Monday 27 July 2015

Naby Sarr to Charlton?

French central defender Naby Sarr is reported to be joining Charlton in a €2m deal from Sporting Club de Portugal: Naby Sarr

Friday 24 July 2015

Massive departure

Reports are circulating that Rhoys Wiggins is departing for Sheffield Wednesday in a £750,000 deal.

There is now increased competition for the left back spot, while the proneness of Wiggins to injury has raised doubts about him.

The case for retaining Wiggins is put here: Rhoys Wiggins

Owls away day could cost you

You had better start saving up now if you are thinking of going away to Sheffield Wednesday. New owner Dejphon Chansiri has introduced a new pricing structure. Bristol City fans are thinking of staying away from their first game back in the Championship after being told it would cost them £39 to get into Hillsborough: Expensive day out

The one saving grace is that the price depends on the perceived quality of the opposition so Reading fans will pay just £25. Given that Charlton are dwarfed by the massiveness of the Owls, we might get away with even less.

Thursday 23 July 2015

Four year deal for Cousins

Richard Cawley of the South London Press reports that a four year deal for Jordan Cousins is in the offing: Jordan Cousins

Cawley's recent predictions have been spot on, so this looks like more good news. Other clubs have shown an interest in Cousins.

Deal done on Bergdich

According to a tweet by Richard Cawley of the South London Press, Charlton have concluded a transfer deal with Real Vallodold over Zag Bergdich. It will be a long-term contract.

On James Henry, Cawley says that Wolves want more than £500,000 even though his contract has just twelve months to run.

Cawley has also tweeted that Southend have made a bid for Joe Pigott, but it doesn't meet Charlton's valuation.

Cristian Cabellos has signed. He was with Barcelona and then moved on to the Spurs development squad, before a loan spell in Portugal. A midfielder, he can also play at centre forward: Cabellos

Gudmundsson contract extension shows ambition

Guy Luzon believes that Johann Gudmundsson's four year contract extension shows the extent of Charlton's ambition: Gudmundsson

One Addick commented that it was the best news of the summer so far and he is not far wrong.

Comfortable Charlton win

Charlton beat Dagenham & Redbridge 2-0 away yesterday evening. The Addicks, who were without Jordan Cousins and Igor Vetokele for this one, made a positive start to things as Karlan Ahearne-Grant flashed a shot narrowly wide of goal.

Frankie Raymond managed to fire away the League Two side's first real effort of the contest, which Nick Pope was equal to in goal. Some nice link-up play between Ahearne-Grant and Tony Watt ended with the latter forcing Mark Cousins into making a stop to his right, with Charlton continuing to dictate things.

They were eventually rewarded prior to the break when Matt Partridge diverted Chris Solly's dangerous cross into his own net. New Dagenham signing Matt McClure had a chance to level things up soon after the restart when played through, but his tame effort ended wide of the post.

Jodie Jones was the next Daggers player to make an attempt, forcing another save out of Pope, but it was the visiting Championship side who found the game's second goal through Tareiq Holmes-Dennis's 30-yard drive from a free kick. This can be seen here: Holmes-Dennis

Wednesday 22 July 2015

Latest on Jaems Henry

Charlton have made an inquiry about James Henry, but no bid and a move is not imminent according to Wolves boss Kenny Jackett, although he didn't rule it out: James Henry

Tuesday 21 July 2015

Simon Church complains about Peeters

Former Addick Simon Church complains about his treatment by Bob Peeters in an interview with the South London Press: Simon Church

Peeters may well have thought that Church wasn't good enough, but possibly matters could have been handled better.

On a more positive note, the SLP also has an interview with new defender Patrick Bauer: Bauer made welcome

Gudmundsson to sign new contract

According to Richard Cawley of the South London Press, Johann Gudmundsson is going to sign a new contract today. If confirmed, this is excellent news.

Monday 20 July 2015

Offer for Lenglet?

French sources are claiming that Charlton have made an offer for AS Nancy central defender Clément Lenglet: Lenglet offer

Difficult to know what to make of this one, although we do favour French-speaking players. The 20-year old is 6ft. 2 ins. and said to be a real presence on the field.

Earlier in the year he was linked with a move to Juventus and at that time a detailed profile of him as a player was published: Lenglet profile

Zakarya Bergdich in London

Spanish sources are reporting that Zakarya Bergdich is in London for contract talks with Charlton. A fee of €300,000 is being mentioned. It may, however, be a few days before anything is resolved.

Unconfirmed reports are saying that we have offered a trial to Australian international and utility player Chris Herd. His contract at Aston Villa has apparently been terminated. He had loan spells with Bolton and Wigan in the 2014-15 season.

He has had a lot of injury problems recently which would concern me, but there is nothing lost by taking a look. Career details: Chris Herd

Sunday 19 July 2015

Happy ending for ex Addick

Charlie MacDonald played for Charlton in the Premiership. Now 34, he is facing tougher times as his football career draws to a close.

Last season, he played for Barnet, scoring eight goals in 30 games. He even postponed an operation to help the club in their promotion challenge.

But he was stung badly by the Bees when he was let go in May. 'I've been around a long time and I know that football is a cut-throat business,' he told The Non-League Paper. The older you get, you don't expect to be surprised anymore. But I was this time. It was probably the most disrespectfully I've been treated in my career.'

However, his troubles had a happy ending when Boreham Wood offered him a part-time contract. This suits him well as he has just finished a media degree and is hoping to start a new career.

Saturday 18 July 2015

New signing

Not one we or anyone else seems to have spotted: midfielder and Algerian international Ahmed Kashi signed from Metz: New signing

Wilson given Bolton trial

Former Addick Lawrie Wilson is being given a trial at Bolton after failing to secure a contract at Rotherham: Lawrie Wilson

West Ham and the Olympic Stadium

Prague Addick and one time Valley Party stalwart Richard Hunt has been campaigning hard on the question of West Ham's move to the Olympic Stadium which is seen as a threat to our support base in Kent.

West Ham are getting a very favourable deal at the expense of the taxpayer, so the issues go beyond Charlton. Richard Hunt brings us up to date with the latest position here: Olympic Stadium

Rogers praises Gomez

Brendan Rogers has praised Joe Gomez after his performance at left back in the win against Brisbane Roar, referring to his positional versatility. It seems he won't go out on loan: Gomez

The nature of the deal with Liverpool was never revealed in full, but if it included add ons for appearances, Gomez remaining at Anfield could be to our advantage.

Friday 17 July 2015

Addicks chase Bergdich

Richard Cawley of the South London Press has tweeted that Charlton are chasing the signature of Zakarya Bergdich. The 26-year old Moroccan left back is registered with Real Vallodolid, but has been on loan at Genoa. He does have French citizenship.

He has been in trouble for domestic violence: Bergdich

Thursday 16 July 2015

James Henry rumours

There are reports in the Daily Mirror and elsewhere that winger James Henry is returning to London, signing for Charlton from Wolves for £500,000. There is no confirmation from any of the usual sources.

The 26-year old started his career at Reading but was then at Millwall, first on loan, and then on a permanent basis from 2010 to 2014: Career details

It is a story that looks plausible and it has now acquired credibility with the SLP's Richard Cawley tweeting that talks are under way. Read more here: What he would bring Previously, the only confirmation was from the Sparrows Lane tea lady who tends to endorse any media speculation. I will see if I can find anything out from West Midlands sources.

Wednesday 15 July 2015

New goal keeping coach

Richard Cawley of the South London Press has tweeted that Bolton's Lee Turner is to take on the role of goal keeping coach. Cawley says that Turner had a good reputation at Bolton, but wanted to move back down south.

Tuesday 14 July 2015

Vetokele adds voice to call for more players

Igor Vetokele believes that Charlton will definitely need to add more players if they are to challenge for a top six position. In an interesting interview, he discusses how playing through an injury led to a deteriorating performance over last season: Vetokele

Reports are suggesting that Charlton have turned down a bid by Wigan for Callum Harriott. However, they may make a second bid and other clubs are said to be interested: Callum Harriott

Monday 13 July 2015

More signings needed

More signings are needed before the start of the season says Addicks coach Damien Matthew. A bit of a statement of the obvious really, but good to hear from it inside the club: Squad too thin

Optimists are keeping their spirits up by saying that perhaps Roland will strengthen in January when he sees what our needs are then, given that we started with a small squad last season.

Richard Cawley of the South London Press has recently tweeted that Charlton are closing in on a signing, he is likely to be in Belgium with them.

It is increasingly looking as if we are going to lose Fredéric Bulot. Indeed, Richard Cawley has tweeted that the deal is dead and he will be joining Reims. The move has now been announced: Au revoir. A loss in my view and a shame that Roland couldn't have got this sorted before selling the mother ship.

Apparently, SL's new owner is not happy with the way the Watt deal worked out and lack of money received by them caused a few problems.

It appears that we agreed a deal with Bayern Munich for Bastian Schweinsteiger 15 years ago, but the player eventually decided not to come: Lost signing

Saturday 11 July 2015

Charlton claim back Crown Berger

The Crown Berger cup will be back in the trophy room at The Valley this evening after Charlton made a good start to their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 victory over Welling United at Park View Road.

Both goals were scored by Karlan Ahearne-Grant in the first nine minutes. Bauer looked a strong addition to the team. The second half was very different, a young team which levelled things up more. Welling themselves hit the woodwork twice and tested Pope.

The attendance was 2,100. It was very hot.

There was a pitch invasion at the end of the game, but not of the type that led Blackpool's pre-season opener to be abandoned.

If you were worried about Gudmundsson's absence, he was at a concert at Wembley last night according to his tweets.

Why do Brazilians hate Ramsgate?

Brazilian group Urso Polar [Polar Bear] has released a song It's Official, I Hate Ramsgate.

We have a big Brazilian community in Leamington, but when I sipped my Brazilian coffee this morning, no explanation was forthcoming.

The Times puts its down to a broken love affair, referring to lyrics that talk of 'The Atlantic Ocean between you and me' and 'You're so unkind.'

An alternative explanation is that the group are Millwall supporters and recognise Ramsgate as a centre of Addicktion. For example, it is the home of the Voice of the Valley editorial offices.

Derek from Dymchurch commented, 'While I'm pleased it's not our part of the coast that's been insulted, it's a right liberty, but our UKIP councillors who are in charge in Thanet now will sort them out.'

Friday 10 July 2015

Bulot may not return

French sources are saying that Fredéric Bulot is in contact with Reims with a view to going there.

Sparrows Lane sources are saying that there are a lot of complexities with sorting out his contract because he is an overseas player. It is all very frustrating, but procedures have to be followed and they are lengthy.

He does have permission to train with Charlton and to take part in the pre-season friendlies with a view to signing permanently or on a new loan. He is booked on the train to Belgium on Tuesday.

This may just be a case of his agent playing one club off against another to secure a better deal. But, clearly, there is a risk of losing him which I would regret.

In an unrelated development, Reza Ghoochannejhad and Piotr Parzyszek have both been cleared to leave Charlton, reports the South London Press.

The Sparrows Lane tea lady has linked us with Brighton winger Kazenga Lua Lua. He might be available, but I think she has been at the sugar cubes again.

Vetokele's injury woe

Igor Vetokele is training just once a day, not wanting to aggravate his Achilles injury on bone hard pitches: Vetokele

It is doubtful whether he will take any part in pre-season games and his availability for the opening match against the Super Hoops must be in question.

This perhaps puts into context recent reports linking Charlton with a search for another striker.

Southend maintain interest in Pigott

Southend have maintained their interest in luring Joe Pigott back to Roots Hall. However, matters have been held up because Guy Luzon had never seen him play and wanted to take a look pre-season: Joe Pigott

My view is that Pigott is not going to make the grade in the Championship and would be better off with the Shrimpers.

Thursday 9 July 2015

Skipper hopeful of more signings

Johnnie Jackson thinks that Charlton need a few more experienced bodies before the season starts, but is hopeful of more signings: Completing the squad

The skipper also discusses his own fitness. Sensibly enough, he is taking things carefully.

Kabasele rumours doubtful

Internet rumours are linking Charlton with 21-year old Anderlecht striker Nathan Kabasele. Admittedly, he is Belgian.

However, he has been linked with a move to St. Paul in Germany. Moreover, the most recent reports from Anderlecht insist that he is staying put. So the credibility rating is low.

In addition, the current priorities are midfield and defence.

Tigers at The Valley

It looks as if Charlton could be entertaining a team of tigers at The Valley next season with the Football League giving the green light for Hull City to change their name to Hull Tigers: Tigers

As far as I'm concerned, the idea comes straight from the daft ideas department and has been opposed by most Hull fans.

However, supposing Charlton was to adopt an animal name, what would be called? Charlton Pussycats?

Wednesday 8 July 2015

Jamie Stuart keeps playing

He may be 38, but former Addick Jamie Stuart has signed a year's contract extension with Margate in the National League South. However, he will mainly be used as cover and his main role seems to be as fitness coach: Jamie Stuart

Stuart joined Margate in December 2013.

Tuesday 7 July 2015

Charlton in three corned fight for Anderson

Unconfirmed reports are stating that Charlton are in a three cornered fight for former Ipswich Town winger Paul Anderson. He can play on either wing. The 26-year old is out of contract at Portman Road: Paul Anderson

Brought up in Leicestershire, the Foxes failed to offer him a contract. He then joined Hull City, his father's one time club. After an unsuccessful spell at Liverpool, he took up tractor driving: Career

Charlton have had a number of good players from Ipswich in the past and do have a good rapport with them.

Millwall lose £8m

Millwall managed to lose £8m last season, according to a tweet from Richard Cawley of the South London Press. That's more than Charlton and despite a 50 per cut in the wage bill.

Looks like another season of trying to turn rubbish into power.

Monday 6 July 2015

Rodney Charlton Trotter

Johnnie Jackson delivers Charlton's 100th sold season ticket in Del Boy's old van. I hope they didn't have to drive far in that three wheeler, but it looks like a typical South-East London 1930s street: Del Boy

One that got away

Michiel Kramer has joined Baniyas in the UAE after receiving an offer that was too good to turn down: Michiel Kramer

Sunday 5 July 2015

Jordan Cousins is staying

The club is insisting that Jordan Cousins is staying at The Valley. However, it does look as if there will be talks on a new contract at some point: Jordan Cousins

Cheap at the price

Today's Non-League Paper points out that a season ticket at Woking this season would cost £330. At Chester it is £286 if you stand or £346 if you sit. At Halifax a season cost £319. The paper then points out that the cheapest adult season at The Valley is £200.

Saturday 4 July 2015

Addicks won't be facing Danny Green

Charlton will be breathing a huge sigh of relief with the news that they won't be facing Danny Green next season. He has been released by MK Dons rather late in the summer: Danny Green

However, it looks as if Luton Town might swoop for him, a club that has been a destination for former Addicks in the past.

Friday 3 July 2015

Wigan make bid for Harriott

The South London Press has reported that Wigan have made a bid for Callum Harriott. However, the offer from the Lactics does not meet Charlton's valuation.

Fans have so far reacted calmly to the news about the mercurial winger, who has often been seen as a likely departure.

Thursday 2 July 2015

Action at The Valley

Announcer Big Dave Lockwood has just tweeted that armed police have just jumped a man in Floyd Road.

One version is that he was a Spanner, another that a man has been arrested for making a fraudulent claim to be a footballer.

Wednesday 1 July 2015

Addicks in lead in Michiel Kramer race

Charlton are in the lead in the race to sign Michiel Kramer. Sheffield Wednesday have pulled out over his wages and Brentford's interest has cooled, apparently because he does not fit into their overall plan.

However, that does not mean he is coming to The Valley, particularly if wages are an issue. One concern in those situations is upsetting the overall structure, annoying other players.