Travel issues on Sunday

Trains from South-East London face disruption on Sunday (mind you these days most Addicks live further afield, especially those who have retired): https://greenwichwire.co.uk/2025/05/21/charlton-athletic-play-off-final-travel-news/

The view from the other side

A Leyton Orient expert reckons that Sunday's ties could go to penalties and the O's have the sort of goalkeeper who would relish them: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/leyton-orient-expert-on-charltons-league-one-play-off-final-opponents-resolve-and-teamwork-key-to-os-success/

He rates Sean Clare more highly than Charlton fans did and says that Darren Pratley has been a leader at the club.

Addickted come from far and near

The Chicago Addick has already publicised this map showing how far the Addickted are travelling to get to Sunday's game, but it deserves wider publicity: https://cafc-many-miles-have-i-travelled.netlify.app/

At the Greatest Game I got a ticket for someone who had lived in Warwickshire but had emigrated to Canada.

Some people are complaining about long lost fans emerging from the woodwork, but I am pleased to see them back.  'Jack' used to live near the training ground, but is now in rural Kent.   He was a season ticket holder and also player shirt sponsor.   He is bringing his two adult daughters on Sunday.

Former Addick in charge at Dripping Pan

Former Addick Bradley Pritchard has been appointed manager of Lewes FC.   The midfielder played over 100 games for the Rocks between 2021 and 2024.

Initially hired by Charlton as a performance analyst, Pritchard was then given a footballing contract by the Addicks and made a total of 79 appearances scoring three goals.

Let go by Charlton, he went to Leyton Orient and then reverted to the non-league with Greenwich Borough.

I would describe Pritchard as industrious rather than skilled, but good luck to the 39-year old who has stuck with a football career through thick and thin.

Jones can be excused emotional response to victory

Nathan Jones has attracted some criticism from the tabloids for his emotional reaction to Thursday's victory, but he and the club have been through the mill as the BBC acknowledges: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c991y2zgp77o

The Currant Bun report on his 'bizarre antics' is here: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/34980600/nathan-jones-charlton-praying-wycombe-playoff/

At least Charlton is getting some attention for once, even if some of the publicity is negative.

I was surprised to learn that one of my granddaughters, who has shown no previous interest in football, but plans to move to Wales has applied with enthusiasm for a backroom job at Swansea City.

Charlton in Dreamland

The report from The Times this morning on last night's game (click to enlarge):

Godden delivers Wembley final

He was derided as a poor quality replacement for Alfie May at the beginning of the season, but Matty Godden secured a Wembley final for Charlton at The Valley this evening.

Matty Godden's goal nine minutes from time sent Charlton into the League One play-off final as they edged past Wycombe at The Valley.  In a second leg almost as tepid as the first leg, the tie was settled by Godden's 22nd goal of the season.

A long ball into the Wycombe penalty area was turned towards goal by Lloyd Jones and fell kindly for Godden to poke home from close range.

Charlton will now play Leyton Orient in the final at Wembley on Sunday, 25 May with the Addicks aiming to return to the Championship for the first time since 2021.

It was another night of few chances but Charlton, who finished a point and a place above Wycombe in the table, finally found a goal as attention began to turn to extra time.

Macaulay Gillesphey floated a ball from just inside his own half into the Wycombe box and Jones beat Adam Reach to it and steered towards goal with his right boot.

Franco Ravizzoli, who replaced the unwell Will Norris in goal, was a little hesitant to come off his line and could only block Jones' touch towards goal. It bounced into the path of Godden who chested down and turned into an empty net.

Jones had earlier squandered by far the best chance of the whole tie as, six minutes before the break, he totally miscued a free header from six yards out, diverting Godden's cross from the right fully 20 yards wide of the right-hand post.

Charlton went close again after the break as Thierry Small cut inside from the right but curled his left-foot shot just wide of the left-hand post.

Wycombe were second best and failed to fashion a clear-cut chance but did go close twice as the game wore on.

First Garath McCleary took Fred Onyedinma's cross but his shot was superbly blocked by Kayne Ramsay for Charlton before the rebound fell for Xavier Simons, whose shot was also blocked by Ramsay.

At full-time Addicks boss Nathan Jones was close to tears as thousands of Charlton fans spilled onto the pitch to celebrate.    He says that relief was his main emotion: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-overwhelmed-with-relief-as-charlton-athletic-secure-league-one-play-off-final-place/

Transfer 'ambitions'

Charlton will work off pretty much the same transfer list whether or not they get promoted.   I suppose you could interpret that as ambitious in one case and less so in the other: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-set-to-work-off-same-transfer-window-wanted-list-even-if-they-win-league-one-promotion/

Thierry Small wants to ply his trade in the Championship, although Millwall seem to have lost interest.

It's Orient in the final

Today's the day: either Charlton fans will be heading to Wembley or will have the joy of heading to beautiful downtown Burslem next season to play Port Fail: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/wembley-or-bust-charlton-athletics-championship-dreams-on-the-line-in-huge-league-one-play-off-semi-final-decider/

Orient got through to the final and penalties and with momentum may pose a greater challenge than gritty and tenacious Stockport.

Radio 5 were bigging up Orient this morning but I would agree with the Orient fan who said that a Wembley staging of the Blackwall Tunnel derby would sell out the stadium.  Wycombe wouldn't be able to fill it despite its proximity to beechy Bucks.

The strange world of beechy Bucks

An old secondary school friend of mine lived in many different parts of the UK before returning to his native heath on retirement (TOWIE).

He reckoned that the best place he lived was the Isle of Wight (home to many Addicks) and the worst was High Wycombe.   He thought that the people there were odd and unpleasant.

He never met many Chairboys, but that's not so surprising as home attendances this season averaged 5,456.

For many years they were a successful amateur club and only joined the non-league system in 1985.  For over ten years they hosted Wasps rugby club and it is the sort of area that favours egg chasing.

The train from Leamington usually stops at High Wycombe and on a match day lots of fans of Premier League London clubs (plus QPR) would pile on.  Chelsea had a particularly strong representation.

Many years ago I went to see Rushden and Diamonds play Wycombe.  As I recall Irthlingborough's finest won and Sid and Doris Bonkers and the other away fans took exception to some of the decisions by the officials.

They then staged an away stand sit in and as I walked up the hill to the lane where I had parked my car, plaintive calls of 'Chairboys' drifted on the breeze.

Aneke is available and motivated

Super sub Chuks Aneke is available for tomorrow's play off match against Wycombe Wanderers and is extremely motivated: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-expecting-extremely-motivated-chuks-aneke-for-wycombe-play-off-semi-tie/

Charlton are ready for the possibility of a penalty shoot out: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-expecting-extremely-motivated-chuks-aneke-for-wycombe-play-off-semi-tie/

Let's hope that the referee hasn't won this month's Specsavers voucher and is more used to officiating at cage fighting.

Backroom bosses answer questions

Having got married last Friday and having my eldest's 25th wedding anniversary on Saturday meant that I have not had much bandwidth for Charlton matters, but I was pleased to have a Charlton table at my wedding reception.

I have now read the CAST meeting with the non-executive chair and the chief operating officer.  It is informative on a range of topic (including the recent ticketing problems): https://www.castrust.org/2025/05/gavin-carter-assume-positive-intent/

On the whole I was reassured by the answers.    However, it is implicit that the owners are not going to splash the cash if we get promoted.    The Championship is highly competitive with spending patterns influenced by parachute payments.

Dismal draw could lead to Valley victory

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Addicks were unable to replicate their league victory over Wycombe in the play offs, but start with a clean slate at The Valley on Thursday.

The two sides played out a largely uninspiring and cagey League One play-off semi-final first leg which ended goalless.

Former Leamington ace Daniel Udoh forced a good save from Will Mannion in the first few minutes but that was a rare bright moment in the first half.

Things got marginally better after the break and Will Norris in the Chairboys goal had to make key late saves from Matty Godden and Greg Docherty.

The stalemate means that none of the first legs in this season's EFL play-offs have been won by the home side - the first time this has happened since 2014-15.

Charlton had ended the season in fantastic form, with 16 wins from their final 22 league matches.  However, in a game where both teams lacked quality in the final third, it took them until almost the 70th minute for Godden to have their first shot on target.

That was straight at Norris in the Wycombe goal but the keeper was worked more by the striker's second attempt in the last few minutes and he then showed good reflexes to keep out Docherty's instinctive effort from the resultant corner.

Wycombe offered little in a match punctuated by fouls.  They were perhaps a touch fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men before the break when striker Richard Kone was only booked for a poor challenge on Kayne Ramsay.

Mike Dodds' men have now failed to score in five of their past nine matches but only runaway league winners Birmingham picked up more points away from home than the Buckinghamshire side in the regular season and nobody scored more goals.

Wycombe boss Mike Dodds told BBC Three Counties Radio:  "Two really good teams cancelled each other out I think.   When you play a Nathan Jones team they are so aggressive in the first phase we didn't want to give them the momentum in terms of making too many passes in front of them which probably contributed to the fact it was quite messy at times.

You need a moment and it didn't land for them and it didn't land for us.  They've had one big chance and we've had one and it was a really tight, even contest."

Charlton boss Nathan Jones told BBC Radio London: "It was a tough game, a war of attrition.  We defended our box excellently and I felt we finished really strongly.

It's evenly poised and it's not a bad place to be. We've got to win a home game to get to Wembley and I think we'd have taken that.   I'm really proud of the performance because we showed a resilience. Would I have liked us to play a bit more and create a bit more and show a bit more quality? Yes."

The SLP’s Richard Cawley said: ‘By no means a classic but it was the Addicks who showed more urgency to win it in the closing stages. Norris with a couple of key saves. Mannion only had one stop early on from Udoh. Charlton defence were very good.’

On a day when Barca beat Real Madrid 4-3, it was hardly an English 'el Classico' in beechy Bucks and it was rather pathetic of the Chairboys to turn up the public address system given the lack of noise coming from fans Sid and Doris Bonkers.   However, Richard Cawley gives his analysis of the game here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-wycombe-0-charlton-0-physicality-and-industry-outshine-quality-in-tense-league-one-play-off-encounter/

 

Jones emphasises his commitment to Charlton

Nathan Jones emphasies that he is at Charlton for the long tern, despite potential interest from other clubs: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/i-want-to-be-here-nathan-jones-has-unwavering-commitment-to-charlton-athletic-as-he-targets-league-one-play-off-glory/

Two Wycombe players face late fitness tests, but they have not been named: https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/highwycombe/25153301.wycombe-vs-charlton-athletic-mike-dodds-looks-ahead/

Godden: we must forget the 4-0

Like many footballers, Matty Godden uses golf to relax.   Life is different now he is back home.  He is prepared to take penalties for Charlton in the play offs if necessary.   He rightly emphasises that we must get the 4-0 victory at Wycombe out of our minds: tomorrow will be a completely different game.  https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/golf-is-a-switch-off-from-football-matty-godden-an-ice-cool-performer-on-football-pitch-and-the-fairway/

CAS Trust also warn against complacency: https://www.castrust.org/2025/05/back-to-wycombe/

Our record in the play offs has been quite mixed.   The defeat on penalties by Swindon at The Valley still hurts, but I had blotted the defeat to Shropshire's finest out of my mind: https://www.castrust.org/2025/05/a-brief-history-of-time-in-the-play-offs/

Jones and Godden on coming through adversity

Moaners were hoping for his early dismissal, but Nathan Jones defends the way in which he brought success to Charlton by sticking with his squad: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-jones-on-key-to-coming-through-adversity-this-season-to-land-play-off-place/

Matty Godden was derided as a poor replacement for Alfie May at the beginning of the season but here he talks about how he has battled through his career, including a spell in non-league: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/ive-worked-my-n-off-charltons-matty-godden-on-non-league-career-rebuild-and-rooting-for-coventry-city-play-off-success/

Over at our sister site special guest correspondent Nigel Pooter has been looking at the finances of Crystal Palace: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2025/05/can-eagles-soar-even-higher.html

Jones is full of Fullah

Nathan Jones was rightly delighted with Ibrahim Fullah's debut at The Valley on Saturday and sees it as reflecting the strength of the Academy as a whole: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/it-has-a-wonderful-feel-charlton-boss-on-handing-debut-to-ibrahim-fullah/

Alex Mitchell and Matty Gooden are both named in the final Sky Bet League One Team of the Week.

Saturday’s attendance of 20,971 was the highest at the Valley for the last home regular League game of the season in 10 years.

Charlton to face Wycombe in play offs

Charlton will face Wycombe at home in the second leg of the play offs on May 15th after the Chairboys lost 1-3 at home to Stockport today.   The first leg will be in beechy Bucks next Sunday evening.  (The EFL has changed the date more than once). The out of form Chairboys have lost six of their last eight games.  Stockport will face in form Leyton Orient.

Charlton beat Burton 3-1 as I forecast at the start of the season.  A Brewers penalty gave an early scare and their fans literally went bananas as they did the conga in the Jimmy Seed.

Matt Godden scored two first half goals and Alex Mitchell made it three on 51 minutes in front of a crowd of 20,971.

The Addicks fell behind in the 13th minute, Mason Bennett converting from the penalty spot after Fabio Tavares was brought down by goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

Godden restored parity in the 24th minute, Charlton’s top scorer finished from the right of the penalty box with Burton keeper Max Crocombe making a bad call to stray from his line to try and reach Tennai Watson’s through ball.

Godden doubled his tally in the 34th minute, producing a sharp turn from Josh Edwards’ pass to beat Crocombe, who managed to get a hand to his low left-footed shot.

Alex Mitchell, whose poor back pass had led to the early penalty, made amends when he headed in Conor Coventry’s inswinging corner in the 51st minute to put Charlton 3-1 ahead.

Addicks debutant Ibrahim Fullah hit the right post from Karoy Anderson’s cutback.

Just as well the play off is now on Sunday evening, as I am getting married on Friday and my eldest is having her 25th wedding anniversary party on Saturday evening.

Analysis of the game by Louis Mendez emphasises the contribution of Matt Godden who was, of course, written off as useless by moaners earlier in the season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-charlton-3-burton-albion-1

Team of the year Jones 'like a brick wall'

Lloyd Jones has been named in the League One Team of the Year.   He was also picked by Four Four Two for their list of the top fifty EFL players.

Josh Edwards reckons that Jones has been 'like a brick wall' (other labels are available): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/hes-been-a-brick-wall-charlton-defenders-praise-for-vice-captain-lloyd-jones/

Not gone for a Burton

Burton Albion's draw against Wigan last night means that they will survive in League One and don't need to take points off us on Saturday.

We don't need to risk any injured players, or indeed any key players on Saturday, but it would be good to get a win in front of what promises to be a bumper crowd.  My forecast at the beginning of the season was 3-1.

The toughest test in the play off semi-finals could be tenacious Stockport.   If we beat them and face Wycombe at Wembley, I would be confident of our chances.   Leyton Orient could be trickier with their new American owners.

Wycombe fans (Sid and Doris Bonkers) will have a short trip to Wembley from Beechy Bucks.  However, hopefully the Chairboys are losing form at the crucial time, even if they think they might have learnt lessons from our hammering of them.

Wycombe are owned by one of the world's wealthiest men, but so far he has not been splashing the cash.  They could be more of a threat next season if we both end up in League One, but there is real hope that we won't be.

Conor Coventry: I'm a more rounded footballer at Charlton

Even moaners have had to concede that Conor Coventry puts in s a shift and it is therefore no surprise that he has been selected for a feature interview by The Athletic (the online publication from the New York Times stable.

Conor Coventry is open, engaging and affable, but one question from The Athletic prompts the former West Ham United youth product to pause for thought.

It is 14 months since the midfielder swapped West Ham for League One Charlton Athletic in search of opportunities.  He has become a lynchpin in Nathan Jones’ promotion-chasing team,, but emotions are still raw for the 25-year-old when it comes to his former club.

“I find it weird watching West Ham,” Coventry tells The Athletic. “I haven’t been back to the London Stadium since leaving. If I went back, I can picture the lads giving me stick and telling me to let it go.

Coventry made 10 first-team appearances for West Ham, but they were sporadic. From a debut in September 2018 against Macclesfield Town, then of League Two, in the Carabao Cup, Coventry was never given a regular run of games.

Charlton first showed interest around November and it just felt right.  Even the new start at Charlton has had difficulties. He was signed by Michael Appleton on January 12 — but within 12 days the manager had been sacked and replaced by Jones, with Charlton in relegation trouble.

“It was a difficult time leaving West Ham and then the change at Charlton. When the gaffer (Jones) arrived, we spoke when he took over about where I could improve and what he liked about me.

“I’m a more well-rounded footballer now, but there’s still more to come. I’ve overcome disappointments and not playing consistently in my career. But this is the best I’ve felt and I needed this stability.

This season, Coventry and Charlton, who have been in League One for five years, have been transformed. He has started 42 of their 44 league games and impressed in his holding midfield role as Jones has built a team with a play-off place secured. In November, his form earned a senior call-up for the Republic of Ireland squad for the Nations League game against England.

“Last summer, I arrived for pre-season with the intention of being in the team, so it’s great to feature heavily in the push for promotion — the gaffer has shown great faith in me,” Coventry says.

“Maybe people from the outside thought we wouldn’t be around it. But we all had confidence we would compete and here we are now. I believe the club can return back to where it belongs (the Premier League, where they have not played since 2006-07).

“We’ve seen it with recent performances from the team. The club is back on a rise and hopefully we can end the season on a high. I look back positively on my year here.”

 

 

'A game too far'

That was the verdict of Nathan Jones on the 3-0 defeat at Wrexham with Charlton hit with injuries - and that to Lloyd Jones sounds particularly worrying: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-defeat-at-wrexham-a-game-too-far-as-charlton-battle-with-injuries-ahead-of-play-off-campaign/

I was surprised that so many Charlton fans thought that Wrexham would roll over in the same way as Wycombe.  They had automatic promotion in their sights.   What they have created from a non-league start is not a circus but a minor global brand.

Unfortunately after being 0-2 down Stockport managed to beat Lincoln 3-2 so we are back in 5th.  Let's hope we can get to 4th as it would give us a better start in the play off lottery.   Leyton Orient may be in with a shout under their new American owners.  With Wycombe playing Stockport there is a variety of possible outcomes in terms of play off line ups.  If Reading qualify, they may be disqualified by the EFL because of their unresolved ownership issues.

The excessive pessimism of the 'We'll be playing Bromley next season' moaners had been replaced by an excessive optimism that we could get automatic promotion, although more realism now seems to be creeping back in.   However, the squad was never as bad as some made out and some of them have developed over the season.   I intend to spend a few days on the Kent coast in the summer and if I can find Desmond from Deal and Derek from Dymchurch and all the other seaside pessimists I will ask them why they are so miserable.

My forecast was 3-1 for this game, but we didn't get the consolation goal. Louis Mendez provides his usual forensic analysis, emphasising the impact of the absence of Lloyd and Small: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-wrexham-3-charlton-athletic-0-addicks-top-two-hopes-ended-as-wrexham-seal-promotion-to-second-tier/

Cefnogwyr bywiog Charlton yn anelu am Gymru

Wrexham will be automatically promoted if they beat Charlton tomorrow and Wycombe drop points against Orient.   Wrexham captain James McClean [sic] has understandably called it a 'huge' match: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/wrexham-captain-james-mcclean-demands-his-side-deliver-in-huge-league-one-match-against-charlton-athletic/

Wrexham supremo and former Charlton manager Phil Parkinson is said to be 'relaxed' ahead of the encounter, although he looks grim faced in the accompanying photo as if someone has been spotted in the Charlton end in a clown costume: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/enjoy-it-wrexham-boss-parkinson-staying-relaxed-ahead-of-pivotal-league-one-meeting-with-charlton-athletic/

Charlton fans seem to be in an optimistic mood as they prepare to cross the Welsh border and sample the delights of Wrexham.   I had the Wycombe game down as a win at the beginning of the season and this as a 3-1 defeat, but a draw may now be more likely.   However, I don't think one can read the results of this game off the win at Wycombe.

After I congratulated a Burnley fan the other day, he responded 'Good luck in the play offs' and that looks like a realistic call.

CAS Trust preview here: https://www.castrust.org/2025/04/wrexham-showdown/

Aneke red card stays

Given that Miles Leaburn is injured, Nathan Jones is understandably upset that Chuks Aneke's red card has not been overturned: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-jones-left-fuming-as-chuks-anekes-red-card-upheld-on-appeal/

Not a surprise, however.  First, the authorities are always reluctant to undermine referees by challenging their decisions.  Second, listening to Steve Brown's account at the time (even though he tends to look for negatives), Aneke was at least unwise in his response to provocation.

Jones has had to 'clarify' his remarks about Wrexham being a circus, saying he did not mean any disrespect to a well-run club: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-jones-addresses-wrexham-the-circus-comment-ahead-of-mega-league-one-showdown/

Sometimes Jones speaks before he thinks, but then his emotional nature appeals to many fans.

Jones upsets Wrexham by calling them a 'circus'

Nathan Jones has called Saturday's opponents Wrexham 'a circus' and it seems to have got under the skin of the Welsh side: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/wrexham-a-circus-says-charlton-boss-before-league-one-showdown/

Whether it's a smart move in the pre-match mind games or something Jones will come to rue remains to be seen.

Before the Hollywood glamour boys arrived Wrexham was not without its comic elements, not least Mickey Thomas.  

During his football career, Thomas became involved in a counterfeit currency scam, whereby he laundered the money through Wrexham's trainees. North Wales Police arrested him in 1993 and following a conviction he was sentenced to 18 months in jail.   It has been alleged that 10p coins were involved (remember this was a long time ago).

In August 1992, Thomas was attacked by two men in a country lane at Dyserth, Clwyd. He was sitting in his Volkswagen with a 29-year-old woman, when his window was smashed and he was assaulted with a hammer and a screwdriver. Thomas was admitted to hospital with 15 stab wounds to his left buttock.

It was alleged that the woman was his sister-in-law and that his posture was more vigorous than the word 'sitting' would imply.

Jones has high hopes for young defender

Nathan Jones has high hopes for the Charlton future of young defender Zach Mitchell, currently loaned out to St. Johnstone where he has suffered an injury setback: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-still-has-high-hopes-for-loaned-out-youngster/

Aneke looks to be out for rest of the season

Nathan Jones was clearly unhappy about Chuks Aneke being sent off at Wycombe, but it doesn't look as if the club will challenge the red card: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-jones-on-aneke-red-card-there-is-more-on-that-i-can-promise-you/

Lloyd Jones is understandably pleased with his defensive contribution this season and in particular the way he dealt with Wycombe striker Richard Kone: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/it-means-a-lot-charlton-defensive-rock-jones-delighted-after-20th-clean-sheet-of-season/

Charlton turn over the furniture

The Times said this morning that Charlton were a team coming into form at the right time and they demonstrated that with a 4-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers in beechy Bucks this afternoon.   The clean sheet was offset by the dismissal of Chuks Aneke in time added on for violent conduct.  Earlier Nathan Jones was booked for excessive celebration.

Charlton remain in 4th place.  Second placed Wrexham won at Blackpool and Charlton face what Steve Brown called a 'massive game' there next week.

The Addicks bossed Wycombe from start to finish and took an 11th-minute lead through Lloyd Jones' well-taken half volley past goalkeeper Will Norris.

It was 2-0 after 24 minutes thanks to a brilliant strike from Luke Berry, who fired home from 15 yards.

Wycombe rarely offered anything in attack, indeed it was 86 minutes before Will Mannion had to deal with a shot on target.  Richard Kone was starved of service and around the hour mark the game was wrapped up.

Norris slipped when receiving a back pass from Xavier Simons and Matt Godden tapped in Charlton's third in the 58th minute.

Four minutes later, moaners' target Karoy Anderson scored a header to send the 1,849 travelling fans into ecstasy.

With players such as Godden taken off, Charlton stepped off the gas in the closing phase of the game.

Conor Coventry had an excellent game in midfield and Macualy Gillesphey was outstanding.

His ears ringing from an angry phone call from the steppes, Wycombe's shell shocked supremo Mike Dodds rued the loss of their defensive record and said that Charlton had forced them into errors and were really aggressive on second balls: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/wycombe-boss-looking-to-conduct-autopsy-after-4-0-loss-to-charlton-athletic/

Nathan Jones says that he was very pleased with the level of performance: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/national/25104962.nathan-jones-hails-outstanding-charlton-display-wallop-wycombe/

Chairboys boss gets his excuses in

Wycombe head coach Mike Dodds says that Charlton are a good side and Nathan Jones is a 'brilliant' manager: https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/ll-against-good-side-mike-040000972.html?

This could be just a classic case of a manager getting his excuses in first, but the Chairboys have only lost at home three times in the league this season.

Charlton are capable of upturning the furniture this afternoon and upsetting the Genghis Khan of technology, although I am less optimistic than most Addicks.

Macaulay Gillsphey is playing.   McIntyre, who has attracted recent criticism, has been dropped completely. 

Charlton 'could gatecrash promotion party'

The Athletic makes rhe League One promotion race its lead story this morning.

Here are some excerpts: 'Only time will tell on that score, but there can be little doubt that it’s advantage Wycombe Wanderers in the race to clinch the runners-up spot behind already promoted Birmingham City after Mike Dodds’ side were given a helping hand from the most unlikely of sources.

In 10 years as a professional and more than 275 senior appearances, Taylor Moore had found the net just twice. But, by heading in Matt Butcher’s first-half corner to net his first goal since New Year’s Day, 2019, the Bristol Rovers defender knocked Wrexham off course in their quest to reach the Championship.

Matty James rescued a point for Phil Parkinson’s men, who nevertheless surrendered second spot courtesy of Wycombe’s 2-0 victory at Bolton Wanderers. One point separates Wrexham and Wycombe, and Wycombe’s goal difference is superior by five.

Adding to a fascinating promotion mix are Charlton Athletic who, despite being five points adrift with just nine still up for grabs, still retain their own hopes given they are still to play both Wycombe and Wrexham.

“We’re still in a great position,” insisted Parkinson. “There are three games to go and, hopefully, some more twists along the way. You can’t discount anyone. Charlton face Wycombe (on Monday) and they can’t both win."

On paper, Wycombe’s looks the tougher with home games against Charlton and Stockport, plus a visit to play-offs hopefuls Leyton Orient. Equally, though, Charlton having those six-pointers at Adams Park and then The Racecourse means Nathan Jones’ side cannot be discounted.'

Wycombe are a club that has taken a steppe up

Nathan Jones has emphasised that Charlton need to win all their three remaining games if they are to secure automatic promotion: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-charlton-need-to-win-all-their-remaining-games-to-keep-automatic-promotion-dream-alive/

It is mathematically possible, but it seems to me that the excessive pessimism of earlier in the season has now been overtaken by excessive optimism.

Even in League One, money talks in football and all the top three clubs are wealthy, but the Chairboys have the backing of a Kazakh billionaire and are tipped by many pundits to be in the Premier League in a few years' time.

Technology entrepreneur Mikhail Lomtadze has a net worth, according to Forbes, of $5.8billion and that makes him the 592nd richest person in the world right now.

On the pitch, the headline in The Times this morning is 'Wycombe hit stride at perfect time', noting their 2-0 win away at Bolton, themselves play off hopefuls.  This was the third consecutive win for the Chairboys.

Wycombe's coach says that teams visiting beecby Bucks are showing them 'extra respect': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/boss-of-charlton-athletic-promotion-rivals-in-league-one-makes-respect-claim/

One way of interpreting that is that teams are adopting a defensive strategy and relying on counter attacks to score and these tactics could well earn Charlton a draw.

CAS Trust note: 'Given that Wycombe have been in a promotion challenge all season, their level of support is very disappointing. Apart from the Wrexham game their attendance is usually less than 5000 and sometimes short of 4000. The 1800 Addicks fans travelling on Monday could well comprise at least a third of the crowd and surely will be making all the noise.'

Nathan Jones has assured Charlton's owners, some of whom were at The Valley yesterday, that the club is a 'different animal' now: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletics-owners-told-their-football-club-is-now-a-different-animal/

We will soon know whether the optimists or the realists are right.

 

Charlton secure play off place

Matty Godden's 18th goal of the season helped Charlton secure their place in the League One play-offs with a 2-1 win over away draw specialists Northampton.

Luke Berry put the Addicks ahead in the ninth minute. The attacking midfielder struck a right-footed volley home after Northampton defender TJ Eyoma could only partially cut out Godden's cross.

Dara Costelloe equalised for the visitors soon after. The striker sent goalkeeper Will Mannion the wrong way from the penalty spot after referee Ollie Yates penalised Tom McIntyre for handling Tariqe Fosu's teasing delivery.

Charlton made a rather hesitant start to the second half producing a torrent of moaning from Steve Brown who accused them of being naive.   Chuks Aneke came on as a substitute soon afterwards with Tyreece Campbell reverting to right wing-back with Small at left wing-back.   Some of Small's shortcomings drove Nathan Jones to distraction.

Former Charlton winger Fosu produced a terrible miss in the 53rd minute from close range after being picked out by Tyler Roberts – his attempt harmlessly drifting out towards the left touchline.

Godden rattled the crossbar in the 67th minute from Thierry Small's cross but the veteran striker made no mistake four minutes later, sliding his finish underneath Northampton goalkeeper Lee Burge after racing on to Chuks Aneke's flick-on.

Northampton substitute James Wilson was just unable to reach Costelloe's pass as Charlton endured a nervy finish with Mannion making two good saves in the five minutes added on.   However, the home side's tactics produced further expressions of exasperation from moaner Brown.  

The Addicks moved up to fourth in the table one point above Stockport.  The Shoe Army posed some challenges in a tough game, but the Addicks face a much tougher test on Monday in beechy Bucks against Kazakh-owned Wycombe Wanderers.

Northampton set out to be party poopers

As the Shoe Army plans to descend on The Valley on Friday, the Cobblers are planning to derail Charlton's play off hopes in front of what is expected to be the biggest home crowd of the season: https://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/2025/april/17/kevin-nolan-17-04/

I had this down as a 3-0 win at the beginning of the season, but every game is potentially tricky.

Northampton are five points clear of the drop zone so they are not entirely out of relegation trouble and a point (as they gained at home to Reading last Saturday) would be a good result for them.

Away from home they have won five, drawn eight and lost eight.  Along with Wigan and Reading, this makes them the away draw specialists in League One.  Three of their last six matches have been drawn.

Nathan Jones is not taking any risks with Lloyd Jones, the implication is that he will be available for the vital game at Wycombe on Monday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-not-taking-any-risky-approach-with-vice-captain-lloyd-jones/

Will Mannion looks back on his season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-not-taking-any-risky-approach-with-vice-captain-lloyd-jones/

Small is Championship target

Thierry Small will soon be out of contract and has attracted the attention of Premier League promotion hopefuls Millwall and Preston North End: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-asked-about-thierry-small-amid-millwall-transfer-links/

Nathan Jones says no one has spoken to him, but that doesn't mean there is no interest.

Nathan Jones shortlisted as manager of the season

Nathan Jones has been shortlisted as manager of the season.   Looking at the other contenders I would have thought that Chris Davies was the most likely winner, but it it is still an honour for the manager and the club: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-shortlisted-for-league-one-manager-of-the-season/

It's not so long since leading moaners were calling for his early dismissal.  Managers need time to turn a club around, there is far too much short termism in football.

A financial warning

Charlton fans are understandably focused on the various permutations of results that could see us promoted to the Championship.   The financial challenges we will face there are brushed aside.

We should remember that:

• Charlton loses over a quarter of a million pounds a week
• Commercial revenue is increasingly important in the Championship, but Charlton is not strong in that area
• The club does not own its stadium or training ground
• Our owners do not have the resources of a billionaire as in the case of Kazakh owned Wycombe Wanderers.

Of course, promotion might attract new and wealthier investors, that is the best hope.

However, any analysis of Championship finances is sobering: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2025/04/championship-finances-are-little-less.html

Charlton spend £430k on agents

Charlton spent £430k on agents between February 2024 and February 2025, FA figures reveal.   They ranked fifth in League One in terms of the amount spent, just ahead of Stockport County, and accounted for six per cent of all such expenditure in League One.

Huddersfield topped the charts with spending of £.1m, followed by Wrexham at £784k and Birmingham City at £590k.    Lowest spenders were relegated Shrewsbury Town at £76k.

'Brilliant' Academy faces challenges

David Storey takes an in depth and sympathetic look at Charlton's 'brilliant' Academy, but pointing out the challenges that even such a successful operation (ranked 12th) faces in trying to compete with the elite clubs, not least in London: https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/charlton-athletic-gold-mine-blessing-curse-3640469

'Chopper' Harris backs Charlton in play offs

'Chopper' Harris confesses that he is a big Nathan Jones fan.   The former Spanners boss reckons that Charlton will do well in the play offs: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/cambridge-united-boss-harris-backing-charlton-athletic-to-do-well-in-league-one-play-offs/

One is enough

A 14th minute goal from returning Tyreece Campbell was enough to give Charlton all three points at Cambridge United this afternoon.  Unfortunately Stockport won 3-1 at home against Rotherham so we remain in fifth place.

The Addicks had five shots on target against none by the home side.   Louis Mendez described it as 'a scappy win.'   The game lacked quality, particularly in the second half, but securing the three points was what mattered.

In the first half Matt Godden hit the upright from the edge of the area.

Campbell struck with the first attack of the match after 14 minutes when he was allowed time on the left to cut inside and fire low beyond Jack Stevens.

History almost repeated itself 12 minutes later when Campbell shot from a similar position before this time being denied by a good low Stevens save.

Moments later Campbell touched the ball on to Matty Godden, whose shot came back off the far post with Stevens beaten.

Cambridge were almost handed an equaliser just before half time when Josh Edwards headed James Brophy's cross narrowly wide of his own post.

After a low-quality second half, Cambridge could have snatched a point four minutes from the end when Edwards carried the ball forward before shooting wide from the edge of the box.

Nathan Jones said that it was a case of doing the basics really well, it was never going to be a great footballing game: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/it-wasnt-ever-going-to-be-a-good-footballing-game-nathan-jones-on-massive-three-points-for-charlton-athletic/

Louis Mendez provides a forensic analysis of the game, naming Macualy Gillsphey as start man (also chosen by the Football League Paper): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-cambridge-united-0-charlton-athletic-1-addicks-keep-pressure-on-with-rugged-win-at-the-abbey/

Josh Edwards comments on the bobbly pitch: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/josh-edwards-charlton-stood-up-to-cambridge-test-to-close-in-on-claiming-league-one-play-off-spot/

You can't read results off the table

'Chopper' Harris admits that he is in for 'a really tough game' against Charlton at the Abbey 'Stadium' tomorrow.    The home side are unbeaten in their last four games, albeit three of them have been draws and are still engaged in a fight against relegation.   At home this season they have won just five games, drawn six and lost nine.  However, they have been relatively tight defensively.

Last week they won 1-0 at bottom club Shrewsbury.  Salop's finest have lost Gareth Ainsworth as their manager and have seen an American takeover run into the sands because of unspecified legal problems.  Michael Appleton is now in charge.   For Cambridge it was their first win in seven.

I had this down as a 1-1 draw at the beginning of the season and I would say that a draw is the most likely result.  The moaners were already crawling out from beneath their stones last week and an away point will certainly see Nathan Jones criticised for his team selection, formation and substitutions.

Of course, the confirmation of the club's basket case finances makes promotion even more imperative.  The extra revenues in the Championship would be offset by extra costs, but we might become more attractive to investors with really serious money.

CAS Trust point out that three of our five remaining games are away from home, two of them tough tests against promotion rivals: https://www.castrust.org/2025/04/opposites-attract/

Matty Godden says that no season is going to be 'plain sailing': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-top-scorer-matty-godden-no-successful-season-is-ever-going-to-be-all-plain-sailing/

Charlton losing over quarter of a million pounds a week

A little behind schedule, Charlton have submitted their2023/24 accounts.   Once they have been uploaded at Companies House, I will undertake more analysis.   In the meantime, I am using the summary of football finance guru Kieran Maguire.   They make worrying reading.

Revenue was £8.8m down 10%. Wages £12.1m up 18%. Wages £138 for every £100 revenue, a very high figure more typical of the Championship.  Operating loss £14.6m up 48% (£280k a week).   Severance pay (to manager?) £746k.  Exec pay £1.9m up 80% (but remember, salmon coloured chinos don’t pay for themselves, quips Maguire).  Player purchases £1.9m.   Player sales were £1.3m.

Maguire states that Charlton total losses over the years are £71.5m.

Maguire has also revealed: 'Charlton’s auditors are unable to say whether or not the 23/24 accounts are accurate following a cyber attack against the club which meant that the auditors could not obtain supporting evidence.'

Charlton defender up for award

At one time it looked as if the only award he would get was for moaners' scapegoat player, but now Macaulay Gillesphey is in the running for League One Player of the Month: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-defender-up-for-league-one-award/

Automatic places recede further after latest results

Birmingham City's victory at Peterborough, secured their promotion: no surprise there. Once known as the Millwall of the Midlands, Louis Mendez has tweeted that they may find the Championship a challenge for all their wealth and backing.

Wycombe secured an important 1-0 win at Huddersfield, the Kazakhs are now five points about Charlton in third.  Inconsistent Bolton lost 0-1 at home to Rotherham and dropped to 7th.

Reading are now in 6th place.   They could still be expelled from the EFL, but have been given a stay of execution.  The EFL look as if they are trying to avoid such a drastic and unfair step, although their negligence contributed to the problem in the first case.  It is another example of why football is incapable of regulating itself, whatever Baroness Brady may say.

Skipper is realistic about promotion race

Fan experts are wavering between excessive optimism and incipient pessimism about the promotion race, but Charlton captain Greg Docherty is expecting more twists and turns: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/there-is-more-than-one-way-charlton-captain-expecting-more-twists-and-turns-in-league-one-promotion-race/

I have always thought that automatic promotion was a remote possibility given the presence of three money bag clubs, but I remain optimistic about a play off place, hopefully 4th.   However, a play off place does nor equal promotion: if we get to Wembley, fortune may not shine on us for a third time.

Former Glaziers supremo linked with Charlton role

Phil Alexander has been linked with the Charlton chief executive vacancy created by the departure of Charlie Methven, according to Rick Everitt.   Richard Cawley comments, ‘Sounds as if the formerly long-serving Crystal Palace chief executive, who also filled the same role at Bristol City, is keen to get back into the game and would be interested in the role.’

Everitt believes managing director Jim Rodwell is also keen on the role, although he has been the object of some criticism by fans.

Jensen recalls the good times at Charlton

Claus Jensen recalls his years at Charlton as the best time of his career.   He praises Curbs and recalls that goal at Arsenal on the 'Black Sabbath', voted by Charlton fans as the best goal ever: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/claus-jensen-charlton-athletic-was-the-best-part-of-my-career-the-memories-are-very-strong/

Valley of Disappointment

Charlton fought back from a 0-2 deficit to draw 2-2 with Lincoln City at The Valley this afternoon, the second half  goals coming from Gillesphey and Docherty.

Charlton are now 5th, eight points off an automatic promotion place (but I never thought automatic promotion was likely).   They are one point behind Stockport in 4th.

Charlton were without two key players, Tyreece Campbell and Lloyd Jones: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/in-form-charlton-athletic-attacker-misses-lincoln-city-match-due-to-injury/

Charlton had 60 per cent of the possession and six shots on target for three to Lincoln.

Imps striker James Collins put the visitors in front after 18 minutes after he met Erik Ring's corner at the near post to head beyond Will Mannion.

Collins, a January signing from Derby, made it 2-0 in the 49th minute. Ben House chested the ball down for the striker to produce a smart turn away from marker Tom McIntyre before finding the bottom left of the net.

Macaulay Gillesphey cut the deficit eight minutes later, the Addicks centre-back sweeping in from close range after substitute Chuks Aneke had forced a botched Josh Edwards corner back towards the six-yard box.

Charlton captain Greg Docherty levelled in the 76th minute, producing a sharp left-footed finish after Edwards' long throw was only partially cleared.

Lincoln goalkeeper George Wickens made a superb save to deny Matty Godden, with Aneke also seeing an attempt drift narrowly wide of the right post as the promotion-chasing Addicks pushed hard for a winner.

After the Addicks drew level, the Imps used every opportunity to slow the game down and their keeper got a yellow card for time wasting.  He also made two excellent saves.

Shell shocked supremo Nathan Jones was in a bad mood after the game, but took responsibility for what happened, admitting faults in preparation and an excessive passivity: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-manager-keeps-his-anger-on-a-simmer-after-2-2-draw-against-lincoln-city/

Ramsgate-based fan finds his voice

He's been silent for a long time but now former fanzine editor Rick Everitt has emerged from his wardrobe to celebrate recent achievements at The Valley and declare that there are some grounds for optimism: https://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2024-25-blogs/4-4-25-jones-silences-critics-to-lead-charlton-revival/

The latest CAST survey also shows greater optimism and positivity among fans: https://www.castrust.org/2025/04/optimism-is-growing/ 

The survey did show a gradual scattering of the fan base away from the 'core area', although 12 per xcent still live in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and 62 per cent live in South London or Kent.

My guess would be that in the 1950s two-thirds lived in the boroughs of Greenwich, Woolwich and Bexley or in immediately adjacent areas such as Lewisham and Dartford.

BTW, I read in a national newspaper this week that Eltham may soon be called 'Blackheath borders!'

Will Imps be able to pull off a trick?

I had this forecast as a 2-1 win for Charlton in the Badger League at the start of the season and given our defensive strength it could well be 2-0.

The Imps have not been able to emulate the late charge towards the play-offs they pulled off last year and sitting 12th, they seem likely to stay around that area. Michael Skubala’s side are 10 points behind the play-off spots but a hefty 14 above the bottom three.   They are also mid-table in the form table.

Away from home they have won just five times, drawn six and lost nine. 

Last week they lost just 1-0 at Wycombe, having parked their combine harvesters in front of the goal, but eventually made a defensive error that let the Kazakhs in.  I expect we will see more of that at The Valley tomorrow, parking the agricultural equipment in front of the goal.   However, the likes of Campbell should be able to find a way through.

Charm merchant Lincoln captain Paudie O'Connor was shown a straight red a few minutes before the end of the game after lashing out at Joe Low.   

One must always be careful of reading results off the table, but I am reasonably confident that Fortress Valley will be rocking after 98 minutes tomorrow.

CAS Trust note that they have made little impact on top six teams: https://www.castrust.org/2025/04/charlton-face-lincoln-on-final-stretch-to-promotion-summit/

Leaburn out for rest of season

Miles Leaburn is out injured for rest of season.  It is not quite clear whether this includes any play offs, so perhaps he might have an opportunity to come off the bench at Wembley and score the winner: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-striker-miles-leaburn-to-miss-rest-of-league-one-campaign/

The best and the worst at Charlton

The latest Four Four Two has a 'best and worst at Charlton' feature written by 'lifelong Addick Paddy Pamment'.   (Who he?  Ed)

He does, reasonably enough, seem to be a bit fixated on the Curbs Premier League era.   Personally I  would have found room for some players from the 1950s and also given Lennie Lawrence an honourable mention.   But you can draw up your own lists.

Jones won't take any risks with Jones

Moaners complained about the exclusion of Lloyd Jones from the squad at Mansfield and the inclusion of Tom McIntyre in his kilt.  In fact McIntyre had a good game and Nathan Jones has explained that he does not want to take any risks with his namesake: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-not-prepared-to-take-any-risks-with-key-performer/

Charlton fans chanted 'Nathan Jones' Red Army' at the end of the tricky Mansfield game.

Tough match and a 'massive victory'

Mansfield made it difficult for Charlton tonight in a tough match on the old Nottinghamshire coalfield, but the Addicks claimed all three points with a 2-1 win.  Steve Brown, never one to praise easily, hailed it as a 'massive victory'.   Mansfield had a tight defence and were capable of disrupting Charlton.

Nevertheless, a key contribution was made by players derided as 'useless' by moaners earlier in the season: Matt Godden, Tyreece Campbell and Claus Aneke.   Godden was seen earlier in the season as an inadequate replacement for Alfie May, Campbell was often scapegoated and Aneke was supposed to be  a crock.

Conor Coventry put in a real shift and displayed some skill.   A calf injury kept Lloyd Jones out.   Tom McIntyre did a good job of replacing him.

Godden opened the scoring in the first half with the home side equalising on 40 minutes.  Mansfield had a tight defence, but  Tyreece Campbell then put Charlton ahead on 71 minutes.  Campbell was applauded by the Addickted after he had to be taken off following a knock.

Mansfield then threw every piece of discarded mining equipment they could find at Charlton, but the Addicks stayed firm.  In the five minutes added on an under pressure Aneke put in a strong shot from distance which the keeper had to tip over the bar, giving Charlton two corners.

Charlton were impressive for the first half-hour and almost went ahead after two minutes, Thierry Small heading a good chance wide from Tyreece Campbell's cross.  Christy Pym was down well to save from Macaulay Gillesphey after 13 minutes.

But in the 22nd minute Louis Reed's loose pass at the back intended for his keeper rolled straight to Matty Godden who made no mistake in tucking away his gift.

Stags went up a gear and after Reed had drilled inches wide in the 29th minute they were level after 40 minutes.  Baily Cargill's cross was headed out to Matty Craig who smashed an unstoppable rising finish home from 16 yards off the underside of the bar.

Soon after, Will Mannion had to get down to deny Caylan Vickers as Stags ended the half on a high.

Josh Edwards saw his shot blocked on the line on the hour after a scramble from a corner.  But Charlton noses were in front again with 16 minutes to go as Tennai Watson found Campbell to his right and he beat Stephen McLaughlin before tucking a low 15-yard finish inside the near post.

Charlton defended well under late pressure before Pym saved superbly from a powerful Chuks Aneke shot in added time.

It was also a win for Mrs Brown as with hubby off in the wastes of Notts she was able to load the dishwasher without complaints about the left side not being utilised.

Wycombe Wanderers could only manage a 0-0 draw at home to Shrewsbury, but Stockport beat Stevenage 3-0.   Huddersfield lost 1-0 at Lincoln and Bolton made it into the top six.

Clough says he is facing a different Charlton

Looks like Nigel Clough is taking the opportunity of getting an alibi in early before tomorrow night's game between Mansfield and Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/mansfield-boss-nigel-clough-charlton-athletic-are-different-animal-to-team-we-faced-at-valley/

These midweek away matches can be decisive in a season.   I had this one down as a 3-1 Charlton win at the beginning of the season, but I would be content with a one goal margin.

Mansfield's recent form has not been bad, they have lost just one match in six, although three were drawn.  They had done slightly better away than at home and have scored just 19 goals at home, one of the lower totals in the division.   They are 10th in the form table and Charlton are 4th.

Mansfield won 2-1 at Bristol Rovers on Saturday, but that had aa much to do with errors by the Gasheads as anything.

Berry, Campbell and Godden were all in the League One team of the week at the weekend.

Charlton thrash play off rivals

Charlton beat Huddersfield 4-0 at The Valley this afternoon and a key role was played by Tyreece Campbell.   Until recently a target of moaners, who could not recognise a player in development, he now has his own song; 'Tyreece Campbell running down the wing, scoring goals, makes the Charlton sing.'

Campbell has thanked Nathan Jones for his confidence in him and converting him from a winger to a striker: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/tyreece-campbell-thanks-charlton-athletic-manager-nathan-jones-for-his-belief-in-him/

In his take on the match, Louis Mendez also selects Campbell as star man: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-charlton-athletic-4-huddersfield-town-0-tyreece-campbell-grabs-brace-in-dominant-display/

Charlton were excellent: bright, positive and pretty clinical when it mattered. Huddersfield were none of those things.

This was a match between 4th and 6th but on this showing there's only one team who will be playing beyond 3 May, and they wear red and white.

Matty Godden's flashing header after 30 seconds set the tone, Tyreece Campbell found the bottom corner either side of half-time, and Greg Docherty's thunderbolt  (later ruled to be an own goal) found the net via the bar and the back of unfortunate keeper Lee Nicholls, who is the only reason the margin of victory wasn't wider.

Chuks Aneke found the back of the net from distance, but was ruled offside.

Attendance 17,278.

Never mind a partial eclipse of the sun, Nathan Jones was over the moon at his team's performance: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-after-charlton-blow-huddersfield-away-you-wont-find-a-better-league-one-performance-than-that/

Leaburn, Edwards out injured

Miles Leaburn will not be available against Huddersfield tomorrow. Nathan Jones: "It's not a matter of days, it's a weeks one. It gives someone else an opportunity. We have got to manage Miles slightly differently to other players - he is young and had an injury before."

Josh Edwards is another missing with a groin injury. Nathan Jones: "He is a lot closer than he was a week ago. He has done some training and we'll assess and see how he is." Dan Kanu rolled his ankle with the U21s.  Jones said, "We can't rush it."

Huddersfield are 7th from bottom in the form table, Charlton are 4th.   Huddersfield's home and away records are symmetrical in terms of wins and defeats (nine and six), although they have scored more goals away (29).

Interim Huddersfield coach Jon Worthington has dismissed speculation that the game could be a dress rehearsal for a play off contest: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/you-can-think-about-that-huddersfield-interim-boss-quizzed-on-potential-play-off-dress-rehearsal-at-charlton-athletic/

CAS Trust remind us that the Terriers have won the last five games against us: https://www.castrust.org/2025/03/no-walk-in-the-park-against-terriers/

I am sticking with my beginning of the season prediction of a 2-1 win.

Jensen returns

Claus Jensen will be at The Valley on Saturday and still follows the club.  He has great memories of this time at Charlton where he played 126 games: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/i-still-follow-the-club-ex-charlton-midfielder-claus-jensen-excited-by-valley-return-on-saturday/

He could certainly score from distance.   What was your favourite Jensen goal?   It may seem an odd choice, but I remember a belter at Leeds where we lost 5-2 but he momentarily silenced the home crowd.

Wrexham halve losses and see big revenue increase

Wrexham's latest accounts show that revenue has surged to just under £27 million, an increase of 155 per cent.  The club still lost £2.7m, but that represented a halving of the previous year's figure.  Loans of £15m by the original owners have been repaid with new minority owners: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wrexham-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-31286635

Ex Addick praised for international coaching role

In the interval of tonight's international match between North Macedonia and Wales, the BBC Wales studio pundits praised the achievements of Chris Gunter as a Wales coach.  He has been in charge of the under 19s who won 3-1 earlier in the evening.

Gunter played for Charlton for two years, also playing for Wales internationally.  He was the first player to achieve 100 caps for Wales, a record subsequently overtaken by Gareth Bale.

He was at Charlton towards the end of his career and was often the target of moaners.   After his two years at The Valley, he had a brief spell with Johnnie Jackson and the Wombles before joining Wales.

His real talent may be coaching.

Berry refuses to be downbeat after loss

Most Charlton fans are prepared to accept that yesterday's defeat was a bad day at the office and that is pretty much the message from Luke Berry: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/luke-berry-refusing-to-be-downbeat-despite-charltons-3-0-loss-at-peterborough/

Of course, given that we are talking about Charlton fans so there has been an outpouring of pessimism and negativity from some quarters.

There was, I think, a failure to recognise how resurgent Peterborough are.   We couldn't maintain the initial intense press (although it nearly produced an early goal) and, as Berry points out, the home side were strong on the counter attack.

We just need to learn the lessons for an important home fixture against Huddersfield.

Charlton stay 4th after loss to in form Posh

Charlton remain 4th in the table tonight after Stockport lost 1-0 at Wrexham despite losing 3-0 at Peterborough.  My start of the season prediction of a 3-1 defeat doesn't look so bad.

I warned in my preview of excessive optimism on the part of Charlton fans.   We tried to press too hard in the first half, giving the home side the opportunity to have moments, starting with an indirect free kick in the penalty area.

Charlton almost led in the third minute when a looping header by Lloyd Jones from Luke Berry's corner came off the bar.

But following the indirect free-kick from Mothersille being smothered, Peterborough took the lead after 38 minutes when Kwame Poku's ball back into the area was headed in, for his first goal for the club, by captain Hughes.

Five minutes later, the Posh doubled their lead as Ricky-Jade Jones broke away through the middle before passing to Odoh, who bent in a fine finish after cutting inside.

After wasting a succession of chances, including a glaring miss by Odoh, the hosts had the third goal their performance deserved in the 79th minute when Cian Hayes' ball across the area was converted by Mothersille.

Nathan Jones commented: 'When we were on top we didn't score and we gifted them the first goal. They are a real threat on the transition and we didn't defend that well enough.'

Richard Cawley, who had ventured outside the M25, noted at half time: 'Charlton have had 24 touches in the opposition box - Peterborough had nine - but not been able to make those moments count. Thierry Small's shot in the 43rd minute one of the few saves that Steer has had to make.'

Peterborough are a form side

The season hasn't quite turned out as expected for Peterborough United and a lot of their energies seem to be directed towards a 'brand evolution project'.   The Posh are currently 18th in the table, although they are 4th in the form table (Charlton are 1st).   At home they have won seven, drawn five and lost six, although they have conceded almost as many goals as they scored (32-28).

Peterborough have been very much a yo-yo side in recent years and at the beginning of the season Four Four Two forecast a 5th place finish.  The fan commentator forecast 4th hailing manager Darren Ferguson as 'the second coming'.   Quite what went wrong is unclear, although Ferguson thinks it is a 'mentality' issue.

Charlton fans seem to have moved from excessive pessimism to excessive optimism.  At least the 'we'll be playing in League Two next season' have crept back under their stones.   I must admit I didn't think about the play offs when I arranged to marry again on May 9th.

Birmingham City have the title nailed on and the other automatic promotion place is likely to go to one of the moneybags clubs, Hollywood owned Wrexham or Wycombe, owned by a Kazakh billionaire.

I think Charlton will make the play offs, but we are likely to face either Wrexham or Wycombe, Stockport County and either Bolton or Huddersfield.   Reading or Leyton Orient could make it, but I am sceptical. (Reading are now in danger of being thrown out of the EFL by April).

Remember we can be knocked out in the semi-final of the play offs (as happened against Swindon) and the fact that we have won at Wembley twice before does not mean we would be third time lucky.

I had Peterborough away down as 3-1 defeat at the start of the season, but a 2-2 draw now seems a better prediction.

The CAS Trust preview also observes that Peterborough are in form, noting the return of their leading goal scorer after a long lay off: https://www.castrust.org/2025/03/two-and-a-half-thousand-go-to-posh/

From zero to hero

Not so long ago Macaulay Gillesphey was a scapegoat player for many, but now Nathan Jones praises his defensive strength and aggression: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/i-berate-him-more-than-i-big-him-up-charlton-boss-jones-on-defensive-asset/

It's ironic in a way: formerly 'useless' manager praises 'useless' player.

Jones also praises Charlton's defensive strength and results surely justify this claim.

Charlton march on

It was seven wins on the spin for Charlton as they beat Wigan 2-1 at The Valley this afternoon, although they lost their clean sheet record as the visitors scored in the 84th minute and set up a nerve wracking finish.  Even so, it was a Lowe point for the new Lactics supremo.   

Charlton's two goals were scored by Matty Godden in a dominant first half.  For the opening goal Ramsay showed good strength on the byline to keep the ball, his cross sees a Wigan player's clearance hit a team-mate and Godden spins to finish from close range.

For the second Berry's free-kick was nodded across the face of goal by Gillesphey and it was a simple close-range tap in for Godden.

Charlton almost added a third within seconds of the restart, with only a double save from Tickle keeping out first Tyreece Campbell and then Godden for what would have been his hat-trick.

And only a fine defensive header from Jason Kerr diverted Gillesphey's goalbound shot finding the top corner.

Despite a brilliant save from Will Mannion to deny Ronan Darcy, half time substitute Chris Sze tapped home from close range on the rebound to give the away side an unlikely lifeline.

Charlton remain 4th.  The game between Wycombe and Wrexham was suspended at 0-0 after a medical emergency in the Wrexham end.

Fans chanted 'Championship, we're on our way'.   Well, maybe.

Missing striker mystery solved

Gassan Adahme has not been seen in an Addicks line up for 13 games and there were rumours that he was practising his shooting skills against a barn door in Kent.

However, Nathan Jones has solved the mystery, at least partially.   Apparently, Ahadme has been ill, although the nature of the illness has not been disclosed and its effects seem to be rather odd: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-addresses-squad-absence-of-summer-signing-gassan-ahadme/

The Sparrows Lane medical team does not seem to have had a ready answer, although perhaps an old fashioned remedy like syrup of figs would remove any blockages.

A sports psychologist commented: 'Sometimes players develop a fear of scoring, for example they may imagine that the net will envelop and smother them or the crossbar will fall on them if they score.'

Troika in charge of Wigan on Saturday

Wigan have appointed former Preston boss Ryan Lowe as their new supremo, but he will not be in charge at The Valley on Saturday when a trio of three will be in charge of the Lactics: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/wigan-announce-new-head-coach-before-charlton-clash/

Quite how this works I don't know: perhaps one is in charge of the defence, another looks after midfield and the third tells the strike 'force' where the net is (Wigan have scored fewer goals than any other team in League One).

Away from home, Wigan have won five, drawn six and lost six.   They are mid-table in the form table. My Badger League prediction was 2-0 Charlton win.

It sounds as big a nightmare as having a fans' committee in the dugout to tell the manager where he is getting it wrong.

Richard Cawley's talking points arising from the win at Crawley: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/talking-points-from-charltons-1-0-win-at-crawley-town-jones-wants-his-players-going-flat-out-not-flat-white-in-league-one-promotion-charge/

Clean sheet specialists

Charlton went to 4^th in League One as Thierry Small's first-half goal gave the Addicks a narrow League One victory at struggling Crawley to consolidate their play-off push with a ninth win in the last 12 games.   Bolton and Wrexham both lost.

Crawley improved somewhat after the break but lacked a cutting-edge up front.

Charlton captain Lloyd Jones had a dangerous low cross intercepted early on with Tyreece Campbell in a threatening position before Crawley striker Will Swan fired off target at the other end after a strong run by Panutche Camara.

The recalled Alex Gilbert, arriving late inside the area, had a shot blocked for Charlton, having earlier put a fierce 20-yard chance inches over.

The Addicks made the breakthrough after 37 minutes a Gilbert assist found Small to the right of goal after Crawley had failed to clear and his powerful close-range shot gave goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott no chance.

Wollacott was well positioned to save a goal-bound chance from Karoy Anderson shortly after the interval.  And the Crawley keeper was in action again to save drive from Gilbert from the edge of the area.

Campbell came close to doubling Charlton's lead when he put an angled shot just wide after showing blistering pace.

Charlton's victory saw them climb above Stockport into fourth place and they now boast 17 clean sheets in the league.

Nathan Jones said it was 'a very tricky game but a wholly professional performance', singling out Lloyd Jones for praise: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-jones-on-really-professional-win-over-crawley-town/

What airport workers are reading on the night shift: https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/crawley-town-0-charlton-athletic-1-reds-winless-run-continues

Can we lay the ghost of the season's low point?

The home defeat to Crawley was a low point of Charlton's season and the 'Jones out now' crowd thought they might have at last got their man.  But now it is Crawley who look like playing in League Two next season.

However, such a fixture against a side fighting for survival is not going to be easy and Nathan Jones gives his perspective: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-looks-ahead-to-crawley-clash-as-charlton-have-chance-to-lay-ghosts-of-seasons-low-point-to-rest/

Crawley are 2nd from bottom in the form table and Charlton are 2nd.   At home they have won just four matches, drawing six and losing seven. 

Last Saturday a last minute goal saw them draw 1-1 with Reading, but they have been hit by injuries and suspensions.  Manager Rob Elliot (for it is he) said. 'We are struggling to put bodies on the pitch.'

I am perhaps unwisely sticking with my original Badger League forecast of a 2-0 win for Charlton.

Methven packs his tent

Charlie Methven has stood down as Charlton's CEO, saying that the club is now on an upward trajectory: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cn4yjp7v9pxo

Reports from SE7 suggest that the streets around The Valley remain calm with no sign of fans rending shirts or returning their season tickets.

Normally in such circumstances one would use the words the cinema newsreels applied to the departure of Neville Chamberlain as prime minister in 1940, 'Thanks for all you tried to do.'   But I was never quite clear what Methven did, although he could talk the talk.

More here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlie-methven-leaving-role-as-charlton-athletic-chief-executive-officer/

The club is advertising the position.   CAST give their views here: https://www.castrust.org/2025/03/charlie-methven-departs/