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.

The clearout begins

Three players have been told that they will not be offered new contracts.   This will be no surprise to Ben Watson or former Glazier Pape Souare.   Chris Gunter, who has been capped 107 times by Wales, will no doubt look for a contract elsewhere to keep his World Cup hopes alive: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-trio-will-be-leaving-club-this-summer-no-fresh-terms-will-be-tabled/

The news has been greeted calmly by Charlton fans and there have been no reports of rending of shirts.

There is no news about other out of contract players but Thomas Sandgaard will be staying in London until May 1st: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-yet-to-offer-deals-to-any-of-their-out-of-contract-players/

Ryan Inniss will be available for Saturday's game against Shrewsbury Town, but four players are out with knocks: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ryan-inniss-set-for-charlton-athletic-return-against-shrewsbury-but-quartet-all-missing/

Another manager demands sending off for Charlton

It seems that it is now the fashion for opposition managers to demand that Charlton players be sent off.  Hot on the heels of Sunderland charm merchant Lee Johnson, Shrimpers supremo Stephen Robinson says that Chris Gunter should have been sent off last night: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/morecambe-boss-felt-charlton-defender-chris-gunter-should-have-been-sent-off/

Victory at The Valley

Charlton secured their first three points of the season with a 2-0 win over Crewe at The Valley this afternoon.   The victory came with first half goals from DJ and Stockley.  Curbs said they were two great goals.  Crewe threatened at times, but Charlton were able to stand firm in the second half with two clearances off the line.

The Addicks did create opportunities in the second half but were unable to take them while MacGillivray had to make some good saves.

DJ said that everyone was banging on to him about getting on the back post when the crosses come in.  He thought it was his best game in a Charlton shirt.   'We've been playing well, but not coming away with the victories.  The plan was to keep it going.'   More from DJ here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/diallang-jaiyesimi-delighted-with-charlton-win-and-his-first-goal-of-the-2021-22-league-one-season/

Charlton made a positive start.  In the first fifteen minutes they were on the front foot, dominated possession and created opportunities.

Crewe then got into the game more and there were signs of the midfield being stretched.   The pressure was disappointing.  Negativists on social media started to target DJ.

On 35 minutes Chris Gunter (Scott Minto said he was 'superb') put in a teasing left-footed cross and DJ scored with a brilliant bullet header.

Ainley put in a shot drawing a good save from MacGillivray at the expense of a corner.

On 42 minutes DJ put in a good ball across the pitch, Washington saw Stockley coming down the centre of the pitch and passed to him, Stockley went round the keeper and slotted the ball in.'

HT: 2-0

A Stockley header was over.   Following two Charlton corners, a Gunter shot brushed the side netting.

Inniss had to gone off and was replaced by Deji Elerewe who was praised after the game by Nigel Adkins, but Curbs wondered what Pearce was there for.

Crewe made a double substitution which made them a bit more threatening.   MacGillivray made a good claim from Crewe.   Washington drew a save from the keeper.  It was now end to end and MacGillivray had to deal with a post shot at the expense of a corner.

Kirk was replaced by Elliot Lee.   Following a Crewe corner, a Porter header was cleared off the line by Morgan.  Clare came on to replace DJ.

After a good build up a Charlton shot was cleared off the line. As the 80 minute mark was passed, Matthews put in good defensive work.   Crewe piled on the pressure and MacGillivray had to make a save.  Following a Crewe corner, Morgan had to clear.

In six minutes added on, a tired Washington shot went wide, but Charlton won a corner and saw the game out comfortably enough,

18 attempts on goal to 11, 6 to 4 on target, just edged possession (51-49 per cent).   Charlton are 19th.

Nigel Adkins said that a lot of things on the training ground had been implemented, 'we should have scored more.   We're making sure that everything is positive.   I am really pleased we kept a clean sheet. It was nice to get Elliot Lee on the pitch.   Jayden Stockley's goal was really good, we caught them on the counter attack.   It was a great atmosphere in The Valley.  You can see there is a definite spirit and we have some quality.   Ryan is going to be all right, he was a bit uncomfortable so he came off.  Sometimes we've left Jayden too isolated.  It's getting players to play together to sustain pressure.  We want to try and keep the momentum going.  There's a willingness to keep working and learning.'

Curbs was concerned that Inniss had had to come off twice.  Were we going to do more business?

Louis Mendez offers four takeaway points from the game: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-0-victory-over-crewe-addicks-finally-up-and-running/

Washington called up for international duty

Congratulations to Conor Washington on being selected for the Northern Ireland squad in their 3 internationals at the start of next month. Washington will now miss the Gillingham away game unless 2 more Charlton players are called up for their respective countries.

Chris Gunter has been called up to the Wales squad.

Another cap for Gunter

Chris Gunter played the entire game in the 1-0 defeat of Wales by Italy this afternoon which saw them qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2020.

Gunter put his head to a corner in the first half but the ball ended up on the roof of the net.

He received a yellow card in the second half for a challenge.

Mote here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charltons-chris-gunter-wins-102nd-cap-as-wales-qualify-for-knockout-stages-of-european-championships/

BBC's Gunter tribute

Chris Gunter was an unused substitute in this afternoon's 1-1 draw between Wales and Switzerland, but the BBC decided to pay their own tribute to Wales's most capped player.

Apparently, he is the unofficial DJ of the Wales team so BBC Sounds have put together a compilation of his favourite tracks: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000x060

Gunter in Wales squad

Penrtebach, Ceredigion: Chris Gunter is in the 28 man Wales training camp for the Euros: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-man-makes-wales-28-man-squad-for-euro-2020-training-camp/

Most fun presenting that Minto has had

In an article well worth reading Charlton TV presenter Scott Minto says that Charlton can be optimistic about their future under Thomas Sandgaard: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/scott-minto-charlton-future-is-bright-under-thomas-sandgaard-they-finally-have-an-owner-who-cares/

Minto says that he has never had so much fun presenting as he has had with Charlton TV and he has enjoyed going down memory lane with players like Carl Leaburn.  Charlton has a special place in his heart.

He singles out Chris Gunter for always giving his all in every game he played in, even though he didn't have to.   He was impressed with his attitude.

There will be a special end of season show at 7 pm on Tuesday.

Gunter to captain Wales

In his 100th appearance for his country, Chris Gunter will captain Wales in their friendly against Mexico.  He is their first centurion: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-defender-on-coaching-plans-and-reckons-there-is-a-stigma-of-being-in-your-30s-as-a-player/

'Not so bad' says Gunter

Like football fans generally, Charlton fans have high expectations.   Overlooking the summer turmoil that has affected the Addicks ever since given the salary cap, nothing less than an automatic promotion place will do.  In turn that means that every match must be won.

Let no one have any illusions.  This is a very competitive league at the top.

Goal scorer Chris Gunter probably won't win many friends by bringing a touch of realism to the situation: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/chris-gunter-gives-verdict-on-charlton-athletics-start-to-the-league-one-campaign/

The Welsh wizard told Richard Cawley: 'We’re close, but not close enough. You can have a couple of these where you draw at home, play quite well and should win.   Overall it’s been an okay half of the season. And if you’re saying it is okay being inside the top six then it’s not the worst position to be in.'

In the next couple of weeks, I have to predict Charlton's final place this season for the West Sussex CASC Badger League.   I will wait to see what happens with transfers, but my best guess at the moment would be 5th.  

Defensive errors cost Charlton

Conceding two poor goals in the first half in a rather scrappy but open game meant that Charlton could only manage a 2-2 draw at home to Plymouth Argyle at The Valley this afternoon.  As with last week the result meant two points lost.    Nevertheless, Charlton were able to sneak into the play off places at 6th and do have a game on hand on teams above them.

Alan Curbishley said before the game that was a big game for Charlton as they could lay down a marker.  Afterwards he said that Charlton could be pleased at coming back from 1-2 down.  The goal from Marcus Maddison was certainly the best of the game.

Lee Bowyer said that he thought it was a good game with two different types of play.  His concern was that two soft goals were given away again.   He thought that Aneke and Williams did not look themselves, although they had trained well in the week.

'We're not at the peak, but we're not far off.  We need to nail down that clean sheet.  I see us moving in the right direction and it coming together.'

SLP interview here:https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-manager-lee-bowyer-says-addicks-must-stem-flow-of-sloppy-goals-conceded-after-2-2-draw-with-plymouth/?fbclid=IwAR2ma6oKRRUeTqGypbRG-LgNQ7bwjy5EU4QqxKosW6smRg36rgifalxVxTc

Plymouth showed intent and Charlton had to snuff out an early attack.  After some good movement by the Addicks, Plymouth were given space on their left.  No one followed the runner and Jephcott, Argyle's leading scorer, put in a scuffed shot that crept under Maddison.  The visitors were 1-0 ahead and it came out of nothing.

Steve ('he'll never let you down') Brown commented that Charlton's build up play was good, but they needed to be quicker.

After Watson gave the ball away, there had to be a last minute tackle at the expense of a Plymouth corner.  Steve Brown said that it was too easy for the Pilgrims.

A Plymouth free kick led to a Plymouth corner, but Amos collected comfortably.

Pratley conceded a free kick, but Aneke was able to clear.  Nevertheless, Plymouth were getting the better of Charlton.  Washington drew a save.   Around twenty minutes Charlton delivered their first period of sustained pressure.  However, Plymouth were able to follow a strategy of defend and counter attack.

On 31 minutes Charlton won their first corner.  Aneke caused problems and Gunter showed good anticipation to make it 1-1 from two yards out.

Plymouth looked dejected, but they were soon back in the game.  A rather generous free kick was given to Plymouth for a foul by Pearce on Jephcott, although Curbs said afterwards it was a silly foul by an experienced player.   The ensuing goal for Plymouth by Jephcott was worse than the first one with no marking.

Amos had to claim a corner in the two minutes added on.  A fierce shot from Maatsen, who had a good game, hit the crossbar.

HT: 1-2

Charlton still looked open in the middle of the park.  Aimson received a yellow card for a handball, but it was outside the box.  The Aneke free kick went into the wall.

Aneke received a yellow card for a foul.  Charlton needed to showed more composure, they were rushing too much.  On 64 minutes Maddison and Morgan came on for Watson and Williams.   Morgan didn't get very involved.

Two minutes later Maddison got past his man and with the ball on his left foot made it 2-2 with an excellent goal.  It was singled out for praise on The Football League Show.   It was noted that they had been showing goals like that from him for five years and now he was starting to do it for Charlton.

Maatsen rode out two challenges on a run leading to two subsequent yellow cards for Edwards and Macleod.  The latter injured himself and had to be taken off.

Forster-Caskey was not able to make use of a Charlton free kick to score.  On 78 minutes Bogle replaced Aneke.  In a last throw on 87 minutes Smyth came on for Washington. Amos fumbled the ball and only got it at the second attempt.

The five minutes added on saw a strong Argyle finish and Amos had to save from the impressive Camara.

Bowyer said it was going to be crazy at the end of the season.  Curbs said there could be three or even four games a week and the squad was vital.

Charlton's five goal stormer

Charlton beat AFC Wimbledon 5-2 at The Valley this afternoon in front of 2,000 fans.   After going one goal ahead, defensive errors saw the Addicks fall 1-2 behind at half time.  But it was a storming performance in the second half particularly after Aneke and Williams came on as subs, both of them scoring goals.

It will have been a treat for Thomas Sandgaard who says he likes to win games 5-2 rather than 1-0.  Charlton have gone up to 5th.

Gunter had to make a superb defensive intervention in what had up to then been a rather tenative first half.  The Addicks were undone by a deflection.

On 36 minutes a move that started off with an offside free kick saw Jason Pearce put in a slide rule pass which Washington took advantage of with a curling shot to make it 1-0.  It was his sixth goal for the club.

A misunderstanding between Maddison and Bogle allowed Wimbledon to break  Pigott was given too much space.  Controlling the ball well, he put in a great shot to make it 1-1.

Ben Amos had to save at the near post with Charlton's defending again in question.

Wimbledon recovered from a corner to enable Csoka to take advantage of a free header to make it 1-2 at the break.

HT: 1-2.

Watson drew a save from the keeper following a Charlton free kick.   Maddison put a good ball into Bogle, but he couldn't get it out from under his feet.  On 52 minutes Aneke and Williams came on in place of Bogle and Gilbey.

Aneke got a yellow card and then the keeper Truman tested the referee's patience too far and got one for time wasting.

After good work by Washington, Gilbey set up Forster-Caskey who scored the equaliser.

On 64 minutes Gunter set up his Welsh colleague Williams to make it 3-2.

On 84 minutes Washington did well to keep the ball alive.  Purrington, who had just come on in place of Maddison, put the ball across to Aneke who made it 4-2 with a workmanlike goal.  All of Aneke's six goals have been scored as a substitute.

Wimbledon continued to threaten and Oshilaja replaced Washington.

Maatsen had a great second half and did well to keep the ball alive in time added on.  Williams passed to Purrington who made it 5-2.

Unfortunately it looks as if Famewo is out for nine weeks after his freak training ground injury.

Lee Bowyer told Richard Cawley: /From start to finish we were very good, apart from a lack of concentration for five minutes - they went bang, bang and scored two goals from nowhere.'

Bowyer told his players not to panic at half time: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-told-side-not-to-panic-during-half-time-break-of-5-2-win-over-wimbledon/

Bowyer was delighted with the reaction of Williams to his Shrewsbury substitution: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/well-done-jonny-williams-lee-bowyer-delighted-with-goal-scoring-midfielders-reaction-to-shrewsbury-substitution/

No need to panic - Bowyer

The injury position in defence at Charlton has not changed, but sanguine supremo Lee Bowyer is relaxed about the situation. He thinks that Darren Pratley and Chris Gunter did well at Gillingham: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/110484-2/ 

Charlton face basement club Burton Albion tomorrow who will be trying to brew up a recipe to get them off the bottom of the table.

Conor Washington will stay on penalty duty despite being denied at Gillingham by an excellent save by their keeper.  Lee Bowyer was full of praise for the contribution of Omar Bogle whom he does not blame for distracting Washington: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/conor-washington-stays-on-penalty-duty-for-charlton-athletic-as-boss-lee-bowyer-has-praise-for-role-being-played-by-omar-bogle/

Victory and a clean sheet again

Charlton beat Portsmouth 2-0 at Fratton Park this afternoon with a first half goal from Jonny Williams and a second half one from Chuks Aneke.  Charlton are now 5th, ahead of Portsmouth and Sunderland.

Charlton have now gone over nine hours without conceding.   They have won five in a row for the first time since the spring of 2012 when they won the League One title.

There was a moment of danger after four minutes when there was uncertainty about Amos's call, but Portsmouth put the ball well over.

There was some sloppiness in Charlton's early play and a struggle with possession at the back as the makeshift defence settled in, but it has to be said that Gunter played well in the game as a whole as a stand in centre half. 

Pratley was in some danger of getting a red card, but the referee judged there had been little contact even if he was studs up.

On 25 minutes Forster-Caskey picked out Maatsen who put in a cross and Williams powered into the box to score his first Charlton goal.  Maatsen was included in the Football League Paper League One team of the day.

Bogle appeared to be brought down in the area, but the referee probably rightly judged it was not a penalty.  Gunter made a great clearance.

Half time: Pompey 0, Addicks 1

Pompey withdrew Whatmough and brought on Nicolaisen after the break.   Ben Amos got a yellow card for time wasting, his third yellow card this season.

Following maestro Jackett's half time talk, Portsmouth applied more pressure in the second half, but Charlton stood up well, even if they were a little too deep at times.   The midfield did look a little tired and stretched.

Charlton made a double substitution on 70 minutes with Bogle and Williams going off and Aneke and Smyth coming on.

Faemwo went down with what looked like a hamstring injury and Purrington replaced him.  Jason Pearce is now in training.

An Aneke shot was saved.   Pratley cleared a Portsmouth corner with a header.  On 82 minutes Smyth put in a pinpoint cross to Aneke who scored with a header.

Charm merchant Nicolaisen got a yellow card.

Five minutes added on saw a yellow card for Aneke.   There were two Pompey corners, but Amos punched out the first one and saved the second convincingly.

Lee Bowyer said this was probably the best three points this season, not many teams  would come to Portsmouth and win 2-0.

The Football League Paper had great headlines this morning.   On the front page 'Jonny's so good for the Addicks' accompanied by a big picture and inside 'Mystic Lee predicts Williams' influence'.

Bowyer will mix and match

Lee Bowyer will mix and match his formations this season and reckons Chris Gunter can play in a variety of roles: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-wont-settle-on-just-one-formation-this-season-and-outlines-playing-plan-for-chris-gunter/

Unconfirmed reports are stating that Bowyer would like Leeds youngster Robert Gott on loan at Charlton, but other clubs are interested: https://tbrfootball.com/report-lee-bowyer-wants-leeds-youngster-robbie-gotts-at-charlton/

Macauley Bonne names the two players who helped him most at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/macauley-bonne-reveals-the-two-players-who-helped-him-most-during-charlton-athletic-stay/

Bowyer wants five more signings

Lee Bowyer wants five more signings before domestic deadline day next Friday.  He also discusses the signing of Chris Gunter: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-bowyer-gives-verdict-on-landing-chris-gunter-and-wants-five-more-deals-before-transfer-deadline/

Chris Gunter signs

The official site has confirmed that right back Chris Gunter has signed for Charlton.

Richard Cawley has commented: 'Gunter has played 429 Championship matches + 25 in the Premier League. Never dropped to League One level before in his career. Lee Bowyer wanted him last summer but Charlton couldn't afford him.'

Cawley also revealed that Adam Matthews is no longer training with Charlton.

Chris Gunter coming in

More than one source is reporting that Charlton are about to sign defender Chris Gunter.  The experienced Welsh international was let go by Reading after eight years there so is available on a free transfer: https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-charlton-athletic-in-advanced-talks-to-sign-wales-international/

Richard Cawley of the SLP reports on the story here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-interested-in-deal-for-former-reading-and-forest-defender-chris-gunter/

Fans have commented that Gunter is a solid addition.  Adam Matthews has been holding out for a Championship club and time is not on our side.

Career details of the attacking full back here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Gunter