, but Rovers held firm to end a four-match losing streak and ease the pressure on boss Matt Taylor.

Charlton's owners are unlikely to take another spin on the managerial merry go round with no queue of quality managers wanting the poisoned chalice.

Rovers on losing streak

You would have to go back to the final five games of Bristol Rovers' relegation season of 2020/21 for the last time the Gas lost five league games in a row, a frightening omen for them ahead of Rovers' home game against Charlton this evening.

It's tough to call any footballing situation a 'crisis' with any real substance only eight games into a campaign but four consecutive defeats in League One has extinguished any of the optimism or positivity shared amongst Gasheads this time last month on the back of a bright start to the campaign.

After picking up seven points from their opening four league games in August, Rovers endured a brutal September with losses against Barnsley, Wigan Athletic, Peterborough and Wycombe Wanderers.  It was the Wycombe loss on Saturday in particular that hurt and angered supporters as Matt Taylor's side led for the majority of the contest.

Manager Matt Taylor says that fourth from bottom Rovers have a 'soft underbelly' but that could also apply to a faltering Charlton who have difficulty finding the back of the net even if the defence is tighter.

I'll stick to my original Badger League prediction of a 2-2 draw.

Charlton fall out of top six

1,363 Charlton fans in a sold out away end saw Charlton lose 1-0 to Stevenage to fall to 8^th in the League One table after a back to back defeat.   Despite 57 per cent possession it was an inept performance by the Addicks.

It was not as if Stevenage were that good.  The home side failed to enter the Charlton box until the 32nd minute.  Boro did finish the half stronger, forcing a couple of corners.

Charlton were finding joy down their left with Edwards and Tyreece Campbell getting space.

Bringing Aneke on after 57 minutes changed very little.

Roberts lashed low beyond Mannion halfway through the second half on 67 minutes.

Young forced Mannion to tip a narrow blaster over the top while Kemp was only denied a first Boro goal by a brave block by Karoy Anderson.

Louis Mendez laments the Addicks lack of cutting edge: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-stevenage-1-charlton-athletic-0-addicks-lack-of-cutting-edge-punished-on-the-road/

Nathan Jones admits that Charlton have to improve in the final third: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-after-1-0-defeat-at-stevenage-charlton-athletic-must-improve-in-the-final-third/

He also admits that set piece delivery has to get better: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-admits-charltons-set-piece-delivery-has-to-get-better/

Gassan Adahme's mask has now arrived so he will be in contention for Tuesday's game at the Gas: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-forward-gassan-ahadme-back-in-contention-for-tuesdays-trip-to-bristol-rovers/

Mannion flies into action

Will Mannion would have been a pilot if he could not have built a career in football and is already working towards his private licence in a 'washing machine' of a plane: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/exclusive-charlton-athletic-goalkeeper-would-have-been-a-pilot-if-his-football-career-had-not-taken-off/

Perhaps he could buzz Selhurst Park!

At least he should do better than earlier excursions into a flying career at Charlton which ended in a rapid descent.

Jones confirms that he is staying

Nathan Jones says that he is flattered to be linked with the vacancy at Cardiff and would like to manage the club one day, but has a job to do at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-manager-nathan-jones-responds-to-cardiff-city-job-link-and-bookies-odds/

Should he leave, substantial compensation would be required. 

Inevitably Jones has said it will be a 'real test' at Stevenage on Saturday.   They are currently 15th in the table and five places below Charlton in the form table.   Their home form is better than their away form. 

Four Four Two forecast a 19th place finish for them, saying that the loss of charm merchant manager Steve Evans was a 'monumental blow', although 'they still have a competitive squad.'   Centre back Carl Pergianni is a key player, giving them defensive strength.

Charlton fans have sold out the away end.   Stevenage seem to be suffering a bit from second season syndrome, but they are still capable of pulling off some surprises and it will be a tricky fixture in which three points must be the target: https://www.castrust.org/2024/09/can-the-addicks-get-back-on-track-at-stevenage/

Jones: 'I can be there for the long term'

Nathan Jones has an interview in the latest Four Four Two.   I have only reproduced the first page: if you want the second you'll have to buy the magazine which is good value anyway.

Jones rumours are just that

Rumours that Nathan Jones will fill the vacancy at Cardiff City are just that, even though they have been repeated on social media by Charlton fans who have forgotten to take their tablets.   If you look at stories like this one, they are just a web of speculation based on what bookies think and the fact that Jones worked on the turnstiles at Cardiff as a youth: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nathan-jones-already-made-feelings-092335609.html?

Those who think he is the problem rather than the solution would doubtless welcome his departure, but they should remember that any incoming manager would face a squad largely curated by Jones.

Jones admits 'we've won without being fluent.'

In an interview in yesterday's Football League Paper, presumably undertaken before the Blackpool game, Nathan Jones denies that Charlton are punching above their weight in League One.  It is noted that Charlton's resources are more limited than those of Birmingham orc Wrexham, 'but Jones won't tolerate anyone calling Charlton a poor relation.'

'There are clubs in the division spending more than us, yes.  But let's not forget this is a big football club, a really big football club.' 

I am never sure how one judges that, but Jones insists, 'We've got a wonderful fanbase. A fabulous stadium.   A proud history.  This is as big a club as there is in the division.  Financially - okay, we might be underdogs.  To go and do stuff against the odds or overcome certain limitations when things are not in your favour - that's something we thrive on.'

'When we came in the club was in a perilous position.  So we tried to lay foundations for this season.'

'There's still plenty more to come from this group.   We've won games without being really fluent, but you can't build a roof without laying the foundations.'

Where did former players go?

The 'where are they now?' feature on former player was a popular and informative part of the printed Voice of the Valley fanzine.   An updated online version is now available and needless to say there are a few surprises: https://www.votvonline.com/home/the-target-10k-story/where-they-are-now/

Tangerine nightmare

Charlton are 4th in League One after a 1-2 loss to Blackpool at The Valley this afternoon.   The visitors went 2-0 ahead in the first half and it cannot be said to have been against the run of play.   Inevitably one goal was scored by returning Addick Albie Morgan and the other an own goal by Ahadme.

The Addicks improved somewhat in the second half and Berry scored a consolation in time added on.

Charlton’s Will Mannion was called into action to make the first saves of the game just before the 15-minute mark.  After initially stopping a Lee Evans free kick from going in off one of his teammates, the Addicks keeper was also able to deny Olly Casey - who should’ve done better from close-range on the rebound.

The deadlock was broken soon after. A speculative ball into the box by Apter was met by Kyle Joseph, who flicked a header towards goal, with the ball coming off Ahadme before crossing the line via the post.

Blackpool quickly added another to strengthen their lead. A CJ Hamilton ball into the box was blocked straight into the path of Morgan.

A number of saves required from Blackpool custodian Harry Tyrer in the second hal.  At the start of the second half, the Everton loanee pushed wide a free-kick from Conor Coventry, before making another save from close-range a couple of minutes after.

Charlton substitute Chuks Aneke had a good chance to pull one back, but couldn’t keep his header down after beating Tyrer to the ball.   Blackpool used every opportunity to waste time.

The Addicks eventually found the back of the net in the fifth minute of stoppage after a mistake from the keeper, who was unable to keep hold of the ball, as Berry made the most of the opportunity to tap in from close-range.

Despite having further pressure thrown their way in the closing stages, Blackpool were able to successfully hold on to the win, with Tyrer stopping a late free kick.

Nathan Jones says it was his fault for 'changing the team', one might add that Blackpool's 4-4-2 formation found us out: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/its-my-fault-for-changing-the-team-nathan-jones-accepts-responsibility-for-charltons-first-half-display-against-blackpool/

Report from Louis Mendez here.  Referee Charles Breakspear was a disgrace, he always is, but even more so with a stick of Blackpool rock stuffed up his rear.   It would also be good to have a heat map of the Blaclpool physio: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-charlton-athletic-1-

blackpool-2-addicks-slip-to-first-home-defeat-as-changes-dont-pay-off/

It was a fragile performance reminiscent of last season, but I don't accept the view that all hopes of a play off place are now over.

The seaside comes to the river

Charlton face 'unexpected strugglers' Blackpool at The Valley today, but they will be looking to progress under retread manager Steve Bruce: https://www.castrust.org/2024/09/summer-vibes-with-blackpool-visit/

I have been enjoying a few days break on the Isle of Wight, hence no posts this week.   I didn't manage to meet any Charlton supporters, but I did meet a former Addick who now supports Gillingham!   However, his wife is disabled so travelling distance is an issue.

One is Enough

Gassan Ahadme’s goal guided Charlton to an away win against Shrewsbury, which saw the Addicks break into the top two in League One.   It wasn't a vintage performance, but sometimes it is necessary to grind out results and it was another clean sheet.

The visitors had an early opportunity to break the deadlock when Conor Coventry received the ball just outside the box, but his thunderous strike went inches wide.

Shrewsbury came close to the opener just past the 20-minute mark. Mal Benning floated a cross to the back post for Leo Castledine to arrive onto before cutting in and getting a shot off, but the effort went wide.

Charlton found the opener five minutes into the second half from a corner. Ahadme rose highest in the heart of the box to meet the corner, and his headed effort looped over the Shrewsbury back line and rippled into the back of the net.

A corner ball reached Morgan Feeney at the back post for the Shrews with just over 20 minutes remaining, but the centre-back’s effort was blocked by Will Mannion’s leg, an excellent save.

The hosts kept searching for an elusive goal but to no avail – and drop to second bottom in the table.

Louis Mendez reports on an 'untidy victory': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-shrewsbury-town-0-charlton-athletic-1-gassan-ahadme-breaks-duck-as-addicks-continue-fine-start-with-untidy-victory/

Nathan Jones was pleased that Charlton took three points despite being below their best: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-pleased-as-charlton-take-three-points-despite-being-below-their-best-at-shrewsbury/

Jones highligted the importance of much criticised striker Gassan Ahadme getting off the mark with his first goal: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/that-will-have-been-playing-on-him-charlton-boss-nathan-jones-after-gassan-ahadme-gets-first-addicks-goal/

It's Chuks away!

Chuks Aneke discusses his role as a super sub: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/chuks-aneke-is-simply-sub-lime-charlton-athletic-striker-on-being-the-ultimate-bench-boost-with-goal-contribution/

Charlton face Shrewsbury Town away tomorrow.   There's a bit of upheaval there at the moment as the club is up for sale with no buyers in prospect.   Losses were £3m in the last set of annual accounts.

Shrewsbury are currently 21st in League One.  Four Four Two forecasts relegation in 23rd place.  However, I am not too optimistic as they have been a bit of a bogey club (or ground) for us.

As CAS Trust notes we should be really be collecting three points off Shropshire's finest: https://www.castrust.org/2024/09/shrewsbury-pressure-on-both-sides/

Adahme's search for goal will end soon

Chuks Aneke is confident that Gassan Ahadme will soon find the back of the net: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-supersub-aneke-backing-summer-striker-signing-to-hit-goal-trail/

He is also looking forward to the return of Miles Leaburn whom he praises.   Leaburn will feature for the under 21s at The Valley tomorrow night, reports Richard Cawley.

There is no basis in rumours that Ahadme is undertaking barn door training in Kent.

Jones nominated for player of month

Lloyd Jones has been nominated for League One player of the month for August.  Among the other nominees is Alfie May: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-defender-nominated-for-august-league-one-player-of-the-month-and-is-up-against-birmingham-striker-alfie-may/

Steve Avory has stepped down as academy director at Charlton after nearly 25 years of service. He will remain in an advisory role. Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa (playing for England yesterday) and Ademola Lookman just some of the recent success stories. Academy boss Tom Pell will lead the academy moving forward.

Sincere thanks to Steve for all he has achieved.

Residents object to family fan zone

Many years ago when we were playing at Palace I was talking to someone at a conference and she said that with her husband she had move into a house near The Valley in anticipation that Charlton would not return.   Needless to say, I was not very sympathetic with her concerns about match day disruption and a possible effect on house prices (probably none).

Now it appears that 79 local residents and a Labour councillor have objectedto a family fan zone at The Valley: https://greenwichwire.co.uk/2024/09/10/local-residents-object-to-family-fan-zone-at-charlton-athletics-valley/

If you don't like living near a football ground (and the disruption isn't that often), don't move there.

Aneke equaliser secures a point

A rather scrappy and not particularly high quality game saw Charlton draw 1-1 with Rotherham at The Valley to go 5th in the table.

Kelly’s stunning 58th-minute strike raised the Millers’ hopes of ending a 669-day wait for an away win – a run dating back to November 2022.

But Charlton substitute Chuks Aneke struck a curling 25-yard equaliser to deny the visitors.

Both teams struggled to create a clear opening during the first 45 minutes with striker Gassan Ahadme guilty of spurning the best of the home side’s first-half opportunities when he fired over from 10 yards.

Rotherham took longer to threaten but grew into the game with Sam Nombe and Mallik Wilks both forcing Will Mannion into action.

The second half looked set to follow the pattern of the first before Kelly drilled a powerful low drive beyond Mannion.  Charlton have look vulnerable to long distance efforts this season.

Charlton manager Nathan Jones immediately introduced Aneke as part of a triple substitution and the move paid off when the forward levelled in the 72nd minute.

Neither side could find a winner and Rotherham charm merchant manager Evans was booked for dissent late on, the Millers thinking they had been denied a penalty..

Ramsay was probably the best player out there and made some important interventions.

Richard Cawley thinks that Charlton have failed to really click this season and made Lloyd Jones his man of the match: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-charlton-1-rotherham-1-attacking-play-still-yet-to-click-for-addicks-as-ahadme-provides-graft-but-awaits-a-goal/

Charm offensive at The Valley

Charm merchant manager Steve Evans has previously brought Stevenage and Gillingham to The Valley and tomorrow he returns with his former club Rotherham United.

The Millers are currently 17th in League One.   They have lost both their away matches.

Four Four Two forecast a 4th place finish after summer recruitment and the Millers usually finish in the top six of League One or the bottom six of the Championship.

Charlton need to bounce back from the defeat at Reading: https://www.castrust.org/2024/09/no-time-like-the-present-to-face-rotherham/

Egg chasers heading for Valley?

An egg chasers blog is reporting that Wasps have secured a ground share arrangement with Charlton to compete in the Championship for 25/26 season.

Charlton fan Ben Hayes comments: ‘Talk a few months back of this Wasps actually exist as a team, which isn't by any means guaranteed. Council and local residents would have issues.’

‘Apart from fixture clashes with Charlton and Charlton Women fixtures and damage to the new Valley pitch, Was[s have also left a trail of chaos and debt everywhere they have been so maybe not the best tenants for Charlton.’

Decades ago we did ground share with rugby league outfit London Bronco and their different markings could be seen all over the pitch.

Enough of the darling buds of May

Fans keep droning on about Alfie May on the lines of one Twitter comment: 'I can’t believe that they got rid of May and brought in Ahadme. We have zero flair. If we go a goal down like Saturday we don’t have the wit or nous to score.'

Peter Varney commented: 'If you look at the wages Birmingham City are paying Alfie (more than 2.5 times what Charlton were paying him) that tells you everything as to why this transfer happened. Alfie also said his family were desperate to go back north and he was being substituted a bit or left out towards the end of last season. Footballers are not like the rest of us as they have short careers and in Alfie's case he came into the professional game late so has not earnt big bucks before.'

Fuelled by Tom Wagner’s investment, the Blues had the six highest transfers in League One this summer. In fact, they now have the three highest ever deals in England’s third tier, led by the staggering £15m paid to Fulham for young forward Jay Stansfield.

I would add that an unhappy Alfie kept at Charlton might not have scored as many goals.

 

Need to learn lessons from defeat

The skipper urges Charlton to learn lessons from the defeat at Reading, castigating the second goal: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-skipper-greg-docherty-urges-side-to-learn-from-first-league-one-defeat-of-the-campaign/

Defeat on the road

Charlton fell to a deserved 2-0 defeat to Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium this afternoon.  Both home goals came in the second half after a flat second half.  Just two shots on target all afternoon told the story of Charlton's game.

Charlton are now 6th in the table.  Nathan Jones is determined that next Saturday's game against Rotherham will go ahead regardless of international call ups.

With almost the last kick of the first half, the Addicks should have taken the lead with the best chance of the half. Greg Docherty won the ball high, and his cross found Luke Berry, but Pereira managed to somehow palm his powerful effort away from inside the box.

Charlton started the second half like a side which had won their previous three, peppering the goal and putting Pereira under serious pressure. Docherty had the best chance when he controlled a cross on his chest inside the box, only to volley his effort high over the bar.

Somewhat against the run of play, Reading took the lead on the hour mark when Savage confidently strode through the midfield and unleashed a rocket past Mannion in the net. The Addicks brought on super sub Chuks Aneke, and he made a difference, pinning his opposite number and ensuring the defence remained under pressure.

Charlton were particularly aggrieved to not win a penalty for what could have been handball against Mbengue.

Adrian Akande should have doubled the advantage when he dispossessed the goalkeeper, but superb defending ensured the chance went once the 20-year-old had rounded the keeper. Reading need not have worried, however, as a quick throw sent Akande clear and his cross found Smith, who flicked home a second 

Transfers may not be over

Nathan Jones has yet that there may be yet be transfer business to be done, although 'We're in a really good place.  We've had an excellent window#: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/until-i-get-told-otherwise-charlton-athletic-manager-nathan-jones-on-state-of-play-before-tomorrows-transfer-deadline/

A further boost is the news that Miles Leaburn is back in full training.

Godden thanks Aneke

Matt Godden has praised Chuks Aneke for his role in his opening Charlton goal: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/i-knew-it-would-be-a-goal-matty-godden-praises-chuks-anekes-role-in-opening-charlton-athletic-account/

Keeping Chuks on seems to have paid dividends, let's hope he can stay fit.

Sven and Charlton

Whilst as England manager he gave first caps to Chris Powell, Paul Konchesky, Scott Parker, Luke Young and Darren Bent whilst they were Charlton Athletic players

Peter Varney writes: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of Sven GE. He was a regular visitor to The Valley and was always good company. Not only did he call up Chris Powell for England but without his help Chris would never have become the Charlton manager in 2011.’

Campbell in on loan from Luton

Midfielder Allan Campbell has come in from Luton on a year's loan, having passed his medical.  The Scot is generally regarded as a good acquisition: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-set-to-seal-loan-deal-for-former-millwall-loanee/

Richard Cawley notes: 'Nathan Jones was Luton Town boss when they signed Allan Campbell from Motherwell in 2021. NJ quote at weekend when I asked if a deal was close is interesting: "So anyone who comes in now we'd like, one, for them to know how we play and really have to improve us on every level. And as we improve every window that gets harder."'.

Addicks are 'the real deal'

Richard Cawley reckons that Charlton are League One pacesetters and in the promotion race for the long haul as he assesses Saturday's victory over Bolton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-charlton-2-bolton-0-addicks-are-clean-sheet-kings-as-they-look-league-one-real-deal/

New signing will need some work

Commenting on Kaheim Dixon, Nathan Jones told Richard Cawley: 'He'll need to get up to speed physically - not technically. He is a wonderful player technically. He has something really different. He is a good athlete but, with the greatest respect where he has come from, and the training regime he will have had - including the sports science - he needs to develop a little bit more.'

;But we'll see him soon. We've got to make sure we are careful with him and then we can see what he is all about.'

100 per cent start

Charlton beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0 at The Valley this afternoon to make it nine points out of nine.  Charlton are third in League One behind Stockport County and Huddersfield.   This is the first time Charlton have won their first three league games in 13 years.

Docherty opened the scoring after 10 minutes and Gooden cane off the bench to make it 2-0 on 88 minutes with a diving header making use of a cross from Aneke.

Ricardo Santos lost possession cheaply on the edge of his own box. Docherty still had lots to do to beat Nathan Baxter but picked out the top corner with a fine strike.

Collins won a free kick right on the edge of the Charlton penalty area as Wanderers searched for an immediate equaliser, but the Welshman failed to beat the wall.

Nathan Jones has got the team much more organised at the back as evidenced by three clean sheets.  We also look much better off the ball.   Even when they do lose the ball, they recover their shape quickly.  The midfield is nor really missing Dobson. The Covered End chanted 'Jonesy, Jonesy, give us a wave.'

Jones cautioned that we are not getting carried away and that nothing is won in August or September, but defended his signing of Matt Godden: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-nathan-jones-on-impressive-2-0-win-over-league-ones-fancied-bolton-wanderers/

Pessimists searching for a narrative have focused on Tyreece Campbell.   He may not be what you want in a striker, but he brings other qualities to the game.

Bolton a crucial test

Bolton's manager says that Charlton are a huge club, are much improved this season and will have a top six finish: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/24536390.bolton-wanderers-boss-evatt-charlton-athletic-challenge/

Before we get too excited, this is the usual tactic of talking up the opposition to provide an alibi in the event of defeat.

We may be a 'challenge' for Bolton, but they have proved a challenge for us over the years and it will be  a good test of our progress with a nine points start possible.  Four Four Two forecasts a second place finish for them.

CAS Trust says that Bolton could be a wake up call if we are not at the top of our game: https://www.castrust.org/2024/08/three-more-points-would-be-a-nice-bolt-on-to-our-total/

Ness departs, but no vacancy

Lucas Ness has joined Notts County for a fee, but his departure does not necessarily free up space for a signing: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-explains-defenders-transfer-window-exit/

It's a good move for the player who has done his best for us.  Moving someone like Scott Fraser on would create more space in terms of wages.

If the injury to Josh Edwards had been more serious, Charlton would have entered the transfer market: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-on-josh-edwards-injury-and-whether-that-will-force-transfer-window-move/

Edwards out for weeks not months

Josh Edwards is likely to be out for weeks rather than months: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/injury-update-emerges-for-charlton-athletic-defender-josh-edwards/

The more one sees of that tackle, the more a red card was deserved.

Takeover rumours denied

There has been a bit of takeover speculation of late with Charlton, reports Richard Cawley - but no chance of any of it becoming fact.  The current ownership, many of whom were at the game on Saturday, are resolutely determined to be at the helm of the club for the long term.

Dixon deal is almost done

Richard Cawley reports that Charlton are hoping to have Kaheim Dixon deal officially completed this week. Delay has been due to work permit application.

American co-owners Joshua Friedman and Warren Rosenfeld were all at Saturday’s game. Gabriel Brener wasn't at the game but Cawley has been told that he watches every match.   Friedman’s two sons were with him.

Berry's message

Luke Berry talks about his first goal in a Charlton shirt and emphasises the importance of clean sheets: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/luke-berry-has-ominous-message-for-charltons-athletics-league-one-promotion-rivals/

Nathan Jones says that Charlton could have scored more if they has shown greater quality in the final third: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-on-luke-berrys-vital-first-goal-and-delight-at-his-teams-display-in-win-over-orient/

Clean sheet winning start continues

Luke Berry’s stoppage-time strike saw Charlton maintain their 100% start in League One with a tunnel derby win over Leyton Orient.

Summer signing Berry, a free agent after leaving Luton, raced on to substitute Chuks Aneke’s flick to slot into the bottom-left corner of the net.

It was nothing less than the Addicks deserved as they dominated after the restart.

Forward Charlie Kelman had two shooting attempts in the first half, sending one across the face of goal while the other did not trouble goalkeeper Will Mannion.

Charlton defender Lloyd Jones headed away a Jordan Brown strike.

Addicks’ left wing-back Josh Edwards was stretchered off in the 27th minute, with former Addick Sean Clare booked for his late challenge to stop the Scot from launching a counter-attack.   Under VAR it could well have been a red.   Edwards will be sent for an x-ray on his injury: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-defender-josh-edwards-set-for-x-ray-to-determine-full-extent-of-injury/

Charlton ramped up the pressure after the break but still struggled to create clear opportunities, with Conor Coventry hitting a long-distance shot over while Kayne Ramsay’s strike took a deflection and clipped the crossbar, before Berry’s moment of composure as he opened his account with a crucial finish.

Analysis from the SLP here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-charlton-1-orient-0-aneke-produces-sub-impact-once-again-in-deserved-victory/

Tunnel test for Addicks

It's the so-called Blackwall Tunnel derby against Leyton Orient tomorrow (12.30 kick off).  Last year we won 1-0.  We are probably defensively tighter, but creativity and scoring goals remain a challenge.

Four Four Two forecasts a 17th place finish for the O's: 'It'll be tough for the O's to repeat their top half finish of 2023-24, let alone better it.   Richie Wellens' side could be short of genuine firepower up front.'

The Orient fan forecasts a 9th place finish.

I have this down as a win the prediction league, but 0-0 is certainly a possibility.  

The CAS Trust preview notes that the club has called on fans to make The Valley a fortress, but that also depends on what happens on the pitch: https://www.castrust.org/2024/08/all-aboard-the-orient-express-2/

Taylor told a bike is available

Having not featured in the squad for the two opening matches, Nathan Jones has made it clear that Terry Taylor is surplus to requirements: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/terry-taylor-looking-surplus-to-requirements-at-charlton-athletic/

His time at Charlton after his arrival from Burton was marred by an ankle injury.

Richard Cawley reports: 'If Mason Burstow does join Hull City then Charlton do have sell-on from deal they negotiated when they sold the striker to Chelsea. But that is only if he moves for more than £1.5m. Then the Addicks will get a percentage of any profit.'

Charlton lack creativity

The keyboard warriors have been out in force after Tuesday's defeat to the Blues and some players have been written off about two games.  Louis Mendez offers a more measured critique, drawing attention to a worrying lack of creativity in the team: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/talking-points-from-charlton-0-birmingham-1-creativity-still-needs-work-as-underlined-in-efl-cup-exit/

Changed side fails to impress

A first-half strike by Brandon Khela handed 10-man Birmingham a narrow 1-0 Carabao Cup win at League One rivals Charlton.

Both teams making many changes – the hosts making five, while the visitors made eight – did not prevent a lively opening to the tie.

Charlton should have taken the lead after just 12 minutes, when Tyreece Campbell was upended in the area by Tyler Roberts, however, the 20-year old fired directly at goalkeeper Ryan Allsop, who collected the ball comfortably.  Fans criticised the pairing of Campbell and Kanu up front.

Luke Harris almost gifted Luke Berry a goal after 26 minutes with a loose pass, but the Charlton midfielder drove his effort just wide of the post.

Birmingham stunned the Addicks after 32 minutes with a curled effort from over 20 yards out by Khela as he celebrated his first goal for the club.

The Blues looked more likely to add the second goal of the night and Alfie May should have done better as he sent a weak 65-minute shot at Will Mannion after finding space.

Charlton were badly missing the spark needed to draw level in the contest, although they were handed a boost after 77 minutes when Dion Sanderson saw red for his second caution.

After a Greg Docherty shot was fired across goal in stoppage-time, Birmingham saw the contest out to progress to the second round.

Despite the result, Nathan Jones took pride in his side's performance, saying they were excellent out of possession: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-proud-of-charlton-performance-despite-efl-cup-defeat-against-birmingham/

The supremo is confident that Tyreece Campbell will learn from his penalty miss.  Jones hopes to convert him from a winger into a forward this season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-backs-tyreece-campbell-to-bounce-back-from-efl-cup-penalty-miss/

Blues to use fringe players tonight

Birmingham City boss Chris Davies is expected to make some use of fringe players in tonight's Carabao Cup clash at The Valley: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-predicted-lineup-charlton-29725949

It will be the first time the two sides have met in the league cup.

Fitness issue for Godden

 Nathan Jones reckons that it was not worth risking Matt Godden at Wigan after he picked up a tight hamstring: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-reveals-reason-for-charlton-striker-matty-goddens-absence-at-wigan/

Lloyd Jones has emphasised the importance of the clean sheet at Wigan, saying that Nathan Jones wants to make Charlton a hard team to break down: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-match-winner-lloyd-jones-highlights-importance-of-clean-sheet-in-opening-day-triumph-at-wigan/

Charlton defend well to take three points

A solid defensive display - when could we last say that - saw Charlton win their opening game at Wigan 1-0.  Lloyd Jones scored the only goal nine minutes from time as Charlton, and it was a goal that a striker could have scored.

The home side had the lion’s share of the encounter at the newly-named Brick Community Stadium, but could not make any of their chances count.

Thelo Aasgaard sent one volley wide and another free-kick over the bar, before his teasing left-wing cross was missed completely by Baba Adeeko at the beginning of the second period.

Aasgaard really should have opened the scoring when he raced through on goal, only to take too long in shooting and being dispossessed by a great tackle by Kayne Ramsay in the nick of time.

The three substitutions made on 73 minutes were well judged and boosted Charlton.

But the Addicks had the last laugh in the 81st minute as Wigan failed to clear a free-kick, and the unmarked Jones slotted home at the far post.

Charlton boss Nathan Jones was shown a yellow card deep into stoppage time after remonstrating with the official on the touchline, but he will care little about that, as his celebrations in front of the away support proved.   About 1,000 Addicks were there and were in great voice, even though it wasn't the most exciting game.

Sky TV managed to end coverage just before 90 minutes.

Report from Louis Mendez here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-wigan-athletic-0-charlton-athletic-1-addicks-off-to-a-winning-start-after-cagey-opening-day-affair/

The division to watch

Nathan Jones is expecting a 'difficult' game at Wigan this evening: https://www.castrust.org/2024/08/wigan-its-a-difficult-start/

Four Four Two forecast a 9th place finish for the Lactics compared with 12th last season.  They comment: 'With a popular and progressive manager [Shaun Maloney] as well as two of the Football League's most prodigious talents in Sam Tickle and Charlie Hughes, the Lactics are oozing with potential. They may not have enough nous, however, to sustain a promotion challenge.'

League One is even more competitive this season.  Four Four Two says 'it is the division to watch this season.  Whereas the appeal of the Championship and League Two is the loss of big hitters, the third tier's charm is in gaining them.  The three teams coming down from the Championship look as strong as the promoted trio they replaced.'

'Then there are the three clubs who won automatic promotion from League Two, who themselves have the resources to enhance this division and challenge for the summit of it.   League One has also retained three top six regulars, Bolton, Barnsley and Peterborough.'

'So whereas League One had felt like a split league divided into "haves" and "have nots", the "haves" are now in the majority and some of the less fancied sides have reason to believe to.'

Rickster thinks promotion 'could be a stretch'

Predictions for the season ahead from Richard Cawley and some thoughts from VOTV editor Rick Everitt (for it is he).   The Ramsgate-based fan notes the mood of cautious optimism among the Addickted, but thinks that promotion could still be a stretch: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-2024-25-preview-signings-key-player-one-to-watch-predictions-and-opening-fixtures/

Charlton fail in Arsenal keeper bid

Charlton have failed in their bid to loan Karl Hein from Arsenal.  The Estonian international is joining La Liga side Real Vallidolid: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-transfer-news-hein-2024-b1175027.html

I'm not convinced that a loan keeper is the answer.

Begovic deal is off

The deal for keeper Asmir Begovic to move to Charlton is off as financial terms could not be agreed, reports Richard Cawley.

Ever since Sam Bartram's day, I have believed that a good keeper is key to a team's success, but we'll just have to see what Will Mannion can do for now.

Dixon arrives and Ahadme sets targets

Richard Cawley has reported, 'Kaheim Dixon set to arrive in UK today. Charlton have started process of obtaining a work permit for the Jamaican international winger. No timeline yet on how long that process will take.'   It can be prolonged.

Gassam Ahadme me has set out his targets for the season, praising the qualities of Nathan Jones as a manager: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-striker-gassan-ahadme-outlines-target-for-addicks-ahead-of-league-one-campaign/

Charlton look like a 'third tier cloub'

One expects Millwall fan Rod Liddle to be regularly disobliging about Charlton in his Sunday Times column.   Apart from anything else, his stock in trade (he also writes for the Spectator) is starting an argument in an empty room. 

Liddle starts by reasonably questioning Birmingham City's expectations of an immediate return to the second tier and hits the nail amusingly on the head about Peterborough by describing them as 'Peterborough United (who exist as a club solely to compete between the top six of tier three and the bottom six of tier two).'

However, Liddle is soon back to the Millwall of the Midlands, noting that 'The eye-catching, if wholly predictable, capture, however, was Alfie May, sprung from Charlton Athletic for about £900,000 and arguably cheap at the price, despite his advancing age. May, 31 last month, scored 23 goals from 43 games for Charlton last time out and won the League One Golden Boot — a remarkable achievement considering that one or another of Charlton’s procession of inept managers, I forget which one, played him out on the wing half the time.

Poor Charlton is the second question on the agenda, seeing as they are installed as one of the favourites for promotion and are the second-biggest spenders. Charlton dragged themselves away from what looked like probable relegation with some panache last season and the fans have rather taken to the manager, Nathan Jones. But May and the talented Corey Blackett-Taylor scored about half of their goals last season and both have gone, Blackett-Taylor to the newly promoted Derby County.

The new owners have spent a little, bringing in Matty Godden, from Coventry City, for an undisclosed fee, and the Moroccan Gassan Ahadme from Ipswich Town, for about a million quid. Godden has been reliable enough for Coventry, averaging about a goal every three games, while Ahadme — properly a second striker — banged in 11 while on loan at Cambridge United last season.

This will be Charlton’s fifth consecutive season in League One and their 11th out of the past 16. Much as I hate to say it as a Millwall fan, obviously, they are beginning to look like a tier three club and the attendances have gradually fallen away.'  (Transfermarkt says they up marginally from 13,436 to 13,481).

Personally, I have some faith in Jones and the new owners, although I accept that not everyone does.

Jones needs to trim squad to add more

Nathan Jones has confirmed that he will need to trim the squad before adding more players: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-nathan-jones-were-at-our-maximum-in-terms-of-players-so-we-need-to-move-some-on-before-adding-more/

Reports from those at yesterday's pre-season defeat of Portsmouth with generally positive.  Although one should not overrate pre-season friendlies, negativists were struggling to construct a narrative.

Edwards sets himself targets

New signing Josh Edwards wants to put in lots of crosses and get plenty of assists for the team: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/josh-edwards-sets-himself-defensive-and-attacking-targets-ahead-of-first-season-at-charlton-athletic/

Charlton to finish 6th

Four Four Two magazine reckons Charlton will finish 6th in League One this season.  'Alfie May has gone, but Nathan Jones has his new strike duo in Matt Godden and  Gassan Ahadme.  With Luke Berry, Alan Mitchell and John Edwards also joining a tree of teenage talents in Daniel Kanu, Thierry Small and Karoy Anderson, Jones' Addicks are shaping up well.'

Natasha Everitt also forecasts a 6th place finish in her fan file.  She says that Jones' signings are promising and a fit again Miles Leaburn will feel like a new signing.  Karoy Anderson is our most underrated player, look up his goal against Derby.  

The player she would happily drive to another club is Scott Fraser, on a large wage and hasn't lived up to expectations.  The fans; opinion of the gaffer is that he is charismatic, well-liked and not afraid to make bold decisions.   She concludes that Charlton have pulled below their weight for too long, but are now ready to push on.

Jacko praises Jones

Johnnie Jackson admits that it was a bit strange facing up against Charlton in Saturday's friendly but thinks they have a really good manager in Nathan Jones: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/a-bit-strange-johnnie-jackson-makes-charlton-admission-after-afc-wimbledon-win-pre-season-clash/

With Charlton looking to offload players, there has been interest in Lucas Ness but Richard Cawley reports that he had had ankle surgery in the summer - minor issue that he'd been playing on with - and isn't fit yet.

Midfielders need to leave before new signings

Richard Cawley reports: 'Teddy Bishop no longer training with Charlton. Outgoings needed before some areas of the pitch can be looked at - midfield is well-stocked at the moment. 

Chance if a couple go from that area it opens the door for an incoming. Dan Potts still training with the squad but just not involved in the match. Do also wonder, as triallists, that there comes a point that you don't want to risk potential injury by continuing to feature in games.'

Nathan Jones is hedging his bets on Begovic: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-on-charlton-transfer-link-to-asmir-begovic-and-absence-of-triallists/

Can Bromley survive in the EFL?

Quite a few Charlton fans have Bromley as a second club.  Rod Liddle is one of those newspaper columnists whose job is to be controversial, but the reinvented northerner is a bit disobliging about promoted Bromley in the Sunday Times today.

Leafy but otherwise unlovely and once described by a former resident, Frankie Boyle, as being a “lobotomy made of bricks”, Bromley can now boast an English Football League club for the first time in the town’s thousand-or-so-year history.

It was once a Kentish market town, but swelled rapidly with the coming of the railways and even more so the “white flight” to the outer suburbs of London from the 1950s onwards. Ten miles southeast of central London and a non-stop 18 minutes on the train to Victoria, Bromley is exactly the sort of place where you might expect to see a flourishing of our absurdly popular national sport.

'Extremely affluent — residents enjoy one of the highest levels of gross disposable income in the country — Bromley is kind of where English football is heading. It is why we have Brighton & Hove Albion, Bournemouth and Brentford in the Premier League, for example, and also why, when you scroll through the EFL’s four divisions, you won’t find any mention of Bury, Hartlepool, Halifax, Rochdale and so on. Demographic shift and football, as ever, following the money.

Bromley did it the hard way last season, finishing 17 points behind the wonderfully rejuvenated champions Chesterfield and scraping through the play-off finals via a penalty shoot-out against Solihull Moors, with the 37-year-old club captain and former Millwall defender, Byron Webster, keeping his head at Wembley to score from the decisive spot kick.

 As you might imagine, Webster is not alone in coming to Bromley from one of South London’s EFL clubs — the assistant manager, Alan Dunne, was a Millwall stalwart and there are a scattering of former Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace players in the Bromley ranks.

They draw a decent crowd  — an average of 3,561 last season, sixth best in the National League and the ‘sarf’ London businessman who owns them, Robin Stanton-Gleaves, is expecting a mid-table finish this season. That may be a little optimistic, given that the bookies have them as the second favourites to go straight back down.

There is not much money to splash around, seeing as the club have been forced to tear up their hideous, if lucrative, synthetic pitch and replace it with grass to comply with EFL strictures.'

Liddle doesn't mention this, but one of the challenges for London clubs is the sheer number of them, albeit with attendances boosted by soccer tourists.   Bromley are a bit of a second club for Charlton and Crystal Palace fans and attendances may depend on how well the Ravens do on the pitch.

Isted out, Asmir Begovic in?

Goalkeeper Harry Isted is joining Burton Albion in a permanent deal.   Thanks for all you tried to do.

It looks increasingly likely that Asmir Begovic will replace him on a free from QPR.  The 37-year old Bosnian doesn't lack experience. 

Career details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asmir_Begovi%C4%87

Velley needs more TLC says Methven

Charlie Methven talks in depth about one year of the new ownership at Charlton, although he says they really only got under way in January.   Nearly half a million pounds has been spent on upgrading The Valley and Sparrows Lane pitches, but the stadium needs more capital expenditure to bring it up to speed: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/gfp-mark-one-year-as-charlton-athletic-ownership-group-charlie-methven-on-implementing-changes-player-wage-budget-and-transfer-business/

Uptick in season ticket sales

Chief excutive Charlie Methven reports that Charltno have sold 7,500 season tickets compared with 6,700 this time last season and notes a mood of 'cautious optimism' among fans: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-chief-executive-charlie-methven-outlines-expected-season-ticket-sales-and-fans-cautious-optimism-for-next-league-one-campaign/

Addicks swoop for Jamaican international

Charlton are hoping to sign 19-year old Jamaican international Kaheim Dixon.    The winger currently plays in the Jamaican Premier League and there is considerable international interest in him: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/exclusive-charlton-athletic-set-to-land-exciting-jamaican-international-winger-prospect/

Mitchell on his Charlton move

Alex Mitchell thinks he might have got a bit of stick joining Charlton from the Spanners: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/i-thought-i-would-get-a-bit-of-a-stick-new-charlton-defender-alex-mitchell-opens-up-on-millwall-exit/?utm_campaign=i-thought-i-would-get-a-bit-of-a-stick-new-charlton-defender-alex-mitchell-opens-up-on-millwall-exit&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2qe4lK_BPhouFC4kxz1EqiMcIDx3RpZnZJh-cykg0U35bymSdFZxITV-0_aem_Gp0ZP_fQ_qHHu8XmwfXNTw

Jones interested in trialists

Nathan Jones is taking a close look at two trialists who took part in the 6-1 win at Dartford: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-labels-charlton-athletic-trialist-best-player-hes-ever-signed-during-his-career/

Jones assessed the signings so far after the win: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-assesses-charltons-summer-business-so-far-after-thumping-pre-season-win-at-dartford/

Fitness issues kept Chuks Aneke away from Princes Park, but he will join the squad going to Slovenia: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-reveals-reason-for-chuks-anekes-absence-at-dartford/

Congratulations to Ezri Konsa on his performance against Switzerland.   The Athletic notes that his coachability has always been his driving trait and that dates back to his development in the Charlton Academy.

Steve Brown backs Godden

Steve Brown discusses the departure of Alfie May and gives a positive report on Matty Godden based on his knowledge of the player: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/steve-brown-exclusive-verdict-on-charlton-athletic-selling-alfie-may-and-supplies-insight-on-new-boy-matty-godden/

Greg Docherty is a good signing: https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/charlton-athletic-boss-hails-impressive-9392515

Second striker joins

Gassan Ahadme joins Charlton on a four-year deal from Ipswich Town.  Richard Cawley comments: ‘ Supposed to be a machine in terms of his fitness.’

Nathan Jones told Cawley: ‘The two strikers we’ve signed have real pedigree and I’d like to thank the board and the ownership for backing us on these signings. Our squad has significantly improved already this summer and we haven’t finished our recruitment.’

Whether we paid the £1m Ipswich were reported to be asking for him is not known, but it would be excessive.   However, the East Anglian Daily Times claims that the £1m has been paid together with add ons which could take it above £1m.

Career history of the Moroccan born in Spain: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gassan_Ahadme

Speaking after the move was confirmed, Ahadme said: “Since the first time I spoke with Nathan, I was impressed with the things that he told me, and especially the energy that I felt from him and the things that he wants to do. It’s a really ambitious project and that’s why I’m excited to be here.”

Jones added: “I’m delighted we’ve signed Gassan, he was a real number one target for us. Like with the signing of Matty Godden, it has been a long process - we’ve been pursuing him all summer. We’re delighted to add him, he brings us quality, and a presence and profile of a number nine. 

Godden signs

Matt Godden from Coventry City has signed a two year contract at Charlton and another striker signing is expected: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-sign-coventry-city-striker-matt-godden-on-two-year-contract/

Sceptics may doubt whether they will score as many goals between them as Alfie May, but then a disgruntled May forced to stay would not have performed as well as last season.

May has bid an emotional farewell to Charlton, but says his wife couldn't settle in London: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/its-been-a-year-ill-never-forget-alfie-mays-emotional-farewell-message-to-charlton-fans/

May goes in June

All the indications are that Alfie May is to join Huddersfield for a rumoured fee of £750,00 which would represent a profit of half a million.   According to Richard Cawley his wife hails from Yorkshire and has already moved the family up there.

It would be disappointing news, particularly given that Miles Leaburn is likely to be out until October at least.  However, if a player wants to go, it doesn't make sense to stop them.

It has been said that Jones thought that May did not suit his style of play and there were one or two occasions when I was surprised he didn't start him.   But that's all speculation.

Reliable strikers are like gold dust even at League One level, but the hunt will now be on.

It now looks as if May go to Birmingham which hopefully might mean a bit more money althoigh it could be in the form of add ons.

Jones ambiguous about May

Nathan Jones retains an air of studied ambiguity on the fate of Alfie May: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-nathan-jones-on-alfie-may-future-as-huddersfield-pushing-to-complete-deal-for-striker/

There is little else he can do.   If a player wants to leave and the price is right, then the deal is done.  The focus then turns to a replacement which would be a challenge.

'No dickheads' says Jones

Nathan Jones has told Richard Cawley that his policy on signing players this summer is "no dickheads, no passengers." 

 “Everyone that comes in has to really want to compete and get to the next level. So they are not just seeing out their career and coming for a holiday or just go through the motions - that’s the passengers bit."

 “And we don’t gamble on character. We like strong characters here. People that will test and test the environment? No problem. But anyone who doesn’t want to work hard or had issues in the past and is not entirely buying into what we want to do, we don’t do.”

Fine words and one with has suggested that the policy should be applied to fans as well.

Changes at the top

Charlton are set to confirm Charlie Methven as chief executive officer, with a remit for the off-pitch side of the club.  

Global Football Partners have reviewed management structures and there are other changes. Chairman Jim Rodwell will oversee football operations with Andy Scott continuing as technical director but no longer on the board, in effect a demotion.  Paul Elliott appointed vice-chairman.

As for Methven, I was initially doubtful about him based on Sunderland.   He can certainly talk the talk, now he can show what he can do.  At least he knows more about football than some CE)Os we have had.

No pressure on Jones to sell valued May

Nathan Jones has been asked about Alfie May, teports Richard Cawley. . Says there is "zero pressure for me to sell or let go any footballer at this football club". Says priority is to come out of this window "categorically stronger" than going into it. Has promised that "if you trust us, that's what we will do". 

Talked about getting pelters at Luton for some decisions made on the squad. Adds that Alfie has been "really important in what we do". Also added he has "real value".

Alex Mitchell signs

Neil Harris gives his verdict on the signing of Alex Mitchell from Millwall: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/millwall-boss-harris-gives-his-verdict-on-alex-mitchells-permanent-transfer-to-charlton-athletic/