'Matt's my boy'

Nathan Jones has taken on his critics by arguing that Matt Godden is a worthy replacement for Alfie May: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-praises-gassan-ahadme-double-and-says-matty-godden-is-answering-questions-raised-by-alfie-may-departure/

May has scored fewer goals than Godden this season, although this may in part reflect his appearances for the Blues.

Jones explained that he didn't want to take a risk with Leaburn yesterday and had news about players returning: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-explains-why-miles-leaburn-sat-out-charlton-win-at-walsall-and-gives-positive-update-on-another-absentee/

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/

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.

 

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 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".

Bid for May?

Clickbait sites are suggesting that Huddersfield Town are planning a bid for Alfie May.   There may be something in it as new supremo Michael Duff was with May at Cheltenham Town.

Richard Cawley reports that Charlton have rejected the Huddersfield bid, but an enhanced offer can be expected.

Charlton go behind

Charlton went 1-0 behind to Wycombe Wanderers in beechy Bucks this afternoon, conceding a first half penalty in front of 1,781 Addicks in the away end.

A fan commented: 'Just about sums our season up 1st half poor penalty to give away from a poor defence all season, midfield not creating enough chances and not enough shoots or goals throughout the team in general, need about five new starting players of quality for a promotion push next season.'   [Probably more, given that the league looks more not less competitive].

Fiorini, LuaLua and Campbell came on for Anderson, Ness and May at half time, leaving May with 23 league goals.   Former Leamington ace Colby Bishop would need to score two in 45 minutes to catch up.  [Bishop has now been subbed off for Pompey so May has the Golden Boot.  We now owe Cheltenham a five figure sum].

Dobbo was booked for a strong challenge.  Isted made a really impressive stop - gets down to block a free-kick then somehow keeps the rebound out from close-range too.

A big chance - Campbell's cross was palmed out by Ravizzoli and Dobson can't convert the rebound from inside the six-yard box on the stretch.

Aneke replaced Kanu on 58 minutes, probably a swan song for the injury prone big man.

Fiorni rattled the crossbar but, apart from a flurry of yellow cards, that was that.

Charlton finished 16th, ahead of Reading on goal difference, but the Royals had points deducted.

Nathan Jones makes it clear how dissatisfied he was with the performance today and that big personnel changes are needed.   Three managers and just four clean sheets: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-as-charlton-finish-16th-in-league-one-final-day-defeat-at-wycombe-highlights-how-much-personnel-change-is-required/

Take that you Tykes

Two excellent first half goals by Alfie May saw Charlton win 2-1 over Barnsley at The Valley this afternoon and he nearly scored a third.   Chuks Aneke failed to score a penalty after Tyreece Campbell had been brought down.  Barnsley got their goal from a penalty.

Even if they are not mathematically safe, Charlton are now very unlikely to be relegated and the 'we'll be playing in League Two next season' crowd will have to eat their words.  We have reached the magic 50 points.

May broke the deadlock with a tremendous free-kick in the 20th minute to fire Charlton ahead.

Adam Phillips grabbed an equaliser for Barnsley eight minutes later from the penalty spot following a handball by Kayne Ramsay.

But, after a dreadful miss from inside the six-yard box by Devante Cole, the Addicks regained the lead in the 40th minute when May curled in a shot from the left corner of the box following a clever dummy by George Dobson.

Barnsley did not take their defeat well and their charm merchant assistant coach Jon Stead was sent off in time added on. 

Alfie May and George Dobson were selected for the League One team of the day by The Football League Paper.

Carlisle were relegated and Burton, Cambridge, Cheltenham and Shrewsbury all lost.   Reading and Port Vale drew.  Fleetwood did not play today.

Nathan Jones was delighted with Charlton's display: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-delighted-with-charlton-display-during-win-over-play-off-chasing-barnsley/

Jones explained why Tennai Watson was rested: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-explains-tennai-watsons-absence-for-victory-over-barnsley/

May scores 25th goal of season

Charlton are 17th in League One after a 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town, ten points clear of relegation zone leaders Cheltenham, although they have two games in hand.

Alfie May's 25th goal of the season was not enough for Charlton as Fleetwood hit back late to earn a 1-1 draw .

May scored from the penalty spot but substitute Ryan Graydon rescued a point for the hosts with six minutes left, rounding keeper Harry Isted before tucking home from a tight angle.

The Cod Army started strongly with Xavier Simons denied by a super save from Isted.   More on Isted here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/harry-isted-on-putting-northampton-town-error-behind-him-and-draw-at-fleetwood-town/ 

Former Addick Jayden Stockley also headed inches wide, still with less than 10 minutes played.. The hosts continued to press, Brendan Wiredu and Gavin Kilkenny also going close.

The Addicks' first decent chance came after 36 minutes when Macaulay Gillesphey drilled narrowly over the top.

The visitors went ahead in first-half added time when May tucked home a penalty after he had been felled by charm merchant Shaun Rooney.

Fleetwood went close soon after the restart when Bosun Lawal saw a well-struck shot saved by Isted. Wiredu also headed wide from Phoenix Patterson's cross.

At the other end Thierry Small's effort was saved by Jay Lynch, before Graydon went on to salvage a point for the hosts with time running out.

Victory at The Valley

Charlton didn't make it easy, but at last they won at The Valley with a 3-2 victory over Carlisle United, Alfie May scoring a brace.   The Addicks are 14th in the table, ten points ahead of the leading club in the relegation zone - Cheltenham Town who lost at Oxford.

Luke Armstrong put the Cumbrians in front but May levelled before the break. Daniel Kanu then shot the Addicks ahead before a Taylor Charters penalty brought the Cumbrians level.  Former Addick Lavelle's under hit back pass allowed May to score his second goal to secure the points.

Thierry Small was involved in Charlton's early attempts, cutting in from the left and drawing a save from Harry Lewis.   Then on 15 minutes United's keeper made an excellent save, keeping out George Dobson's goalbound header as May crossed into the box.

Gillesphey was caught on the ball by Diamond, who combined with Jack Ellis to win a corner. Taylor Charters' low delivery was kept alive by Harrison Neal and when Charters crossed again, Lavelle helped it on and Armstrong managed to hook a shot around a defender and high past Isted.

In response, a Terell Thomas header lacked power as Lewis smothered the chance.

But Charlton's increased pressure eventually told as, from the right, Daniel Kanu placed a shot into the path of the arriving May, who was ahead of Lavelle as he tucked the shot low to Lewis's right to level the scores.

The Addicks were now firmly on top and Lewis had to backpedal to turn a floated Dobson delivery over the United bar.

As Charlton took control. Kanu put them in front as he latched onto a clever May pass and got away from Lavelle's attentions to dig a shot high past Lewis.

But nine minutes later Carlisle fought back - Armstrong held in the box by Gillesphey, referee Tom Nield pointing to the spot and Charters firing confidently into the top left corner past Isted.

United could then have gone behind again soon after but Kanu, free in the box, nodded Watson's header against the left-hand post.  Lewis made a good save from a Conor Coventry shot before Simpson sent on Emmanuel and Sean Maguire in a double change, Charlton introducing Wickham for his debut.

The Blues then went behind as Lavelle, facing his own goal, under hit a pass back to Lewis - May intercepted, took it wide of the keeper to the left and then steered it home from a narrow angle at close range.

Debutante Wickham had a shot saved by Lewis as Charlton broke.   Anderson was below par and had to be withdrawn carrying a yellow card.

The Covered End erupted into chants of 'Nathan Jones' Red Army'.

Attendance: reported as 13,978, 872 from Cumbria.

May is now targeting the League One golden boot: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-forward-alfie-may-targets-league-one-golden-boot-after-hitting-20-goal-mark/

Reaction from Nathan Jones: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-pleased-with-so-much-of-charltons-display-during-his-first-valley-win/

 

 

 

 

Charlton up to 14th

After winning 3-1 at the Completely Suzuki stadium tonight, Charlton went up to 14th in an admittedly still crowded table with other teams having games in hand.   Nathan Jones' Red Army was the chant at the end of the game.

Late strikes from Tyreeq Bakinson and Alfie May earned Charlton victory at Cheltenham to ease their relegation fears.

The improving Addicks took a first-half lead through Daniel Kanu before Liam Sercombe's 70th-minute leveller set up a tense finish.  But the late double lifted Nathan Jones' side seven points clear of their hosts and the drop zone.

It took 19 minutes for them to break the deadlock, with Conor Coventry releasing Tennai Watson on the right and his low ball was turned in by Kanu for his 10th of the season.

May was denied by Liam Kinsella's block in the box and Luke Southwood foiled another effort from the ex-Cheltenham striker, who skewed the rebound wide.

Matty Taylor saw a low shot deflected wide, but Charlton were on top for much of the first half.

Cheltenham equalised when Jordan Thomas weaved past two defenders and forced Harry Isted into a low save, but he could only parry it to Sercombe, who tapped home.

However, the often criticised Bakinson struck four minutes from the end with a low shot that Southwood reached - but could not keep out - after George Dobson's pass.

And former Robins hero May added the third in the 90th minute, tapping into an empty net after collecting Freddie Ladapo's pass as Charlton extended their unbeaten run to six.

In a day when the media were praising former Addick Joe Gomez, who looks having a regular England slot, Thierry Small attracted much praise for what he brought to the game.  He got his own chant from the Addickted.

Nathan Jones hails 'a big win': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-hails-big-big-win-as-charlton-athletic-triumph-at-cheltenham/

Will May go 'Completely Suzuki?'

Alfie May speculated on Charlton Live last Saturday what reception he will get at the Completely Suzuki stadium tonight..  Cheltenham supremo Darrell Clarke hopes he gets a good reception before the game, but is intimidated during it, saying that his players know a lot about him: https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/i-hope-fans-alfies-case-9141812

May has said that he will not celebrate if he scores.  Will he be in the right frame of mind?

It's Cheltenham's game in hand and they hope to pick up all three points to plunge Charlton further into trouble.

Over 600+ Addicks are expected to make the journey tonight.

Cheltenham are currently fourth in the form table while Charlton are 14th.   In recent matches they have won three, drawn two and lost one.

They have not scored a lot of goals at home (18) compared with Charlton's 29.   They drew 0-0 with Burton on Saturday.   They could have lost but for a 94th minute clearance off the line.  

Congratulations Alfie May!

Alfie May is EFL Player of the Year.   At least we got one recruitment decision right, although one could argue there have been more in January.

We did the Ram raid

It was a massive win for Charlton at Derby tonight and Nathan Jones was full of praise for the Addickted who went.  It was a tough assignment, but results elsewhere went our way and pessimists were left searching for a new narrative.

Reaction from Nathan Jones here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-enjoys-first-win-as-charlton-athletic-boss-proud-of-second-half-showing/

Teenager Karoy Anderson scored his first senior goal to earn Charlton a shock win at promotion-chasing Derby.   Eiran Cashin put Derby ahead but Alfie May scored from the penalty spot before 19-year-old Anderson sealed Charlton's first win since November.

Worth revisiting a September interview with him: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/exclusive-interview-with-charlton-midfield-prospect-karoy-anderson-liverpools-joe-gomez-acted-as-inspiration-for-addicks-move/

Derby dominated from the start, but did not have a shot until the 25th minute when Korey Smith fired wide from the edge of the box.

Charlton did well to frustrate the hosts, but they fell behind to a set-piece in the 39th minute.  Nathaniel Mendez-Laing swung over a corner and Cashin got in front of a defender to head in at the near post.

Charlton should have equalised in the 61st minute when substitute Chuks Aneke headed a corner against the crossbar, but they were level four minutes later.

Home goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith brought down Daniel Kanu and May stroked the penalty into the bottom right corner.

Charlton stunned Derby in the 80th minute when a mistake by Ebou Adams let Kanu in and although Wildsmith saved, Anderson smashed the rebound home.

The perspective from Derbyshire here: https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-player-ratings-charlton-9129169

Acceptable result or poor performance?

There have been two reactions from fans to yesterday's draw at Blackpool.   One is that it was a good result against a side with a decent home record.   The other was that the performance was poor and Charlton certainly rode their lick in the first half.

With Curtis Fleming in interim charge following Michael Appleton's sacking in midweek, the Addicks were seeking a first win since November and both sides traded early chances.

Hayden Coulson saw an effort blocked on the line before Dan Grimshaw saved brilliantly at the other end from Freddie Ladapo's header.

Ekpiteta headed inches wide and Jordan Rhodes could not quite squeeze the ball over the line after charging down Ashley Maynard-Brewer's clearance.

Kyle Joseph then saw an effort cleared superbly by visiting defender Lucas Ness, via his own post, and the woodwork came to Charlton's rescue again shortly after the restart when the Blackpool striker thumped a shot against the crossbar.

The Seasiders broke the deadlock when Karamoko Dembele met Albie Morgan's pass before drilling the ball low into the corner.

But Charlton levelled in the 69th minute when Alfie May's shot took a wicked deflection off Ekpiteta and beat the unlucky Grimshaw.

May came closest to a late winner, but both sides had to settle for a point.   May has said that Charlton's players must take ownership of their poor performances: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/alfie-may-charltons-players-must-take-ownership-of-poor-season-that-has-led-to-two-managerial-departures/

Nearly 800 Addicks were there.   Those travelling by train had an awful journey back as recalled by Louis Mendez on Twitter.  

Interim boss Curtis Fleming praised the endevbour of the players: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/interim-boss-curtis-fleming-praises-endeavour-as-charlton-battle-back-for-point-at-blackpool/

May return bothers Posh

Peterborough United are concerned about the return of Alfie May for tomorrow's fixture at The Valley: https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/boost-for-charlton-athletic-is-not-good-news-for-peterborough-united-4473997

Even so, our leaky defence does not make me confident of a good outcome.

The signing of Conor Coventry from West Ham has been completed in the face of competition from the Massives: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-complete-permanent-signing-of-west-ham-midfielder-conor-coventry/

In their preview of the game, CAS Trust think that a 0-0 is unlikely: https://castrust.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=47ab8cc58db1fe6727e9ed9c2&id=85eec395e0&e=97ed1d02c3

May's Haaland target

Alfie May would like to score more goals that Erling Haaland this season, but admits it was a wrench to leave Cheltenham: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13003293/alfie-may-interview-charlton-forward-on-his-hopes-of-scoring-more-league-goals-than-erling-haaland-in-2023

I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Dave of Drinking During the Game.  He was always on the button with his analysis of games and takeovers.   An excellent tribute from Charlton author Paul Breen can be found here: https://www.castrust.org/2023/11/raising-a-parting-glass-to-dave-thomson/

Job done

A professional performance by Charlton last night saw the Addicks shred Cray Valley Paper Mills 6-1 at the Valley of Reams, earning supporters the chance to once again enjoy the amenities of Gillingham's temporary stand.

Alfie May was deservedly man of the match and Dobbo scored a brilliant goal.  Good to see Mbick make his senior debut just after his 17th birthday and score.

Congratulations to Lisbie Junior on scoring the penalty, even if his dad couldn't look.  Fans calling for us to sign him up are wide of the mark.   However, National League sides should be interested as he clearly has an eye for goal.  Our priorities should be to retain CBT (albeit not at his best recenly) and Dobbo.

Cray Valley have played very well and I wish then success for the rest of a crowded season, starting with a FA trophy match on Saturday.  Unfortunately, they are too far down the pyramid for us to loan out players.