Return of the prodigal

St. Margaret's at Cliffe: Down the road in Kingsdown, cash strapped supremo Lee Bowyer is considering a return to Charlton for 25-year old midfielder Calum Harriott: Cast eye over former player for a couple of weeks

The news has not gone down well with many supporters, but Harriott's career at Reading was blighted by injury. With Roland's League One budget, Bowyer's options are constrained.

With the lowest budget in the Championship, loan signings will be crucial. Three central midfielders are needed with a couple of forwards: Deadline looms

Harriott bid turned down

It is being reported that a bid from Barnsley for Callum Harriott is being turned down. Charlton did entertain offers for the mercurial winger last summer.but took up an option to extend his contract at the end of the season.

Russell Slade is said to be an admirer of the player. Full story here: Harriott stays

Bargains for Blues at The Valley?

This article suggests that there could be bargains for Birmingham City at The Valley: Bargains

Top of the list is Johann Berg Gudmundsson. However, Morgan Fox is seen as the real gem. The writer reckons that he could be picked up for £250,000 and has all the potential to become a 'fantastic' full back.

Other clubs are, however, interested in Fox. Many Charlton fans have a low opinion of him. My view is that he is inconsistent: a piece of excellent play one minute, a disastrous error the next. Whether he could be coached to improve is an open question.

Last but not least on the list is Callum Harriott.

All three players are likely to leave, but none of them may go to Birmingham.

Slim hopes fade after defeat

Charlton's slim hopes of Championship survival faded even further after a 2-1 defeat at QPR, the Addicks going down to a time added on goal by Nasser el Khayati. El Khayati's curler sealed a defeat that left the Addicks 10 points adrift of safety with five games left.

Jordan Cousins looked to have earned the visitors a point when he fired in from the edge of the box on his left just after the hour mark. Matt Phillips had earlier given Rangers a fortuitous lead with a cross-shot.

The first real chance of the game fell to the Addicks as Ademola Lookman set up Callum Harriott whose effort was beaten away by Alex Smithies. From the corner Morgan Fox found himself unmarked at the far post but managed to head wide.

There was a call for offside when Phillips' curved shot went in with Junior Hoilet standing in front of Nick Pope.

Charlton almost equalised immediately after the break after Harriott skilfully beat his defender, but his shot cannoned off the crossbar. A strong effort by Chery was well saved by Pope. Cousins then curled home after good interplay between Harriott and Chris Solly. Vetokele then had a number of chances, but could not convert one of them, even when one on one.

According to Louis Mendez it was a gutsy performance, but once again we squandered chances in front of goal: Defeat

I've been dusting off the Third Division Diary and taking a look at the League Two promotion race to spot some of the teams we could be playing next season: Glamour ties

Charlton win at home

Charlton confounded their own fans' expectations by beating high flying Middlesbrough 2-0 at The Valley this afternoon. It was a composed and determined performance by the Addicks. I heard a surprised Boro supporter saying on the train afterwards, 'They really wanted to win.'

The start of the game was interrupted as the pitch was bombarded with black and white beach balls as fans chanted their desire to see Roland out. Charlton, however, kept their concentration well and Nick Pope's save to prevent an own goal by Rod Fanni was the closest Boro came before the break.

The visitors looked brighter after the interval, but £9m striker Rhodes was too slow after being found in a good position by Albert Adomah on the edge of the box and was crowded out by the Charlton defence.

The Addicks took the lead when Johann Berg Gudmundsson's corner was met by Teixeira on the six-yard line with a bullet header, giving Dimi Konstantopoulos no chance. A couple of fans invaded the pitch, one sensibly made his way back to the Covered End, but the other needed half a dozen stewards to restrain him.

A considerable number of fans left on the 74th minute and missed the second goal. Adomah and Gaston Ramirez tested Pope as Boro pressed forward, but they were caught out at the back as the ball rebounded off Dael Fry and the impressive Harriott swept home his eighth goal of the season before limping off with a knock.

Referee Darren Dreadman was much keener to award free kicks to Boro and handed out his customary large number of yellow cards.

Motta didn't know why fans were protesting: Motta

There has been discussion about whether Meire looks smug or frightened in the televised picture of her. I would say queasy.

Player ratings

Pope kept a clean sheet, making some excellent saves and never look flustered once. As well as scoring the opening goal, Teixeira was solid in defence. Fox had one of the best games I have ever seen him play. Apart from the near own goal, Fanni had a good game. Motta was the player I have reservations about, I am not sure how strong he is defensively.

Suk-Young had a decent game. We saw how much we missed Diarra who had an excellent game and was close to being man of the match. Cousins was chosen as man of the match by the pundits and was energetic and tigerish. Gudmundsson had the best game he has had for some time and got warm applause when he was taken off.

Lookman was energetic and skilled, but didn't make a huge impact. Harriott run himself into the ground pressing the opposition.

Bergdich didn't make a great impression when he came on. Reza raced around as usual, but to no great effect. Lennon had a cameo.

Bore draw at The Valley

MK Dons won an early free kick at The Valley but Pope claimed it confidently. Maynad managed to get into the box, but his effort was tame. Charlton were defending deep from the off. It was a nervous start for the Addicks on a wet evening.

A good shot from Gudmundsson was blocked on five minutes.

Suk Young put in a dangerous cross, but it was cleared.

Murphy went to ground easily looking for a penalty, but the referee ruled that it was a goal kick.

Harriott put in a good run going round three players but he was unlucky when his last touch ended in a goal kick.

Charlton had a spell of possession in the opposition half, but Fox put the ball in the Jimmy Seed.

Motta’s cross was headed behind for a corner after good interplay between Harriott and Motta. Gudmundsson’s delivery was poor and the ball was cleared.

Motta put an excellent ball across the pitch to Gudmundsson, but the ball was claimed by Martin clad in green in the Dons goal.

The visitors won a corner. Gudmundsson intercepted and got the ball away.

Charlton couldn’t break MK Dons down. The visitors were defending in depth and Charlton couldn’t get behind the back four with a pedestrian build up. A shot from Murphy went wide.

Pope made a poor clearance and then a decent save at the expense of a corner. The Addickted chanted for Sanogo who was felt to be incapable of starting two games in a few days.

Tex did well to put the ball behind for a corner. The ball was headed clear.

Gudmundsson got in behind, but Martin smothered the ball.

Harriott won Charlton a corner after the impressive Motta linked up with him well. Gudmundsson over hit the ball and it went out for a goal kick.

Charlton had a quick counter attack and Cousins put in good work, but Makienok and Suk-Young were both poor.

The first half ended unusually on 45 minutes. It had been uninspiring, but the Covered End gave the team a rousing cheer.

HT 0-0

Bowditch got a yellow card for a foul on Suk-Young. Play continued to be scrappy and lackimg in quality. The Covered End again chanted for Sanogo.

Great defending from Tex with Palace loan player Williams going down by the hoardings.

Williams was taken off and Hall came on. Tex had a header on target. A shot from Cousins was just inches wide of the post, after good work by Harriott. The crowd came alive. Pope had to make a great save from the substitute Hall. The Addicks just about dealt with the corner.

Harriott, rather surprisingly came off and kicked away the ball in frustration. There were boos followed by applause as Harriott kicked the dugout. There were chants of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ from the Addickted. Sanogo came on. Gudmundsson went on the right in a 4-4-2 formation.

A nasty challenge by Bowditch on Tex went unpunished. Bowditch was taken off and Reeves came on.

The visitors won a corner, but it was cleared. Maynard was replaced by Revell.

Poyet came off and Bergdich came on. He got a round of applause from the MK Dons fans. Bergdich went on the left and Suk Young switched to the right of midfield.

The visitors had a big chance, but Fox somehow blocked Hall’s shot from eight yards. The fans started to chant Lookman’s name, but a deal has probably already been done for him and he can’t be injured.

Bergdich put in a great ball, but it somehow squirmed past Sanogo. It was arguably the best chance of the evening for the Addicks.

Charlton won a corner. Gudmundsson’s corner was poor and it ended in an offside decision. There was the biggest cheer of the night as Makienok finally came off and Lookman came on.

Lookman struck the ball off a defender’s hand, but no penalty was awarded. Charlton won a corner. A second corner followed. A shot from Sanogo was blocked. MK Dons broke and won a corner. They then got a second. Pope claimed it.

Lookman won a free kick. It was taken by Lookman, and it was a good delivery, but the keeper claimed it. Lookman won another free kick. It was delivered to the near post, but went out for a corner. Four minutes were added on. A second corner followed. Word came through that Rotherham had gone ahead against Boro.

Yet another cynical foul on Lookman and Carruthers was booked. In the final minute Carruthers put a great chance over the bar.

Sanogo was sent off in the final minute for elbowing a MK Dons player off the ball.

Charlton had a final corner but it was headed away.

A draw was the result I feared tonight and the Franchisees got what they wanted. Lookman made a real difference when he came on, but there was a lack of quality in the final third.

Harriott confident we can beat drop

Callum Harriott remains confident that Charlton can beat the drop: Harriott

We certainly need belief at this time and hopefully Saturday's win will give the team some much needed confidence.

Tomorrow's game against MK Dons is clearly massive. Win and we can keep our slim hopes alive. Draw or lose and we can wave them goodbye. Even if we win, we have a mountain to climb. We would probably need another six wins against some tough opposition, although good teams can bring out the best in Charlton.

Stephen Henderson will not be available, but there is a outside chance that Diarra could play: Player availability

Crystal Palace lost again yesterday and I liked Lawro's comment that Pardoo couldn't manage a 1-0 lead against ten men. Unfortunately, just one more win would probably buy the Glaziers safety.

'Scoop' Burrowes had better hand over his hard won title to Rick Everitt, as the Ramsgate resident has another major story in the latest edition of Voice of the Valley which will be available from around the ground before the game: VOTV preview

Odds are: Charlton 31/20, Draw 23/10, MK Dons 9/5.

Charlton win away

Charlton went ahead after 15 seconds at Griffin Park after Harriott side footed the ball into the net, the attack having been started by Fox on the left. Brentford won the first corner of the afternoon. Pope got enough on it to get the ball out to Harriott.

Fanni had to deal with a Brentford free kick chipped into the box at the expense of a corner, but Charlton managed to clear the ball.

A good counter attack by Charlton involving Harriott and Sanogo led to a corner, but it was unproductive. Brentford had their first real chance but Swift’s header was misdirected wide of the post.

The referee booked Sanogo for handball.

As Charlton applied more pressure, they won another corner, leading to another on the opposite side.

The referee complained to Cousins and Harriott that there were too many free kicks. Pope did well to come out and smother the ball at the expense of a corner which was taken short.

A cross flashed across the six yard box but no one from the home side could connect. Judge advanced after Motta slipped but Pope made a super save.

On 24 minutes applause rang out for the Brentford fan Dean Langford who tragically lost his life in a car accident. While this was going on, Pope had to make an excellent save. From the corner Barbet equalised for Brentford with a header on 25 minutes. Once again the weakness of the Addicks at set pieces was evident. A Charlton corner led to a second on the opposite side, but the move ended in a free kick.

A header from Sanogo was just wide of the Brentford post. A great cross from Fox led to a Charlton corner, once again taken by Gudmundsson. Diarra was not able to continue and Poyet came on after 34 minutes. Fox had to concede a corner. Pope felt that he had been impeded, but Charlton had a goal kick.

Poyet put in a sliding tackle with his foot up and received a yellow card.

HT: Bees 1, Addicks 1

Gudmundsson lost the ball on the half way line and Canos broke through but put his shot wide.

Canos got a yellow card for a trip on Suk-Young. Motta received a yellow card for something that happened off the ball.

Brentford won a corner on 59 minutes. A low shot from Swift on the edge of the box was easy for Pope. A cross blocked by Tex led to another Brentford corner. Cousins cleared. Brentford brought on Vibe. A corner was well claimed by Pope.

Motta did well to win a corner for Charlton with a great run. Tex’s deep header was too easy for Button.

Charlton had a two on one situation but Sanogo couldn’t find Gudmundsson.

After great work by Fox on the left, and a good cross by Gudmndsson, Harriott advanced into the six yard box and scored a great goal to make it 2-1 to the Addicks.

Brentford took off Canos and brought on Saunders.

Sanogo was caught offside in a marginal decision. Saunders went down dramatically in the box, but the referee took no notice. Pope claimed a cross from Judge well.

McEacharan went off for Brentford and Hoffman came on for the long ball on 81 minutes.

Great work by Tex, but Brentford won a corner on 84 minutes. It was cleared from the near post by Cousins.

On 86 minutes Harriott went off to a standing ovation and Makienok came on. Fanni got booked for time wasting.

Brentford applied pressure on 89 minutes, but Charlton were able to block the ball and clear. Cousins won a free kick. Judge got a yellow card for his challenge.

Four minutes were added on. Charlton launched an attack, but it was unsuccessful. Makienok took a shot which came off the bar. Cousins advanced but was fouled by Hoffman who got a yellow card. Gudmundsson came off and Reza came on. A shot by Judge cannoned off the head of Poyet and a second attempt went over the bar.

Charlton could extend Callum Harriott's stay

Charlton have an option to extend Callum Harriott's contract by one year: Callum Harriott

I would extend him as he showed at Colchester United how effective he can be in League One. However, falling revenues may stop this happening.

It's possible there could be another relegation in South London as Super Alan Pardew loses his magic touch: Glaziers

Harriott spills the beans

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

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

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

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

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

Charlton fight for point

Charlton secured a hard fought point against Notts Forest at The valley this afternoon, but the draw was overshadowed by a very well supported fan protest, particularly after the game. It was estimated that there were four times as many people there as at earlier protests. 'You're not fit to run a club' was one of the chants.

Fans also responded during the game to chants of 'Stand up if you want them out.' There were also chants of 'We want a manager' and Karel Fraeye was booed when he left the pitch.

For much of the first half it was a case of two mediocre teams cancelling each other out. The returning Callum Harriott did put in a good shot on goal and from a corner Makienok should have scored. However, Forest started to wake up to the limitations of Charlton and began to dominate the play in the concluding ten minutes. They got their reward when Charlton failed to clear a corner and Osborn scored on 44 minutes.

Gudmundsson was brought on after half time for the hapless Ba and Charlton stared to look more energised, although there were some dangerous moments at the start of the half. Good work by Harriott, who in my view was man of the match, set up Makienok to score the equaliser.

However, as anticipated, referee Trevor Kettle made his mark on the game by giving a harsh second yellow to Holmes-Dennis, who had come on as a substitute, and sending him off. Loan player Rhys Williams was brought on in place of Vaz Te to shore up the defence and Charlton fought hard for a point. Indeed, they had chances in the closing minutes to go ahead.

Leaving the ground, I heard one fan say 'A glimmer of hope?' and another 'We're going to be relegated, it's inevitable.' The Addicks are one point off safety, so all is not lost.

By the time I got to Coventry I just missed a Charlton caller who had been on 606.

There was a long interview with Chris Powell on the Football League Show. The Charlton legend expressed sympathy with the supporters and said that he could not understand where the club was heading or what the owner's intentions were. There had been four managers since he left, there was no director of football or chief scout. Good people left, including, he implied, on the non-playing side. The clip can be seen here: Chris Powell

He was shown footage of protesting supporters chanting his name outside the West Stand and was asked if he would go back if he was asked. He replied, 'Possibly,' but made it clear that everything would have to be right.

There was also a good discussion on Sky's Sunday Supplement. They described us as the poster boy of how a club should be run but now the poster boy of how a club shouldn't be run. They criticised how fans were called customers.

There is a good round up of audio interviews from yesterday's protests here: Audio interviews

Player ratings

Henderson could not have saved the goal. Otherwise, he looked confident. Sarr was woeful, unfortunately Bauer is out for six weeks. Lennon put in a decent shift. Solly showed some real skill, I wish other players would pass to him more when he is unmarked and in a good position. Fox always makes me nervous and often with good reason, although he did get forward well at times.

It was good to see Cousins back and in form again, probably affected before by illness. Ba was useless. Jackson made a limited contribution and was eventually substituted. Harriott was a revelation. Clearly his loan spell has done him good, particularly in terms of attitude. His problem in the past has not been a lack of talent, but inconsistency. Before we get too excited, we should remember that he is in the shop window.

Vaz Te didn't really impose himself. Makienok was described as having a 'torrid time' by the Football League Paper. With his top knot gone, he did manage to head the ball a few times. He had three chances to score, and made use of one of them, although he was denied for one by a good save. However, Steve from Petts Wood said 'I still don't like him' after he scored.

Gudmundsson made a real difference and came close to scoring shortly after coming on. Holmes-Dennis should have been more cautious on one yellow with Kettle steaming away and getting closer to his target of ten red cards this season. The signing of Williams has been greeted with a chorus of derision by many supporters, but he looked quite useful to me. He is a big lad.

Charlton open to offers for Harriott

Charlton are open to offers for Callum Harriott after the mercurial winger's good loan spell at Colchester. Franck Moussa could also be on his way out, while Tony Watt is expected to sign a permanent deal at Cardiff: Departures

Richard Cawley of the SLP confirms that Roger Johnson, currently playing in the Indian Super League, is also in the club's sights: Roger Johnson

Unconfirmed reports from Belgium suggest that Sint Truiden are interested in Reza Ghoochanneljihad. Fans' opinions appear to be divided on this possible departure, but I think that at least he gives one hundred per cent and has shown signs of adapting to the rigours of the Championship.

Harriott's uncertain future

Callum Harriott does not think he will extend his stay at Colchester, 'but I don't know if I will be at Charlton either. There are other clubs interested in me,' he told The Football League Paper.

Harriott was the flavour of the month under Chris Powell and Jose Riga, but slipped out of favour under Bob Peeters and struggled to regain his footing with Guy Luzon. 'Bob Peeters came in and I didn't really getting as much game time under him,' recalled Harriott. 'I didn't get a lot of playing time and when you are young, all you want to do is play. I couldn't see why I wasn't getting a chance because I was playing when I was about 16 or 17.'

'He left and the new manager came in and it was pretty much the same. I was getting a lot of "you're a good player and we want to do this formation." It was just excuses and I needed to start playing. At first they didn't want me to go out on loan but eventually we found an opportunity and took it.'

Harriott won't be playing in the cup tie between the U's and the Addicks even if he is still at Colchester. 'I will be rooting for both of them. I was born and bred in Charlton from the age of eight but I have been here the last few months and the club has been great.'

Shrimpers want to hang on to Pigott

Southend United want to hang on to Joe Pigott even though he has been left out of the side in recent weeks. He is without a goal in his last eight league appearances. However, manager Phil Brown thinks that he definitely has a bright future ahead of him: 'He is a young player still learning the game, but he is capable of scoring goals.'

His loan expires in four weeks, but there is a clause to make the deal permanent or extend it until the end of the season.

Elsewhere, Callum Harriott scored two good goals for Colchester in their 3-2 cup victory over Altrincham.

Bournemouth's victory at Chelsea was the first win by a promoted side there since Charlton in 2001.

Fraeye keeps his eye on Harriott

'Interim' Charlton supremo Karel Fraeye took the opportunity of the international break to sample the delights of Essex and take a look at Callum Harriott: Callum Harriott

The mercurial winger was out of favour under Guy Luzon, but has made an impression at Colchester, albeit in League One. The terms of the loan deal mean that he cannot return before January.

Harriott has his fans at Charlton, but I am more sceptical. He could show quality, but he was too inconsistent and he seemed to be unsettled at The Valley.

In any case, the agenda may be to secure compensation for him when his contract runs out in the summer.

Igor Vetokele will be out until after Christmas following groin surgery. I'm not sure that the reference to 'getting to the bottom of his fitness problem' is appropriate: Vetokele

Forward to Fulham

It's hard to see the Addickted flocking to The Valley for the game against Fulham on Sunday. There is the recent run of form to consider, plus the fact that we tend not to do well on television or against Fulham. I well remember a crucial decision by a lino that contributed to our relegation from the Premiership.

There's a 12 o'clock kick off with no trains running, thanks to South-Eastern. From what I hear from friends who use this company on a daily basis to travel to work, they have my sympathy.

The club has urged fans to make use of Valley Express, but the network is much reduced from the days when it was launched as the Rickshaw.

I have made alternative plans for the weekend which means that I am unlikely even to learn the result.

Some fans have been calling for the return of Callum Harriott on loan on the grounds that he has been doing well in League One. There is quite a difference in quality between the two divisions. The average Championship wage is £6,000 a week and that in League One around £1,600. Of course, this reflects factors other than player quality, but that is part of the story.

In any case one can't just call back a player from loan. That is often possible with keepers for obvious reasons, but otherwise an agreement has been reached with the other club specifying the length of the loan and other terms.

Harriott is a frustrating player because he is clearly not without ability, but also appears to have something of an attitude problem. He has been unsettled at The Valley. One could blame fans for getting on his back, but they have had something to complain about.

Bad runs can, of course, come to an end when one least expects them. Let's hope that's the case on Sunday for those fans who do turn up.

Club is over wage budget

Charlton chief executive Katrien Meire has confirmed what she had already told a fan on the train to Wolves: this summer's deal have pushed the club over its wage budget, which helps to explain the lack of last minute activity in the transfer window or of loan deals since.

One of the factors is that Charlton is still playing part of the wages of players who have been loaned out, e.g., Callum Harriott. Read more here: Budget bust

However, new deals are being negotiated for Morgan Fox and Nick Pope.

Harriott off on loan?

The Sparrows Lane tea lady is reporting that Callum Harriott is off on loan to Colchester United. The story has now been confirmed by the more reliable source of Richard Cawley of the SLP: Loan deal

One fan commented, 'While I don’t share the evident glee in some quarters at the departure of one of our academy graduates, it has to be said that on Tuesday’s evidence Callum has little to offer the first team at the moment regardless of whether or not he is replaced. He was awful - but no doubt he was unassisted by the vocal negativity from a minority of Charlton fans.'

Vetokele adds voice to call for more players

Igor Vetokele believes that Charlton will definitely need to add more players if they are to challenge for a top six position. In an interesting interview, he discusses how playing through an injury led to a deteriorating performance over last season: Vetokele

Reports are suggesting that Charlton have turned down a bid by Wigan for Callum Harriott. However, they may make a second bid and other clubs are said to be interested: Callum Harriott

Wigan make bid for Harriott

The South London Press has reported that Wigan have made a bid for Callum Harriott. However, the offer from the Lactics does not meet Charlton's valuation.

Fans have so far reacted calmly to the news about the mercurial winger, who has often been seen as a likely departure.