Williams and Taylor on their way out

Cardiff City have released Jonny Williams after six months, but I don't think we should be inviting him back: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/cardiff-city-release-former-charlton-and-crystal-palace-midfielder-jonny-williams/

Reports are indicating that Nottingham Forest are considering releasing Lyle Taylor who made only 15 Championship appearances last season.   Barnsley, Blackpool and Middlesbrough are considering taking him on loan.

A straw poll of nearly 300 Charlton fans showed a clear majority against a return to The Valley.

New contract for Taylor

With 12 months to run on his deal, Lyle Taylor is to be offered a new contract. Lee Bowyer expects bids for him: New deal

Bowyer thinks there are three things that will keep Taylor at Charlton: he loves it at The Valley, he is in London and will be playing in the Championship.

Lee Bowyer is now back from holiday and it is expected that his contract negotiations will be concluded in the next few days. Roland appreciates his ability to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

Taylor to Bowyer: How did you do it?

Lyle Taylor asked Lee Bowyer after the Wembley final, 'How the **** did you do it?', i.e., get us promoted. Taylor argues that Bowyer is a modest manager who just gets on with the job. In a long interview with Richard Cawley of the SLP he admits that he did not think Charlton would find a way back after conceding an own goal. Right now, he just wants a holiday and thinks he deserves one, as he does: How did you get us promoted?

If you haven't seen already the Quest programme on the final (now on Quest OD) is well worth watching. It includes an excellent interview with Lee Bowyer for whom my esteem increases by leaps and bounds.

Referee chosen for Sunday

Andy Madley will be the man in the middle at Wembley. He doesn't seem keen on issuing red cards which can determine the outcome of a game: Referee for play off final

Andrew Madley began his refereeing career on the local Wakefield leagues. He quickly advanced through the levels before becoming a Level 3A referee in 2008. This allowed him to act as an assistant referee on the three Football League divisions.

The following year he was promoted to the Panel List which allowed him to referee in the Conference divisions. He then progressed further the following year by becoming a Select Group Assistant Referee, officiating on the Premier League. In 2011, he progressed to his current role, a National List Referee, officiating in the three Football League divisions. Andrew is the older brother of former Select Group Referee Robert Madley.

He refereed two matches in the Premier League this season so clearly is being considered for that level, but almost all his matches were in the Championship. His day job is as a teacher.

Some time ago I planned a visit to see our middle daughter's new permanent home in Spain between the semi-finals and the final. I am told that the WiFi is good in the remote rural valley where their hacienda is located, but I will have to compete with a teenager chatting with her mates in the UK.

Lyle Taylor has been nominated for goal of the season on Sky Sports. When I voted he was second behind Chris Maguire (who he? ed): Watch and vote

Sunderland journo worries about the Charlton challenge

An in depth assessment from a Sunderland perspective of the challenge Charlton present (it's one of these newspaper pages with a lot of rubbish on it, so it may not load quickly): The Charlton challenge

In particular, they think the Charlton formation could be hard to second guess. 'Ross might have to draw up two plans for May 26. Some sides are good enough to just play their own way and let the opposition worry about it, but the league table – which had Charlton third, Sunderland fifth – shows such arrogance will not wash under the arch.'

Lyle Taylor explains why he decided to join the Addicks rather than the Black Cats: Why I rejected Sunderland move

He notes that Sunderland were expected to get promoted because of the size of their budget, but he knew Lee Bowyer would back him to the hilt.

Time to end the superstitious doom and gloom

There are always Charlton fans ready to see the glass half empty. Their latest theme is the trend for teams that lost at home in the first leg of the play offs to win on aggregate. Trends are there to be broken. This is all superstitious bollocks (I think I can used that word as a political party is using it in the EP elections).

Fans then say 'This is Charlton' meaning that we flunk it at crucial moments. Well we didn't flunk it in the 1987 play off against Leeds at St. Andrews, even if it was a last minute goal: Play off final. That was a vital win in the Selhurst days. Many consider that if Charlton had been relegated, the club could have folded.

I am not saying we should be complacent about tonight or think that it is job done. I am sure Lee Bowyer and Johnnie Jackson aren't complacent. I am sure that the tireless Lyle Taylor isn't complacent. The crowd need to keep their faith even if there are setbacks.

I am cautiously optimistic because I think the team is better than they were last year against Shrewsbury. We have Lyle Taylor, Dillon Phillips has been a revelation and under Lee Bowyer's guidance, the team has come into form at the right moment and is playing really well. My big problem is which historic shirt to choose for tonight.

The standard of refereeing so far in the play offs seems to have been generally good in so far as I can judge from the highlights. This is because referees have been brought in from a higher level instead of using referees who were officiating at park football a few years ago or long serving petulant failures coming to the end of their careers. The referee tonight is Gavin Ward who usually works in the Championship.

I have just had to turn down France24 who wanted me live on air at 5pm by which time I shall be at the River Ale House. I don't think they were too pleased, saying 'Football comes first' in a rather sarcastic tone. They are the station I most like working for, but needs must.

Lyle lays it on the line

Presenting James Mace with his long service award at Leamington FC's presentation evening

Lyle Taylor has reassured fans that there will be no complacency in the return leg against Doncaster Rovers on Friday: No danger of Charlton going slack

I don't have Sky: the local council has banned it in conservation areas as inconsistent with the image of a Royal Spa. The local pubs that used to have it are now gastropubs. Someone helpfully sent me a map of which pubs still have it, but most of them are places where people are up for a ruck and I have already lost front teeth (see picture). The one exception was a pub near to my bestie's house, but if she caught me in there watching Charlton she would go ballistic as she regards the Addicks as hopelessly down market.

I was therefore reduced to listen to Talksport and who should be commentating but Neil 'Fish Fingers' Redfearn. I have never heard a more anti-Charlton commentary for ages.

Faced with a Charlton win, Redfearn and his co-commentator took the line that Doncaster would win at The Valley as they had in the FA Cup. This line is also taken by The Times this morning. I didn't go to that game as I know we don't do cups. However, as I recall, we didn't have our strongest side out and weren't as motivated as we will be on Friday.

I have booked to stay overnight in Greenwich so I can have a ginger beer or even a shandy at the River Ale House after the game. I think it will be the first time I have spent a night in Greenwich since I was born there.

Charlton take lead back to The Valley

Lyle Taylor scored his 10th goal in 11 games. How much we owe him.

Charlton took a 2-1 lead back to The Valley after the first leg of their play off final against Doncaster Rovers this afternoon in front of a crowd of 11,140, including 3,688 Addicks. Doncaster started well and were looking for an early goal, but then two goals in two minutes from Taylor and Aribo put Charlton ahead before the break.

Charlton had to defend more in the second half as they tried to hold on to their lead, although Taylor nearly made it 3-0.

However, the Addicks were tiring in the last ten minutes and Donny got a goal back on 87 minutes.

Bauer, Sarr, Aribo and Taylor were excellent throughout, as was Morgan until he was substituted.

As Richard Cawley has pointed out, The Valley has been a stronghold for Charlton since October so we can be optimistic without being over confident.

Donny started on the front foot and were determined not to give Charlton an inch in midfield. Parker but the ball in the net with a cool finish, but was judged to have fouled a defender. Charlton showed good composure and were good on the break. However, overall, it was rather scrappy in the early exchanges.

Donny threatened with the evergreen Coppinger who put a shot across the front of goal. The tireless Taylor had to track back to defend. However, Charlton withstood the onslaught from the home side.

On 17 minutes Purrington put in a cross, but Aribo's shot was blocked. Parker headed wide Charlton's best chance up to that point in the game, making use of a great ball in from The Cat.

A long range shot from Coppinger saw Phillips save at full stretch. The corner was dealt with. Bauer was booked for a foul on Maquis. It seemed a bit soft, but it was really the result of his attention to the centre forward throughout the game to that point. It was just one foul too many.

Donny had a chance to go ahead when they hit the bar from an Andrew free kick. The keeper saved well from Taylor. On 31 minutes Charlton had their first corner of the game. A brilliant ball from the excellent Morgan found Cullen at the far post clearly onside and Taylor was able to put the ball in the net.

On 34 minutes Charlton tore the Doncaster defence to shreds. Aribo picked his spot well and Marosi could only manage a weak touch as the ball went into the net to make it 0-2.

The Addickted broke into a chant of 'Marquis, what's the score?' Lee Bowyer was a smiling supremo on the touchline. Marosi managed to tip over an effort from Morgan. The Addickted serenaded Maquis what a chorus of 'You're just a s*** Andy Carroll.

Half time: Donny 0, Addicks 2

Coppinger was taken off at half time for Rowe. Cullen had to clear off the line from a Donny corner with Maquis threatening. The start of the second half was quieter than the first half.

A Donny free kick on the edge of the box hit the wall and deflected for a corner which was headed wide. However, Charlton were under a bit of pressure.

On 61 minutes a superb and disappointed Morgan was taken off, but Pratley was needed for his physical presence and to provide a stronger defensive shield. On 65 minutes Parker, who had worked hard, was replaced by Pearce. Blogger Hungry Ted commente, 'Got to say it, Parker’s endless running off the ball pulled their defence all over the place. May not get the credit he deserves without the goals to his name, but played a huge part today.' Apparently, he came off because he had cramp.

Bielik moved into the defensive midfield position. However, it was still three at the back for Charlton.

On 74 minutes Aribo set up Cullen but his header was tipped round the post. On 86 minutes Aribo put in a good cross and the goal was gaping, but it was just over Taylor's head.

On 87 minutes Donny scored through Blair, a scrambled goal that took advantage of a deflected cross. There were fears that Charlton would concede a second late goal, but Bauer cleared a Donny corner. Two minutes into time added on Leeds loan player Wilks volleyed over. Charlton won a late corner to ease the pressure.

There was a tunnel jump by Lyle Taylor to celebrate the success of the boys in yellow and blue.

Serene supremo Lee Bowyer said that he was happy to back to The Valley with a lead, adding that the Doncaster goal was rather fortuitous: Satisfied

A message from our benefactor

Roland Duchatelet has issued a statement praising the promoted teams. He has used it to imply that Chris Wilder did not come to Charlton because of the opposition he would face from the minority of disgruntled fans. What is well known is that Wilder is a Blades fan through and through, but facts don't matter in the world of the barmy Belgian: C'est moi qui parle

In a series of tweets Richard Cawley of the SLP has rebutted the spurious arguments put forward by Roland about Wilder. He has stated, 'The impact that Cafc fans had on Wilder rejecting the job at The Valley? Zero. Fact is that Wilder wanted the Sheffield United job and Charlton's move for him basically sparked them into action - sacking Nigel Adkins and making their own official approach.'

Cawley continued, 'As it turned out, the appointment of Russell Slade drew far more of a mixed response. Wilder had done so well at Northampton that it would have been a very sound appointment.'

Better news was the well-deserved Player of the Year award to Lyle Taylor. Let's hope he will stay. I was also delighted that Naby Sarr came second. He has greatly improved, casting off a status at most derided player to become one of the most popular. Just wait till he scores his winning goal at Wembley! I was also pleased that Josh Cullen came third. I think that he has contributed a great deal this season without being particularly obvious.

10,000 tickets have already been sold for the home play off.

Charlton finish 3rd

Before the match we were calculating all sorts of permutations about the play offs, thinking that the most likely outcome was 4th or 5th. In the end a dominant performance saw a 4-0 win over Rochdale to produce a 3rd place finish and a semi-final against Doncaster. Hopefully, Charlton have come into form at the right time and enter the play offs with momentum. However, sagacious supremo Lee Bowyer has warned that good results against Donny in the season will count for nothing in the play offs: Cautious Bowyer

Lee Bowyer hopes to have Igor Vetokele back from injury for the play offs, just as well given another less impressive performance by Parker: Vetokele

At the end of the game the players came on to the pitch to accept the plaudits of the crowd, the star being Lyle Taylor's nephew who scored at both ends of the pitch. Lee Bowyer made an inspiring talk thanking the fans.

Joe Aribo, Calvin Andrew's own goal, Lyle Taylor and Krystian Bielik did the damage and results elsewhere meant the Addicks climbed from fifth.

Aribo and Taylor each squandered two early opportunities apiece for the hosts before the breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute. Taylor burst through on goal and was denied by Dale keeper Josh Lillis, only for the loose ball to be teed up by Josh Parker for Aribo to fire home a curling shot. It was a good strike from the increasingly impressive player.

Dillon Phillips had to be alert to tip over Callum Camps' 25-yard effort, but it was the Addicks who doubled their advantage after 32 minutes. Taylor whipped in a cross from the right which the visiting defence failed to deal with and the unfortunate Andrew ended up putting the ball into his own net. At first the goal was attributed to Purrington, but he did not celebrate it so I could not deploy 'The Cat uses his claws' headline.

Taylor put the outcome beyond doubt five minutes before the break by latching on to Albie Morgan's excellent pass (he had a good game throughout) and slotting past Lillis. The roles were reversed in the second half when Taylor turned provider only for Morgan to fire into the side-netting. Moments later Parker fired wide from six yards with the goal at his mercy after Lillis had parried out Taylor's drive.

But Charlton's second-half dominance was rewarded 15 minutes from time as the impressive Bielik drilled in the fourth after exchanging passes with Morgan. Taylor was withdrawn a few minutes before the end, allowing the referee to shake his hand and pat him on the back.

The report from Louis Mendez is here: Final day stroll

Back to winning ways

Charlton demolished Scunthorpe United 4-0 at The Valley this afternoon. The Addicks remain 5th in the table, two points behind Sunderland who drew at Peterborough but have a game in hand.

The Addicks opened the scoring on 24 minutes when Dijksteel netted his first Charlton goal by meeting Taylor's delightful pass before drilling a low angled drive past Jak Alnwick. Scunthorpe's Adam Hammill should have done a lot better when placing a 38th-minute shot well wide and only an excellent Dillon Phillips save prevented George Thomas from equalising.

Former Addick Lee Novak fired into the side-netting early in the second period, a miss he and the Iron were left to rue when Charlton doubled their advantage as Ben Reeves whipped in a corner and Aribo climbed highest to head home on 57 minutes. Aribo turned provider six minutes later by finding Vetokele, who coolly slotted a low shot beyond Alnwick.

Things went from bad to worse for Scunthorpe in the 66th minute as Taylor scored with a spectacular free-kick which flew into the top corner.

The report from Louis Mendez is here: Addicks smash sorry Scunny

Feature article praises Lyle Taylor

A full page feature article in today's Football League Paper praises Lyle Taylor who has scored 20 goals this season, the first player to achieve this since Bradley Wright-Phillips in 2011/12.

Former Swindon striker Sam Parker writes, 'It's not just his goals that have impressed me, his all-round game is improving constantly. He's incredibly hard working, excellent with his back to goal and has the awareness to execute the correct and often killer pass.' His nine assists this season underline that he is a creator of chances as well as an accomplished finisher.'

'Taylor is also very sharp in and around the 18-yard box. I loved his recent goal during the 2-0 win at Plymouth. As Chris Solly prepared to deliver from the right hand side, Taylor made a slight movement towards the near post, taking his marker Ryan Edwards with him before changing direction and finding a couple of yards of space in the centre of goal. The headed finish was relatively simple but it's the movement that gets him the goal.'

'As the focal point of the team, he is particularly good at feigning to run in behind defenders, before showing for a ball at his feet. He seems to play the game at his own pace, never flustered. It looks like the confidence is flowing and he fully embraces the pressure that comes with being the team's go-to man.'

'He's also developed a fantastic rapport with the club's support. Of course, the goals and performances are part of this, but it's away from the pitch that some of his most important work has been done.' The article goes on to discuss his cancer charity work and his stance against racism.

'Taylor could yet cap a superb season with a date at Wembley in May and a second promotion of his career. Just four years ago he was on loan at Partick, surplus to requirements at parent club Scunthorpe. His next port of call, one way or another, is surely the Championship.'

Not our day

Charlton's slim hopes of an automatic promotion place were dashed this afternoon following a 2-1 defeat by Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium in front of 1,806 Addicks. Lee Bowyer has already said that we needed to win our last four matches to have a chance of an automatic place. As it is, we stay 5th.

Charlton hopes were boosted when Oxford keeper Eastwood was sent off early in the second half, but substitute keepers often play a good game. Then Chris Solly collected his second red card of the season. Despite a succession of corners won by the Addicks, and six minutes added on, it was Robbo's revenge.

The game got off to a good start when Aribo was tripped in the area and Lyle Taylor made no mistake in scoring from the spot on five minutes. However, six minutes later Curtis Nelson replied for Oxford with a volley from a corner at the far post. Garbutt then put the home side ahead on 24 minutes with an unstoppable free kick that left Phillips with no chance.

Reeves put in a dangerous corner on 36 minutes, but it was eventually cleared.

Parker came on for Reeves after the break and Charlton reverted to the 4-4-2 diamond. On 53 minutes Solly put in a lofted ball from the top. The keeper was under pressure from Taylor and handled outside the area, receiving the red card. The resultant Parker free kick was deflected just wide. Lapslie was brought on to replace Diksteel.

Bielik slipped and lost the ball and Pearce had to deny Sinclair in the box. Bielik received a yellow card for a shirt pull. Taylor put in a cross to Parker, but he was off target.

Solly received a red card for a late challenge on 73 minutes given the RAF sergeant in charge a second opportunity to march a player off the field and ending Solly's testimonial season.

On 79 minutes Charlton had their best chance with the keeper somehow managing to clear off the line from Bauer. Lapslie got a yellow card for a last man challenge. It could have been a red, but the advantage was played.

The tireless Louis Mendez knows his Oxford United from his Oxford City (unlike his brother) and his report is here: Major blow

Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer was hugely frustrated after the defeat at Oxford. He said that unless Sunderland, Portsmouth and Barnsley all lose this afternoon then Charlton's top two hopes are over. Addicks boss Bowyer felt the Solly red card was a yellow at worst on first viewing. Says nothing changes now with regards to approaching the play-offs - he just wants to win every game.

Charlton end Luton's unbeaten run

Charlton ended table topping Luton Town's 28-match unbeaten run with a convincing 3-1 victory at The Valley this afternoon. Charlton are now just one point behind Portsmouth and Sunderland although each of them has a game in hand.

Lyle Taylor struck twice as Charlton came from a goal down to beat the Hatters. Luton looked set to continue their run when Harry Cornick fired past goalkeeper Dillon Phillips and into the top corner to give them an early lead at The Valley. Luton could have put it beyond doubt with a second goal but for a superb save by Dillon Phillips.

Luton keeper James Shea was lucky to be shown just a yellow card when he wiped out an advancing Vetokele. Lee Bowyer thought that it was a reckless challenge that deserved a red card: Charlton ready to pounce

Taylor won the crossbar challenge just before the half-hour, but Charlton offered little else until the second half.

After the break, Taylor was pushed to the ground by Sonny Bradley and stepped up to calmly convert the equalising penalty. Luton manager Mick Harford complained that the penalty was a disgrace, but it looked like a clear foul to me.

Igor Vetokele then put the Addicks ahead, finishing low to the goalkeeper's right after Krystian Bielik had put him through on goal. Bielik was tireless throughout despite going down with injuries three times, eventually being substituted. He was able to carve open the Luton defence. Lee Bowyer said that he was suffering from cramp.

Within minutes, Vetokele turned provider, crossing for Taylor who struck the ball low past James Shea from six yards to seal the win.

Two minutes from time Luton charm merchant Andrew Shinnie was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card for a late challenge, having already been booked for a cynical first-half foul.

Congratulations to whoever came up with the 'Rodney Trotter' banner in the Covered End.

Report from Louis Mendez here: Top two hopes kept alive

Can we unseat Chairboys?

Charlton go to Wycombe Wanderers this evening while Sunderland are at home to Burton Albion. 1,500 Addicks are expected to attend.

Wycombe are currently bottom of the form table while Charlton are third, but this does not mean very much when the Chairboys are battling the threat of relegation. Wycombe have won eight, drawn five and lost seven games at home. Curiously, this is identical to Charlton's away record. Wycombe have not won a game since the end of January.

Manager Gareth Ainsworth says his side has been fighting for weeks, complaining that he has the smallest squad in the league and the smallest staff in the Football League.

Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth could have Luke Bolton back in contention for the match. The on-loan Manchester City winger picked up an injury against Shrewsbury on March 16 but could return to action. Darius Charles remains the only long-term injury absentee as Ainsworth has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from.

Krystian Bielik is out injured: Ankle injury

Lyle Taylor could get his 20th goal of the season tonight in line with a prediction by Lee Bowyer: Goal wager with hotshot

Odds are: Wycombe, 23/10; Draw, 12/5; Charlton, 11/10 (Paddy Power).

The referee is Antony Coggins who usually officiates in League Two. He has the distinction of having sent off a father and son in the same game.

Charlton battered in first half hour

Charlton were battered in the first half hour at Plymouth and they have Dillon Phillips to thank for turning the game around: Taylor on away win

Successful pilgrimage

The 817 Addicks who travelled to Plymouth today saw Charlton win 2-0 to consolidate their place in the play offs. Lyle Taylor scored for Charlton in the first half and on 48 minutes it was 2-0, the goal attributed to Vetokele, although the BBC and Sky ruled that it was an own goal. Louis Mendez reckons Vetokele got a touch.

Luton and Blackpool drew 2-2 after the Tangerines had twice been ahead. Barnsley lost 3-1 at Burton. Sunderland won 2-1 at Rochdale after going behind and Portsmouth beat Tuesday's opponents Wycombe 3-2. Doncaster won by a single goal at Bradford.

Plymouth won a number of early corners and it was 24 minutes before Charlton got their first corner. Bielik was said to have fouled Lameiras on 38 minutes and Argyle were awarded a penalty. Phillips dived to his left and touched the ball wide.

Charlton then went up the other end and scored, Taylor heading home from a Solly cross.

Four Charlton players were booked in the first half: Sarr; Bauer; Vetokele; Bielik. At least this was one short of the five red cards the referee dished out at MK Dons at the end of September.

Charlton were dominant before and after the interval and scored their second goal on 48 minutes. It was created by a superb run and cross by Williams.

Pratley replaced Bielik on 63 minutes, he had taken a slight knock. Lapslie came on for Vetokele on 74 minutes and immediately put in a cross which Taylor headed only just wide. Williams left to a standing ovation on 80 minutes with Parker replacing him.

Report from Louis Mendez: Triumph on the road

On his 50th outing in charge of the Addicks serene supremo Lee Boywer said that the Dillon Phillips penalty save was pivotal in the game. Bielik has a problem with his ankle: Bowyer's comments

Lyle Taylor speaks out on racism

In an interview with the Evening Standard Lyle Taylor says that black players must take direct action on racism: Lyle Taylor

Bradford City investigate racist remarks

Bradford City are investigating racist remarks directed towards Lyle Taylor on Twitter after Saturday's game at The Valley: Investigation

The second goal problem

Charlton beat bottom club Bradford City 1-0 at The Valley this afternoon. Although the three points were welcome, it was in many ways a painful experience.

Charlton went ahead in the first half through a well-taken goal by Lyle Taylor who was well set up by Naby Sarr and Aribo. But then we were unable to score a second goal which would have finished the match off.

Bradford were error prone at the back and needed to have pressure applied to them. After a decent first half, in the second half Charlton lacked urgency and even seemed lethargic. Fortunately, although Bradford were capable of rapid counter attacks, their finishing was poor.

After their opening goal on 18 minutes, Charlton nearly doubled the lead after 22 minutes when Taylor turned provider by squaring for Igor Vetokele, but O'Donnell did well to pull off a save at point-blank range.

Taylor almost added a second after 32 minutes when his curled effort from outside the area hit the post and rebounded out for a goal kick. Bradford should have equalised after 36 minutes when Jacob Butterfield took too long to fire in an effort after Lewis O'Brien beat the offside trap.

Taylor was guilty of firing over the bar from six yards out after 41 minutes while David Ball hit the post for Bradford 10 minutes into the second half.

Louis Mendez reports on the narrow win here: Basement Bantams

Lee Bowyer thought that Charlton dominated the game, although they were sloppy in possession at times and still have an outside chance of a top two finish: Bowyer's hopes