Farewell, and thanks for all you tried to do

Tyreece Campbell has agreed a new deal with Charlton, reports Richard Cawley.   The winger had been due to be out of contract this summer - although age would have meant he was liable for compensation. Terell Thomas and Michael Hector both released along with Richard Chin, Jack Payne, Lewis Ward and Diallang Jaiyesimi (who he? Ed).

The retained list statement also seems to indicate no late U-turn on George Dobson's move to Fehervar. "The club would like to thank George Dobson, who has played 144 games for Charlton since joining in 2021. He's given his all for the club in every training session and every game and everyone at the club wishes him all the best in Hungary."

Lualua and Wickham have not been offered new contracts, all loan players are returning to their clubs.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Chuks Aneke is leaving by mutual consent.

Nathan Jones discusses his philosophy and plans here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-built-a-luton-legacy-now-summer-of-transfer-and-squad-construction-awaits-at-charlton-athletic/

Players want Dobbo to stay

Conor Coventry says every player wants George Dobson to stay next season (as do probably almost all fans): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/every-charlton-player-wants-george-dobson-to-stay-midfielder-conor-coventry-on-skippers-future/

Richard Cawley of the SLP comments: ‘Contract is legally binding. Only way to change that is agreement between the two clubs. Plus you've got to factor in what GD wants to do. I'd hazard a guess that having signed for another team from July 1 it wouldn't be a great look - even if he was so-inclined - to say that he wanted to stay!’

Return to Charlton

I made the trek down to London yesterday expecting a draw and that's what I got.  Because of the Wembley semi-finals the train I normally catch was terminated at Princes Risborough so I had to transfer from a six coach train to a three coach one, fortunately a helpful railway staff member found me a seat.

I found myself sitting opposite a Leyton Orient fan who had booked hospitality for himself and his wife (and they lost to Fleetwood).  Fortunately, I was able to make the GMT cafe in East Greenwich, see old friends at the RAH and meet up with Steve from Petts Wood outside the West Stand.

From my seat at the top of the Lower West just outside hospitality I had an excellent view, a perspective I had not seen befire, and it was good to be back in The Valley again.

In the first half Shrewsbury were clearly more up for it, indeed aggressive and sometimes theatrical which took in the referee.  I wasn't impressed by Istead who should have called for a ball that went fot a corner and Gillesphey was as bad as everyone told me he was.

As usual it was panic stations in defence and the inevitable happened when Udoh, a former Leamington player, scored for the Shrews.

Dobbo opened the second half with a decisive goal, racing on to Connor Wickham's through ball and evading the keeper to score in an empty net in front of the Covered End.  How we are going yo miss him.   Nathan Jones wants to keep him, but his manner after the match suggested this really was goodbye.

Chuks and Kanu were brought on, but didn't make much of a difference.  We were dispossessed of the ball too easily.

Karoy Anderson headed over from close range after meeting Thierry Small's cross from the left shortly before the hour mark while Marosi got down well to parry away substitute Daniel Kanu's strike.

Two interlopers got on the pitch, pausing the game,    As the Salopians sang, 'What the ****ing hell was that?'

Another draw, equaling our club record.   It has been pointed out that this was the lowest position since 1926, although it should be noted that there was a third division north and south then.

It was a poor group of players but Nathan Jones managed to stop us getting relegated.  He made a short but appropriate speech after the game and it was a subdued parade of platers.  Now let's hope we have a clear out and he gets the players he wants.   I do have more confidence in this group of owners than their predevssors, although it's a low bar.

Dobbo's uncertain future

Without conducting a poll postings on social media suggest that most Charlton fans would like to retain George Dobson.  Nathan Jones would certainly like to keep him: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-reiterate-desire-to-keep-george-dobson-at-charlton-athletic-but-admits-skippers-future-is-unclear/

Jones is careful not to say anything disrespectful about Hungary.  It does have a beautiful capital city and some great cuisine, but the language is impossible and it is ruled by an unpleasant authoritarian.

What no one really knows is how much it would cost to buy Dobson out of his pre-contract and how much Charlton would be prepared to pay - given that it would deplete the overall transfer budget.

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/

A price to pay if Dobbo stays

Nathan Jones is full of praise for George Dobson, but the only way we can stop him going to Hungary is by paying a transfer fee.   In other words, it's a cock up: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-nathan-jones-george-dobson-has-been-brilliant-since-ive-been-here/

If I had young children like Dobbo I am not sure I would want to expose them to one of the most difficult languages in Europe.   But then I suppose children pick things up quickly.   My great-granddaughter is about to go and live in Spain and I am told that she will be trilingual in English, (Castilian) Spanish and Valencios.  

Jones: I want Dobbo to stay

Nathan Jones made it very clear at last night’s press conference that he wants George Dobson to stay at Charlton beyond this season, reports Richard Cawley of the SLP.

Asks why Dobbo would want to go and play in Hungary when he can play in the Championship.  Jones said that if players believe they are good enough then they can play there. Made the point that his Luton players went to that level and then into the Premier League.

Jones: "With massive respect he has played a lot of League One football. But why not try and be a Championship footballer? Why not try and do what he does in League One, in the Championship? That is his goal. That is what we have to try and make him - change his mentality and hopefully change his life. "He doesn't need to go to Hungary to do that. He has an opportunity to do that here. That is what I've reiterated to him. It is a wonderful opportunity and a wonderful football club - that's why I've come here."

The problem is that he has signed a pre-contract and cancelling that could be costly.

But why Hungary?   It's a nice place to visit - fascinating when the Communists were notionally in power. But the language is very difficult.  

Conor Coventry and Louie Watson's omission from the matchday squad last night was a tactical one.

Dobson to stay on

Hungarian style stand

                                                         Football the Hungarian way

George Dobson will now not be leaving for Hungary until the summer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-captain-george-dobson-sees-fehervar-switch-postponed-until-the-summer-transfer-window/?fbclid=IwAR32wzOJlbcYdSqrpjusrlbpQ6-2hQHE4O2_-x9ngJ64OKhiSwZQYFtI4Jc

This will give him more time for the tough task of learning some Hungarian.   The only languages I would find more difficult are Welsh and Gaelic.  I did actually learn a bit of Finnish when I went there on an extended visit at age 19, but there were special incentives.

Thanks to Richard Cawley for doing this interview with Nathan Jones, although there are still aspects of the situation I find puzzling, not least the loss of a £100,000 fee: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/not-in-the-interests-of-charlton-athletic-fc-nathan-jones-on-george-dobsons-february-switch-to-fehervar-collapsing/

Good to see former Addick Ademola Lookman in the African Nations Cup final last night.  He was very lively and provided the corner for the one Nigerian goal.   

It's not just the manager!

Rather unusually fan comment after yesterday's defeat focused on the players rather than the manager.  Fans are waking up to the point that the players collectively are not good enough.  Recruitment strategy has been blamed, but the players also need to put in a shift.

Once again we have heard that the worst team fans have ever watched.   We hear that every year and there are lots of candidates, but for once fans could be right.

Shell shocked supremo Natthan Jones said that Charlton got the basics wrong, succumbing to two long throw ins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/we-didnt-do-the-basics-well-enough-charlton-boss-nathan-jones-on-2-0-defeat-at-reading/

The imminent departure of club captain George Dobson is a loss on top of Corey Blackett-Taylor.  Hungary is an unusual destination and I would like to know the story there.  Hungarian is the most difficult language to learn in Europe, apart from Finnish to which it is related.

Dobson had his critics, but some of that in my view was based on a misunderstanding of his role as a defensive midfielder.

Charlton were fortunate to still be level at the break at the SCL Stadium.

The Addicks were indebted to goalkeeper Harry Isted, who had replaced the increasingly hapless Maynnard-Brewer, for making fine saves to deny Lewis Wing and Sam Smith twice, but Reading finally broke the deadlock in the second half, with Femi Azeez hitting a double in 10 minutes to ensure that Jones endured an unhappy return.

Jones took over a faltering Charlton side that had not won in 12 league games but, in contrast, Reading had lost only twice in 14 outings.

The visitors started the better but Reading created the first opening when Isted did well to tip over a fierce angled drive from Wing.

Isted also kept out a precise volley from Smith and then another goalbound Smith effort after the striker had cut in from the left flank.

Charlton showed more adventure in the second half but, after Lloyd Jones and Tyreeq Bakinson had missed half-chances, Azeez hooked in his first goal in the 66th minute.

The Addicks then failed to clear an Amadou Mbengue long throw 10 minutes later and Azeez thundered home a volley to secure the victory.

Tuesday's game against Lincoln becomes increasingly key.   No Alfie May in League Two.

Dobson may have to learn one of Europe's most difficult languages

A Hungarian club is interested in George Dobson.  It is unclear whether the move would take place now or pre-contract for the summer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-captain-dobson-has-overseas-club-keen-on-a-deal/

Richard Cawley is also reporting that Charlton are hoping to conclude a permanent transfer deal for Swindon keeper Lewis Ward.  He has had a varied career: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Ward_(footballer)

Recent comment by many Charlton fans have suggested that if he wants to go, he should be allowed to do so.

Elsewhere, Albie Morgan scored two goals for Blackpool on Saturday, his third in two games.  I still think he was inconsistent for us and may yet be for the Tangerines.

Holden reflects on life at Charlton

Dean Holden reflects on his coaching experiences.   You have to scroll down for the main (and interesting) Charlton content.  He thinks that injuries made life difficult for him, but is grateful for the 'phenomenal' messages of support from Charlton fans: https://www.coachesvoice.com/cv/dean-holden-bristol-city-stoke-city-charlton/?fbclid=IwAR0FK4AP1xFBpC4nOF8Se1Q6dpn63lCzrZrreQV-wxAUNlGBP4w0H84hHqg

Appleton throws down gauntlet on transfer window

Charlton's January transfer window will have to be a million times better than the last two windows if Charlton are going to be promoted insists Michael Appleton, signing more than a handful of players: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/michael-appleton-transfer-windows-need-to-be-a-million-times-better-than-recent-ones-for-charlton-to-be-promotion-contenders/

We can but hope, although full of doubt - getting value out of the January window is not easy.

Meanwhile the fates of key players George Dobson and Corey Blackett-Taylor remain uncertain with six months left on their contracts,

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. 

Dobbo on what went wrong

George Dobson blames 'inconsistency' for Charlton's disappointing season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-captain-george-dobson-gives-his-view-on-where-it-went-wrong-this-season/

Inconsistency is a symptom rather than a cause.   What it reveals is a lack of quality and, I think, resilence - although this may in turn reflect the relative youth of the players which Dobson refers to.

Well done Deji!

Deji Elerewe scored the winning goal for Bromley in their 2-1 play off win over Woking last night, putting them in the National League play off semi-finals for the first time.   The Ravens now face Chesterfield away: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-defender-a-play-off-matchwinner-for-bromley-to-set-up-chesterfield-semi-final-clash/

Many Charlton fans, including reporter Louis Mendez, support Bromley as their non-league side.

George Dobson is in danger of a three match ban at the start of next season and may not be risked at Cheltenham at the weekend: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/suspension-peril-could-see-charlton-key-man-not-feature-at-cheltenham/

Contract extension for Dobbo

George Dobson has triggered a contract extension.   Dean Holden is full of praise for his captain, although also says there is a lot of improvement in him: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-charlton-midfielder-george-dobson-triggers-contract-extension/

Cowley brothers succumb to curse of Charlton

The Cowley brothers are the latest managers to succumb to the curse of defeat by Charlton, having been removed from their posts by Portsmouth.

The home crowd at Fratton Park were unusually quiet and George Dobson says that he knew it was possible to turn them: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/george-dobson-says-charlton-knew-they-could-turn-the-fratton-park-crowd-as-addicks-extend-winning-run-at-pompey-to-seven/

Louis Mendez provides his four takeaways from the game.  He emphasises that what is needed now is more consistency.  Holden getting Scott Fraser to play higher up the pitch helped: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-3-1-win-at-portsmouth-holdens-changes-shake-the-addicks-into-life-now-they-must-back-it-up/

The Navy Lark

1,380 Addicks saw Charlton win 3-1 at Fratton Park this afternoon, their first win in nine.  It was the seventh straight win at Portsmouth's ground.

Maynard-Brewer had to parry a shot away on 11 minutes.

On 22 minutes the much criticised Rak-Sakyi scored.  Dobson won the ball in the midfield area and Leaburn fed Rak-Sakyi who put in a good curled ball.

Griffiths just managed to deal with a Charlton attack.

In time added on, after Maynard-Brewer conceded a corner which could have been avoided, Portsmouth equalised from the set piece.

Curbs said it was a perfect first half until the goal.   Steve Brown said he gave Rak-Sakyi a lot of credit for how composed he was with the goal.

The pundits thought that the marking by Sean Clare for the equaliser was poor.

HT: Pompey 1, Addicks 1

Portsmouth made three changes at half time, including bringing on former Leamington ace Colby Bishop.

A great run from Scott Fraser saw him make it 2-1 for Charlton with a left foot strike beyond the keeper on 47 minutes.

Fraser won a free kick, he took it but it came off the post into the keeper's arms.

Dobson and Hackett got yellow cards after handbags.

Pack got a yellow card for a foul.   He subsequently got a second yellow and the charm merchant was sent off as he was at The Valley.   Charlton have moved up to 16th, although the teams below them have games in hand.

On 72 minutes Morgan was replaced by Payne to provide fresh legs.  Stockley replaced Leaburn on 77 minutes.  Fraser was replaced by Henry on 87 minutes.

From a counter attack with good work by Stockley, Blackett-Taylor and Payne, a Dobson shot turned into an own goal for Charlton off Dale.

The pundits

Curbs said it was a confident performance.  Steve Brown said it was nice to see Fraser breaking into the box, it was a really good turnover.  Slight changes from how we were playing under Ben Garner made a big difference.  Scott Minto said it was a performance we hadn't seen since our last win.  We were starting to see a style that suits this team.  Curbs said we saw mobility, attacking pace and a press.  Lucas attracted praise, Scott Minto said 'he's really coming on.'   Steve Brown said that Albie Morgan had some very good assets, he just wished he would calm down.

Dean Holden said that in the first half we were regaining possession around the pitch.  It's a reset, this is what we can do, this is what this club can be.  We were really good in midfield in terms of our positioning.  We had to give the fans something, their noise drove the boys on.   It gives us momentum, we have to use that as best as we can.   Chuks felt something in his hamstring in the warm up so he had to pull out.   Fuller remarks from Holden here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-after-addicks-win-at-pompey-charltons-fans-needed-to-see-that-type-of-performance/

Dobbo said that to come to a full Fratton Park and put in a performance like that was something the cloub needed.  We needed to build on that, we were going to stay grounded.   It had been tough for everyone, changing manager, but we set our game plan and executed it perfectly.  The support was excellent today, it's been such a tough year for the club.  At half time we were saying after such a dominant first half performance we just had to make sure we didn't let our heads drop.  Being captain is the greatest honour I've had in my career so far.   I give everything for the club and I'll continue to do that.  We've got to turn The Valley into a fortress again.

Dobbo

Dobbo is new club captain

George Dobson has replaced Jayden Stockley as club captain, a move that will surely be welcomed by almost all Charlton fans.  His tireless efforts and commitment to the cause is widely recognised by fans.

New supremo Dean Holden says that Dobson is 'captain material': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-hands-midfielder-george-dobson-the-charlton-athletic-captaincy/ 

Holden hopes that the change will enable Stockley to focus on his role as a forward.  We can but hope.

Charlton through to quarter finals

Pessimists were forecasting a 0-4 or 1-5 defeat by Brighton tonight, but Charlton won through to the quarter finals of the Football League Cup, the only club outside the Premier League to do so.  With the scoreline 0-0 at full time, Charlton won 4-3 in the penalty shootout. 

This is the first Charlton victory over a Premier League club since 2007.

Attendance was 17,464 with 6,264 away fans.

Richard Cawley commented: 'Maynard-Brewer and Dobson both been immense. But it's been a really spirited team display on top of that.'

The Addicks were almost behind in the opening five minutes when Lewis Dunk headed a Solly March corner narrowly wide.

However, former England international Lallana almost opened the scoring in spectacular fashion when he collected Tariq Lamptey’s square ball, turned and grazed the crossbar from 20 yards. But Charlton had their chances in the first half too, Jack Payne cutting inside and fizzing a low shot straight at Jason Steele in the Brighton goal.

Steele then came out to bravely deny Miles Leaburn, who was booked for his challenge on the keeper, before Dunk slid in to block Steven Sessegnon’s goalbound shot.

Roberto De Zerbi sent on another of his World Cup contingent, Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma, at the start of the second half in a bid to find some urgency.

It had an effect as Maynard-Brewer quickly had to tip Levi Colwill’s header over before March darted past a couple of challenges into the area only to prod his finish wide. However, it remained a stalemate and Steele looked set to be the hero in the shootout, saving from George Dobson and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

But when March blazed over and Caicedo’s effort was saved, Lavelle stepped up to send the underdogs through.

Caretaker manager Anthony Hayes says that Charlton must use their win as a springboard for their League One form: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/anthony-hayes-charlton-must-use-efl-cup-giant-killing-over-brighton-as-springboard-for-league-form/