Blackpool top form table

According to the headline in the Blackpool Gazette the Tangerines are out for revenge at The Valley today.  In particular, defender James Husband 'will be looking to banish his nightmare memories of Charlton.'

Given Charlton's recent form, one might think that they face an easy task when they take their trip from beside the Irish Sea to the River Thames.   I have been slipping down the West Sussex Badger League prediction table and my forecast of a 2-1 win over Blackpool this afternoon made at the start of the year looks over optimistic.   A useful home point might be possible.

Blackpool's midweek game had to be postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.   Last weekend they managed to beat promotion prospects Portsmouth 1-0 at Fratton Park.   Manager Neil Critchley said afterwards: 'We were positive, believed in ourselves and got our reward for that.'

Charlton fans have a reputation for being some of the most pessimistic in football and some are already talking about a relegation battle.   9th is not a relegation position and Charlton are 12th in the form table.  It looks more like midtable mediocrity to me.

Above all, one can't read results off the table in what is a more competitive league that many fans are prepared to allow.  Just because a club is a 'small' one doesn't mean they can't perform on the pitch.  The size of your stadium or your fan base doesn't give you a right to be in a particular league.   According to Sheffield Wednesday fans, they are a 'massive' club but they are in a relegation battle.

As the CAST preview notes, Blackpool have plenty of attacking threat (although C J Hamilton is out injured at the moment): https://www.castrust.org/2021/02/blackpool-can-you-bear-to-watch/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blackpool-can-you-bear-to-watch

Our historic record against them is poor, although some of that may be down to Stanley Matthews: Played 65, Won 19, Drawn 16, Lost 30.

Super Kevin Lisbie will be the guest on Valley Pass today. According to Thomas Sandgaard 6,000 fans are now watching the improved show.

Coyle set to replace Riga

Owen Coyle is being lined up to replace José Riga at Blackpool: Blackpool. Coyle must be desperate to get back into management given the state of affairs at Blackpool.

Coyle is out of the frame, but Gary Rowett has now turned down the job although Riga has not actually been sacked: Rowett

Oyston has now criticised Riga for his 'unprofessional attitude' in returning to Belgium, but he should perhaps consider how professional he has been as an owner: Oyston

Riga hasn't had the best of years, to say the least. He was respected at Charlton and deserved better. Blackpool fans also deserve a better owner. Quite what owner Karl Oyston's strategy is remains unclear, but at this rate ambitious neighbours AFC Fylde will be passing the Tangerines as they go down the Football League.

When I was in Lancashire at the weekend, I was told Fylde is bankrolled by someone who wanted to buy Blackpool with a business partner who put his money into Fleetwood Town.

I was in area of strong Morecambe support (yes, really) and was chatting to one or two of their fans. I can't remember ever playing them. One thing they have in common with us is that football magazine Four Four Two forecast they would be relegated. They are currently in the automatic promotion places.

Riga on Deportivo La Coruna short list

Former Addicks coach José Riga is on the short list at Deportivo La Coruna, reflecting his good reputation on the continent. He has not found life easy at Blackpool since his arrival there: Riga

Following Tom Ince's departure on a free transfer to Hull City, the Tangerines are left with just eight first-team players - including no goalkeepers. Riga has also faced competition from the boardroom over his choice of backroom staff, and many fans are berating club owner Karl Oyston over his running of the club.

Has Riga quit at Blackpool?

Rumours are circulating that José Riga has quit at Blackpool after a big row with charm merchant chairman Karl Oyston over a lack of transfer funds. Certainly Oyston had declared his intention to involve himself more closely in the playing side and Riga may felt that he had his fill of that at Charlton: Oyston takes control.

It's perhaps worth noting that other clubs have their problems as well.

Clean sheet at The Valley

Charlton achieved a rare clean sheet at The Valley this afternoon with a 0-0 draw with Blackpool. While it wasn't exactly a bore draw, the passion and commitment of Tuesday night was missing, although sometimes the evening games under the lights at The Valley are the best.

The Addicks continued to feel the absence of Yann Kermorgant with a lack of firepower up front. The first shot of goal was a tame effort by Simon Church in the second half. For their part, Blackpool disappointed, given their position in the table and their performances in the past. Bolton's win at Birmingham means that Charlton slip to 21st in the table.

I heard that some fans had problems with trains, being told to get out at Blackheath because of a broken down train at Woolwich Arsenal. They then had to pile on to buses. I came via Greenwich so was ok. Be warned that there will be a limited train service on the day of a Wigan game, which is helpful for an anticipated big crowd.

Charlton started brightly and the Bloke Beside Me remarked me after ten minutes that he had never enjoyed football so much at Charlton this season (though he wasn't at Notts Forest). However, it didn't last, as our first twenty minutes was our best and then the Tangerines started to get into the game more.

We had an early chance when we were awarded a free kick near the 'D', but although it was well taken by Dale Stephens it ended up on the roof of the net. Rhoys Wiggins was displaying real skill, Morrison put in a great defensive header and even Harriott displayed some nifty footwork. We were playing a good passing game. Ricardo Fuller, who had been greeted with warm applause, was caught offside to the shocked disbelief of the crowd.

We had a really good spell around 25 minutes but we were unable to make it count. Blackpool were starting to counter attack more effectively and won a corner but it was claimed by Hamer. Poor defensive work put Hamer under pressure with a back pass in a crowded box. A Charlton free kick was poor. Rhoys Wiggins put in a cross but it was not placed so that anyone could use it. Blackpool won another corner, and the Bloke Beside Me thought the game was tipping their way, but Stephens cleared with a good header out.

Under pressure, Wood put in a great defensive header to Hamer. The referee showed that he was on top of his game by remembering a series of fouls by Kirk Broadfoot and giving him a yellow card, much to the latter's annoyance who looked as if he might throw sand in the referee's face. In stoppage time Hamer had to save on the line from Fuller.

HT 0-0

Sordell was lucky not to be yellow carded for a poor attempt at simulation. A Blackpool free kick led to a corner for the visitors. Wiggins fought well for the ball. Gower was taken off for Pritchard. Following a good cross, we won our first corner of the game and, after a Charlton throw in, this was followed by a second.

Sordell won Charlton a free kick, but this was dismissed as lucky by the row behind. Cousins put in a great shot, but the keeper was able to tip it round the post. The ball from the corner was just over and I did think it might have last been touched by a Blackpool player. The Tangerines were making increasing use of their long throw in routine, but to no great effect, in part thanks to Hamer. They took off Osbourne and brought on their loan signing from Newcastle, Gosling, who is their great white hope. Simon Church was taken off and replaced by Stewart. Ince got a yellow card for a foul. Fuller went off to warm applause which he acknowledged and Davies came on.

Despite the late attempt by Blackpool, this was a match that had 0-0 written all over it and it is difficult to complain about the result.

Incidentally, one Addick drew my attention to the professional way that Chris Powell handles himself at the end of the match, making sure he shakes hands with all the opposition players.

Match analysis

Ivy the Terrible has awarded the Silver Bone to Jordan Cousins for an accomplished performance which included the best shot on goal in the game. It's good that he is now on a three year contract. The Football League Paper said of him, 'a calm presence, anchored the midfield.' Hamer wasn't really tested by Blackpool, except at a few corners which he claimed well. I wish that he would roll the ball out sometimes when the opportunity presents itself. Morrison had a good game, in particular put in some great defensive work in the first half. Wood was also good and showed some real skill. Wiggins is getting back to his old form and got forward well, although his crosses were not always as precise as one would like. Wilson had a decent game, although his decision-making failed him once or twice. He made a particularly serious mistake at the end of the game which nearly saw Ince score. However, the FLP thought that he marshalled the balding Bishop well. Stephens was much more active and committed and even used his talents in defence. However, he did fade in the second half. Gower was a bit anonymous and was eventually taken off. However, our midfield was then relatively inexperienced and possibly we controlled the ball better when Gower was there. Harriott showed some real skill on occasions, but he was also muscled off the ball by the stronger Blackpool players. FLP gave him the lowest score of any Charlton player and thought that his final ball was often poor. Church does put in the effort, but whether he has sufficient quality is an open question. However, perhaps he deserved better service. FLP noted that he won some intelligent free kicks. Sordell quickly became public enemy number one as far as the row behind me was concerned and even when he did do something decent it was put down to luck. However, I do think they have a point, as I would like to see a striker hungrier for the ball and more eager to get involved. FLP thought that 'he shielded the ball well against the bigger frame of MacKenzie. Once again, the opposition players seemed bigger than ours.

Pritchard had a reasonable game when he came on, but I am not sure that he added that much. Stewart was far from a game changer, despite getting a big write up in the programme. Pigott had a cameo, but did his best to get involved.

Pleased to see a photo in the programme of a match against Stoke City sixty years ago in which Stanley Matthews featured. We won that game, which attracted a crowd of 56,000, which we won 4-2. I seem to recall that my father thought Matthews was well past his best.

I thought that the referee Keith Hill had a good game, and has been presented with a Silver Biscuit by Ivy, but Rescue Cat Reg has given the Hiss of the Match to the East Stand lino who didn't seem aware of what was going on in front of him.

Valley of Hope

After what most fans saw as a heartening performance against Notts Forest on Tuesday evening, particularly in the second half, the Addicks face Blackpool at The Valley tomorrow. The Tangerines have faltered a little recently, drawing 1-1 at Huddersfield last Friday night and then, even more surprisingly, recording a goalless draw at home to struggling Bolton midweek.

Even so, they are still in the play off places and their record on the road is: won two, drawn two, lost one.

We will, of course, be facing former Addick Ricardo Fuller. One Addick has commented, 'Memo to Ben Hamer - please remember that Ricardo Fuller can turn on a proverbial sixpence in the penalty area and shoot hard/low/accurate (Andy Reid free kick on Tuesday refers...). Memo to centre-backs- please remember that Ricardo Fuller is the master of drawing a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, so beware of marking him too-close! He's bound to score.' Returning players often do.

Fuller gives it large about Charlton here on 'Tangerine TV': Full of himself

Manager Paul Ince has brought in his son Tom Ince who is good both at providing assists and scoring. He wasn't at his most effective against Huddersfield, but was still a threat. Full back Kirk Broadfoot got forward well and provided the assist for Fuller's goal. On loan Liverpool defender Jack Robinson was solid.

Newcastle United midfielder Dan Gosling has joined Blackpool on loan and will be in the squad for tomorrow's game. His game time this season has been confined to the league cup.

Our recent record at home to Blackpool has been reasonably good. We won 2-1 last season, secured a 2-2 draw in 2008/9 and actually won 4-1 in 2007/8.

Odds are: Charlton 8/5, Draw 23/10, Blackpool 13/8.

Racial chanting claims to be investigated

Claims by Bolton players that they were the subject of racial abuse at the New Den yesterday are to be investigated by the Football Association: Allegations

Elsewhere, half of today's Football League Paper report on the match at Blackpool is taken up with Ian Holloway losing his rag. Identical copy seems to be here on Clubcall: Holloway . Some of the positive comments on Charlton players lead one to wonder if these were the same players I saw against Watford, e.g., Hamer as a 'calming influence'.

Cort gets the top ranking of 9 for his defensive work as well as his goal. Fuller gets 8 for 'giving Charlton a foothold from which to build attacks with pace and power.' Hamer also gets 8 as does Morrison for 'a powerful and composed display' with which we are familiar. Interesting that Stephens got 7 for 'consistent quality from set pieces' and Hollands who 'disrupted Blackpool's rhythm.' I have had doubts about both these players in home games.

I was pessimistic about yesterday's match and I got it completely wrong. With the benefit of hindsight, it can be seen that Blackpool's results have a very up and down pattern. One wonders if they thought they just had to turn up and claim the three points, given our recent form (although we can often be more of a threat away from home).

I think that I was also very influenced by the fact that we last won there in 1981, but, of course, we haven't played there many times since then - twice in the noughties, I think.

I was there for the 5-3 defeat and there was a strong wind off the Irish Sea and no cover where we 'sat'. The ground has been substantially improved since then. But when we last played them the Seasiders were on the up and we were on our way down. Since then they have been up to the top flight, down again and lost a play off final. As far as one can tell from the commentary, their fans seemed very subdued yesterday, even at the start. But perhaps we just shut them up.

BTW, one reader said he had a problem posting a comment because he kept being identified as a 'robot'. Coincidentally, I have just had a problem posting a comment on the excellent Drinking During the Game blog. Has anyone else had a problem with posting a comment on this blog? Also, some of the comments made about the chairman's misadventure in Spain seem to have disappeared and I didn't delete them.

We Don't Like To Be Beside the Seaside

My first memories of Blackpool as a football club relate to Stanley Matthews playing for them. His presence could be guaranteed to put a few thousand on the crowd, but he wasn't always able to play, leaving many people disappointed. For example, at the match at The Valley on 23rd February 1953, played on a Monday for some reason, Blackpool fielded six reserves and lost 2-0. The attendance was one of the lowest of the season at 15,913.

I am pretty sure I was at The Valley on 10 October 1953 as one of the 56,664. Matthews did play, but Blackpool lost 4-2. The next year it was known that Matthews would not be playing and just 16,354 saw the match played on Thursday afternoon (which was early closing day). I would have been at school.

When the Seasiders had their brief stay in the top flight, their attacking style of play won them many friends. I always felt that if they had spent on one or two good defenders, they might have survived. But, of course, they received substantial parachute payments which have helped them to maintain their challenge. Last season they finished 5th, followed by the bitter disappointment of a play off final defeat. Nevertheless, it was an impressive campaign under Ian Holloway.

The Times predicted that they will finish 4th this year, despite frugal transfer spending. The Football League Paper was much less generous, forecasting a finish in 16th place. Four Four Two was somewhere in between at 9th. So far The Times forecast is looking the best one, but it's early days. What one can say with confidence is that they are unlikely to be relegated, but are also unlikely to be outright champions - although it's not impossible. The fan forecast in Four Four Two was for a play off finish and that looks realistic to me.

Blackpool winger Tom Ince faces a late fitness test as he looks to return from a hip problem. Skipper Johnnie Jackson (hamstring) is a doubt for Charlton, and I would be surprised to see him start. Loan players Rob Hulse and Abdul Razak could both make their full debuts for the Addicks, but Ricardo Fuller should keep his place after scoring in midweek.

The Seasiders have dropped points in only four of their last 15 home league games against the Addicks, and are hoping for a third successive Bloomfield Road victory over Charlton. Our last win there was in the old Third Division in March 1981. The Seasiders came from behind to secure their fifth league win of the season, with a 3-2 victory at Hull on Tuesday, and avoided a third successive defeat. The 3-0 defeat at Cardiff was away from home against a strong side. The team in tangerine have won every league game in which they've netted more than one goal, and remain the top scorers in the division, with 19 in nine.

All this sets a tough challenge for a faltering Charlton already hit by long-term injuries to key players. If we win this game, I would be delighted but very surprised. A draw would be a good result. My fear is something like a 3-1 defeat which would probably see us fall into the relegation zone depending on results elsewhere. Millwall, the Massives and Ipswich all have home games tomorrow, although Millwall have to take on Bolton while the Tractors face Cardiff in the evening kick off. Regardless of what happens elsewhere, I do think that we will make a game of it.

Back in the 1950s newspapers used to have a 'golden guinea' man who would visit resorts like Blackpool in the summer. If you were carrying a copy of the paper concerned and spotted their man, you could answer a simple question and win a prize of £1.05p (which was worth a lot more then). If you see away reporter Paul May tomorrow and tell him which of Blackpool and Charlton finished higher up the table in 1953/4, he will buy you a pint.