Ken Bates rumour

A Leeds source is claiming that Ken Bates is interested in buying into (or buying outright) Charlton. England's Mr Football certainly has an insatiable appetite for buying football clubs and turning them round whilst not leaving himself out of pocket (although it has to be said that the financial arrangements are not always transparent).

Leeds fans that I know were mostly glad to see the back of him, although it could be claimed that he steadied the ship after earlier errors. Mr Nice Guy he is not. I suppose one's reaction might depend on what kind of Charlton one wants: one with a serious chance of obtaining and maintaining Premiership status, or one that is very much in contact with its fans.

It may not be relevant, but Tony Jiminez had a spell running player recruitment at Newcastle United with Dennis Wise who is on good terms with Bates. Bates as chairman and Wise as manager is a distant prospect but one I would not welcome.

I cannot find any corroboration for this rumour, but I haven't dismissed it out of hand as it has a certain plausibility given that the club is in need of investment.

Away support

There's been some discussion recently of the size of our away support, so thanks to the fan who put some data up on Facebook which suggest that the position is not as bad as many have suggested. On average we take 1,048 supporters away which admittedly is less than the average of 1,627 to be found in the Jimmy Seed Stand. But we actually take more away than Millwall (861) although fewer than Palace. Bristol City take the wooden spoon at 704, while Leeds United take the 'massive' tag at 2,878.

In the last Voice of the Valley a correspondent welcomed the 'new, passionate and boisterous group of younger fans who have started following us recently'. He complains about the 'complacency and sheer passivity of the majority of our older fans' who fail to provide 'vocal support and criticism of our manager'. He continues that he doesn't just want 'CAFC to be known as a cuddly family club (whatever that means) who take two coach loads of pensioners to away games.' For me what being a family club means is not being Millwall, offering somewhere where people can come to watch football without undue abuse.

I have to confess that I haven't been to an away game for some time whereas I used to go to most of them. This is largely for family reasons. The whole argument in the letter to VOTV seems a bit ageist to me. But probably I am not passionate or partisan enough for away games. It becomes increasingly difficult to switch off being balanced and non-partisan in my job and my media work, so perhaps I had better confine my support to The Valley.

Chris Powell to return to League 1?

Speculation is linking Chris Powell with the vacancy at Wolves. Apparently the local paper, the Express and Star is going to run a story on the interest that Wolves have later today. This is one of the most reliable sources on football stories in the Midlands which suggests that Wolves might have an interest, which is reasonable enough, given that Sir Chris has secured a promotion from League 1. Wolves might also think they are a bigger club than Charlton, having recently splashed out not far short of £20m on a new stand.

I cannot see Sir Chris wanting to return to League 1 and face the anger of Wolves fans if promotion is not secured at the first attempt. However, given what appear to be the financial constraints at The Valley, the right offer might tempt him and some sources have indicated that the door is open should he wish to leave. Fortunately, there is currently not a vacancy at Leicester. Reports appeared on Twitter that Pearson has been sacked, but the local newspaper denies this: Pearson

Correspondents from the Black Country think that the Express and Star is not a reliable source and the Shropshire Star is, I think, a sister paper. What they are saying about the story makes some sense, but I admit that it could all be journalistic speculation: Chris Powell

Dorian Dervite has signed a deal to stay at The Valley: Dervite

Haynes on his way?

Sky Sports News is reporting that Danny Haynes will leave Charlton when his contract expires next month: Haynes

A number of clubs are reported to be interested in getting him on a free which is not surprising. Whilst he was affected by injury problems, he scored some exciting goals for us.

Former Addicks keeper John Sullivan has joined Portsmouth on a two year contract, rather than AFC Wimbledon where he was on loan. He says that he is excited by the 'project'.

Leon Cort has been retained for another year at The Valley.

The rumour mill starts

I haven't got the time to check out any of these stories at the moment, but we are being linked once again with Sam Baldock (he was seen as a prospect before his move to Bristol City). I was a bit underwhelmed by his performance for them in the last game of the season, but he may have known that he was on his way out. There is some credibility in buying from a relegated Championship club, but the price tag would be at least £1m and we might have to sell first to afford that.

Richard Cawley at the South London Press tweeted yesterday about reports of a £250k bid for Crawley Town defender Mark Connolly Connolly . Taking a player from League 1 also looks plausible, but I would have thought that the priority was the midfield. But that does not, please, mean a return for Nicky Bailey.

Richard Cawley has tweeted this morning that Charlton are open to offers for Dale Stephens (Aston Villa were interested at one time), Danny Hollands and Danny Green. Hollands has found the transition to the Championship difficult and Green tends to be inconsistent.

Varney spearheads Kuwaiti takeover at Ebbsfleet

Former Charlton chief executive Peter Varney has led a Kuwaiti takeover of Ebbsfleet United at a cheap price from myfootballclub: Ebbsfleet

£100,000 will be made available as a transfer fund and there will be a £8k a week playing budget which is substantial for the second level of non-league.

Great win for development side

In front of a substantial home crowd at Cardiff City Stadium our under-21 development side beat the Bluebirds/Red Dragons 3-1 after extra time to take the national League 2 title, following their convincing defeat of Huddersfield in the semi-finals. Here is a report from Wales: Victory

Not surprisingly Harriott was a handful for the home side. He made a special request to play, having not featured recently due to first team duties! As well as scoring the opening goal, Michael Smith set up the decisive goal. Nick Pope performed well in goal. Pope talks about his Championship debut here (he also gets some coverage in the Football League Paper this morning): Nick Pope

Cambridge United want Pope back on a long-term loan next season, which would help his continued development, but we would need a recall clause: Cambridge United