Saturday 30 November 2019

Illness on top of injury hits Charlton

The celebration party for the departure of Roland from The Valley did not go well with Sheffield Wednesday winning 3-1, although Charlton stay 17th in the table.

With only five players to choose from on the bench after Ben Purrington was forced to pull out, some Charlton players were also struck down by vomiting and diarrhoea. And the Addicks' injury crisis worsened further when they had to keep Oztumer on the pitch after he suffered what looked like a hamstring strain.

Following a neat exchange of passes with Morgan Fox, Bannan curled over a superbly weighted in-swinging left-foot cross from close to the left flank and Fletcher nipped in just ahead of his marker Naby Sarr to steer home a deft header just inside Dillon Phillips' left upright.

But, just nine minutes later, the Addicks levelled out of the blue. Recalled teenager Alfie Doughty surged down the left flank to find Bonne with a low cross and the striker's half-hit left-foot shot took a deflection off Tom Lees to wrong-foot Owls keeper Cameron Dawson for his sixth goal in 11 games.

It took until 10 minutes from time for the Owls to go back in front from the spot. Murphy went down as he knocked the ball past the labouring Oztumer, the penalty was awarded and Fletcher stroked his eighth goal of the season into the bottom left-hand corner.

Bannan then proved the architect again when he picked out Nuhiu to wrap up the scoring with the simplest of headers deep into added time.

Lee Bowyer said: 'It was a tough day. We've got enough injuries, but then to chuck in a few illnesses as well doesn't help. It was a bit of everything. Sickness, diarrhoea, not good.'

'Ben Purrington was down to start, but he was ill just before we got on the coach, so we had to send him home. Then once we got here and put the team sheet in, Albie Morgan was being sick just before the game. We couldn't do anything about that. We just had to see how he went. Then again at half-time he was sick. That's why we took him off. He couldn't move in the end.'

Bowyer said he had spoken to the new owners and 'They have said that there is money to spend in January and that me and the staff are going to get proper contracts.'

Friday 29 November 2019

Ramsgate fan: early answers from new owners 'reassuring'

VOTV editor Rick Everitt gives his reaction to the new owners of Charlton: Thank Bowyer that the Belgian is gone

The Ramsgate fan comments, 'There are still plenty of questions to be asked of the buyers and formal EFL approval to be granted, but early answers are reassuring - Lee Bowyer to be backed as manager, no plans to leave The Valley, a commitment to talk to fans.'

'All we can do as fans is give whoever is in charge the best shot, by working constructively with them when we can. In reality, Duchatelet and his stooges were so inept at running the club and so hopeless at engaging with fans that the bar has been reset exceptionally low.'

Bowyer welcomes takeover

Lee Bowyer has welcomed the takeover of Charlton by East Street Investments and in particular the prospect of proper contracts: Bowyer's reaction

Wednesday on Saturday

Many Addicks will be heading to The Valley tomorrow to celebrate the departure of Roland and to hope for victory against Sheffield Wednesday in the Katrien Meire Memorial Trophy.

Charlton will be looking to win consecutive home league games against Sheffield Wednesday for the first time since October 1988 at Selhurst Park. Sheffield Wednesday's 3-0 victory in their last meeting with Charlton in March 2016 ended a six-match winless run against the Addicks in all competitions.

Charlton are winless in their last six league games (D2 L4), last going longer without a victory in the EFL between November 2017 and January 2018 (a run of eight), in League One.

Sheffield Wednesday have won just one point from their last seven league visits to London (W0 D1 L6), failing to score in each of their last four visits to the capital.

Charlton have lost more points from winning positions (15) than any other Championship side in 2019-20, failing to win each of their last two in the competition despite scoring the opening goal in both games (vs Cardiff and Luton).

Each of Sheffield Wednesday's last six away league defeats have been by a one-goal margin, losing 2-1 in each of their last two away games against Blackburn and West Brom. During the week they drew 1-1 at home with Birmingham City.

The CAS Trust preview emphasises the important role to be played by the crowd: Threadbare Charlton

Extended contracts for Bowyer and Taylor

Once East Street Investments are in control they plan to offer extended contracts to Lee Bowyer and Lyle Taylor: First targets

New owners for club

Charlton Athletic has been sold to Abu Dhabi consortium East Street Investments: Roland has gone

East Street Investments (recalling where the club was founded) is fronted by Matt Southall, a former football agent and fitness entrepreneur. East Street Investments’ majority shareholder is wealthy businessman Tahnoon Nimer.

You can see a video interview discussing his business interests here: Tahnoon Nimer

In a statement the new club chairman Matt Southall said: 'We are privileged to take ownership of such an historic club and it is incredibly exciting to be part of the process of building a fresh future for the fans, loyal club staff and players of Charlton Athletic.'

'While we may be the club owners, truly we are only the custodians. The true spirit of this football club rests with the fans, it is nothing without them. Their support throughout some difficult times both recently and in the past has been inspirational and we intend to build on that loyalty. Our priority will be immediate contact with fan groups in order that their views play a major role in the club going forward.'

'We believe the football side of the club is in excellent hands with Lee Bowyer and what he and the players have achieved following promotion has been outstanding. We will do everything possible to support Lee’s vision and ambitions.'

'We would like to thank Roland Duchatelet, his team and the directors for helping to facilitate a quick and smooth sale. They leave the club with solid foundations on which we can invest and build. Any deal of this kind is subject to the approval of the EFL and we are now working closely with them on the final details to satisfy their Owners’ and Directors’ Test. Until that has been received, we will be making no further comment.'

But please be assured we intend to do everything within our power to bring back a true sense of pride to Charlton Athletic Football Club which is the least the fans, future generations of supporters and the community deserve.'

Given some expressions of concern, it should be emphasised that The Valley is included in the deal. It is no longer in Roland's ownership. They will also own the training ground.

Richard Murray, the so-called fans' friend, will not be on the board.

The sale price is unknown, but some wags have suggested that Roland made a special Black Friday offer.

Thursday 28 November 2019

Cullen could be out for three months

Josh Cullen could be out for three months with ankle ligaments damage and it will be at least two months, reports Richard Cawley of the SLP.

This is a huge blow as he has made a crucial contribution to our success. Even when he is back, it will a time because his sharpness returns.

Lockyer's blast at referees

Tom Lockyer thinks that referees are over protected and should face up to the media to justify their decisions after games: Should be made to front up to media after making errors

Reflecting on the loss at Luton he said, 'How the first goal is not offside is quite frightening to be honest.'

Charlton down to 17th

Charlton are down to 17th after last night's results. They are just seven points above Wigan in the first relegation place. It's always a concern when you start looking at the results of other teams and console yourself that there are three teams worse than you.

One plus from last night is that key Sheffield Wednesday defender Julian Borner picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Birmingham City and will not be available for the Massives at The Valley on Saturday: Key defender ruled out

Leko divides Charlton fans

Jonathan Leko divides Charlton fans. Some think he is lazy, does not do enough off the ball and is greedy, not passing it enough. However, he is just 20 years old and clearly has potential. Some more favourable views here: Charlton fans heap praise on 20 year old

I think he can be very good, but at other times he disappoints, but that reflects a player who is still developing.

Wednesday 27 November 2019

Bowyer worried about leaky defence

Lee Bowyer says that Charlton need to tighten up the back after failing to keep a clean sheet in nine games: Defensive concerns

Charlton’s defence is by no means the leakiest in the Championship – 10 sides have conceded more – but Bowyer wants to see an improvement.

Bowyer commented, 'In League One you can get away with it, you can make a mistake. You can maybe let your runner run or let your forward pull off the back of you. You can’t do that in the Championship. You’re playing against much better players.'

Tuesday 26 November 2019

Six without a win for Charlton

It was six games without a win for an injury ravaged Charlton as they were defeated 2-1 at Luton Town tonight in front of 1,032 Addicks. There were doubts about Luton's first goal, but there is no denying that they edged it. Indeed, the scoreline could have been even worse if they had taken all their opportunities.

In another blow Conor Gallagher picked up a fifth yellow card and will not be available against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Luton hit the crossbar in the opening minute. Then on seven minutes Leko burst past the Luton defence and found himself one on one to score. It was three in three for the often criticised player and his first without a deflection.

Then on 19 minutes a Luton free kick led to a Luton corner. It was cleared but came back in and Luton equalised through Roddick-Mpanzu. The referee did consult the linesman. At first it was thought that there might have been a hint of handball, but it seems that there was a Luton player in an offside position obstructing Phillips.

Luton then dominated possession until after the half hour mark when there was some Charlton possession. On 34 minutes a free kick enabled Solly to put in a good cross but Bonne's header was just wide. Leko put in a cross across the six yard box, but there was no one there to connect. Lockyer intervened to stop Luton scoring from a counter.

On 52 minutes Pratley, who had made some good interceptions, lost out in midfield. Cornick turned provider for Brown who scored. Luton then went on to hit the post.

Sarr was replaced by Doughty. Charlton then switched to a 4-4-2 and their play improved. A Luton corner was headed away by Pratley. Gallagher hit the post. Purrington was replaced by Josh Davison on 85 minutes. Charlton had some late corners but, as happened earlier in game, they came to nothing.

Charlton have gone down to 14th on the same number of points as Hull and Birmingham.

Full report from Louis Mendez here: Luton come from behind

Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer thinks that two refereeing decisions led to defeat at Luton: Refereeing decisions cost us

Having watched the highlights, Louis Mendez commented, 'Can see how the ref missed the handball but the offside decision is risible.'

Josh Cullen will be out until after Christmas with ankle ligament damage, Otzumer might be fit for Saturday.

Vennings on the bench

Teenage midfielder James Vennings will be on the bench for Charlton at Luton Town tonight as Lee Bowyer struggles with injuries: Bench role for 19 year old

Chris Solly comes back in at right back in place of Adam Matthews.

Bowyer is hoping that Lyle Taylor, Jonny Williams and Chuks Aneke could be back for the Middlesbrough game on December 7.

Luton are currently 21st in the table, nine points behind Charlton. They are second from bottom in the form table, the Addicks are sixth from bottom.

Luton have won two, drawn two and lost four at home. Charlton have won two, drawn three and lost three away.

Luton Town have won one of their past 11 games against Charlton in all competitions (W1 D4 L6). Charlton have not lost a league match against Luton since November 1993 and are unbeaten in seven since (W5 D2).

Luton have lost their past five Championship matches - only Huddersfield Town have had a longer losing run in the division this season, losing six in a row. Charlton are winless in five league games (D2 L3), their longest run under manager Lee Bowyer.

Monday 25 November 2019

Rickster's golden jubilee

In the latest issue of Voice of the Valley editor Rick Everitt recalls his first visit to The Valley on December 13th 1969 to watch Charlton defeat Norwich City in front of a crowd of 8,069.

It was not the best time to start supporting Charlton. 'It happened that my first five years following Charlton were dismal ones, in which Eddie Firmani briefly, and then Theo Foley oversaw sides which fought off relegation from the Second Division, then succumbed and spent two more years showing little sign of getting back … I would soon learn that most Charlton triumphs involved the team extricating themselves from crises of their own creation.'

Everitt's experience at primary school in Welling seems to be somewhat different from mine a few miles away in Plumstead Common, admittedly fifteen years earlier. The only Charlton fan the Rickster knew at school was a teacher. As I recall, Charlton fans were thick on the ground at St. Margaret's, not least Tom Morris, later to be the club's official photographer.

I also do not recall the game being 'more marginal to everyday life.' Late every Sunday morning Charlton fans would call in at my uncle's newsagents in Lakedale Road to buy their smokes and Sunday papers and discuss Saturday's game.

Nevertheless, an excellent read. You can buy VOTV online to be sent by post for you to enjoy in the comfort and privacy of your own home: Place your order.

Cullen out, Otzumer doubtful fior Luton

Josh Cullen will have a scan on his ankle today and will not be available at Luton on Tuesday evening: Key man ruled out

Ehrun Otzumer is 'touch and go' according to Lee Bowyer.

Once again, Lee Bowyer will not be able to name a full bench.

Sunday 24 November 2019

Roland hikes price for club

The Currant Bun is claiming that the sale price for the club has been increased by Roland to £60m: Price goes up

Apparently an American consortium is seriously interested as well as another consortium.

The latest Voice of the Valley suggests that Australian Andrew Muir's recent visit to Charlton may indicate a willingness to link up with another consortium.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that former Chelsea and Manchester United chief executive is involved in trying to broker a deal.

Saturday 23 November 2019

More injury worries after score draw

Today's 2-2 score draw against Cardiff City at The Valley was arguably a fair result, but it left Charlton with more injury worries. Cullen was stretchered off with an ankle injury and my man of the match Ehrun Otzumer picked up a knock and there were other injuries as well.

Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer said that he would not be able to put out a full side against Luton on Tuesday: Bowyer will struggle to name a senior eleven. Lyle Taylor was a week or two off returning.

At one time there were four players who had played in non-league in the past year on the pitch and three 19-year olds. Albie Morgan came on as a substitute for Cullen and impressed after his spell at Ebbsfleet. Debutante Doughty also played well.

Charlton started the first half very cautiously and defensively, but then broke away down the right to score the first goal. The second half was full of end-to-end incident with a penalty save by Dillon Phillips. However, finishing needed to be more clinical and defensive weaknesses were apparent. Charlton have gone down to 13th in the table.

The Bluebirds had the first clear chance of the afternoon when Mendez-Laing beat two defenders before crossing low to whingeing charm merchant Paterson, who could only hit the side netting from six yards out.

And the visitors were made to pay when Bonne ran freely down the right before beating Bennett and Curtis Nelson to cross into the six-yard box and Gallagher reacted quickest. He is now Charlton's top scorer.

Things went from bad to worse for Harris' Cardiff as Oztumer found himself in acres of space with all the time in the world to put Leko through on goal and the West Bromwich Albion loanee made no mistake.

Cardiff pressed forward after the break and were awarded a penalty when Madine was pulled down in the centre of the box when challenging for a cross. Hoilett stepped up, but his strike was tame and Phillips got down to his right to save.

But Charlton's two-goal lead did not last much longer as Mendez-Laing got a shot away following Leandro Bacuna's blocked attempt, leaving Phillips with no chance.

And it was Harris' substitution that made the telling contribution as Bennett's cross found Tomlin, who dropped the shoulder and rifled a shot into the bottom corner, sparking celebrations from the travelling fans behind the goal. This move started with two Cardiff players on one Charlton player on the Cardiff left. It is the first time Charlton have surrendered a two goal lead since the 3-2 defeat by Brighton in 2015.

It could have been even better for Harris and Cardiff when his other substitute Omar Bogle raced clear, but the striker was denied by Phillips. Both sides sensed a winner as the game opened up late on with seven minutes of time added on and Bonne almost snatched it at the death for Charlton, but Lee Peltier got his body in the way to seal the draw for Cardiff.

Cardiff manager Neil Harris saw it as a point gained rather than two lost and said: 'Roedd fel gêm pêl-fasged yn yr ail hanner-ac mae Charlton yn gallu chwarae fel hynny.'

Lee Bowyer ignored Harris's Harlem Globetrotters analogy and focused on the positives, although obviously disappointed by the result: Bowyer looks for the positives

Friday 22 November 2019

No retirement date for Pratley

At 34 retirement is far from Darren Pratley's mind. He reckons he is one of the fittest players in the club and spends his own money to keep himself in the best condition: Spends extra money to aid his longevity

Cardiff fans hope for new manager bounce

I have been receiving messages from Cardiff fans hoping for a 'new manager bounce' tomorrow. We shall see. Harris is seeking to take inspiration from the Welsh victory against Hungary which, of course, included a Charlton player: Manager's hopes

Cardiff City and Charlton Athletic have not met since a goalless Championship draw in February 2016. Charlton have lost just one of their last 11 home league games against Cardiff - a 4-1 defeat in March 1985. Cardiff have won just two of their last 26 away league visits to London.

Charlton have not lost three consecutive league matches since March 2018.

Charlton's Chuks Aneke, who has made 11 appearances as a substitute this season, has played more times in the Championship this season without starting a match than any other player.

The CAS Trust preview recalls the 5-4 win over Cardiff: Bluebirds

Cardiff's turnover is almost six times that of Charlton: Financial comparison

Blackpool ace to replace Taylor?

Richard Cawley of the SLP reports, 'Charlton could be set to re-explore a move for Armand Gnanduillet in the January transfer window – after a deal for the Blackpool striker fell through at the end of the last deadline. The 27-year-old forward is out of contract at the end of this season and has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season.

Gnanduillet bagged a brace last weekend in a 2-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon to take his League One haul for the campaign to 10. He is two goals behind Peterborough’s Ivan Toney and Mohamed Eisa, who have both previously been targets for Addicks manager Lee Bowyer.

Charlton were at an advanced stage with Gnanduillet but the deal collapsed late on. The Addicks will definitely move for a striker if they lose Lyle Taylor at the start of 2020 – with Brentford expected to renew their attempts to sign him.'

Thursday 21 November 2019

Bench will have gaps on Saturday

Lee Bowyer saying that he will not be able to fill the bench for the game versus Cardiff on Saturday, reports Richard Cawley of the SLP. This is after the return of Albie Morgan from his loan spell at Ebbsfleet. He doesn't think it is fair to put loads of untested kids on there.

Bowyer said, 'We've got a 23 or 22-man squad and 10 are out.' Defence is about the only area where the Addicks do have adequate options. Defensive midfield role is an issue because Darren Pratley is suspended and Sam Field (knee) is injured.

A new issue of Voice of the Valley will be on sale on Saturday. Earlier it had been feared that Rick Everitt's enhanced municipal duties might have delayed publication.

Bowyer says that he will have to try a new way of playing on Saturday: Trying out a new shape

Wednesday 20 November 2019

Bowyer speaks up for Sarr

Lee Boywer has defended Naby Sarr from social media criticism after his performance at Millwall. Bowyer says that we should remember how far Sarr has come. He was in a bad place when Bowyer became manager: Boywer has his say on Sarr

Bowyer also looks forward to Saturday's game against Cardiff City.

Driessen has veto on players

Steve Gallen has confirmed that Thomas Driessen has a veto on incoming players: CAS Trust answers

Gallen said, 'If I want a player and Thomas doesn't believe in that player, I won't get that player. I learned that early on. That was frustrating for me and Lee but we’re in a much better place now. Thomas works directly for Roland. He doesn't work for Charlton.'

On Lee Bowyer, Gallen said: 'Lee's contract is up in the summer and he needs to be given a longer contract. He needs to be given some type of stability. We're desperate for it. Lee really wants that.'

'Roland is aware of this and he is no fool. But he feels that potential buyers might stall if they want to bring in their own people and see that it will cost them a lot to get the current team out. But I agree with the fans that Lee must be given a longer contract. We need to stop planning window to window and start thinking longer term. Being a Director has helped me as an influencer within the club and I think Roland is beginning to trust me on a lot of things.'

Tuesday 19 November 2019

Bonne gets the all clear

Macauley Bonne can carrying on playing for Charlton after cardiac tests. He dropped out of international duty with Zimbabwe: Carry on playing

George Lapslie has aggravated his hamstring injury and will not be available for selection against Cardiff City on Saturday.

Monday 18 November 2019

Late call on Taylor

Lee Bowyer reckons it will be a late call on whether Lyle Taylor is fit for Saturday's match against Cardiff City: Lyle Taylor update

I think he may come off the bench.

Saturday 16 November 2019

Mixed reaction to Harris appointment

There has been a mixed reaction from Cardiff City fans to the appointment of Neil Harris as their new manager: Some Bluebirds are unhappy

Welsh sources were saying this morning that Lee Bowyer was 'drifting'. We shall see next Saturday when Harris is assured of a warm welcome at The Valley.

Gallagher scores for Under 21s

Conor Gallagher played a key role in England's Under 21 victory against Albania yesterday. First, Gallagher's fierce strike from distance was deflected narrowly wide by Jon Mersinaj, only for Swiss referee Lionel Tschudi to point to the spot for handball.

He then unleashed a left-foot rocket from the top of the D two minutes before the break. You can see the goal here: Long range bomb

Friday 15 November 2019

Wagstaff's Charlton memories

Scott Wagstaff talks about his rise through the ranks at Charlton and praises Chris Powell and Johnnie Jackson: League One glory and a disappointing departure

Bowyer would love a long-term deal

Lee Bowyer and his staff would all like to have long-term contracts: Would like to sign long-term deals

However, Roland Duchatelet argues that such deals would get in the way of selling the club, not that that seems to have been the main problem. Any new owner would inherit a successful team who could achieve even more with greater funds.

Wednesday 13 November 2019

Nothing heard from Cardiff in Champagne

Speaking from France, Lee Bowyer has confirmed that he has had no approach from Cardiff City about their managerial vacancy: Bowyer's response

Lee Bowyer has had the rare treat of a phone call from owner Roland Duchatelet: Made contact after Millwall loss

Richard Cawley commented, 'I think part of the fact that Duchatelet is not hands-on as owner actually makes the job more enjoyable for Charlton managers. Okay, there are issues - not least the lack of long-term planning - but they get a fair bit of autonomy.'

Monday 11 November 2019

Curse of Charlton strikes early

Gobby Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has resigned ahead of the Bluebirds visit to The Valley. Many managers go after losing at Charlton, but Warnock has decided to get his resignation in early.

The Currant Bun is linking Lee Bowyer with the vacancy, but this is just lazy journalism.

Richard Cawley of the SLP has tweeted, 'Word from the Cardiff City end is that they expect to appoint either Lee Bowyer or Neil Harris within the next 72 hours.' Louis Mendez responded, 'Pass my congratulations onto Neil Harris on his new job.'

In a later tweet, Richard Cawley has said 'After a spot of checking, I don't believe there has been any contact from Cardiff for Lee Bowyer.' Welsh sources are also saying that Neil Harris is the favourite with the former Millwall boss having already signed up for Welsh lessons. Should Harris be appointed, his first match will be at The Valley.

One well connected fan has commented, 'Bowyer was approached by Huddersfield but didn't fancy it, think Cardiff are a better proposition for him. I hope he doesn't go but I think there is a chance.'

Roland should offer him a long-term contract, unfortunately not much chance of that.

Saturday 9 November 2019

Same old story

I was surprised to see polls of Charlton fans forecasting a win at Millwall which was always very unlikely. An injury time winner for the home side saw Charlton lose 2-1 at The Den.

Charlton started poorly in the first half and after six minutes Millwall went ahead when Hutchinson scored with a header from a free kick. Phillips had to make a good save from Romeo and then had to punch away a Millwall corner. Charlton were abysmal in the first 20 minutes.

They then started to improve and a Cullen shot was prodded on to the bar. It came down on the line and was centimetres away from being a goal.

Pratley got a yellow card which means that he will miss the game against Cardiff. Bonne put in a great volley but it was saved. Charlton have never won at Millwall in the league when they have been behind at half time.

A Pratley volley was tipped over. On 51 minutes Leko scored from a tight angle following a Charlton corner, the ball deflecting in off the defender's thigh.

A flying save by Phillips denied Thompson. Pratley was replaced by Kayal and then Leko by Lapslie.

In time added on Sarr was beaten in the air by Matt Smith from a corner to see Millwall score the winner.

Charlton are now 11th in the table.

Lee Bowyer said that some Charlton players need to take a look at themselves after defensive foul ups at set pieces. Naby Sarr? Disappointed supremo

Friday 8 November 2019

Poor track record against Millwall

History is not on Charlton's side for tomorrow's derby with Millwall. Millwall have lost none of their past 10 league games against Charlton (W5 D5) since a 2-0 defeat in March 1996. Charlton have won just one of their past 15 away league visits to Millwall (D4 L10), a 2-0 victory in December 1995.

Millwall have lost just two of their past 13 home games in all competitions (W5 D6) and are unbeaten at The Den since previous boss Neil Harris lost his final home game in charge against QPR in September (W2 D1).

Lee Bowyer scored in Charlton's last league victory against Millwall in March 1996, netting the opening goal in a 2-0 win, while he was sent off the last time they beat them away from home in December 1995.

Millwall boss Gary Rowett has faced Charlton three times previously, opposing a different manager in each game between April 2015 and April 2016 - Guy Luzon, Karel Fraeye and Jose Riga (W1 L2).

The Addicks have had just 95 shots in open play in the Championship this season, fewer than any other side, and have faced 172 shots in open play, second only to Luton Town (182).

But as the CAS Trust preview comments, 'We come to create history, not to repeat it': Pratley knows how to win at Millwall

Chris Solly is looking forward to tomorrow's game: Solly loves Charlton-Millwall clashes

Grant move could mean big cash boost for Roland

Three Premier League clubs including Crystal Palace are showing an interest in Karlan Grant. If he moves in the January transfer window, a sell on clause could mean a seven figure cash boost for Roland Duchatelet. However, Lee Bowyer is unlikely to get any of the money to boost the squad: Hotshot's move

Thursday 7 November 2019

Taylor not available

Lee Bowyer is adamant that Lyle Taylor will not be available for Saturday's derby at Millwall, having suffered a setback: Taylor is out

Tuesday 5 November 2019

The appearing man

VOTV editor Rick Everitt has tweeted, 'Following would-be Charltonn owner Andrew Muir’s appearance in the west stand at The Valley on Sunday, he has now attended more Charlton matches than actual owner Roland Duchatelet.'

Admittedly this is not a very competitive league and Roland does benefit from a live feed, usually mussels and chips.

Whether Muir has just become a fan or whether he is maintaining an interest in eventual ownership remains a mystery.

Monday 4 November 2019

Leeds keeper denies racial abuse charge

Leeds keeper Kiko Casilla has denied a FA charge of racially abusing Jonathan Leko in the game at The Valley: FA charge

Pearce looks for Millwall victory

It was a below par performance by Charlton at The Valley yesterday, but Jason Pearce hopes to put things right with a victory at Millwall: Putting Preston loss behind him

We can but hope.

Pearce thinks that Preston were better than Charlton and 'we weren't quite at it': Disappointed as I lost the game against Preston

More clinical finishing would have helped as we did have our chances.

Sunday 3 November 2019

Penalty pain for Charlton

Charlton were defeated 0-1 by Preston North End at The Valley this afternoon as a result of a second half penalty. Getting the first train of the day from Leamington, I was surprised to see a 'Charlton Athletic, pride of South London' sticker above my seat, but it was not a good omen.

In the first half we seemed to be very vulnerable down our right. In the second half Preston players kept falling down injured, while their fouls produced a flurry of yellow cards which did not concern them at all.

It took a disputed penalty to earn the visitors three points when Jason Pearce's grapples with Jayden Stockley proved sufficient to make the North End striker stumble to the floor. But Gallagher - only on as a first-half sub for the injured Daniel Johnson - converted his trademark spot kick, facing the wrong way back down the pitch as he lined up over the ball, before then walking back to his mark and turning smartly to run in and slam home a right-foot power drive into home keeper Dillon Phillips' bottom right corner. Phillips went the right way, but could not stop the shot.

Especially in the second half, Preston always looked the more likely side to score against a Charlton side who have had fewer shots this season than any other in the Championship. Neil's men could have won by more, but Phillips made a string of fine saves, notably two late on to deny Stockley and Tom Barkhuizen.

Yet, in the fifth of the nine minutes of time added on, Charlton almost snatched an equaliser when Preston keeper Declan Rudd missed Josh Cullen's corner but Ben Purrington was unable to force the ball home.

Lee Bowyer said: 'A draw would probably have been a fair result but we will learn. It was a penalty. One of our most experienced players has made the wrong decision. They're an experienced side who have been in that situation a lot. So it can be frustrating. But maybe we've got to learn to start doing that ourselves. On clear-cut chances I would have said it was quite even. But we were sloppy in possession, probably the worst we've been. We gave the ball away a lot. A frustrating day.'

Saturday 2 November 2019

Stoke target Preston manager

Tomorrow's opponents Preston North End have refused Stoke City permission to speak to their manager Ales Neil: Stoke approach

They have also lodged a complaint about an illegal approach by Stoke.

Lee Bowyer's Charlton revolution

A 15 minute video looking at the last 18 months at the club: Charlton revolution

Friday 1 November 2019

Preston boss demands quicker start

Preston boss Alex Neil wants his side to get out of the blocks quicker against Charlton in Sunday's match in front of the Sky cameras. He felt that they were flat in the first half in the 3-2 win against Blackburn last Saturday: Demanding a better start

He admitted, 'Initially we did not cope with [Blackburn's] aggressive style and that caused us problems and led us to conceding early.'

1,000 Preston fans will be making the trip from Lancashire.

Currently second in the Championship, Preston are unbeaten at home but have won one, drawn two and lost three away.

Dillion Phillips is not surprised by Charlton's good start to the season and praises the team's work ethic: Positive start