'We could lose' admits Shrews boss

Shrewd Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst admits that his team could lose at The Valley this afternoon. It will be a tough test of their credentials, but he has told his players just to relax and enjoy it: No worries

The coach is on its way, traffic doesn't look too bad and everyone is looking forward to a day out in London.

Earlier in the season Karl Robinson said that he reckoned Shrewsbury couldn't sustain their challenge. Admittedly, quite a few pundits had them down as relegation candidates.

The CASC Trust preview asks 'how come Shrewsbury are so good?' It seems a lot is down to the manager: Medium sized town in Shropshire

Shrewsbury have not won at The Valley since 1984, but games have been few and far between.

Referee Christopher Sarginson from across the border in Staffordshire will ensure that the Salopians get fair treatment. He is also known for adding on lots of stoppage time, but then Charlton matches are generally the last to finish anywhere.

Odds: Charlton 5/4, Draw 2/1, Shrewsbury 12/5.

Charlton could face former Brakes ace

One of the keys to success in the non-league system is sifting through players who have been let go by the Academy system to see if there are any hidden gems. Leamington have done this quite well with Danny Newton doing well for Stevenage.

In the summer there was a tussle between Leicester City and Swansea City for the signature of leading striker Courtney Baker-Richardson, a Coventry City academy product. Swansea won and he is banging in the goals and providing assists for their under 23s.

However, possibly the real star is Alex Rodman, a mainstay of Shrewsbury Town: Alex Rodman shines

It seems only yesterday when I was standing on the touchline at the New Windmill Ground chatting to his mum. He has had some injury problems recently, so Charlton may be spared him tomorrow.

Now living in Solihull, he played for the Brakes for three years while studying for a business studies degree at Nottingham Trent university. He was paid £30 a week and then in his last year at uni went to Tamworth where he earned £60-£70 a week.

He went on play for Aldershot Town and got three England C caps. However, he was then diagnosed with blood clots all over his lungs, had to go to hospital and was on Warfarin for three months. With his career apparently at an end, he broke down in tears but went on to play more than 200 games.

Rodman's father established Warwick Sports & Leisure.

Now aged 31, he is taking a master's in sports directorship at Manchester Metropolitan University. 'I found the more I dive into books, the more I read and learn and challenge myself, the more I grow as a person and a player. I feel that not only am I in the best shape of my life, fitness-wise, but also intelligence-wise with the decisions I make on the pitch and off.'

Richard Cawley of the SLP has done an exclusive interview with Ezri Konsa. Read it here: Promotion hopes

The clock is ticking

I am back after my second stay in hospital and the club remains unsold, despite Richard Murray's stated belief that it was most likely to happen in February. However, Ramsgate pundit Rick Everitt reckons that any further delay will cost Roland Duchatelet: Time is running out for Roland

Some fans are sceptical of what Rick has to say because he has jumped the gun more than once. However, he does have access to multiple sources of varying credibility and they don't always tell the same story.

'Charlton till I die.' Yes, but I want my club back first with credible owners who are prepared to work with the fans to rebuild Charlton.

Price was not right

Scotland supremo Alex McLeish has told the Evening Times in Glasgow that an effort to buy Charlton came to an end because Roland wanted too much for the club. An investment company was also involved. Presumably this leaves just the Australians in the frame.

Service still suspended

Unfortunately I am back in hospital again. At least I can think about whether I prefer a kilt or a cork hat. The kilt does not need a pile of debt.But with McLeish having accepted the Scotland job, fresh doubts have arisen. However, his role seems to have been that of an advisor on the football side.

Tykes take a look at Robinson

Barnsley have Karl Robinson on their short list to replace Paul Heckingbottom as manager. Garry Monk is favourite, but Robinson is reckoned to have done a 'solid' job at Charlton.

Whether new owners would be happy to see Robinson see out the season or would want to bring in their own man right away remains to be seen.

Done deal?

After over a fortnight in hospital, I was allowed to go home today. The NHS was marvellous throughout, thankfully averting a 30 per cent fatality rate.

What better news to greet me than growing reports that the sale of the club has been agreed. It looks like the Australians with a price tag of £45 million which represents a good deal for Roland.

With the SWAT team in charge of me for six weeks, there will be no early return to The Valley for me, but it looks like I have something to look forward to.