A familiar story as Charlton fail to hold on to lead

Charlton failed to hold on to a lead three times at Port Vale yesterday and was once again conceded a late goal.

Port Vale and Charlton remain separated only by goal difference in the League One table after playing out a 3-3 draw at Vale Park.

Charlton led on three occasions, through Corey Blackett-Taylor, Daniel Kanu and Tyreece Campbell, but Ethan Chislett's successfully converted penalty and goals from Uche Ikpeazu and Gavin Massey earned Vale a point.

Chances were at a premium in the early stages and Charlton took the lead out of nowhere in the 27th minute when Blackett-Taylor slotted home after latching onto Louie Watson's header back into the box from a cleared corner.

Vale were level just before half-time, though, as Chislett sent Ashley Maynard-Brewer the wrong way from the penalty spot after Massey's attempted cross hit Karoy Anderson's arm in the area.  Some Addicks thought that the penalty award was harsh, but handballs are given these days when a player does nothing.

The visitors started the second half brightly and their pressure told shortly before the hour mark, with Kanu capitalising on some poor defending to poke the ball into the net after a one-two with Tayo Edun.  Four minutes later, the Valiants equalised for a second time thanks to Ikpeazu's header from captain Nathan Smith's cross.

The Addicks went ahead again in the 83rd minute courtesy of Campbell's first-time shot from substitute Terell Thomas' cross-cum-shot.

But they could not hold on for victory as Massey's fantastic curling effort from the edge of the area secured Vale a share of the spoils in the second minute of stoppage time.

VOTV website editor Rick Everitt comments: 'The 3-3 draw at Port Vale means Charlton have failed to win more than once in ten consecutive third tier matches for only the second time since WW2 (14 campaigns). The previous time was under Chris Powell in Feb/Mar 2011.'

Elsewhere 'Gobby' (Karl Robinson) has been appointed manager at Salford City in the hope that he can talk them out of relegation. However, he was too talkative as he was sent off in the 14th minute of his first home game. Also sent off was Ryan Inniss, now on a vegan diet with Forest Green Rovers.

Bowyer's disappointment

Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer has admitted that Charlton did not really play against Oxford United. The U's game plan of disrupting Charlton worked: Not good enough

A more experienced manager might have found a way of dealing with that and he does have a Curbishley like habit of leaving his substitutions too late.

Bowyer argued that play should have been stopped for the head injury to Josh Cullen before the Oxford goal. All round, it seems to have been a poor refereeing performance, although we benefitted from a rather soft penalty.

Richard Cawley has an interesting interview with Karl Robinson in which the loquacious Liverpudlian admits that he has calmed down a lot. Before coming to Charlton, he did not realise how strong the club's roots were in the community. He thinks that Lee Bowyer and Johnnie Jackson are Charlton through and through and great for the club: Perfect fit

I had this game down as a draw on CAFC Picks and a loss on the Badger League, so I am not really surprised. Even so, we should be beating teams like Oxford if we want more than mid-table mediocrity.

Travel to a mid-week game for me relies on four transport links. I need the car to get to the station (I could get a bus, but that would mean a taxi when I get back after midnight which is expensive). Then Deustche Bahn to Marylebone, tube to North Greenwich and bus to The Valley. The tricky part is coming back when I need South-Eastern to get me to Charing Cross. Once or twice I have missed the 23.07 to Leamington and had to pay £40 for a taxi from Banbury.

Yesterday I was also set to go, sarnies packed and the car wouldn't start. The AA were there quickly but the patrolman had to more or less dismantle the engine, so I couldn't make it. Looks like a blessing in disguise.

Robinson: Charlton fans want their club back

Oxford United are hoping for a repetition of last season's 3-2 victory at The Valley: Win would be huge

Karl Robinson has said that The Valley is the best ground in League One. He commented, 'It’s a really good club and except for tomorrow night I wish them all the luck in the world, because the fans really want their club back.'

Robinson is uncertain what reception he will get. He did his best in difficult circumstances. I just wish he hadn't talked so much.

I see that the news of our cup tie at Mansfield sees us referred to in a local report as 'Valiants'. Groan.

Oxford poised to climb table says manager

Karl Robinson could always talk a good game and following Saturday's 0-0 draw at Bristol Rovers, he insisted that his Oxford side will climb the table once they become clinical in front of goal.

Robinson argued that his side were better than their league position (22nd). He explained, 'The difference between us and a top side at the moment is that teams at the right end of League One would have been 2-0 up at half time with a similar performance.'

Is it conceivable that 'Gobby' will be another manager to fall to the curse of Charlton? People in the club who knew him said that he was a nice enough guy but one dimensional in his tactics.

Ricky Holmes did not feature at Bristol Rovers as he was injured (back problem) and is unlikely to play tomorrow night. Of course, he might come off the bench and score. Former Charlton loan player Jon Obika is out for the rest of the season after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament.

He made 22 appearances for us in two loan spells. Although he only scored three goals, I thought that he had some potential. At 28 the news of a serious injury is a major set back and I wish him well. Robinson says 'He is one of the nicest guys I have ever met in football.'

'Gobby' bares his soul

The new book by Michael Calvin State of Play reproduces a long interview with Karl Robinson in which the former Charlton manager explains the 'principles' with which he approaches the task of management. It is hardly profound and illuminating, but Calvin describes Robinson as 'young but hugely experienced. A progressive coach, a developer rather than a dictator.'

What it doesn't mention is that 'Gobby' couldn't keep his mouth shut, although he could always talk a good game, even if any resemblance between his remarks and what happened on the pitch was largely coincidental.

Apparently, Robinson phoned Calvin from a M25 traffic jam to say he was on his way out. It would seem that Lee Bowyer had asked Harry Kewell, his former Leeds teammate, about rumours that the Australian consortium intended to bring in Kewell as manager. As it happened, Kewell turned out to be a mirage like Skippy the kangaroo who was supposed to be the new mascot.

However, Calvin reckons that once Kewell confirmed his interest, Robinson's fate was sealed.

The author does acknowledge that Charlton is a club with 'impassioned support [much reduced], a productive youth policy [certainly for selling on] and a viable chance of promotion.'

Calvin also gives it large to Roland, describing his as a 'disrespectful, contemptuous form of investment.' Robinson told him: 'When I came into the club I was told that it was only 1 per cent of his life. His concept was, "I've got millions in this business, and millions in that business. I've got so many other things to take care of." That's immediately translated as "you don't really matter." So you've an owner that basically has said "You're nothing to my life."'

During Robinson's 16 months as supremo, Roland never attended a match and his much vaunted 'live feed' seem to consist of a helping of moules et frites. Robinson visited him twice and they spoke on the phone six times.

Why Robinson left

Johnnie Jackson has said that Karl Robinson left Charlton because he thought the new owners would sack him: Why Robinson left

Jackson contrasts the dressing room styles of Robinson and Bowyer. Robinson was 'very, very vocal' (some might say 'gobby') while Bowyer is calm and collected and provides snippets of information.

Jackson has talked to Richard Cawley about his player-coach role and why he had to apologise to Chris Powell: Could only do it for a year

Cawley spells it out on Robinson

An excellent piece by Richard Cawley of the SLP in which he spells out how trouble has been brewing for weeks between departed manager Karl Robinson and the club. It's a balanced account, but he warns that Charlton's season is on the point of implosion: Trouble brewing for weeks

A very telling last sentence: 'Duchatelet’s Charlton are used to crisis management, but they are unskilled at dealing with it.'

Chris Powell was first choice as manager

According to South London Press sources, Chris Powell was the Australians' first choice as manager. However, he recently joined Southend United and I do not think that 'back to the future' would be a good idea.

Karl Robinson left Charlton without any compensation: I didn't ask for a penny

Interim supremo Lee Bowyer is uncertain whether he wants the job on a permanent basis. 'Ask me at the end of the season,' he says: Bowyer uncertain on future

Charlton will derive no benefit from Nick Pope's rise to the England squad as there was no clause in the transfer contract about international appearances.

Farewell, then, Karl Robinson

Karl Robinson has left Charlton Athletic by mutual consent and Johnnie Jackson and Lee Bowyer are in temporary charge, the first management duo since Gritt and Curbishley. Last man standing Richard Murray has thanked Karl Robinson for his services: Temporary bosses

Robinson was not the best manager we have had nor the worst. He faced difficult circumstances, not getting all the resources he needed. His heart was in the task. Even so, some of his tactics and formations were open to question and he was very fond of the sound of his own voice.

His win ratio at Charlton was 35 per cent which was a lot better than Pardew's 26 per cent, although Pardoo has managed to achieve 5.9 per cent at West Brom.

So, in the words of the newsreels when Neville Chamberlain stood down as prime minister, 'Thanks for all you tried to do.' I wish him well riding the Tiger at Oxford United and hope that his family gardening business in Milton Keynes prospers (see last VOTV).

In a statement Karl Robinson has thanked Charlton fans for their support during his 16 month stay: Statement

An announcement of his appointment at Oxford United is imminent and flags have already appeared along The High. Oxford United fans are complaining that the appointment lacks the promised 'wow' factor.

Johnnie Jackson would be caretaker manager

Johnnie Jackson will be caretaker manager if Karl Robinson decides to go to Oxford. As Richard Cawley says, it would be a popular appointment: Caretaker

There is still no definite news from Oxford, but I am convinced that 'Tiger' is another bonkers owner.

'Exciting announcement' pending at Oxford

Oxford United's owner has said the club will make an 'exciting announcement' today. Karl Robinson is on very short odds to become the next manager. Oxford have recently tweeted that this is 'International Happiness Day'.

The more I read about Oxford's new owner 'Tiger', the more I think he belongs to the class of bonkers owners. But Karl knows all about that.

Disappointed by the lack of investment in the transfer window, the shell shocked supremo may see Oxford United as an escape route: Way Out

Richard Cawley has just reported that Karl Robinson has offered to resign, more than once: I will go

Roland Duchatelet has rejected his resignation: Non!

One question is who would be available to accept any resignation, but presumably we still have a kit man?

Latest reports suggest that the streets in SE7 are calm and no fans have arrived to rend their shirts.

If he does go, I would put Jason Euell in temporary charge.

Sven preferred to Karl!

New Oxford United owner 'Tiger' 'My-name-is-too-long-for-my-door-plate' has decided that he wants a manager with a 'wow' factor and has plumped for Sven Goran Eriksson. The former England manager is said to be interested in coming, let's hope he doesn't think he was being offered an honorary fellowship at an Oxford college.

The bookies are still offering short odds on Karl Robinson. Oxford would be nearer to his Milton Keynes home.

One wonders what wheeze the new Thai owner of Oxford will come up with next. There is talk of a cable car system in Oxford to relieve congestion (really dreamt up as a riposte to Cambridge's recently unveiled plans for an underground) so perhaps it could run out to the ground.

He should perhaps be reminded that Sven had an unhappy spell at Notts County and there is a lot to be said for a man motivator with League One experience. Sven recalls his experience at Notts County: How I was conned at Notts County

Bore draw at The Valley

In freezing conditions Charlton drew 0-0 with Fleetwood Town at The Valley this afternoon, leaving them five points away from the play off places. The official attendance was 9.865, but it was a few thousand below that, bearing in mind that EFL rules require that season ticket holders are counted as in attendance.

The visitors sat back in the first half and Charlton were incapable of breaking them down. Around the half hour mark, the Covered End started a chant of '4-4-2'. One fan tweeted that Robinson's tactics and formation were ****. Charlton were slow and predictable The referee was so bored he added no minutes on.

Robinson played his master stroke on 60 minutes with a double substitution. Magennis went off to ironic cheers, accompanied by Reeves. Ajose and Zyro came on.

Amos did well to keep out a one on one on 62 minutes and the rebound was just wide. The visitors were in more attacking mode in the second half.

Richard Cawley tweeted that Fosu and Forster-Caskey were the only players trying to make something happen.

Fans scanned the Charlton heights for sight of a kangaroo, but not even a wallaby could be seen.

I have to say that I am glad I am too unwell to come to matches.

Karl Robinson put the display down to the poor decision-making in the final third, so that's all right then. Admittedly, sixty per cent possession and two shots on goal does tell a story.

Chris Solly could be ruled out until the summer (at least Acworth will be pleased): Knee problem

It's crunch time for everybody

It's crunch time for everybody at The Valley says embattled supremo Karl Robinson with Charlton 19th in the form table and at risk of falling out of the top ten if they cannot beat the Cod Army on Saturday. Talking to Richard Cawley of the SLP, Robinson insisted 'This is not about me anymore': Growing pressure

Robinson commented: 'It’s now got to a stage where something has to be said. [I didn't think he'd been slow in saying things before now]. Because I can’t just keep saying we’ll be alright, we’ll be alright.'

Just as Charlton's play off hopes disappear down the Mersey, a new issue of Voice of the Valley will be out on Saturday. It can be purchased around the ground before the game or you can order it by post before 3 pm on Friday to be delivered under plain cover to enjoy in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

I have an article which I drafted in my head to while away the time in hospital. Fortunately, I didn't draft it from the time in intensive care when I discovered a facility in Norwegian, but there is a tale from beyond the grave.

I can't change my formation says Robinson

Addicks have been pleading with Karl Robinson to change his 4-3-2-1 formation and play with two strikers up front but the shell shocked supremo says he can't because he doesn't have two fit strikers. Zyro is more of a winger than a striker, he says: Formation can't change

He does then go on to say that Charlton have played four different formations in the last four games. Robinson does admit that he made mistakes with his substitutions against Oxford.

Defenders of Karl Robinson say that he has been given insufficient materials to work with, and that is the case, but he could have made more of what he has.

Takeover could be next season

Supremo Karl Robinson has further dashed the hopes of Charlton fans by saying that the takeover of the club might not happen until next season. It is clear that he has no idea what is going on and is getting increasingly exasperated. But other reliable sources seem to know nothing either:

Robinson says there needs to be a complete change of mentality at the club. Less generous supporters might think this should include a one way ticket to Liverpool. There is no chief executive and just one English board member who has done a lot for the club in the past but is now past his sell by date.

Tide comes in for Blackpool

After five months without a home win, Blackpool beat Charlton 1-0 this evening with a goal in time added on. It was a grim night for the 264 Addicks who have made the journey in a crowd of 3,216. After the game social media had many demands for Karl Robinson to go.

Although they had some chances, Charlton never looked like scoring. It was 71 minutes before they won a corner by which time the Tangerines had had fourteen.

It was a dreary first half with a twelve minute delay after Blackpool's Delfouneso was stretchered off. Page had to be withdrawn after the clash of heads. Brian Cole commented, 'So far the game that was called off was better than the first half.'

In the time added on Forster-Caskey was just over the bar with a half volley from 25 yards. Solly supplied a pinpoint cross to the head of Zyro, but the ball went over the bar.

After the break Magennis nodded wide from a Zyro cross. Sarr had to clear off the line on 80 minutes.

One minute into stoppage time Amos, who had made a couple of good saves, came off his line and only half cleared, allowing the home side to put the ball in the net. Fosu was narrowly wide with a last chance.

Karl Robinson has admitted that it was no use blaming the referee for Charlton's poor performance. Instead he has turned to the last page in his book of excuses: blame yourself. He has admitted that the buck stops with him and he has to take responsibility. He also apologised for failing to acknowledge the travelling Addicks after the game: Buck stops with me

Meanwhile former Charlton coach and interim manager Les Reed is being blamed for the problems encountered by Southampton: Saints

Robinson throws down the gauntlet

Tough talking supremo Karl Robinson has said that players can stay away from the club for the rest of the season if they have given up on the play offs: Players can stay away

Presumably this is meant to be motivational as the team heads for a blustery night out by the Irish Sea.

Admittedly, Robinson hasn't been given all the materials he needs, but he could have made more of what he has.

Blackpool lost 3-0 at title chasing Blackburn on Saturday, Blackpool boss Bowyer admitting that there was a gulf in quality between the two teams. Blackpool are, however, ahead of Charlton in the form tables with the Addicks seventh from bottom. At home the Tangerines have won five, drawn six, lost five. They have scored 23 and conceded 24. Charlton away have won six, drawn four and lost six. The result tonight is anyone's guess.

We can expect some odd refereeing decisions tonight as the man in charge is Trevor Kettle.

Odds: Blackpool 31/20, Draw 21/10, Charlton 15/8.

I got my Oystons mixed up, admits Karl

Karl Robinson has admitted that he got his Oystons mixed up when he got into a spat after the postponed fixture at Blackpool: Robinson on Blackpool owner

The supremo has taken the precaution of looking at his big book of excuses in advance and has lighted on the difficult pitch at Bloomfield Road. Add in a swirling wind off the sea and you have the perfect alibi.

Has anyone noticed that Karl looks remarkably like the actor in the current confused dot com advert?: Ripped off and confused about tactics

Alice through the looking glass

Charlton's humiliation was emphasised by the wild gyrations of a giant rabbit. Photo: Kyle Andrews.

It was an Alice Through the Looking Glass day for Charlton as they were crushed 4-1 by a rampant Peterborough. Magennis missed a penalty and was jeered off by his own fans. Karl Robinson was first down the tunnel to access his big book of excuses, but as there is no board to sack him, his job should be safe. The only consolation was to see the grim visage of relegation specialist Alan Pardew after West Brom's 4-1 defeat at home by Leicester City. But then the pundits are now talking about Millwall as possible Premier League hopefuls.

Before the game Richard Cawley tweeted that it was like Alice in Wonderland at London Road with a bizarre giant rabbit, two builder mascots and a man and a woman walking around in top hats and smart clothes. Matt Wright later tweeted that Charlton losing brought things back to normality.

Charlton are now 8th in the table and are fortunate not to have fallen further: results at one point would have dragged them down to 10th.

The Addicks did look a bit better when Zyro came on (he scored their goal), but why not start with him rather than the out of form Magennis?

It was a very open game in the first half, although some fans who were there thought that Johnnie Jackson lacked the legs. On 15 minutes a Fosu shot was blocked on the edge of the box. A Forster-Caskey volley was saved. The home side showed their intent when they hit the post on 25 minutes. Aribo put in a decent shot from a tight angle, but it was saved.

With a minute of normal time remaining, a free kick caused havoc in the Charlton box. A cross to the back post was turned home by Hughes to make it 1-0.

The Addicks started the second half brightly, winning a series of corners, one nearly leading to an own goal. On 54 minutes a push on Magennis led to a penalty, giving Charlton the chance to equalise. Magennis put the ball just wide of the post, having wrong footed the keeper. Four minutes later Sarr conceded a penalty, allowing the Posh to go 2-0 ahead.

Kaikai and Magennis came off, to be replaced by Reeves and Zyro. A few minutes later Jackson was replaced by Ajose. On 73 minutes a Reeves ball from the right allowed Zyro to score with a header. This gave Charlton hope again, but on 81 minutes Marriott shot under Amos from a tight angle. It was Marriott who made it 4-1 on 85 minutes.

Richard Cawley of the SLP is running a poll on Twitter on whether Charlton will make the play offs. He has got over 400 replies in just 50 minutes and 89 per cent say no.