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/