Loan interest in Kirk

There could be loan interest in Charlie Kirk, but supremo Dean Holden is remaining tight lipped about moves in and out of the club: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-have-had-interest-in-their-players-at-start-of-january-window/

Mandela Egbo will not be returning from injury any time soon.   Dean Holden admits that the injury situation of Chuks Aneke is not easy to manage: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/summer-signing-still-a-long-way-away-from-being-back-available-for-charlton-athletic/

Charlton interest in Fulham centre back

Unconfirmed reports are linking Charlton with a loan deal for young Fulham centre back Ibane Bowat: https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-charlton-athletic-in-transfer-battle-with-league-one-rivals-as-they-seek-deal-for-fulham-player/

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/

Two on their way out

Jake Forster-Caskey is to join Stevenage.  It is unlikely that a fee will be involved.  His serious injury disrupted what had been a successful career at Charlton when he was named player of the year: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/stevenage-to-sign-charlton-athletic-midfielder/

Charm merchant former Gills manager Steve Evans was key making the switch: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/steve-evans-key-in-charlton-midfielder-making-switch/

There is firm interest in Craig MacGillivray who is available without a fee: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-keeper-could-be-early-transfer-in-january-window/

Richard Cawley comments: 'Proof is absolutely in the pudding (no longer a Christmas one), but the talk is that Charlton in for numerous deals this window and that intent is to get at least a couple in early on.'

'Something doesn't add up' on takeover

Rick Everitt reviews the latest evidence on takeover moves at Charlton following the presence of Charlie Methven and former Oxford United director Simon Lenagan at yesterday's game.   His conclusion is that 'something doesn't add up': https://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2022-23-blogs/2-1-tenth-pompey-win-offers-more-takeover-evidence/

It appears that just £3.3m of the £11m takeover price would be working capital which, given that the club can expect to lose around £6m a year, 'doesn't touch the sides'.   Prospective investors have told that there is the prospect of draconian savings, including on the football side.   But how would that help the club to get out of League One or even stay there?   

There is also uncertainty about the £12m of loans provided by Sandgaard.  Roland, of course, still owns The Valley and the training ground and wants £50m for them.

To me this all smells like the Thames did in the 1950s.

No comment from Holden on Ferguson

The rumour mill has been linking Charlton with left-sided Rotherham player Shane Ferguson, but Dean Holden refused to be drawn on the issue which suggests there may be something in it: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-manager-dean-holden-refusing-to-be-drawn-into-conversations-about-reported-ex-millwall-transfer-target/ 

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