Hibs interest in Kanu doubtful

There have been reports of interest from Hibernian in signing Daniel Kanu and I thought he might have donned the kilt.   Hibs could offer SPL football and they could fund a decent fee.

My Scottish correspondent, Angus from Portobello, who happens to be a season ticket holder at Easter Road, has been investigating.

He reports: I'm not aware of Hibs interest in Kanu, but it's possible that there is something in what you've heard. I'm slightly sceptical because Hibs have just acquired Nathan Lowe on loan from Stoke City. I've only seen Lowe play 45 minutes in a pre-season friendly, but he looked good to me, and not only because he scored both of the Hibs goals.' 

In any case Hibs are away in Kosovo tomorrow in a European Conference league qualifier (1st leg).

Armchair managers on the prowl

Charlton are blessed with a number of negative armchair managers who seem to think they understand the game better than professional coaches so let's remind ourselves of some of their favourite clichés.

We're already relegated This has already been used by leading moaners without a ball being kicked and last season was in frequent use after Christmas although we were only briefly in a relegation position.  If I felt so pessimistic about the club, I would stop being an active supporter,

He's lost the dressing room Asserted by a fan about the coach who has never spoken to any players.

He's got to go Charlton lose a match or draw at home, coach's dismissal is demanded without any sensible suggestions about a better replacement.

If we can see it, why can't he? Coach told what he sees on training ground or gains from analysis of statistics not generally available to fans is irrelevant.

Owners have to invest Owners told to turn large fortune into a smaller one.   Reminded 'you can't take it with you', but fans seem to forget that those of us departing soon have dependants with expectations.   A visit from the Spanish branch of my family reminded me that I have 13 not counting partners!

Seaside deal for Karoy

Karoy Anderson has joined Blackpool where he was on loan last season.  The fee paid for the Jamaica international and Academy product has not been disclosed, but the negotiations appear to have been protracted: https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2026/july/21/seasiders-sign-karoy-anderson-on-a-permanent-deal/

He is clearly delighted to be back by the Irish Sea.   Thanks for all your tried to do and every success in the future.

Kanu's fate in the balance

A number of clubs have expressed interest in Daniel Kanu, including Burton Albion and Hibernian.  I will be speaking to my Scottish correspondent, Angus from Portobello, who happens to be a season ticket holder at Easter Road.

Nathan Jones is emphatic that Kanu won't go out on loan again after his successful spell at Walsall last season.  Jones is happy to keep him and use him, but equally would accept a good enough offer.  That would be pure profit as Kanu is a product of the Academy.

My hunch is that he will soon be measured up for his kilt.

Jones upbeat about Karlan Grant signing

The signing of Karlan Grant has not been greeted with universal enthusiasm by Charlton supporters who seem not to realise that Nathan Jones has to work within a tight budget.

Karlan has been on my radar since he was 15,” Jones told Richard Cawley. “I was aware of Karlan when I coached here with the U21s. I really took an interest in him.

“I spoke to Harty (Paul Hart, then academy boss) about him and he said: ‘This kid has got it all - he can be a bit special’. He has proved that. He went through the Charlton age groups quickly and got into the first team.”

“He got a move and did fantastically well. At that point the financial side really helped Charlton. Since he has moved on, and his career has developed, Charlton have continued to benefit (from future transfers).”

The sanguine supremo added: ‘You look at midfield and I’d like to bring another midfield player that gives us real control in a game. But you’ve seen the emergence of Alan Mwamba, which is wonderful. How you saw him play today (against Gillingham), he has been like that every single day in training. So that gives us an option.’

 

Charlton to beat drop

With their usual positive outlook some Charlton fans are proclaiming that we are already relegated before a ball is kicked.   However, last season Four Four Two magazine said we would be relegated.  This year they are forecasting survival in 21st place.

FFT's verdict is: 'Solid defensive foundations plus a capacity for surprising one-off results thanks to an underdog spirit after Nathan Jones could be enough io beat the drop - but a touch more open play creativity is needed.'

Fan Natasha Everitt forecasts a 17th place finish 'which is fine by me.  Rome wasn't built in a day.'

Everitt says that the main change she would make at the club is to stop signing injury prone players.  The opposition player she'd like at The Valley is Swansea's Chilean keeper Lawrence Vigouroux.   Let's hope he's not like the Chilean player I saw playing for Catholica in Santiago who when he scored the only goal of the game took his shirt off to reveal a tattoo of Christ on the cross covering his back.

She hopes that 19-year old Micah Mbick will recover from his injury to offer a fantastic attacking option.

Will the prodigal return?

Nathan Jones has confirmed to Richard Cawley that Charlton are interested in free agent Karlan Grant who is a free agent after being let go by the Baggies.  I understand that he has now signed a two year contract.

He made 80 appearances for Charlton between 2014 and 2019 and scored 16 goals, but this included tow loan periods.  He then went to Huddersfield Town.

The conversation followed the 1-0 victory by Charlton at Gillinbgam.

Rickster mees Burnham

Charlton fanzine editor Rick Everitt has posted a picture of himself with incoming prime minister Andy Burnham at Gravesend town pier {?]   The Rickster had already been invited to No.10 by Keir Starmer.

Everitt told Burnham that he hoped to see Burnham at The Valley before long supporting Everton.  He also reminded him of the needs of Thanet where he is Labour leader of the council.  Not all areas of deprivation are 'oop North.

I don't want to rain on Everitt's parade, but the Spectator magazine looks as if it is getting ready to renew its campaign against the 'Charltification' of football.

It will be recalled that Spectator columnist Lord Young of Action fulminated against Everitt last season and  the QPR blogger invited the fanzine editor for a confrontation on Margate beach last October.

The idea of two folically challenged gents in their early 60s engaging in handbags at six paces was as bizarre a stunt as one would now find in Clacton and the noble lord returned to London in high dudgeon.

After Millwall supporter Rod Liddle's attack on Charlton, Lord Young (the son of Lord Young of Dartington) has been sounding off about football again in this week's issue, but I am still trying to make sense of what he is saying, although much of it is about QPR.

There are rumours that Young is planning to make a return trip to Margate, this time accompanied by QPR supporting minor celebrities Louis Theroux and Giles Coren.

The Varney 'memoirs' and Duchatelet

The latest instalment of Peter Varney's conversations with Richard Cawley on his Substack page cover Duchatelet and his guitar playing successor.  Needless to say, Varney has little time for either of them.

I have asked Richard Cawley if these interviews can be aggregated in some way as they give a fascinating 'behind the scenes' look at Charlton's recent travails.

Varney doesn't suffer fools gladly and I felt the rough edge of his tongue when I put friendship with an Addick before good judgement.   Nevertheless, he is a very shrewd and experienced individual and a genuine Addick.

Rick Everitt and Varney worked closely together on the excellent Rickshaw project  among others and Varney uses Everitt as corroboration at one point in his remarks.  Nevertheless, it has been alleged that they had the occasional  vigorous exchange of views when working together.

Duchatelet seems to have formed the view with Varney was a 'bad' person and refused to engage with him in relation to attempts to buy the club from serious bidders.  The barmy Belgian's excessive valuations of the stadium and the training ground also discouraged prospective buyers.

Apparently Duchatelet took exception to a £25k consultancy fee Varney had received from Jiminez for some hard work on his behalf.   Varney initially got nothing, but Her Indoors rightly insisted that he should be paid for his labours.

As for Sandgaard, Varney makes it clear what he thinks of his lack of realism.

Greg Docherty rumours

Unconfirmed reports are suggesting that Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City are interested in Charlton captain Greg Docherty.

He has one year left on his Charlton contract.

It's not coming home

I didn't buy into all the 'It's coming home' hype, but I did hope we would make it to the final.  Supporting Charlton should inoculate me against football disappointment, but it doesn't work like that.

I was 19 when we won the World Cup, watching it at home on a black and white television.   I didn't fully appreciate at the time as I was about to embark on my first trip abroad, travelling around Northern Europe by boat and night train, ending up in Finland which has always been a special place for me.

I don't want to add much to what the armchair managers are saying, other than saying that I don't think we have enough world class players.   The referee should have done something about the early fouls by Argentine players.   However, this is not the Premier League and, having been to both Argentina and Chile more than once, the game there is more physical.

My wife has just told me that she saw Argentina beat Spain 2-1 in the group matches in 1966, having been given free tickets to Villa Park by her oil company employers.

Given that my daughter and partner, one granddaughter and my great-granddaughter live in Spain, I shall feel justified in supporting them on Sunday.

Dykes departs?

It appears that 'Last Ditch' Dykes is on trial at Bristol City, having been photographed there.  However, there has been no comment from official or unofficial sources in Bristol.  

Richard Cawley reports: It’s been radio silence on the club future of Lyndon Dykes since the end of last season.   What we do know is that Charlton Athletic had offered the Scotland international, a free agent after his short-term deal expired on July 1, fresh terms.

Presumably Bristol can offer him better terms as they seek promotion to the top flight.  The club is bank rolled by Steve Lansdown who was one of the founders of the funds supermarket Hargreaves Lansdown.

For more about Bristol City and the benevolence of Steve Lansdown, go here: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2025/01/parachute-payments-make-life-difficult.html

*The writer is a client of Hargreaves Lansdown.

Apologies for lack of posting, but I have been rather preoccupied with the World Cup.  I remember 1966 well, but it seems a long time ago.   In an earlier post I selected Jude Bellingham as a truly world class player.   Here is a photo of him with his brother in the kit of my non-league club Leamington (his father was a great striker for the Brakes):

 

Deloitte warn on Championship finances

Deloitte have warned in their latest financial report that the state of the Championship gives them the greatest cause for concern in European football.

'‘The underlying football fundamentals of England’s second tier remain strong, providing the foundations to sustain and build domestic engagement and an incredible opportunity to grow global interest. It’s a competition with a wealth of authentic narrative about fans, communities, players and an increasingly multi-national mix of owners.

It’s the landing point for relegated clubs to seek resurgence, the platform for some larger football communities seeking promotion after many years away from the top, and occasionally a dreamy wonderland for a smaller town club to punch above its weight.

Escalating player wage costs and agent fees drive persistent and growing levels of annual losses. Despite impressive revenue growth over the past 20 seasons (average annual growth of 6%), Championship clubs’ aggregate losses over the same period total £4.5 billion.

These annual losses are being funded by a combination of owner injections through equity (£0.9 billion across the past five seasons) and soft loans, alongside more risky sources of cash from external lenders, player sales and, for the lucky few, promotion to the Premier League. These annual financial results and funding strategies yield a deteriorating balance sheet position, for which the latest published snapshot in 2025 reveals aggregate net debt of £1.4 billion and very few clubs with significant positive cash reserves.

This financial fragility fuels fans’ frustrations, the media’s portrayal of ‘clubs-in-crisis’, churn of ownership, regulatory interventions such as player transfer embargoes, complexities of legal disputes and, unfortunately, the occasional distress and uncertainty of an insolvency situation.

For club owners, their personal reputation, well-being and financial health are at stake. For the competition overall, this uncomfortable off-pitch business narrative blurs the focus away from football. Football’s innate competitiveness and passionate personal desire for triumph over others drives the intensity of talent recruitment and retention.

Club owners seeking to satiate their fans’ appetite for success are simultaneously and collectively succumbing to the financial demands of players, managers and their agents. The financial prize of promotion to the Premier League, even when short lived, provides an added dimension which fuels clubs’ business behaviours, with these increasingly tending to prioritise shorter term goals.

Recognising the need for collective action and financial regulatory intervention, the Football League and its member clubs have devised a variety of antidotes in recent decades, influenced in the past by the Premier League’s somewhat short shrift financial regulatory methods. In the circumstances, the Football League has commendably battled to help mitigate some of the worst financial excesses over the past 20 years.’

Mitchell delighted to don the kilt

Charlton's Zach Mitchell is delighted to be don the kilt and return to St. Johnstone on a season long loan.  He has fallen in love with the city of Perth and the Pars: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c1jyyr6nz99o

Mitchell was very much a fans' favourite at McDiarmid Park and is looking forward to playing in the SPL.

Last season Mitchell had to be recalled from an unsatisfactory loan at Hibernian.  My Scottish correspondent, Angus from Portobello, is a Hibernian season ticket holder and thought he was badly treated at Easter Road.  He was surprised that more use was not made of him.

Charlton is able to sign foreign players who have difficulty with the impenetrable accents of the Central Belt and the cuisine.   Equally, many English players enjoy the warmth of a Scottish welcome.

I lived in Glasgow for a year in Balmanno Building, Rotten Row (and it was) but it was great to live in the centre of a city and yet to have spectacular countryside and islands within easy reach.   It was also great for my sport of orienteering.   And haggis and chips at lunchtime was just nine old pence.

Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow

Nathan Jones has emphatically denied rumours linking Charlton with St Mirren striker Mikael Mandron.  Whether or not he stays in Paisley, he is not coming to Charlton.   It would appear from Scottish sources that he is ready to hand in his kilt, but Leicester City are also reported to be interested in the Frenchman.

Jones says he was impressed with the performance of trialist Nathan Redmond who will be going to Slovenia.   The winger is a free agent after being let go by Blackburn Rovers.

Jones has emphasised that it will be a slow window.  More on Richard Cawley's Substack page.

Quality not quantity says Jones

Nathan Jones says that there will only be five to seven signings  at Charlton this summer with the emphasis on quality not quantity.   In other words, we haven't got the readies.

Jones admits that there is a real need for quality in the final third, but that is hard to find and expensive in both fees and wages.

I wouldn't mind the DRC keeper who is No.2 at Le Havre!

BTW, Konsa's dad was Congolese and the DRC was keen to get him to play for them.   There are about 10,000 DRC expats in London.

Time to make a few predictions:

• In the week before the first game, the New York Times has a special article on Wrexham, predicting that they will the Championship
• On the Saturday, the NYT says this will be Wrexham's last first game in the Championship before next season they claim the Premier League title that is rightfully theirs

Danny Murphy's greatest games

The latest edition of Four Four Two carries a feature on Danny Murphy's greatest games.  It is necessarily a compressed item featuring just four games, none of then at Charlton (56 appearances, seven goals).

Listening to Murphy drone away commentating on Spain versus Austria, I uncharitably thought that his former recreational habits might explain his nasal tone.   But then it occurred to me that this may be what Scousers trying to doing RP sound like.

But then the King of the North doesn't sound like that.   But then he read English at Cambridge and married a Dutch aristo.

Compering the programme was Kelly Cates who has a curious strangulated voice which may be an attempt to mask a Glaswegian accent as well as a Liverpool one.

Both Danny and Kelly have seen their relationships break up, so perhaps the World Cup could bring them together?   Danny would then join football aristocracy as Kelly is the late Sir Kenny Dalglish's daughter. But then I remembered that Kelly is in a mocked up studio in Salford and Danny appears to be perched at the top of an American football stadium.

But is it really Danny or an avatar created by AI?   It would be quite difficult to replicate his dismal tone, though.

Billy Koumetio stories may be credible

A number of sources both south and north of the border report that Billy Koumetio is about to sign for Charlton.   Earlier six figure bids were rejected by Dundee.

The 23-year old French centre half is reported to have had enough of haggis and chips and is ready to return his kilt. and live in England.   Dundee have been insisting that he is a key part of their plans.

It is now been confirmed that he has signed for Charlton.  The fee is £500,000 plus add ons.  This represents a substantial profit for the Dark Blues after his arrival from Liverpool.

Gassan Ahadme has been loaned to Cambridge United  on a season long loan to help him get game time and more fluency (i.e., find his level). The streets of SE7 remained calm after the news.

Macaulay Gillesphey is reported to have joined Bradford for an undisclosed fee.   No rending of shirts has been reported.

New signing says his main strength is aggression

Moaners were starting to come out from beneath their stones to complain about the lack of summer signings, but little did they know that the club had been talking to Ivan Mesik since the end of the season.

The left back and Slovakian international has signed for the Addicks from the Netherlands for an undisclosed fee.   He is the first Slovakian to play for Charlton, showing that the club is looking beyond the usual English journeymen.

Heracles Almelo technical director Ernest Faber commented on Ivan Mesik: "He has meant a lot to our club. This transfer is a great step in his career and a chance that he would like to use. We thank Ivan for everything he has done for Heracles Almelo and we wish him and his family all the success at Charlton Athletic."

Richard Cawley has stated: 'It is no secret that Jones has made having left wing-back cover or competition for Josh Edwards a priority after the Scot missed nearly all of last season with an ankle injury.'

Mesik told Cawley “My main strength is aggression. I like duels and to go sometimes fully to the ball. I like to tackle - but in a good way. I’m trying to play aggressively but also bring the ball up when there is open space. I like to dribble the ball to open the gate, to play between the lines. I’m a modern type of player.”

“There was a kind of happiness when I saw the stadium (The Valley) but of course I would like to see a sold-out stadium, to see the people in it. It feels great. I can’t wait to get started."

Reports from the Netherlands state that he has good pace, is physically strong and has a long throw.

Remembering Bradley Wright-Phillips

It was good to see former Addick Bradley Wright-Phillips acting as a pundit for ITV in last night's game between Canada and South Africa.   He had a successful career in the MSL, retiring at age 37 and is now a pundit in the States.

He grew up in Brockley and went to Haberdasher's Aske school in New Cross.

On 24 January 2011, it was announced that Wright-Phillips was moving to Charlton for an undisclosed fee. He scored the only goal on his debut against Colchester on 1 February 2011.^[ On 28 February 2012, he scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 win at Chesterfield.  Wright-Phillips contributed 22 goals in 42 matches as Charlton won the 2011-12 League One title. He was released by the Addicks at the end of the 2012-13 season.

It's being so miserable that makes me happy

I see that some of the leading Charlton moaners are turning their attention to England and the World Cup.  It is, of course, a great opportunity for armchair managers to criticise the coach's selection and tactics.

It reminds me of the old Australian joke, 'How do you know when a British Airways plane has landed at Sydney?'  Because you can still hear the whining noise when the engines are switched off.

I have watched every late afternoon and early evening game in the World Cup and one lesson I have learnt is that a well organised 4-5-1 is very difficult to break down.  Think Cape Verde and Spain.  However, those tactics won't work in a knockout stage, although I hope we can avoid penalties.

Not that I think that England have any chance of winning the World Cup.  We simply don't have the world class players in depth that a country like France possesses.  Bellingham is one of the few, but a lot depends on which version of him turns up.  His dad was a great striker for my non-league club and we all cherish a picture of Jude and his brother in Leamington kit.

I almost didn't make one game, but our local NHS trust is excellent.   I called out the community emergency response service, they took one look at me and and an ambulance arrived in three minutes and whisked me off to the local A and E.   I was given a scan immediately and then the A and E doctor carried out a procedure which was a bit uncomfortable but worked.   My only disappointment was that they asked the fire service to take me home, which is a standard local procedure, but they were needed elsewhere in the hot weather so an ambulance took me back.

From the Academy to the World Cup

A Charlton academy product will almost certainly be playing for England in the World Cup against Croatia on Wednesday, but I doubt that we will get a mention.

Here are a few excerpts from Richard Crawley's story about Ezri Konsa.  The full interview with Jason Euell is available to subscribers to his Substack page.

“It was about managing Ezri’s frustration in training and games - because he always wanted himself and everyone else to do well. You can see now he does that extremely well. It is about habits that players pick up. It can become a positive habit - knowing how to control frustration.”

Jason Euell is explaining his reasoning behind when he made Ezri Konsa the captain of Charlton Athletic’s U16 team.

It is 12 years since Euell handed Konsa the armband. Now he is an England international, capped 19 times, and in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for their World Cup campaign, which starts against Croatia on Wednesday.

Konsa signed for Charlton at the age of 11 following a six-week trial in 2008. In February 2018, already a first-team regular by the time he had turned 20, he explained to the South London Press why he had the word ‘blessed’ tattooed on the side of his left hand.

“I feel very fortunate to be in this position right now - playing football for Charlton Athletic. There are a lot of kids my age, and younger, who want to get into my position.   The area where I was growing up there was a lot of crimes and gangs. But I wouldn’t like to say I would have got caught up in anything if it wasn’t for football. I’ve got an older brother who looks after me a lot.”

Konsa’s Charlton story ended in June 2018 when he signed for Championship side Brentford. Thirteen months later he was on the move again, this time to Aston Villa, newly-promoted to the Premier League.

BTW, the obsession of Spectator editor (Lord) Michael Gove with Charlton has taken a new turn.  He has hired Charlie Methven as his World Cup correspondent, billing him as 'former Charlton Athletic director.'

Speculation links Charlton with Catalan defender

Charlton have been linked in unconfirmed reports with Reuben Sanchez who plays for Espanyol, the number two team in Barcelona.   The 25-year old Catalan is a right back but can also play on the right wing.

I wonder if this speculation has been started by his agent as multiple clubs across Europe are said to be interested.

League One battle for Mitchell

Oxford United and Plymouth Argyle are in a battle for the signature of Charlton defender Alex Mitchell: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/26158169.oxford-united-join-charlton-defender-transfer-battle/

Mitchell was on loan with the Pilgrims last season and was a fans' favourite.

Luton swoop for Kanu

Unconfirmed reports from various sources have stated that Luton Town have offered £750k for Daniel Kanu.

We would be mad as Hatters not to accept, although perhaps we should ask for a little more or at least a share of any later transfer fee.

Kanu had a great season with Walsall, but saddling up for the Championship would be a challenge.

Spectator finds new target

 

The Spectator has found a new target in its campaign against the 'Charltification' of football and it's none other than the Prince of Wales.  Unfortunately, Wills did not convert his time at Sparrows Lane into an Addicktion.

However, the magazine thinks that his support for Villa, and in particular the way in which he demonstrates it is undignified for an heir to the throne and calls him out as a 'centrist dad'.

I realise that the Speccie was founded in the 18th century, but it is now the 21st.

Congratulations to 'Last Ditch' Dykes on his 45 minutes for Scotland in their weekend international friendly.  The lure of the bagpipes may be such that he does not return to us.

Keep on taking the tablets

Contributors to my non-league club's banter page have been asking if I have started my course of anti-depressants to prepare for Charlton's next season.

If I did need them, it would be to cope with the moaning and pessimism of so many Addicks.

However, the news that a serious Saudi investor hopes to take a stake in Derby County shows what we are up against: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2026/05/saudi-boxing-supremo-swoops-for-rams.html

Congratulations to Charlton Women

One of my good memories at Charlton is beating Arsenal in the women's league cup final at Wycombe. The team also won the women's FA Cup in 2005.   Charlton Women were disbanded in 2007 after the men's team were relegated from the Premier League.

Congratulations to Karen Hills on proving to be a very resourceful head coach on a limited budget.   A great display by keeper Sophie Whitehouse.

London clubs will make up half of next season's WSL sides, including the Nigellas.

The women's team to some extent appeals to a different demographic, but some of their supporters should be encouraged to support the men's team.

Finance guru runs the rule over Charlton

Richard Cawley has done well to interview football finance guru Kieran Maguire who is the gold standard in this area.

The interview repays careful reading, but here are a few highlights:

• Maguire is well disposed to the Addicks as his uncle had trials for us in the 1950s
• He thinks that the new finance rules in the Championship won't have much effect either way on Charlton.  Parachute payments and the wealth behind clubs like Wrexham will continue to distort.
• Charlton's entire commercial income is a fraction of what Arsenal get from their sleeve sponsors
• 'Authenticity' should be the brand pitch for Charlton, although Millwall can also claim that [Rod Liddle notwithstanding, we can make a claim to be a family club].
• Charlton not owning their stadium or training ground is likely to discourage potential investors.

Spygate

A great outburst of moral indignation directed at Southampton this morning, admittedly some of it from Saints supporters.  I am yet to talk to a son-in-law who is a season ticket holder.

I do wonder what useful information one could get from watching Oxford United train, but at least they didn't bother with us.  Actually, Sparrows Lane is pretty secure unlike Boro's traing ground which seemed to be wide open.  (Coventry City placed big screens around their training ground some time ago.)   In days gone by one could walk into Sparrows Lane to watch a reserve match.

I don''t think Southampton will succeed in their appeal, but they might well feel inclined to challenge the authority and decision-making of the EFL in the public courts.   One thing is certain is that the lawyers will benefit.

In some ways the real losers are Hull who were preparing to face another club and are now uncertain whether the match will go ahead at all, disrupting the hotel and travel bookings made by their fans.

The fact of the matter is that football is now big business with large sums of money at stake for big financial players and various forms of cheating are inevitable.  They should be punished, but it is usually a club's fans that suffer most.

Richard Cawley has wryly observed that Nathan Jones will be pleased to face Southampton twice next season.

We need to improve all over the pitch admits chairman

Speaking on Charlton TV, chairman Gavin Carter has confirmed that the club will have to be ‘ruthless’ in terms of summer signing and departures, but admitted that the strategy would be financially constrained.

“We have got a lot of work to do.   There are not many players that are out of contract. We have got to look at the squad. If we’re going to bring players in then we’ve got to move some players on, which isn’t easy.

“Sequencing this is difficult. Ideally you would get players out - you get the cash in and then you spend the cash - but we don’t live in a perfect world.

“We are going to do stuff in a fiscally sustainable way. I’ve said many times that I’m not going to risk the future of the football club. You see teams do it all the time and owners do come and go. I’m not going to put us in a position where we have made too many commitments that we then can’t fund in the future. But we are going to make progress.”

“We need more up front. We didn’t score enough goals this year and that’s painfully obvious. In the middle of the park we don’t want to rely just on Sonny (Carey). We need to make sure we’re carrying the ball and we’re what Nathan wants us to be - fluid and aggressive.

“I don’t think there is one area of the pitch where we can’t improve. That has got to be the mentality. But there were clearly some areas of the squad, where there were loan players, that we would like to bring in squad players for next season.”

Spectator magazine opens fire on Charlton again

I have said before that I am baffled why Spectator editor Michael Gove thinks that unleashing his columnists in Charlton is a good way of boosting circulation.   First, Charlton are hardly a high profile club.  Those Millwall fans who are not at His Majesty's pleasure are hardly likely to subscribe to an erudite if somewhat barking magazine.   Likewise, Palace 'ultras' are too busy trying to look hard on the mean streets of Croydon.

I don't particularly like Gove or his views, but I do think he is smart, so what is the angle here?

Admittedly, keen Super Hoops fan Lord Young of Acton has not mentioned football in recent weeks.  One of the most ludicrous events of last season was his attempt to lure Rick Everitt to an autumnal confrontation on a windswept Margate beach (Young did come down from London).

I suppose I should be surprised that Millwall fan Rod Liddle is at it again.  His latest column complains about the 'Charlton-ification' of football 'with clubs replicating the congenial family atmosphere you find at our unfortunate friends down the road'

In fact it is possible to have a variety of experiences at Charlton.  It's different being in the Covered End from the West, once the inspiration for a blog 'All Quiet in the West Stand.'

Liddle recommends a piece of Millwall invective screamed at opposition fans: 'Do you want me to open you up like a can of ****ing peaches, you slag'   Each to their own.

Time for a break

I won't be hitting the beach, although I will be taking advantage of the roof garden here at C(h)arlton House.  Having enjoyed the snooker I am looking forward to Wimbledon and the World Cup.   I will be slowing down in terms of posts over the summer.     Richard Cawley on Substack will keep us reliably updated.

Blogging as an activity has been overtaken by new formats.   Two of our leading bloggers have gone to join Sam Bartram, as I may do as I enter my 80th year,

Podcasts are very much in fashion, but I don't find time to listen even to one I subscribe to.   I can read much more quickly than I can listen.

Substack is a favoured format and is important for those seeking to make a living like Richard Cawley.  I make a little bit of money from the ads on these pages but I plough it back into the club by buying raffle tickets.

The two active bloggers (Chicago and Burgundy) have the benefit of living outside the UK.   Regent Street in the Royal Spa hardly rivals, although it is amusing how many locals have suddenly discovered their inner Sky Blue.

However, because I have been supporting Charlton for a very long time, I can offer some historical perspective.   We have nearly the lost the club more than once, certainly in terms of playing at The Valley. We have suffered more than most clubs with rogue owners, but at last we have some stability.

I think that mid-table is a realistic target for next season.   The biggest problem with supporting Charlton is the negativity and pessimism of so many supporters.   Win and there is little activity on social media: lose (or even draw) and every armchair manager is explaining how they would have done it better.

'It's all about opinions', but modern football is increasingly about evidence in terms of data analysis (the foundation of Brentford's success and now working at Hearts since Brighton's owner acquired a stake).

One leading moaner said in January 'we are already relegated' and we weren't even in a relegation position.   Do cheer up.

Fuel costs and potential shortages are a real concern, but try and enjoy the summer.

Jones hits the ground running

Nathan Jones has told Richard Cawley hs is adamant he will make “ruthless decisions” on his Charlton Athletic squad this summer - and has vowed they will be competing higher up the table next season.

“We need to get better on every single level. We keep saying it, but two years ago the club was on an 18-game streak of not winning in League One. To come to where we are now is the stark reality. Now I have to make big decisions to take the club forward.”

“On Monday and Tuesday we have got individual player meetings with every single person at the football club.”

Presumably not the catering staff at Sparrows Lane?   But the proof of the pudding is very much in the eating.  Will the owners give Jones a big enough budget to improve?

I know: it's not my money that is being spent.  But there are times when you have to speculate to accumulate.

Highest position in EFL for 11 years

Swansea City ended the Championship season with victory as substitute Adam Idah's late double and a sparkling Leo Walta free-kick secured a 3-1 triumph over Charlton Athletic. in front of 2,000 Addicks who had made the journey to sunny South Wales.

There was something of a party atmosphere for both sets of supporters, although the home side dominated possession,

A forgettable goalless draw between two sides with little to play for had looked on the cards until Idah met Josh Key's pass with a crisp first-time finish to put Swansea in front 16 minutes from time.

Charlton responded swiftly as another substitute, Miles Leaburn, headed home from Sonny Carey's corner.

But Nathan Jones' were only level for three minutes before 19-year-old academy product Thomas Woodward – who had only just come on for his senior debut – centred for Idah to steer home his second with the aid of a deflection off Gillesphey.

January signing Walta put a layer of gloss on Swansea's triumph as he scored a memorable first goal for the club, a curling effort from 25 yards which bounced into net off the post.

Victory sees Swansea finish the season in 11th for the second successive season, though the Welsh club are three points better off than they were this time last year.

Charlton end 2025-26 in 19th, their highest finishing position in the EFL pyramid in 11 years, despite ending the season with only one win in their final nine games.

'Fan write' Paul Sullivan gives the BBC his verdict on the season: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cdrp0852xggo

Swan Song

Loyal away Addicks will be going to Swansea tomorrow while others will head to the Valley to watch the fixture and then the crucial women's match.

One of my granddaughters recently discovered her inner Welsh woman and moved to Swansea (Abertawe) where she can buy a three bed with garden, workshop and parking for a low six figure sum.

She won't be going to the match tomorrow as like almost all my family she has no interest in football (performing arts are her thing).

Discounting myself and my three year old great-granddaughter no one in what is now a large immediate family supports Charlton which is perhaps a blessing after a century of suffering.  My wife is interested in football provided it is played in the Premier League, La Liga, the Champions League or the World Cup. She follows Manchester City.   I have one son-in-law who is a season ticket holder at Southampton.

Currently 11th, Swansea have won ten, drawn six and lost six at home.  Should the Addicks win, they could overtake Portsmouth and Stoke depending on their results.   Given that both Blackburn and West Brom could win, a defeat could see them 21st.  A draw would not necessarily save them from this fate

But Nathan Jones could give his instructions in Cymraeg for all that it matters, the focus now has to be on strengthening for next season.  As his latest interview with Richard Cawley makes clear, he recogbises the need to sign better quality players this summer.  Hopefully, the money will be available.

Swansea could move into the top 10 with a win at home:.

• Swansea have only lost one of their past 10 league games against Charlton (W6 D3), going down 2-0 on MD1 of the 2008-09 season.

• Charlton have lost four of their past five league visits to Swansea (D1); all four of those defeats have been by a one-goal margin.

• Swansea have only won their final league game in one of the past five seasons (D1 L3), beating West Bromwich Albion 3-2 in 2022-23.

• Charlton have lost their final game in each of their past three Championship seasons by an aggregate score of 0-10.

• Charlton Athletic have only scored 43 Championship goals this season – the last time they ended a season with fewer than 50 league goals scored was in 2015-16 (40).

On an old WILTY last night, reference was made to a pub in Swansea and it was suggested that it might be a gastro pub.  Cardiff boy Rob Brydon quipped, 'No, not in Swansea.'

Cyril the Swan may be on duty tomorrow, one of the few mascots to get a yellow card.

Swansea are eager to return to the Premier League and have some interesting investors, notably Snoop Dogg who attended the match against Preston.  Their manager noted that it was unusual to smell weed in the tunnel: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2026/02/snoop-dog-turns-up-in-abertawe-thats.html

Ferry across the Tay?

Unconfirmed reports from Scottish media (the Daily Record and Dundee Courier) are reporting Charlton interest in 25-year old Dundee United full back Will Ferry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Ferry

According to some reports, Phil Chapple has been north of the border to see him play.  Blackburn are also rumoured to be interested.

Ferry was born in England, but has appeared for the Republic of Ireland.

Former Addicks keeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer is now at Dundee United (currently injured).

Missing fact about Gemma Arterton

There was an interesting profile of Gemma Arterton in The Times yesterday.   She has just started a new drama series with ITV which has got good initial reviews.

However, it missed the most important fact about her: she is a Charlton supporter.   Her father is a keen Addick and took her to The Valley when she was young.   She was born in Gravesend.

On YouTube you can see her being presented with a Charlton shirt on television.  I doubt whether she gets to The Valley these days though.   She has two children, but it is not known whether they are Addicks.

Can anyone explain the brief reference to Charlton by 'comedian' Paul Merton on Have I Got News For You? on Friday.  I watched it again last night and still couldn't understand the context, although it was evidently some kind of insult.

Merton is the son of a tube driver and is a keen Spurs fan.  He may be laughing on the other side of his face at The Valley next season.   I still remember our 1-0 victory at the old White Hart Lane with Spurs fan Chris Powell scoring the winning goal.

Are you heading for the Italian lakes this summer,  Then take a look at the successful strategy of the Como side: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2026/04/comos-unique-strategy-offers-new.html

Charlton is not in a fashionable part of London so we can't replicate their strategy, but could we make more of the River Thames which is known globally?

Richard Cawley has a fascinating interview with Ashley Maynard-Brewer.  His career has been plagued by injuries: he has broken his nose three times and now he has dislocated his shoulder with Dundee United playing against Rangers.

I have stayed in his home town of Joondalup near Perth WA and I can understand that his first winter living in Welling must have been a shock.  He also talks about the pressures of playing for a 'big' club like Charlton and he needed help from a sports psychologist.

Hiring strategy

Fans are already coming up with lists of players they would like to retain or be found a lower league club.  Even if we can't agree on the names, there is broad agreement that some of the players are not up to Championship standard.

One fan writing on social media put forward the argument in nuanced terms that perhaps some of the players have potential that is yet to be fully developed.  The trouble is that leads us back to the old 'Jones is a waste of space' argument and I can't see the owners letting him go.

One big known unknown is how much money the owners are prepared to 'invest' in players.   An unknown unknown is whether they can succeed in finding an additional investor.  It would seem that with events in the Middle East, and some investments turning out to be more troublesome than anticipated (Chelsea) US private equity investors are holding back.

Thinking about strategy, I would take a look at Leicester City who are going to have a fire sale.  Oxford United may be rubbish, but they have one or two decent players who might want to stay in the Championship with a club that has a proper stadium.

Then there are fringe Premier League players who get scarcely a look in at a top club.  I was struck by how many players Southampton have who were originally with Manchester City.  These players are likely to be hungry to make a name for themselves.

Then there are players who have outperformed in League One.   For example, Kyrell Lisbie who has done well at Peterborough.

Finally, we must be prepared to take a risk on a few relatively unknown foreign players.

Charlton score two to survive

Charlton secured Championship survival thanks to stunning strikes from Charlie Kelman and Jayden Fevrier as they beat Hull City at The Valley.

Kelman curled a sumptuous effort into the top corner to give the Addicks the lead before John Egan headed Hull level in the seventh minute of first-half added time.

The Tigers were much improved after the break, spurred on by the introduction of Mohamed Belloumi off the bench, but the hosts retook the lead when Fevrier darted past two challenges to fire beyond Ivor Pandur into the bottom corner.

After scoring 27 goals in a ruthless loan spell at Leyton Orient last season, Kelman has not always found life easy since moving to The Valley.  Seven goals in 35 appearances going into this game represented a moderate return, but today he showed Addicks fans what he is made of.

Picking up Conor Coady's pass wide on the left, the 24-year-old cut inside Semi Ajayi and Lewie Coyle to bend a sumptuous strike into the top corner.  A goal-of-the-season contender for sure.

Nathan Jones will have been disappointed they went in level, having been so dominant at times in the opening 45 minutes.  And despite a much better performance from Hull in the second half, Fevrier's 68th-minute goal was the one settle the game. And it was equally as impressive.

Had the 23-year-old finished off his effort right at the end then Charlton's goal of the season reel this season could well have had three entries from the same game.

It has been a long, hard season for the Addicks but they can finally plan for a second Championship campaign, with total certainty.

Hull boss looks forward to three points

Hull City boss Serget Jakorovic is looking forward to ending Hull's winless run of six matches with three points off 'struggling' Charlton tomorrow.

The Croatian charm merchant was sent off at the King Power on Tuesday for 'sarcastic clapping', but it looks as if he will be in the Valley dugout tomorrow.

Hull City, only outside the final play-off spot on goal difference, can leapfrog rivals Wrexham into sixth place, with the Red Dragons set to play title winners Coventry City on Sunday.

• Charlton are unbeaten in their last six home league meetings with Hull City (D3 L3) since a 1-2 reverse in November 1985.

• Hull have won three of their last four away league games against London clubs (L1), as many as their previous 16 in the capital beforehand (W3 D7 L6).

• Charlton have won their final home league game in seven of the last nine seasons (D2) since a 0-3 defeat to Burnley in 2015-16.

• Hull haven't won their final away league game in any of the last 18 seasons (D6 L12) since a 1-0 victory at Cardiff in 2006-07.

• Hull have earned 35 away points in the Championship this season; a win here will make this the most points they have ever earned on the road in a second tier campaign (38, assuming 3 pts/win all-time), a record they set in 2023-24 (37).

Try calming down

Charlton fans are busy slagging off each other on social media on the usual topics: views of Jones and whether we will be relegated.   It might be a good idea in these circumstances just to calm down get behind the team.

Of course we constantly told it's all about opinions whereas the world I live is one where evidence counts for more.

I have tried to keep clear of the Peter Mandelson affair.  After all, unlike top Super Hoops fan and Charlton critic Lord Young of Acton, I was not named in the Epstein files.*

Unfortunately, trying to keep my head down has not worked and I have been contacted by the integrity and ethics branch of the Cabinet Office.   They certainly won't want opinions from me next week.

We do have a lot more evidence these days about football finances and how they affect performance, but the fact that Charlton has one of the lowest playing budgets in the Championship rarely features in the discussion.

BTW, I'm not saying I like Michael Gove but he was an effective minister in the sense that he managed to get two departments to change policy direction and that is not easy.   So why as editor of the Spectator is he encouraging his columnists to have a go at Charlton?

If he is thinking of adding subscribers, I am told that getting any magazines into a prison is not easy so not much luck with Spanners.  And if he is thinking of the Nigels, they are too busy pretending to be ultras to be seen reading a magazine.

*It should be pointed out that the noble Lord has explained that he was inadvertently included in Epstein's contacts book because of a tenuous acquaintance with G Maxwell.   He has denied visiting 'Paedo Island' (his terminology), travelling on the so-called Lolita Express aircraft or visiting Epstein in one of his homes or at a correctional facility.

Early goal does not save Charlton from defeat

A cheeky first minute goal by captain Greg Docherty put Charlton ahead at The Valley this evening, but Ipswich equalised in the first half and then scored the winner from the penalty spot in the second half.

Charlton remain six points ahead of Oxford and I remain sceprical that they will discover their inner Bayern Munich.

I was surprised that some fans wanted to see the Tractors win to disadvantage Millwall.   If they do go up, we will no longer have to throw six points away.   They will find the top flight challenging and it will be interesting to see the so-called Nigel 'ultras' confront the Spanners.

The Tractors could not have got off to a worse start when Johnson, in at left-back for the injured Leif Davis, was punished to the maximum for his underhit pass inside.

Campbell drove into the box and his angled effort forced Christian Walton to parry into the path of the onrushing Docherty, who put away his first goal for more than a year via a slight deflection off Dara O'Shea.

An energetic Charlton, buoyed by their quickfire opener, made life difficult for Ipswich in the early stages and it took the visitors 15 minutes to have their first shot of the game as Philogene bobbled a volley harmlessly wide at the back post.

But from then on, Ipswich took control and were rewarded when Philogene led a quick break before laying the ball to Azor Matusiwa, who teed up Furlong on the edge of the box to place with precision into the far corner.

Kieran McKenna's side carried on where they left off after the restart by dominating possession and penning Charlton back into their own half.  And, 13 minutes into the second period, Ipswich completed the turnaround.

Furlong was again the architect, drifting in behind Macaulay Gillesphey, (many Addicks were surprised to see him selected) who made a clumsy challenge to bring down the Ipswich right-back in the area and give away a penalty.  Philogene's spot-kick was straight down the middle and not convincing but somehow squirmed under Charlton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski to send the travelling fans behind the goal into raptures.

Shortly after, Philogene produced a bending effort that was beaten away by Kaminski to prevent Ipswich extending their advantage further.

Charlton's home support were enthused when the board went up for eight minutes of stoppage time but it was the visitors who came closest late on as Kaminski produced an astonishing double save to deny Marcelino Nunez from close range.

Richard Cawley commented: 'A performance that was full of spirit and a big improvement on what we witnessed at Hillsborough. Injuries to Bell, Campbell and Godden make it a double whammy alongside the loss.'

Foxes go down

Leicester City have been relegated to League One after drawing 2-2 at home with Hull.  Fans chanted 'sack the board,'

Oxford lost 0-1 at home to Wrexham but remain six points behind the Addicks.  Charlton need one point from the three remaining games to be mathematically safe.

Charlton fell back to 20th after West Brom won 3-0 at home.   However, Portsmouth lost 5-1 at Coventry and have an inferior goal difference to the Addicks.  If we draw tomorrow night we overtake them.

Football finance guru Kieran Maguire and others have questioned the case for a points deduction at West Brom.

Tractors unlikely to concede double

Charlton host promotion-chasing Ipswich Town in a vital encounter at both ends of the Championship table on Wednesday night.  The Addicks are six points above 22nd-placed Oxford United before the midweek round of fixtures and a win would put them on the brink of safety.

However, the more pessimistic Addicks see an away win more likely with Richard Cawley noting Charlton's poor possession statistics. I think that a draw is possible.

If the U's lose to Wrexham on Tuesday evening, Charlton would need just a point to guarantee safety, while if Oxford draw, victory would see Nathan Jones' side survive.

The Tractor Boys currently occupy the second automatic promotion spot but could be leapfrogged by Millwall or Southampton - or both - by the time they kick-off at The Valley.

Kieran McKenna's side also have a game in hand on the chasing pack and even a draw at Charlton would keep their fate in their own hands.

• Following their 3-0 win in October, Charlton are looking to complete the league double over Ipswich for the first time since 2001-02 in the Premier League.
• Ipswich have failed to score in five of their previous eight league games against Charlton, but have netted 14 goals in the three games they have found the net (4-0, 4-4, 6-0).
• Charlton have lost five of their past six home league games (W1) including each of the previous three; they last lost four in a row in February 2024.
• Ipswich, who lost their most recent away league game 2-0 at Portsmouth, are looking to avoid suffering successive away defeats in the Championship for the first time since April 2019 (run of three).
• Ipswich have only won one of their five league games against newly promoted sides this season (D2 L2), failing to win either of their away matches so far (1-1 v Birmingham, 3-5 v Wrexham).

Why I know nothing about football - part 2

I see that the keyboard warriors are out on social media again saying that Jones has to go.  I don't 'love' Jones: I prefer the Curbishley 'cool as a cucumber' style on the pitch, but I think that has done a job for us and deserves a chance with a bigger playing budget and better players next season.   Of course, some gloom merchants are trying to construct scenarios where we still get relegated as Oxford discover they are really Bayern Munich.

Recently I looked at how football has changed since I first watched it in 1953.  It seems to me that it has changed quite a lot in the last few years.

I don't want to get in the controversy about VAR as it is not used in the Championship, but it has revealed how marginal so many decisions are, particularly on offside.   Referees seem to me to be as inconsistent as they have ever been and there is more of the 'it's all about me' syndrome..   Now that linos are called assistant referees, I wish they were allowed to get more involved in decisions.   As it is, they ignore incidents right in front of them as the ref has told them to stick to offsides and throw ins.   And is a keeper ever going to be sent off for time wasting rather than getting a late yellow?

The new fashion is playing out from the back.   I think that to make that work you have to have really good players, especially defenders.  As things stand, it leads to too many unforced errors.  I don't think there is anything with a long ball if it is a directed long ball not a hopeful punt up field.

I do quite like the idea of a sweeper keeper as I think it is what Sam Bartram was trying to do.  At my non-league club Leamington we had the 'barmy binman' who set off on forays down the wing.  I saw him score from the half way line.

The extension of games to 100+ minutes may not the best way of dealing with time wasting and certainly calls for new skills in making substitutions.  

I never see the team training, so I lack vital information that the coach has.

What I do know something about is the economics and finance of football. Of course, there are better people working on this.  Kieran Maguire at Liverpool University is a qualified accountant and is on all sorts of media as well as regularly speaking to meetings of fans.

We would have once called the Swiss Ramble a gnome of Zurich.  He has accumulated an incredible amount of data about clubs across Europe which he subjects to forensic analysis on his Substack platform.

So, wake up and smell the coffee!  Modern football is the playground of billionaires and private equity companies.

Tough times next season

I liked Stevc 'he'll never let you down' Brown as a footballer.  I recall his stand in sessions as a keeper, for example at Villa (a great save) and at Southend United.   I also recall him getting sent off after being injured.

I am less keen on him as a pundit as I think he is a professional moaner, although that doubtless goes down well with some Addicks.

However, I think he is right that the Championship is going to be tougher next season.   There won't be any clubs blighted by massive (or smaller) points deductions.

Wolves have good financial resources and that certainly applies to one of Forest, Spurs and West Ham.  The regulator is looking at the distorting effects of parachute payments but no action yet.

Assuming that Wrexham don't get promoted, we will making three trips to Wales next year following the promotion of Cardiff City and the retention of Swansea City.

Clubs like Norwich and Birmingham City will be formidable opponents.   Only Lincoln look likely to have a small playing budget.

The owners need to dig deep or attract an additional investor.

One is never enough

Charlton moved six points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining as they drew with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. Their inability to score more than goal a game cost them again.

Charlton are limping towards the end of the season, but the objective has always been to stay up and then have a clear out of lower league players.

West Brom won 2-0 at Preston, but it looks as If Leicester City are all but relegated.

Matty Godden gave the Addicks the lead just after the break, having hit the crossbar on the stroke of half-time.

Gabriel Otegbayo tapped into an empty net to level the score after an error from Charlton goalkeeper Will Mannion, while the Owls felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty in the first half.

The result moves Nathan Jones' team up to 50 points, while the Owls have become the first team in Football League history to go 37 consecutive matches without a win.

In a match that lacked quality, Charlton were perhaps fortunate not to have conceded a spot kick when Reece Burke brought down Tayo Adaramola on the edge of the area, with the challenge looking very close to the line.

Godden had the best chance of the first half when he acrobatically flicked the ball against the crossbar from Harry Clarke's deep cross right before the break.

But the 34-year-old, who has missed much of the season through injury, broke the deadlock on 49 minutes when he chested down a flick on from Lloyd Jones, took a touch on the turn and finished into the bottom corner via the post for his second goal of the season.

The Addicks came wickedly close to doubling their lead as Sonny Carey's low strike hit the inside of the post and came back out into play.

The Owls equalised with less than 15 minutes to go as Addicks goalkeeper Mannion dropped Sean Fusire's cross when he came out to claim it, under pressure from Jamal Lowe, with Otegbayo tapping home into the empty net despite Mannion's calls for a foul.

Chastened manager Nathan Jones commented: '“I’m disappointed. In the cold light of day it is a positive point because it means we go further away from the relegation zone. But the level of performance, I expect us to be better.'

Yestreday's visit of the Super Hoops to Millwall might have seen a coming together of the two leading Charlton critics from the Spectator.  Rod Liddle actually lives up north so probably doesn't get to the rust bucket much these days.

However, Lord Young of Acton was there, having mysteriously decided to travel to Shadwell station which left him half an hour from the New Den.   He was too upset about losing the double to Millwall to direct any invective at Charlton.

Pompey overtake Charlton

Portsmouth pushed Charlton down to 19th after their 1-0 victory over Leicester at Fratton Park today.  However, as the BBC points out that puts Leicester nearer League One.  Charlton are eight points ahead of them.

With Oxford losing 1-0 at Derby, the Addicks are five points ahead of them.

Should Charlton be able to win this afternoon, they will go eight points clear.

Burke, Clarke, Coady and Godden come in. Richard Cawley talked on his pod this week about expecting Nathan Jones to go with experience for this one. Rankin-Costello, Campbell, Fevrier and Ramsay drop out. Latter not in squad, so looks to be an injury.

Hellsborough?

Charlton are unbeaten in six on the road (despite having just 39 per cent possession in these matches) and Sheffield Wednesday have not won a game at home this season. They did secure a surprise 0-0 draw away at league leaders Coventry last weekend, putting their promotion celebrations on ice. This is just the kind of scenario that appeals to the negativity and pessimism of so many Charlton supporters.

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones wants his team to be more ‘clinical’ and ‘get back to basics’ against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

He said: 'We have had opportunities to win games lately and we haven’t. We have let ourselves down on one or two little things. We have to work so hard to get chances, to get goals. We have created enough chances in recent weeks and I just want us to be a bit more clinical. If you can’t keep a clean sheet and you don’t convert your chances then that is not a good sign so we have to get back to basics this weekend.'

The Addicks will be backed by around 2,000 fans on Saturday and the visitors are set to be boosted by the return of former England defender Conor Coady after he was stretchered off and taken to hospital after being knocked unconscious on Easter Monday.

The Massives have won their last four home games against Charlton, keeping a clean sheet each time.  The Addicks have not completed the league double over the Owls since 1953/4.   Jamal Lowe has scored in both of his last two league games against Charlton, although in 2020 it was for Wigan.

Interesting that Lincoln University's student paper reckons that the Imps will have as small a playing budget as Charlton next season: https://thelinc.co.uk/2026/04/lincoln-city-finances-championship/

Shelvey's Arabian dream

Jonjo Shelvey started his career at Cbarlton, but now he is heading to the UAE to manage third tier minnows, the Arabian Falcons: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clyjj2pjdypo

It is no clear whether falconry instruction comes as part of the package.

Tonight's results

Portsmouth had a surprise victory over Ipswich tonight with former Leamington ace Colby Bishop scoring the second goal.   Pompey are now just one point behind Charlton.

However, Blackburn lost, have now played one more game and have an inferior goal difference.