Tuesday 29 October 2019

Aussie bid bites the dust

There have been reports on social media that the Australian bid for Charlton has been withdrawn. I cannot confirm these reports, although I think that the bid has been dead as a dodo for some time. For better or worse, we are stuck with Roland for the rest of the season. All we can do is to continue to get behind Lee Bowyer and the boys.

Monday 28 October 2019

Cullen happy with points haul

Josh Cullen is not too disappointed after an injury racked squad got four points from an action packed week of four games: Pleased with points haul

Saturday 26 October 2019

Charlton draw with league leaders

Charlton secured a 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns this afternoon. The Baggies took an early lead, but birthday boy Macaulay Bonne equalised for Charlton. The home side were reduced to ten men on 67 minutes, but still managed to go ahead. A penalty in time added on enabled Charlton to equalise.

Gallagher had been identified as a danger man by the Baggies before the game and Livermore put in a nasty challenge on the youngster. It earned him a yellow card, but it could have been a red.

A low cross enabled Matt Phillips to tap the ball home on six minutes put the Baggies 1-0 ahead. On 12 minutes Otzumer turned provider for Bonne who was denied by a last minute tackle.

A Gallagher drive was touched towards goal by Lockyer, but it was just over. From a Purrington cross, Solly put in a volley but it was inches wide. Phillips headed wide for Albion.

Two minutes into the second half an Albion chance was put over by Dillon Phillips. He then charged down an effort from his namesake.

On 60 minutes Bonne scored his fifth goal in six starts. A shot deflected into the air enabled Bonne to score with a header.

There were so many charm merchants playing for the hosts that the referee initially sent off the wrong player on 67 minutes, but eventually Ferguson was dispatched for his challenge on Solly. The Baggies made a double substitution. On 73 minutes Otzumer was replaced by Aneke.

Pearce denied Townsend with a sliding tackle. A Cullen shot was inches away. On 81 minutes substitute Robson-Kanu put Albion ahead.

On 87 minutes Pearce and Pratley were replaced by Kayal and Josh Davison, the former Enfield Town ace making his Addicks debut. With six minutes added on, Charlton were awarded a penalty for a foul on Sarr, arguably a bit soft, but I'm not complaining. Cullen drove the ball down the middle to score.

Albion blasted over a late chance and an Albion corner had to be cleared.

Charlton are now 8th in the table.

Friday 25 October 2019

Odds against Charlton in Baggies clash

West Bromwich Albion have set the pace at the top of the table, there is an enormous gap in resources between the two clubs and Charlton have an injury hit squad. However, our record at The Hawthorns gives some ground for optimism about tomorrow's game: We like The Hawthorns

Good news on Lyle Taylor

Lyle Taylor has taken off his knee brace and is back in light training. He could be in the squad for the game against Millwall in a fortnight: Timescale for a return

Thursday 24 October 2019

98th minute blow for Charlton

Charlton went down to defeat 2-1 at Bristol City when the home side scored a 98th minute winner, an undeserved victory if there ever was. The match left Charlton with more injury worries.

The game looked destined to finish as a draw until midfielder Brownhill latched on to substitute Kasey Palmer's lofted pass and drilled a left-foot shot past Dillon Phillips.

After a lacklustre first half, the Addicks took the lead when Macauley Bonne beat Daniel Bentley to Beram Kayal's through ball at the corner of the box, took the ball past the Robins keeper and slid it home from a tight angle. But Bristol City levelled when the visitors failed to cut out a looping cross by Brownhill and another substitute, Famara Diedhiou, headed home from close range.

The Senegal striker was then shown a straight red card four minutes from time for kicking out at Jason Pearce while the Charlton defender was on the floor.

Brownhill registered the only effort on target - a tame long-range shot - of a cagey first half, which was interrupted by injuries to Charlton midfielders Sam Field and Jake Forster-Caskey.

But there was no shortage of chances after the break, with Bonne curling a shot wide of the far post and Kayal and Conor Gallagher both being denied by Bentley. Bonne's opener on the counter-attack came after the home side's best spell of pressure as Andi Weimann saw a shot from eight yards turned over the bar by Phillips, while Diedhiou and Rodri both had efforts scrambled off the line following a corner. Phillips then pulled off two more fine stops to keep out a fierce Weimann drive and a Palmer header, before Diedhiou nodded in the equaliser.

Lee Bowyer was devastated by the result: Charlton return empty handed

Jonny Williams had an operation on Tuesday and is out for a minimum of two months. Sam Field left Ashton Gate in a knee brace: Injury crisis worsens

Charlton are now 10th, but the table is so tight that they are just five points off first place and two points off the play offs.

Monday 21 October 2019

Work rate key to Charlton success

Jake Forster-Caskey thinks that work rate was key to Charlton's victory over Derby County on Saturday. Derby were simply not allowed time on the ball but were hounded out of possession: Work rate key

Forster-Caskey admits that the success of Conor Gallagher, named in the EFL team of the week, does not help his chance of a starting role in central midfield, but says that he has been comfortable playing at left wing-back in place of Ben Purrington.

As Addicks have had the chance to reflect on a compelling victory, many have praised the contribution made by Darren Pratley.

Saturday 19 October 2019

Rainbow over The Valley

A rainbow was seen at The Valley this afternoon as Charlton secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Derby County with goals from Bonne, Sarr and Gallagher. Serving the first game of his touchline ban, Lee Bowyer directed operations from the press box.

The attendance was 19,408 but the Jimmy Seed emptied out after Charlton's third goal.

Charlton started brightly with a Forster-Caskey effort blocked on four minutes. On six minutes Sarr released Jonny Williams who charged down the left side and cut the ball back for Bonne who put a left foot finish into the far left hand corner.

A good sliding challenge by Pratley denied Malone.

A Charlton counter attack on 20 minutes started with Pratley winning the ball of Bielik. Bonne's low cross was just in front of Williams. Sarr put in a great tackle on the edge of the area.

Derby were not being given any time on the ball and Bielik in particular was being aggressively closed down. The impressive Williams had to be withdrawn on 31 minutes, but Sam Field who replaced him played well. Roos made a big save from Cullen before the break.

Naby Sarr took advantage of a Cullen corner at the far post to make it 2-0 with a header. Waghorn fouled Gallagher and received a yellow card. On 60 minutes Derby made a double substation with Bielik going off to a standing ovation.

Gallagher made it 3-0 wit a brilliant strike from 25 yards into the top left-hand corner. Bonne was replaced by Hemed on 75 minutes. Gallagher was then replaced by Kayal. Phillips had to make an excellent save from Bennett to deny the Rams a consolation. Hemed shot straight at Roos in time added on.

Charlton are now 7th in the table and two points behind Leeds in second place.

Charlton are waiting for an assessment of the Jonny Williams knee injury: Anxious wait

Match report from Louis Mendez here: Rams swept aside

Friday 18 October 2019

Ram raiders head for SE7

If you are looking for omens for tomorrow's match against Derby County, Charlton have been vulnerable to ram raids. Charlton Athletic have won one of their past 11 matches against Derby in all competitions (W1 D3 L7), a 3-2 win in August 2014.

On the other hand, Charlton haven't lost consecutive home league games since February 2017, when they lost to Oxford United and Bury in League One.

Just four points separate 1st and 10th positions in the table in this very open league.

Lee Bowyer will be serving the first game of his three match touchline ban.

Krystian Bielik and Ben Hamer will be former Addicks playing for Derby: CAS Trust Preview

A new edition of Voice of the Valley will be on sale tomorrow. It is always possible to order a copy online for delivery under plain cover at: Voice of the Valley

You can then read the vapourings of the usual suspects in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Kevin Nolan makes a welcome return in this issue.

Wednesday 16 October 2019

Bowyer sets a points target

Lee Bowyer has set Charlton a target of 45 points to ensure safety: Points target

40 points has been sufficient in most recent seasons, although some might argue for a 50 point target.

Bowyer conceded that two or three games had been lost because of errors at set pieces.

Monday 14 October 2019

Injured players return

Three players who have been out injured should return for Saturday's match against Derby County: Tomer Hemed, Beram Kayal and Ben Purrington. Lee Bowyer is particularly pleased to have Purrington back as the left back position has been a concern: Returning players

Sunday 13 October 2019

Bowyer's development strategy for Bonne

Some interesting comments by Lee Bowyer on Macauley Bonne who was doubting himself and asking what he was doing at Charlton: Insight on strikers development

Clubs such as Shrewsbury Town were interested in taking him loan, but Bowyer wanted to give him the chance to develop at The Valley. The manager thinks that his hold up play has improved 'like you couldn't believe'. He is, however, still a work in progress.

Bowyer has asked for a personal hearing over his FA charge: Personal hearing

Friday 11 October 2019

Ramsgate fan becomes council leader

VOTV editor and Ramsgate fan Rick Everitt has become the leader of Thanet District Council after a vote of no confidence in the Conservative leader: Leadership role

Tuesday 8 October 2019

Conor Gallagher in under 21 sqaud

Conor Gallagher has been promoted to the England Under 21 squad following his excellent performances with Charlton: Promotion

Monday 7 October 2019

Lee Bowyer charged

Lee Bowyer has been charged with two breaches of FA Rule E3 following the EFL Championship fixture between Charlton Athletic and Swansea City on the 2nd October. It is alleged that the manager’s language – both on the field and in the tunnel area at the end of the fixture – amounts to improper conduct and/or questioned the integrity of the match referee. He has until Thursday to respond.

Phillips 'over the moon'

Dillon Phillips is over the moon about his save which ensured that Charlton took a point away from Craven Cottage on Saturday: Pleased he could help the team

He thinks that the goal scored by Mitrovic could have been offside.

Saturday 5 October 2019

Thrilling draw at the Cottage

We would have taken a 2-2 draw before the game which again reflects credit on Lee Bowyer and his team. Fulham twice came from behind to draw a pulsating London derby against Charlton at Craven Cottage.

The Addicks deservedly led at the break through Conor Gallagher's smart low finish after Forster-Caskey fed Solly.

The lively Ivan Cavaleiro fired into the top corner after exchanging passes with Bobby Reid and evading Sarr to make it 1-1, only for Macauley Bonne's looping header to restore Charlton's advantage 90 seconds later.

But Fulham, much improved in the second half, levelled for a second time when Aleksandar Mitrovic forced the ball home from close range.

Dillon Phillips stopped Reid from scoring a time added winner for the home side. Lee Bowyer praised the great saves that Phillips made: Today I thought he was outstanding

Lee Bowyer said that it was a perfect away performance and a point was the least that Charlton deserved: Bowyer praises side

The report from Louis Mendez can be found here: Thrilling draw

The manager on the rise: Lee Bowyer

Sky Sports have done an in depth interview with Lee Bowyer ahead of today's televised match. Bowyer says that Charlton means a lot to him but it was going in the wrong direction when he returned: The once reluctant manager now on the rise

Bowyer commented, 'My job was to try and include the fans. I knew they had their differences with the owners but I can't control that, it was nothing to do with me. The most important thing I told them was to get behind the team, because I knew if they did it would make a huge difference.'

Friday 4 October 2019

Parker: Charlton visit will be a little bit emotional

Scott Parker says of Charlton's visit to Craven Cottage tomorrow, 'It probably will a little bit (emotional). I’ve been back as a player and got a lot of stick because I left on bad terms. I understood the fans’ disappointment when I left as we were flying, doing really well, and I was a large part of it at the time.'

Parker has said his side has no real injury threats ahead of the Charlton game on Saturday.

Fulham have shot up the Championship table in the last few weeks, sitting fourth after back-to-back wins, first against Wigan and then a 4-1 win at Reading on Tuesday. It takes Scott Parker’s side to five games unbeaten in the Championship, having lost just one of their last nine games.

In the game against Charlton, Fulham will be looking to better their home record of one win in their last four.

It's 33 years since Charlton have won at Craven Cottage: CAS Trust Preview

Taylor hopes to stay

Lyle Taylor talks to Richard Cawley of the SLP about his contract situation and summer transfer bids, saying that talks are 'going on upstairs': Lyle Taylor

Thursday 3 October 2019

Millwall manager quits

Millwall manager Neil Harris has quit: Steps down

He was the seventh longest serving manager, but some reckon he went before he was pushed.

Jackson praises Gallen for Gallagher deal

Johnnie Jackson says that the recruitment of Conor Gallagher was down to Steve Gallen: Who takes the credit?

Jackson said: 'Gallen is unreal. We have got no chief executive in place and no chief scout. So our head of recruitment is dealing with contract negotiations with clubs as well. He’s really stepped up. We see players through the year and highlight ones we like. But Steve comes to us with players that we’re not even aware of, take Connor Gallagher for example.'

The Fulham challenge

Lee Bowyer reckons that Fulham have the best squad in the Championship, but thinks his Charlton side will give them problems: The Fulham challenge

Bowyer thinks that Charlton deserved a draw against Swansea and reckons it's time that the Addicks got some of the big decisions from referees: Deserved a draw

Bowyer said that he had to make some changes with the Fulham game in mind. Some fans were critical of the decision not to play Jonny Williams, but if he had used him last night he could not have played on Saturday. He thought that Otzumer played well for large parts of the match.

Wednesday 2 October 2019

Swans overcome Charlton

Charlton lost 1-2 at home to Swansea at The Valley tonight to fall to 8th in the Championship table. A penalty appeal after Aneke was brought down in the box was waved away.

A 65th-minute strike sealed a comeback win for the Swans, after Charlton had gone ahead inside two minutes through Jonathan Leko, who drove home from 15 yards with the aid of a deflection.

Yan Dhanda levelled for Swansea with another deflected effort at the end of a bright passing move, before Ayew's close-range effort secured a sixth victory in 10 league games under Steve Cooper.

The visitors' confidence very quickly took a hit as Charlton scored from the first attack of the game. After Swansea made hard work of clearing a cross from the right flank, Leko unleashed a fierce drive which flew into the top corner with the aid of a slight deflection. The Valley was rocking but Swansea settled and found a way back into the contest on 17 minutes.

Ayew had lifted their first effort of the night over the bar, but the Ghanaian was involved again as Swansea worked the ball into the penalty area. After Borja's lay-off, Jay Fulton squared for Dhanda to slide in only his second senior goal thanks to another deflection.

Swansea were growing in confidence and there was a scare for Charlton keeper Dillon Phillips as Fulton flashed a spectacular effort over the bar just before the break. They threatened once more just after the restart as Fulton met Dhanda's cross with a point-blank volley which was saved by Phillips. The ball then ricocheted off Fulton before the Scot hooked it across for Ayew to head home.

Swansea celebrations were cut short on this occasion as the assistant referee ruled that the ball had gone out for a goal-kick before Fulton centred. Yet Ayew was not to be denied. When Matt Grimes swung in a corner from the left, Joe Rodon rose to flick the ball on and Ayew stabbed home from close range.

Charlton threw men forward in the closing minutes, with one Jason Pearce header causing panic, but Swansea held on.

One fan commented, 'you can’t give away the ball that much and expect to get anything at this level. First time this season I’ve thought we probably didn’t deserve anything from a game.'

Lee Bowyer commented, 'They gave me everything and that's all I ask. They've been done on a set-piece. Dillon didn't really have a save to make all game.'

Report from Louis Mendez here: Second home defeat of campaign

Bring on the Swans

Tonight's game against Swansea City is the first meeting in any competition between Charlton and Swansea since the 2008-09 season in the Championship, with the Addicks going unbeaten in both games (W1 D1).

Swansea have won only one of their last 16 away league visits to Charlton (W1 D5 L10), with that last victory coming in May 1980 (2-1). Charlton have only lost one of their last 22 home league games (W16 D5), though it did come against Birmingham last month.

After a run of seven consecutive away defeats in the league, Swansea are unbeaten in their last six on the road (W3 D3). Borja Baston has netted six of Swansea's 13 league goals so far this season, with the Spaniard scoring from just 10 shots on target.

Charlton are now 7th in the table after last night's games. If Charlton beat Swansea tonight, the Addicks will go joint top with Leeds.

Tuesday 1 October 2019

Fixture scheduling benefits Fulham

Lee Bowyer thinks that the Championship football scheduling benefits Fulham. When Charlton turn up at Craven Cottage on Saturday for their third challenging Championship fixture in a week, Fulham will have had an extra 24 hours to recover from their midweek fixture: Fulham's advantage

Lee Bowyer is being named as a possible replacement for the hapless Nathan Jones at Stoke. Bowyer will be linked with every Championship vacancy or potential vacancy that turns up, although I can't see the Potteries appealing. Give him a long-term contract!

Even de Turck has his doubts

Roland's point man Lieven de Turck says that the Australians are still actively interested in buying Charlton, but even he is starting to doubt whether they will finalise a deal: Takeover 'update'

The Australian bid is being considered for the Guinness Book of Records as the longest ever negotiation to acquire a football club.

The Belgian claimed that new bidders had appeared and insisted that the price had not gone up.

Bowyer says Bamford should have seen red

I and others thought that Leeds charm merchant Patrick Bamford was lucky to stay on the pitch on Saturday after a horror tackle and I am glad to see that Lee Bowyer shares my view: Should have seen red

Swansea boss Steve Cooper has a lot of respect for Bowyer, but thinks that the Welsh club's mentality will help them on Wednesday. He is also upset about refereeing decisions and the absence of VAR in the Championship: Steve Cooper