No deadline day mayhem

Despite reports alleging that Darren Bent had been seen at the training ground and that the Archangel Gabriel had been spotted hovering over The Valley, there were no deadline day signings for Charlton. This should not be a cause for complaint (Derek from Dymchurch please note).

As one knowledgeable Charlton supporter commented on Facebook: 'Why is it that some people seem to feel that because the transfer window is open we have to sign players? We have a very good infrastructure in place for scouting potential players throughout the whole year. Especially on the last day prices and demands can go through the ceiling because Clubs assume that people in the market to buy are desperate. Why pay inflated prices for average players when chances are we already have someone who is better?'

The club has stated that there were negotiations right up against the deadline, but they were not successfully concluded: Deadline day . As a number of fans have commented on social media, this is a welcome example of good communication by the board.

The august Sevenoaks Chronicle has revived speculation about Darren Bent coming in on loan. I know that as high an authority as Acworth has said this is going to happen, but I still think it is very unlikely. If you look at the story it has no substance beyond a 'meltdown on Twitter', i.e., speculation building on speculation: Dream on

I am satisfied with the acquisitions we have made over the summer. Ideally one might have liked a central midfielder, but the arrival of Bulot should allow Cousins to move to the centre. If one of our strikers sustains a serious injury, we might have to look at a loan.

After all the media predictions of a relegation battle, we have made a decent start to the season, unbeaten in the league. I think that Roland and his team have done a good job. The players arriving from the network are much better than the notorious 'January Six' which looks like a decision based on inexperience. However, it's water under the bridge now, although doubtless some fans will never forgive Roland for the departures of Kermorgant and Chris Powell.

It's been a hectic transfer window and has probably taken up more of my time than it should have done. I even had to turn down some work for the Evening Standard and whenever you do that, they tend not to come back. However, in the case of the Sub Standard that's probably no bad thing.

I will devise a new questionnaire to see whether attitudes towards Roland have changed during the international break. Now that Folkestone & Hythe has been deemed a winnable seat for UKIP, Derek from Dymchurch will be kept busy. I think I might have a modest celebration with that famous dish Boulets a la Liègeoise, otherwise known as meatballs and fries.