Unbeaten run continues

Away draw specialists Charlton continued their unbeaten run with a 1-1 draw at Exeter City this afternoon.

The Gtecians made a storming start and a quality cross allowed former Addick Ben Purrington to open the scoring after five minutes with a pinpoint header.

Charlton came close to equalising thtough Dobson just before half time, but the ball was ruled not to have crossed the line and Purrington made the clearance.

Aneke came on a second half substitute and scored the equaliser, well it actually deflected in off Diabatel, but Aneke made good use of Bakinson's cross.  May had a chance to secure all three points towards the end of normal time with the keeper stranded but hit the post.

There were too many overhit balls and once again we looked vulnerable defensively.

Charlton remain 16th, seven points ahead of Port Vale at the head of the relegation zone, although they have a game in hand.   Lower table sides generally did well, but with Cheltenham winning at Fleetwood the Cod Army look to be increasingly at risk.

Karoy Anderson was substituted at Exeter, but Michael Hector thinks that his international experience with Jamaica can only benefit him: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/michael-hector-says-international-experience-with-jamaica-can-only-benefit-charlton-midfielder-karoy-anderson/

Hector would like to stay at Charlton beyond this season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/michael-hector-id-like-to-stay-at-charlton-athletic-beyond-this-season/

Charlton's financial results for 2022/23 should be out soon.   Meanwhile, here are some figures from three other League One clubs: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2024/03/league-one-financial-results.html

Contract negotiations in limbo

It seems that there are some uncertainties over contract negotiations with Michael Hector and also some uncertainties about Terrell Thomas: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-asked-for-contract-negotiations-update-on-former-fulham-chelsea-and-sheffield-wednesday-centre-back/

Holden makes a good call on exit decisions

I think that Dean Holden got his cull of players and decisions on retained players just about right.  Michael Hector and Terrell Thomas deserved a place, although Aaron Henry will need to continue his development on loan: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-offer-trio-new-deals-but-defender-and-midfielder-to-leave/

Albie Morgan always tried his hardest, but lacks the consistent quality needed in a team hopefully aiming for promotion.  He should find his level in League Two, perhaps reunited with George Lapslie at Gillingham.

Sean Clare may count himself a little unlucky, but never made a position his own.  Again, thanks for everything.   Ryan Inniss will have time to curate his red card collection.

There are six players returning from loans and we may not want to hold on to any of them, apart possibly from Deji Elerewe, but he may have a future at Bromley.   There must be a question mark over Joe Wollacott's future.   Maynard-Brewer has his critics, but perhaps needs a more experienced keeper to challenge him.

Good riddance to Macaulay Bonne who was not the danger at Championship or League One level that the Zimbabwe press thinks, but perhaps it was a slow news day in Harare: https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zim-born-striker-linked-with-charlton-athletic-summer-exit/

Holden looks set to retain Hector

Dean Holden will be pursuing a 'no dickheads' policy with his summer recruitment and Michael Hector passes the test: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/no-heads-policy-charlton-boss-on-fans-forum-comment-as-he-is-asked-about-deal-for-former-fulham-centre-back/

Back to back away wins

Charlton won 2-1 at Cambridge this afternoon after a game of two halves.   The Addicks have gone up to 11th.

Corey Blackett-Taylor was not available this afternoon and will be out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring problem.   Charlton played a 4-3-3.

Charlton won the first corner of the game after nine minutes, but it ended in a goal kick.  

Cambridge won a corner.   Morgan headed it away.  

Rak-Sakyi provided the perfect assist for Leaburn to score on 16 minutes after a good ball over the top from Sean Clare.  Cambridge had tried to claim for offside.

Charlton were being given space and also creating it for themselves.   The midfield were dynamic and the wide players were doing well.

Morgan's free kick was excellent with a delivery to the near post and Rak-Sakyi scored on 28 minutes to make it 0-2.  It was very well worked with Campbell distracting Cambridge.

Sean Clare had to receive treatment for a head injury.

Disgruntled Cambridge fans started to turn their disappointment on the officials.

Three minutes were added on.   Cambridge got a last minute corner but the delivery was over everyone.  Charlton had clearly dominated and created a lot of opportunities.

Steve Brown said we had played with an excellent tempo, we had come alive today.   The front two wide players looked really good.   We needed a killer instinct in the second half.   He would like to see Morgan and Fraser break into the box and get a shot away.

HT: 0-2

Kanu came on after the break for Leaburn.  He may have had a niggle.  Cambridge made three changes which made a difference.  They moved to four at the back.

Hector had to concede a corner.  Cambridge had a free header but Maynard-Brewer made a good save diving to his left.

The second half was not going the way of the first in terms of chances and possession.

Charlton had to concede a corner.   Cambridge got a goal back  on 71 minutes with the unmarked Jones stretching at the far post after an initial header from Brian Bennett.

Kilkenny came on for Morgan.  Sessegnon came on, replacing Thomas.

Cambridge were winning the 50-50s.  Kilkenny headed away a Cambridge corner.   It had been a difficult 10 minutes for Charlton.

A shot from Brophy was blocked.   Inniss cleared away an attempt from Tracey.

Charlton were still under pressure despite the changes with Payne coming on.   Kanu was brought down, but nothing was given.   There is general agreement that it was a penalty.  A Charlton corner ended in a free kick for Cambridge.

Seddon got a yellow card for a foul.  The free kick was unproductive.  Cambridge made another substitution.  

Four minutes were added on.  Rak-Sakyi came off.   Charlton won a late corner.  

The pundits

Kevin Lisbie said that we gave away the ball sloppily in the first five minutes of the second half encouraged Cambridge.    Steve Brown said that Sean Clare got caught in possession twice.  Scott Minto asked whether we had missed the physicality and mobility of Miles Leaburn in the second half. Kevin Lisbie said it was evident we had missed him in the second half.

Louis Mendez provides his four takeaways from the game, noting that Michael Hector is looking more the part: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-1-win-at-cambridge-travelling-supporters-deserved-uptick-in-away-form/

Stockley a man with a point to prove

Dean Holden recognises that Jayden Stockley will have a point to prove when he returns to The Valley on Saturday - and he doesn't blame the former captain: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/hell-have-a-point-to-prove-charlton-boss-dean-holden-on-valley-return-this-weekend-for-jayden-stockley/

Joe Wollacott is back in contention for Saturday's game after playing for the under 21s against Bournemouth.  However, it would be harsh to displace in form Ashley Maynard-Brewer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/joe-wollacott-set-to-be-back-in-goalkeeping-equation-for-charltons-fixture-against-fleetwood-town/

Chuks Aneke and Michael Hector completed 65 minutes in the game.   It will be a question of wait and see to assess how Aneke feels two days later, i.e., probably knackered.

Why identity of players offered new deals is kept quiet

Dean Holden explains why he won't identify the trio of young players offered contract extensions: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-explains-why-he-wont-divulge-identity-of-young-trio-offered-new-deals/

Holden explains why he rates Michael Hector: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-has-been-long-term-admirer-of-former-fulham-chelsea-reading-and-sheffield-wednesday-centre-back/

DJ is the last to leave

New look defence at Charlton

DJ went out to AFC Winbledon in a last minute loan deal.  He has not featured much this season.  Lavelle has gone on loan to Burton.  Terrell Thomas has been retained because we need cover in defence.  The deal for Wigan winger Gwion Edwards did not happen - Richard Cawley does not have any information at this stage.

However, he has stated that they made a late bid for Corey Blackett-Taylor.

Dean Holden thinks that Michael Hector could be a really good signing: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/former-fulham-defender-michael-hector-signs-six-month-contact-with-charlton-athletic/

The overall pattern of business was undoubtedly influenced by the fact that we have no chance of making the play offs, the unrealistic break even target and the uncertainties surrounding the prospective takeover.

It has been suggested that the wage bill has been cut by £1.4m.

Richard Cawley reports: 'No update from Charlton yet on the contractual situations of technical director Andy Scott, COO Jim Rodwell and finance director Ed Warrick - all three only had deals until January 31. Trio brought in as part of the Charlie Methven-led takeover.'

In they come and out they go

Defender and free agent Michael Hector has joined Charlton on a short contract while the Gavin Kilkenny loan deal has gone ahead as anticipated: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64470956

It's a starring or at least supporting actor role for Eoghan O'Connell who joins Wrexham who lost two defenders to injury on Sunday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/hollywood-a-listers-announce-charlton-athletic-departure-for-wrexham-bound-eoghan-oconnell/

Terrell Thomas may become a vegan and join Forest Green.   Sam Lavelle could join Burton as the clearout continues.