Norwich and Gudmundsson

Unconfirmed reports are appearing that Norwich City are interested in signing Johann Berg Gudmundsson at the end of the season.

He certainly wouldn't want to stay at Charlton in League One.

Defensive weaknesses cost Addicks

Charlton's defensive weaknesses once again cost the Addicks as they went down 3-4 at home to Reading.

Valley hero Yann Kermorgant put Reading ahead after heading in Ola John's cross but Sanogo levelled after Marco Motta teed him up. The Royals led again when Hal Robson-Kanu cut back for Kermorgant to curl in, before John slipped home for 3-1.

Sanogo, on loan from Arsenal, then headed his second before tapping in for his hat-trick, only for Rakels to win it for Reading in stoppage time. Had Charlton held on to draw, they would have lifted themselves off the bottom of the Championship table by virtue of Bolton losing to Burnley.

The Addicks thought they had rescued a valuable point after 84 minutes when Sanogo was on hand to poke in after Reading goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi parried Johann Berg Gudmundsson's shot. But Rakels latched on to Jordan Obita's free kick to steer past Stephen Henderson in a heartbreaking end for Charlton.

Protests against the current regime extended to Belgium with 20 fans arrested after they unfurled a banner at Sint Truiden (they were later released): Protests

Hard to keep the faith

Normally turning up for a Charlton home game on a Saturday is a no brainer for me, even though it involves five hours of travelling. However, for the first time, I am torn. My non-league team is on the edge of the play offs and playing a team that is at home in the play offs. All just ten minutes drive away.

I'm not optimistic about Charlton winning and, even if they did, we will still be some way off safety. I just can't see us staying up. Of course, I will keep the faith, but that faith is wearing thin. In five of our last eight home matches we have failed to score.

Harry Lennon is out after receiving a red card on Tuesday, while Jordan Cousins is doubtful after limping off. Chris Solly has a leg injury and looks unlikely to play.

Odds are: Charlton 16/5, Draw 12/5, Reading 20/23.

Charlton do look like dead men walking: Dead men walking

CARD urge season ticket ban

CARD are urging fans not to renew their season tickets: Season tickets

Many fans have already decided not to renew. I will be renewing. I want to go on watching league football and I am not going to support another club. I can't subsist on a diet of non-league football.

The advantage of having a season ticket is that I sit with people I know and I do not have the hassle of buying tickets on a match by match basis.

CARD have urged fans to wait until July before buying, although I am not sure why this date has been selected. I don't think that the regime are going anywhere anytime soon so each individual fan has to decide whether to renew.

Vaz Te feels hard done by

Ricardo Vaz Te feels that he did not get fair treatment from José Riga who did not want him at Charlton: Vaz Te

I don't think that Vaz Te set The Valley alight and not many Charlton fans were disappointed to see him go.

What progress is the CARD campaign making?

The campaign against the Belgians in charge of Charlton is a war of attrition, although not too long a one, writes VOTV editor Rick Everitt. The campaign has stayed away from illegal activities, although he draws a distinction between the law and Charlton's ground regulations.

The great success of the campaign so far has been securing national media attention and this prompted the owner to make his first statements for two years. The televising of the Middlesbrough game on March 13th opens up new possibilities. Read Rick Everitt's comments in full here: The campaign

The campaign has clearly been well organised, energetic and sophisticated. It has attracted sympathetic and wide coverage. However, one is up against a very obdurate individual who is convinced of the soundness of his own judgment. Both the times and the situation are different from the Back to the Valley campaign. I would not be surprised if the same people were in charge a year from now.

Yann Kermorgant 'gutted' at Charlton's plight

As Yann Kermorgant prepares to return to the club with Reading on Saturday, he says that he is 'gutted' at Charlton's plight. The club has been 'wasted' by its owners: Yann Kermorgant

The Football Supporters' Federation have weighed in with a critical article about what is happening at the club: FSF

Riga: 'I can only master what I can master'

José Riga has said that he had no say in the decision that Jason Euell would step back from first team coaching duties. Apparently, Euell was unable to agree terms with the club.

Simon Clark has now stepped up to a first team coaching role: Riga helpless

Another defeat for Charlton

Charlton lost 2-1 at Preston this evening to remain bottom of the Championship on goal difference.

The Addicks had an early opportunity when a floated free-kick from the left found an unmarked Roger Johnson, but his tame header from 12 yards was comfortably held by Anders Lindegaard.

Preston took the lead at Deepdale as Joe Garner headed in Paul Gallagher's corner at the near post. But Johann Berg Gudmundsson, who had earlier drawn a good save from the keeper, drilled the ball into the net from 20-yards out for the Addicks just two minutes later.

After the break Jorge Teixeira dribbled forward after 50 minutes before Ademola Lookman chipped the ball just wide of the far post.

However, substitute Robinson was left unmarked to fire home from 12 yards to restore Preston's lead after the break before Harry Lennon was sent off on 74 minutes for raising his arm to Garner late on.

Charlton threatened an equaliser in added time, but Yaya Sanogo fired wide from 12 yards.

It was the first double of the season for Preston.

Preston had twelve shots to Charlton's nine and each side had four shots on target.

Why it's so hard to kill off a football club

Unfortunately, this blog post does not mention Charlton and it could be argued that Roland and Katrien are doing a good job of killing off Charlton. However, it has some general relevance: Fan power

Drinking in the last chance saloon

With a serious injury list, Charlton are drinking in the last chance saloon. The club is in serious decline, says the SLP's Richard Cawley: Survival hanging by a thread

Lookman to be sold to highest bidder

Ademola Lookman is close to signing a four year contract, but this is designed to protect the club's investment. He will be sold to the highest bidder in the summer, with Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Spurs among the front runners: Lookman

The trek up north

I know there are some northern exiles who are Addicks who can only feasibly go to away matches in the north of England. Whether they will be tempted by tomorrow night's game at Preston North End is an interesting question. Yet there are some Addicks who are making the long trek north, including one from Portsmouth.

Preston are currently a form team in the Championship, 8th in the form table, 10th in the actual table. They may consider that they have an outside chance of making the play offs. On Saturday they beat Sheffield Wednesday who are in the play off places. Their home record over the season is, however, mixed: won six, drawn six, lost four. However, they have lost just one of their last nine Championship matches.

They will have done their homework on Charlton and know about our vulnerability defending at corners. They will also know that we can't score goals. We have scored only eleven of those all season, four at Rotherham. It's difficult to see a happy ending at Deepdale.

Jordan Cousins will be travelling with the squad after being out through injury.

Odds: Preston 8/13, Draw 11/4, Charlton 19/4.

Another nail in the coffin

Charlton went down 3-0 at Fulham this afternoon, confirming the likelihood of their relegation. Once again the goals were conceded from corners. The Addicks had their chances to score, but could not find the back of the net.

It was a wet afternoon at Craven Cottage as Charlton faced Fulham with Scott Parker as their captain. After two minutes Lennon had to head behind for a Fulham corner. Henderson came out and claimed the ball.

Lennon had to put the ball out again for a corner. Makienok connected with his head and cleared the ball a good distance. After good play from Bergdich, Harriott was tripped for a free kick 30 yards out. The move ended with a harsh foul awarded against Makienok.

Harriott put in a shot after good work down the left by Bergdich, but it was well saved by Lonergan. Fulham had a corner which was followed by a second, Solly putting it out when it was going out anyway.

The lino went down after being hit in the face by an attempted clearance by Garbutt.

A great counter attack with Makienok holding the ball up well and Harriott won a free kick on the edge of Fulham’s box. Gudmundsson’s shot came off the wall. After brilliant work by Harriott down the right, Gudmundsson had two shots on goal, the second going wide.

At the other end Fox did well to defend a cross and get a goal kick off the Fulham man.

O’Hara cynically tripped Harriott off the ball, but no card was shown, Amorebieta having been booked earlier for a foul on Harriott. A good free kick from Poyet required good work by Lonergan who beat Makienok to the ball.

Henderson dealt with a dangerous free kick from McCormack. Charlton won a corner after a low ball from Fox nearly reached Big Mak.

Fulham won a corner just past the half hour mark. Henderson had to turn a shot away for another corner. It was a good corner from McCormack, Charlton did not defend well, the ball came off the crossbar from Parker, it dropped to Cairney and he scored. Charlton had been the better side, but they had gone behind.

Charlton won a corner down the other end, but it was unproductive. Great work by Harriott played Gudmundsson down the wing and his cross was headed wide by Bergdich.

Harriott received the ball on the edge of the box, stepped on it and fell over.

A cross from Bergdich found Makienok at the near post, but he put the ball just wide.

Gudmundsson was brought down 30 yards from goal by Burn and the charm merchant was booked. Fox’s shot went over the bar.

McCormack had a chance to kill the game from seven yards, but put his shot over.

Fox did well to win a corner in time added on. Lennon got a volley on the corner, but it went out for a throw in. Dembele pushed Poyet over for a Charlton free kick. The delivery was cleared.

HT Fulham 1, Charlton 0

Fulham made a double substitution, Kacaniklic and O’Hara were replaced by Madl and Baird, going 3-5-2 with two wing backs.

Fox delivered a good ball towards the back post, but Fulham cleared their lines.

Lennon was beaten to the ball by McCormack, but Fox covered with a great challenge.

Harriott tested Lonegan with a long-range effort, he spilt his save, but Fulham cleared.

A cross from Fredericks was cut out by Lennon. Fulham won a corner after Bergdich gave the ball away. A second corner followed with Charlton under pressure at set pieces again. The McCormack delivery was spot on and Madl scored with the header from five yards to make it 2-0. The defending was very poor.

Dembele had a free run on goal and almost scored, but the ball came smashing back off the crossbar.

Charlton won a corner through Bergdich. Lennon was penalised for a foul, but Ba smashed it wide anyway.

On 66 minutes Ba and Poyet went off and Motta came on for his Charlton debut along with Lookman. Bergdich went across to the right. It did look a little unbalanced. Solly and Gudmundsson seemed to be central in midfield. Lookman was left midfield and Harriott was up off Makienok.

Lonergan saved well from a low shot from Gudmundsson after he broke through in midfield.

Fulham won a corner and made it 3-0, Cairney putting the ball into the bottom left hand corner. Henderson had no chance. Bergdich was replaced by Reza.

It was nearly four, but Henderson saved at his near post. Gudmundsson was fouled 25 yards out, an elbow in the back of Makienok’s head having been ignored by referee Friend. Gudmundsson’s free kick was narrowly over. Harriott fired well over from 25 yards. Cairney was replaced by Tunnicliffe.

Fox was booked for a late challenge on Fredericks, possibly a little harsh. Tunnicliffe made a reckless tackle on Fox and received a yellow card. It could have been a red.

Makienok flicked the ball into Harriott, he only had the keeper to beat, but he put it into Row Z. Stewards in the Charlton end had to stop a female pitch invader. A few came down the stairs to join in.

A shot from Gudmundsson was spilled by the keeper, Makienok fired the rebound straight at Lonergan.

The result was no surprise, but it still leaves a bitter taste.

Coquelin praises Charlton

Francis Coquelin tells the official Arsenal website that his time at Charlton helped him to turn his career around. He had a great time at The Valley and met some great people there: Coquelin

Roland won't be attending games

Roland Duchatelet does not plan to step up attendance at Charlton games, pointing out that he has been to The Valley more than other clubs in his network. Richard Murray is, in any case, the president, insists the Belgian: Absent owner

If he did come, he might meet customers dissatisfied with their match day experience.

Another member of the backroom team is set to leave with the head of sport science Laurence Bloom set to join Nottingham Forest: Valete

Slim hopes at the Cottage

As they struggle to get out of the relegation places, Charlton could do without a trip to Fulham, resurgent after their 3-1 away win at QPR last Saturday. The Super Hoops have not prospered under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, but Fulham showed their quality through the triumvirate of Ross McCormack, Moussa Dembele and Tom Cairney.

Before their win at Loftus Road, Fulham had been dipping towards the relegation battle, but they are now 18th. They are three places above Charlton in the form table. Fulham have won four, drawn five and lost six at home, scoring 24 goals and conceding 24. Last year we lost there 3-0.

Yaya Sanago, a bright spark in the closing stages of last Saturday's game, has done his back in and is unlikely to take part. Igor Vetokele remains doubtful. Jordan Cousins will have a late test on a leg injury.

Charlton are likely to concede goals, and it is difficult to see where goals are going to come from, although some fans think that Johann Berg Gudmundsson might weave some magic: Fan pundits

Fulham have only failed to score in one of their last 15 games against Charlton in all competitions (W8 D5 L2). The Addicks have not won away at Fulham in the league since April 1986, during which time eight meetings have taken place (D2 L6).

Charlton have only won 45 per cent of the games in which they have taken the lead, which is a league-low percentage. Fulham are the only team in the Championship with a shooting accuracy of above 50% this season (50.55 per cent). Charlton are the only team in the Championship to have faced more than 500 shots (including blocked) this season (525).

Johnnie Jackson has said that Charlton avoiding relegation would be like 'winning a trophy': Skipper

Odds: Fulham 4/6, Draw 14/5, Charlton 4/1.

Changes to financial fair play a disaster, says Roland

Roland Duchatelet has said that the changes made to financial fair play were a disaster: Disaster

No doubt he is right in the sense that they wrecked his whole strategy. However, either he or Katrien Meire (a competition lawyer) might have anticipated that they would succumb to a legal challenge and/or political pressure.

Roland also says that any future owner of Charlton is likely to be from China or Qatar rather than England.

Ahearne-Grant sent back

Karlan Ahearne-Grant has been sent back by Cambridge United who will not be renewing his loan. He made one start and two substitute appearances during his stay at the Abbey Stadium: Return

This is what happens when promising young players are brought into the first team too early to shore up a thin squad.

Addicks need to win six games avoid relegation

Charlton need to win six of their remaining fifteen games to avoid relegation, states keeper Stephen Henderson: Target

Given that they have one from fifteen, this won't be easy.

Varney gives it large

Former Charlton chief executive Peter Varney has responded to claims made by Roland Duchatelet in his interview with the South London Press last week: Peter Varney

Not surprisingly, the Ebbsfleet executive vice-chairman is disappointed at a reference to him as a 'billboard salesman'. The investor he wanted to introduce to Roland would have been prepared to meet him in Belgium. He pointedly notes that he arrived at 7.30 am on match days and was fully occupied thereafter. Katrien customarily arrives around 1.30 pm.

One of the most bizarre aspects of this recent development is that Katrien Meire approached VOTV editor Rick Everitt while he was selling the magazine outside The Valley on Saturday. Apparently clutching a Pinnocchio mask, and wearing the accompanying sticker, she apparently suggested to the Rickster that he was frightened to speak to her. It is difficult to envisage the Ramsgate resident being frightened of anyone and I am sure he would have welcomed a fuller exchange of views than occurred.

Welcome Yun Suk Young

Full back Yun Suk Young has been brought in on loan from Queens Park Rangers: Loan signing

I'm not clear why we need another full back and there seems to be an element of panic in expanding an already bloated squad as we fight relegation. I am not saying that he is a bad signing, just that I am uncertain what the overall strategy is.

The 26-year old is principally a left back, so he may be a threat to Morgan Fox who is not highly rated by many fans. Career details here: Yun Suk Young

The word from QPR is that he is quick and will run all day long, but they don't trust him defensively.

José Riga explains his recent defensive signings here: Explanation

Lay off demos says Curbs

Alan Curbishley was on the Football League Show tonight. Asked about the situation at Charlton, he said that the players were feeling the pressure from the fans. Normally there was a very good atmosphere at the ground. Fans needed to get behind the club and lay off the demonstrations until the summer.

The question of who would be manager at Derby County after the summer was discussed. The odds were displayed and Curbs was asked why he wasn't there.

Earlier on 606 a West Brom fan repeated the old canard that Charlton fans had forced Curbs out because mid-table in the Premiership was not good enough for them.

The elusive search for the back of the net

Charlton drew 0-0 with Cardiff City at The Valley this afternoon. They lifted themselves off the bottom of the table, but with Bristol City winning, they are six points from safety (effectively seven taking into account goal difference). It was difficult to see where a goal was going to come from with neither Makienok nor Reza impressing up front.

The first half was very bitty with neither side impressing. Matters were not helped by the referee who is also a guard on a heritage railway and kept blowing his whistle.

Reza Ghoochannejhad tested Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall before an unmarked Jackson headed Gudmundsson's corner into the ground and over. For their part, Cardiff complied in a half hearted way with owner Vincent Tan's 'shoot on sight' policy, their best effort from distance hitting the post. It also appears that their goal ruled offside was in fact onside.

Henderson had to make a couple of smart saves in the second half to maintain the clean sheet. Cardiff had a ball that ran along the crossbar and Bergdich tested Marshall. Makienok also had a couple of chances, one cleared off the line.

Charlton were at their most animated in the last twenty minutes or so after Arsenal loanee Yaya Sanogo came on. The Valley crowd started to roar as the Addicks pressed forward, but the elusive goal failed to come.

The referee prefers waving green flags to showing yellow or red cards, but eventually produced a second yellow and a red in time added on for Cardiff charm merchant Sammy Ameobi after he had blasted a dead ball into an empty net.

We need to be quicker to the ball and less hesitant when we have it. Players not directly involved need to stop standing round like statues. A bit more desire would be good.

In another demonstration of incompetence, the club had to abjectly apologise at half time for showing a photo of the big screen during the tribute to Graham Moore that was not him but was, I think, Alan Campbell.

A long list of schools offered free tickets was read out before the game: I did not know there were so many primary schools in the Royal Borough. However, very few of them appeared to be in the ground. The protesters were, however, in good form afterwards as they chanted 'You're not fit to run a club'.

Player ratings tomorrow.

Henderson made four good saves, but he did spill a cross from Whittingham in the first half, fortunately Ameobi was unable to take advantage of the opportunity. I was surprised to read some criticism from fans of Lennon as I thought that he stood firm and made some good interventions. The same applied to Teixeira. Fox made a few errors, but had a better game than usual. Solly was energetic.

Jackson was below par and eventually had to be substituted injured. Cousins got involved and also went off injured. Bergdich was good at times, less so at others. He picked up a yellow card for the second week running. Gudmundsson was more willing to chase down balls with determination than other players, but is still below the standard of the beginning of the season.

Makienok did manage to win most of his headers, although they never went anywhere useful. He was a stalwart in defence, but in front of goal he squandered his opportunities. Reza was busy and put one good ball into Makienok which the Dane was unable to make use of it, but Reza completely messed up a great opportunity to score, leading to derogatory chants from the Covered End.

Ba coming on was the start of us getting better, although I am not sure how much he had to do with it. Sanogo seems to be carrying a bit of weight, but he put himself about and looks useful. Poyet got on as a substitute, but is not the transformative player he was last season.

Welcome, Marko Motta

It is being reported that well-travelled 29-year old Italian defender Marka Motta has signed for Charlton until the end of the season. The free agent was formerly with Juventus and Watford: Marko Motta . The signing has now been confirmed by the club.

As a full back, he could challenge Morgan Fox for the left back position.

Cardiff told to shoot on sight

Cardiff owner Vincent Tan has told his players to adopt a shoot on sight policy at The Valley tomorrow. He wants to see 30 or 40 attempts on goal. Players should not waste time passing to get into the box, but shoot from 25 or 30 yards out. Tan said, 'If you shoot 30 times you'll get three goals, 40 times you'll get four goals, 50 times you'll get five goals.'

Tan used the analogy of an ugly man walking around with a beautiful wife because they've asked 30, 40, 50 times before getting a yes.

Last Saturday started badly when I was greeted with a shout of 'Come on Bristol!' as I walked into my coffee shop. I was anticipating a draw beforehand and it could have been a goalless draw, but for a rather soft penalty. However, we had plenty of time to get back into the match and displayed an abject inability to do so, despite the weaknesses of our opponents.

Can I hope for more tomorrow? Probably not.

Previous home matches against Cardiff: 2007/08: Charlton 3, Cardiff 0; 2008/09 Charlton 2 Cardiff 2; 2012/13, the famous fight back to win 5-4, no hope of that tomorrow; 2014/15, 1-1. Charlton have lost only one of their last ten home matches against Cardiff, but the Bluebirds have secured back to back away wins.

Charlton will check on the fitness of last season's top scorer Igor Vetokele, who missed last weekend's defeat with a hamstring injury. Deadline day signings Rod Fanni and Yaya Sanogo could be added to the squad after a week of training.

Odds: Charlton 23/10, Draw 23/10, Cardiff 6/5.

Roland: I'm not going to sell

In an interview with the South London Press Roland Duchatelet has said that he is not going to sell Charlton Athletic. He says that he and the fans need to work together. He is very dismissive of the approach from Peter Varney which he says was phrased in such a way that it could have been a request for a billboard: No sale

Roland said that he understood that most of the fans were extremely unhappy and he felt empathy for them. In his industry there was a culture of learning from mistakes. Having too big a squad caused problems in the dressing room. No contingency planning was taking place for relegation: Learning from mistakes

Roland defended chief executive Katrien Meire as a 'fantastic lady' with a 'big heart for Charlton.' He also defended Richard Murray against criticism: Katrien Meire

Roland said that he wanted to buy more British-based players as part of a recruitment rethink, but any head coach would have to subscribe to his philosophy of developing the academy: Player recruitment

In a set of four short videos on the official site, Roland says that he is 'extremely sad' to be bottom. He says that he is listening to the fans. He admits that appointing Karel Fraeye was a mistake. A reason for appointing Bob Peeters was that he had lived in London (I suppose at least he knew how to use an Oyster card). Roland says that we need a bigger squad, which contradicts what he told the SLP: Video fun

VOTV editor Rick Everitt comments that Roland has spoken, but has nothing to say: Empty words

Double treat in store

Charlton fans are in for a double treat tomorrow as owner Roland Duchatelet breaks his silence. Apparently, he has been in town and was photographed on the Docklands Light Railway.

He has given a long interview to the SLP's Richard Cawley of which the first instalment will be published tomorrow, covering some key issues. He has also recorded a video for release via the CAFC website.

VOTV editor Rick Everitt reckons this shows that he is rattled, but one thing can be relied on: he won't be going.

Vetokele could return on Saturday

Igor Vetokele has a 50-50 chance of returning for Saturday's clash against Cardiff City: Vetokele

I think he is most likely to feature on the bench.

Another much missed player, Alou Diarra, could be back in a few weeks.

Valley of Despair

Charlton fans explain to The Guardian why they are protesting about the state of the club: Troubled fans

Serge Gnabry deal could be close

A deal to secure 20-year old Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry on loan could be secured in the next 48 hours: Gnabry

However, the authoritative Richard Cawley of the SLP has tweeted that no deals are close at The Valley and he does not know where the story is coming from.

Scott Wagstaff feels sorry for fans

Scott Wagstaff received warm applause from Charlton fans when his name was announced on the Bristol City bench on Saturday when he came on.

He says that he keeps in touch with Charlton fans, it's a shame to see the state the club is in and he understands why fans are protesting: Wagstaff

Guerilla action struck Meire off

Rumours have been circulating that Charlton's chief executive CEO Katrien Meire had been sacked or at least had given up post. These were based on a Charlton fan accessing the records at Companies House and seeing that she has been removed from one of her group directorships.

It now seems that this is based on a correctly completed form to that effect having been submitted maliciously to Companies House, presumably by a disaffected Charlton supporter.

The club is taking the matter seriously and has started an investigation: Investigation

Abysmal performance sees Addicks go bottom

Charlton are now bottom of the Championship after losing 0-1 at home to Bristol City. The first half was an inconclusive battle of two poor sides but the visitors won a penalty which Henderson should perhaps have saved to put them ahead.

Charlton rarely threatened, although the very windy conditions did not help good football. However, it was the same for both sides and Henderson had to make three fine saves in the second half to keep the score respectable.

As for Charlton's attack, it was largely non-existent with our first shot on target being a tame effort by Bergdich in the second half. With Vetokele injured in training, we lacked a threat up front. Lookman did not have the best of games.

Our play was disjointed with ineffective and inaccurate passing and became more so as the game went on and panic set in. The three substitutions made little difference.

The whistle happy referee did not help matters by constantly stopping the game.

The faint glimmer of hope after Rotherham has gone. I fear that we are doomed.

Player ratings

Henderson could have saved the penalty, but also made three good saves. Teixeira seemed solid. Lennon put in another decent shift and made some intelligent moves. Fox did get forward well at times, but remains a weaker leak. Solly was energetic and did set up some intelligent attacking moves.

Jackson was fortunate not to get sent off. Bergditch got a yellow card for a completely unnecessary foul and his shot was little more than a pass to the keeper. Cousins had a good game and was one of the best players on the pitch. Gudmundsson was responsible for the penalty and his free kicks failed to work.

Makienok made contact between his head and the ball a number of times, but that was about it. Lookman looked lightweight.

Reza made little difference when he came on. I thought this might have been a game when Harriott could have made a difference, but he didn't have a lot of time to make a difference. Ba had a cameo.

Watt: 'I never wanted to stay at Charlton'

Tony Watt says he never wanted to stay at Charlton. It was a 'beautiful club', but things happened behind the scenes he can't talk about: Tony Watt

A good record against Bristol City

A few points to ponder as we face Bristol City in a crucial relegation clash tomorrow. City are, of course, currently without a manager after they sacked Steve Cotterill, but are engaged in a search for a new head coach (sound familiar?) and have been given permission to speak to Barnsley's manager Lee Johnson who played for the Robins for six years.

Charlton have only lost one of their last 14 home games against the Robins in all competitions (W9 D4). Bristol City have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 league meetings with the Addicks - a 2-0 win at The Valley in October 2008.

The Addicks have conceded the most goals inside the last 15 minutes of games this season (14). No team in the Championship has scored fewer goals than Bristol City over the last six games (2).

Charlton's four goals in their last game against Rotherham was the first time they had scored more than three goals in a league game since May 2013. 17% of Bristol City's goals this season have come from free-kick situations, the highest percentage in the Championship.

Odds: Charlton 2/1, Draw 9/4, Bristol City 27/10.

It's a Fraeye up

Former interim coach Karel Fraeye has discussed his time at Charlton at some length, complaining that you can't make a chocolate cake with pepper and salt: Karel Fraeye

Turning fans into customers

Controversy has been caused by a statement on the Fenway Sports Group site boasting about 'transforming fans into customers': Customers. It comes in the wake of ticket price increases at Anfield against which fan groups intend to protest tomorrow.

A Charlton fan seized the opportunity of this news item to send in a text which was read out on Radio 5 this morning pointing out Charlton fans had been compared to customers of a restaurant or cinema and that the Addickted wanted to see the back of the current owners.

Heather from Glasgow was also able to intervene in a subsequent Radio 5 debate on the subject, introducing the 'Mad Meire' theme.

From the Ramsgate direction

The thud of an ancient printing press, accompanied by oaths and curses, has been heard from 92 Valley Road, Ramsgate this week as the latest Voice of the Valley went into production.

Editor Rick Everitt has revealed details of the new contributors and they include fellow blogger Chicago Addick from Bermuda and Darryl Chamberlain, one time blogger of 'All Quiet in the West Stand' and inventor of the term 'Rickshaw': Contents of new issue

I have to express a slight sense of disappointment as I had been hoping for Nigel Farage on why the Belgians reinforce the case for Brexit; top fan Jonathan Acworth on his master plan to save the club; and Derek from Dymchurch on why he is perpetually miserable.

Gnomes and elves will be out around The Valley selling the new issue from 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Riga is the best, says Cousins

Jordan Cousins reckons José Riga is the best manager he's worked with, and he has experienced six at Charlton. He reckons that Riga is a good man manager who understands the players: Cousins on Riga

Jae Heon Kim on trial

19-year old South Korean midfielder Jae Heon Kim has been brought in on trial: Jae Heon Kim

He was at one time in the Portsmouth academy, but was not offered a professional contract.

Another six pointer

CAF Trust look forward to Saturday's game against Bristol City: Six pointer

Harriott spills the beans

Charlton winger Callum Harriott talks about his team mates in an interview with the Football League Paper.

His best mate is Jordan Cousins: 'We have been through the ranks together at Charlton since we were kids and still get on well.'

Last to pay for dinner is Tareiq Holmes-Dennis as they went out together recently to a Caribbean restaurant and he didn't pay. Stephen Henderson likes to play house music in the dressing room, while Callum is into UK grime and rap.

Callum rates Ademola Lookman as the most skilful player in the squad. No one's late for training, as there is a fines system that keeps everyone in line. Reza, Jacko ans Diego Poyet are particularly pleased to see José Riga back.

Chris Solly is first on the dance floor and 'not too bad'. Nick Pope disgraced himself by falling down the stairs at the Christmas party.

Welcome back, Polish Pete

It appears that Piotr Parzyzek has had his contracted terminated by Randers FC, so presumably he reverts to us. During his stay there which saw him score a single goal his nickname was 'Partycheck' as in 'Party? Check!

He was no use at all in the Championship, so I do not know what we will do with him if he returns. Fortunately, his contract has been cancelled.

It's like a bad dream, in fact it is a nightmeire.

More about this fiasco here: Not good enough

Farewell, Vaz Te and Moussa

The contracts of Franck Moussa and Ricardo Vaz Te have been terminated. However, despite interest from leading Premiership clubs (and Crystal Palace), Ademola Lookman has signed a new four year contract and is staying: Lookman

Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo has moved over from Ajax on loan for the rest of the season: Yaya Sanogo

Experienced 34-year old French defender Rod Fanni, who can play at right or centre back, flew into London this evening to sign rather than taking the customary route by Eurostar: Fanfare. Not sure where that leaves Roger Johnson.

Two in and two out today

Richard Cawley is expecting two players in and two players out at the The Valley today. Moussa may be one of the players on his way.

Charlton did put in a bid for Rotherham's Jonson Clarke-Harris. It is not known if they will make another bid, although some reports are now suggesting a bid of £2m has been made. Charlton put in a bid of £1.5m for the striker, but the Millers are reluctant to strengthen one of their relegation rivals. Reading and Sheffield Wednesday are also interested.