Solly bares his soul

Richard Cawley does some great Charlton interviews and this one with Chris Solly is particularly good: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-chris-solly-reflects-on-his-time-at-charlton-athletic-and-how-he-knew-at-start-of-2020-that-his-valley-stay-was-drawing-to-an-end/

Of course, Solly is giving his version of events, but it is clear that he is not happy with Lee Bowyer and Steve Gallen who warned him in January that his Valley career was coming to an end.   As he puts it, 'There are still a lot of people at the club I've got a lot of respect for.  The likes of Keithy Peacock, Steve Avory and Chris Parkes - some of the best people I know are working at that club.  I'm grateful and thankful for people like that, who did so much for me.''

For him, Chris Powell was the best boss he played under and Yan Kermorgant was the best player he played with.

Solly is trying to rebuild his career in the non-league at Ebbsfleet United.   I have seen players do that in their early twenties at my non-league club and go on to play in League One or Two, but it is more difficult when you are 29.  Solly has had to postpone his wedding.

I hope this loyal servant of Charlton is able to rebuild his career, but I also respect the right of those in charge to make difficult choices.

Taylor: I won't play

Lyle Taylor won't play when the Championship resumes, shocked supremo Lee Bowyer has told Talksport.  The striker fears injury.  David Davis and Chris Solly will also not play beyond the end of their current contracts on July 1st.

The loss of Taylor is a real blow.  He is the target of a number of clubs including Burnley, Middlesbrough and Preston North End.

A full report here from the SLP's Toby Porter: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/manager-lee-bowyer-reveals-lyle-taylor-will-not-pull-on-charlton-shirt-again/

Players in talks to defer wages

Charlton players have taken part in talks to defer wages to help the club through the current crisis. Lyle Taylor has taken a prominent role in the talks along with Chris Solly,Jason Pearce and Darren Pratley: Talks to save the club money

Player boost against Fulham?

Sanguine supremo Lee Bowyer hopes to have Lyle Taylor, Josh Cullen and Sam Field 'available' for Wednesday's game Fulham which probably means they will be on the bench, although Field looks the least likely. Today's birthday boy Chris Solly will also be available after feeling unwell before the game at Preston: Three injured players to return.

Pessimists are, however, inevitably taking a 'I'll believe when I see it' stance.

Unconfirmed media reports are stating that Bristol City were the club that offered a player or players in exchange for Lyle Taylor, an offer dismissed as ridiculously bad given the players mentioned.

Vennings on the bench

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlton get the Blues

The Valley 100th birthday celebrations were marred this afternoon by Charlton losing 0-1 to Birmingham City, just their third defeat in 26 games, but the Addicks remain 2nd in the table. Lee Bowyer was red carded for leaving his technical area after Birmingham staff threw a ball on the pitch in what he saw as time wasting.

Steve from Petts Wood summed up as being the masters of our own defeat. Our passing was not as crisp and accurate as usual and we certainly missed the injured Lyle Taylor all over the pitch.

Neither side was able to impose themselves in the first half. A diving header on the half hour mark by Tomer Hemed went wide of the post. while Jonathan Leko found space but fired wide. It was just before the break when Dillon Phillips was called into action for the first time, tipping over a Lukas Jutkiewicz header.

But the action hotted up after the interval as both keepers were made to work a lot harder, Blues actually ending up with more efforts on targets than their hosts - 12 to 11. The unmarked 16-year old Luke Bellingham put Blues ahead on 52 minutes. On 65 minutes Phillips had to nudge a shot from Jufkiewicz over the bar.

Charlton then upped their tempo and the visiting keeper was call to make one decisive save from Chris Solly who had a good game. A minute later Lee Camp turned away a low drive by Conor Gallagher. Substitutes Williams and Aneke make a positive difference. Charlton became more threatening and Blues responded with a series of fouls which earned a flurry of yellow cards. Even six minutes added on did not save Charlton, although Dillon Phillips even came up to join the attack.

Report from Louis Mendez can be found here: Addicks lose unbeaten start

Solly sidelined

Chris Solly will not be available for Wednesday's game against Nottingham Forest after he suffered concussion at Barnsley: Spell on the side lines

Lee Bowyer will give new signing Ehrun Otzumer time to gain match fitness before introducing him to first team action. Bowyer thinks he is an exciting signing, comparing him to Jonny Williams: Prepared to play the waiting game

Ram raid on Bowyer?

According to the Daily Mail Derby County are considering Lee Bowyer as a possible replacement for Frank Lampard if he goes to Chelsea as manager.

This could be a 'lazy journalist dreams up name' story.

I give no credence to social media reports that West Bromwich Albion are interested in Dillon Phillips. We are in the season of fake news with stories made up by agents and journalists desperate for copy.

I also can't take seriously reports that Chris Solly is going vegan and joining Forest Green Rovers. Nailsworth is a bit of a contrast to S.E. London.

We need the right sort of player - Chris Solly

Chris Solly thinks there will be quite a few changes in the squad before the League One campaign starts. He emphasizes that it is important to bring in players with the right character who are prepared to grind out results: Chris Solly

Louis Mendez reviews Charlton's season here: Unbelievable

Saturday's final game against Burnley is going to be televised with a 12.30 kick off. CARD have issued a statement saying they will not try to get the game abandoned, as they respect the integriuty of the competition and the ambitions of the visiting club: CARD

Jonathan Acworth has informed me that he is 19th cousin to Henry VIII and is trying to get a cut of Hampton Court ticket money.

Chris Solly could be back

Chris Solly is back in training and could feature against Birmingham City on Saturday. However, Reza is ruled out with a hamstring injury. I am clear which of the two I would like to see back: Injury news

Patrick Bauer is also back in training after what he described in a tweet 'as the toughest time in my career so far.'

Blues players are said to have been given a lift by their break in Marbella. An injury to Kyle Lafferty is not as bad as feared and the striker on loan from Norwich City may play on Saturday.

Valley of Despair

Such hope as remained was extinguished by the 0-2 defeat of Charlton by Wolverhampton Wanderers at The Valley today. A young Charlton side played in a disjointed fashion and lacked the pace of their opponents. There were only two shots on target by the Addicks and the first of these came in the 71st minute.

Neither team imposed themselves in the first half. Towards the end the referee was poleaxed and there was a ten minute delay in the start of the second half while he was replaced. However, Wolves came out of the traps in determined fashion and scored after seven minutes, a Lennon own goal completing their total.

A call from the Covered End to 'Stand Up If You Want Them Out' received a good response from around the ground. Interim coach Karel Fraeye was booed off at the end of the game, but there was applause for skipper Johnnie Jackson. The unfortunate captain had a note passed to him by Fraeye during a break in play, but was unable to read whatever tactical gem it contained.

Having read Voice of the Valley it was not clear whether the approach for which Peter Varney was front man was for a minority stake or an acquisition. The Kuwaitis at Ebbsfleet may well have been involved. In any event, Varney got the brush off. There is no evidence that Roland wants to sell or that there will be a change of strategy. So we can expect more of the same.

The South London Press report is here: Tame effort

Stephen Henderson discusses the goals he let in here and appeals to fans to stick by the team: Hendo

Player ratings

Henderson probably could not have done anything about the two goals. He did make a couple of good saves. Despite the own goal Lennon put in a decent performance. Sarr was a little better than usual, but did have some dangerous moments such as passing the ball across the six yard line. Solly was the best player on the pitch. He made some good forward runs, intervened well defensively and won at least one 30/70 ball. Fox did get forward, but often looked nervous.

Jackson did make some contributions. Apart from one or two purple patches, Ba made a limited contribution. The loss of Lookman was a blow and diminished our second half performance. He had been getting forward well and troubling the Wolves defence. It was difficult to work out what Reza was meant to be doing. In any event he missed our best chance to score.

Vaz Te run around quite a bit, but didn't make much of an impact. I was surprised to see Ahearne-Grant starting and he failed to make an impression. But then, what was the alternative?

Makienok did manage to make contact with the ball with his head, but generally didn't send it anywhere useful. Holmes-Dennis did not make a great difference. The Ceballos cameo gave grounds for hope. He played the ball in well.

Injury worries

Watt, Solly and Reza are out for Saturday, Reza's injury is long term. Chris Solly was really clattered by a Forest player towards the end of Tuesday's game, leaving him with an ankle problem.

Solly makes a major contribution, but he can be covered. Tony Watt is more of a worry, given his ability to score goals and his creativity. Guy Luzon won't want to play 4-5-1, but I have doubts about Ahearne-Grant. Makienok is turning into a scapegoat player for some supporters, but that is unfair after three matches, but leading the line would be a big ask.

Vetokele's injury is long-term and difficult to recover from, but Guy Luzon is saying he should be back soon.

Forest pose tough test

Against Nottingham Forest tonight Charlton face a team that also won 3-0 on Saturday, demolishing Reading 3-0 away. Forest are currently top of the form table while Charlton are 8th. In the real table Forest are currently 9th, nine points off Norwich in the lowest play off place. However, under Dougie Freedman, they must fancy their chances of making up this ground before the end of the season.

Even so, Freedman is concerned that the rejuvenated Forest side may not have enough games left. The former Palace manager commented at the weekend that teams higher up the table kept winning their games.

Forest did not have it all their own way against the Royals. After initially controlling the game with their passing, Freedman said, 'In last 15 minutes of the first half, we were by far the second best team. We had to defend for our lives, keep our bodies on the line, and the keep the ball out of the net.' Forest took the lead in the 56th minute with a well-struck left-footed curling effort by Osborn from 30 yards out.' Osborn was the standout player for Forest, getting a mark of 8 from the Football League Paper.

The away encounter earlier in the season ended 1-1 and our recent record against Forest has been reasonably good. However, they will be looking to take all three points tonight or at least secure a draw. The bookies do not see our prospects as all that good (Coral): Charlton 2/1, Draw 9/4, Nott'm Forest 11/8.

Charlton have a couple of injury worries in Gudmundsson and Solly who suffered muscle strains in Saturday's match. Tal Ben Haim will face a late fitness test and Johnnie Jackson remains out for some time. Gudmundsson is our second leading scorer after Igor with seven league goals. The contribution that vice-captain Solly brings to the team in terms of effort, determination and skill needs no emphasis.

Some fans have been working themselves into a lather about season ticket prices for next season, pointing out that they have not in fact been frozen as the club claims, or at least only in comparison with post early bird prices last year. The raising of the senior concession from 60 to 65 had some fans spluttering in their Bovril, but it seems reasonable enough, particularly when the club clarified that existing season ticket holders in the 60 to 65 age range could continue at the concessionary price.

Once again the communication was poor, but it looks as if some fans are looking for any stick with which to beat the current regime while they wait for a resurgent Valley Party to march from Woolwich.

Much to my regret the time at which I will be leaving work today, and the lack of foresight of I K Brunel leading to a severed rail line, means that I will not be able to make tonight's game. I am going for a 1-1 draw.

No birthday cheer for Bob Peeters

There was no birthday cheer for Bob Peeters as Charlton succumbed to a 0-1 defeat by Brighton and Hove Albion at The Valley this afternoon. Peeters said in the programme that there was light at the end of the tunnel, but one fears that it is the train coming the other way (and no longer from Charing Cross).

I tried to buy some luck by getting my Voice of the Valley from Rick Everitt and pushed my way through the throng of admirers (well, actually, Dave from Barnehurst), but it was to no avail. I was surprised to have my ticket checked as I entered the East Stand and even more to be asked if I knew where my seat was, hopefully I do after getting on for twenty years.

The pivotal point of the match was when a shot from Solly rebounded off the underside of the crossbar and the Seagulls then went down the other end and scored, albeit in a well-worked move from a free kick which Etheridge should have dealt with more effectively.

The problem was once again the lack of any cutting edge. Vetokele is clearly out of sorts. When Tucudean went off injured and was replaced by Watt, he at least showed some energy and some nice touches, despite being widely derided before his arrival as a Standard Liege cast off. I also thought that Gudmundsson put in some really good corners, but despite some goalmouth scrambles, we were unable to make anything of these opportunities.

Brighton looked as if they were going for an early goal, but despite some dominance in the early exchanges, were unable to score. We then came into the game a bit more, but all our attempts to mount attacks in the first half lacked pace. Consequently, the momentum of potential opportunities was lost and the Albion were able to mount an effective defence. We showed more pace and determination in the second half, but it didn't bear fruit.

The one bonus was when a notice at Coventry Station said that the car park ticket machine was only accepting notes. I hit the jackpot with more coins pouring out than the five pound note I had tendered.

Player ratings

Etheridge was not impressive, he should have dealt with the goal better and put Bikey in difficulty with a toe poke out earlier on. Bikey gave away a needless free kick from which the Albion scored and looked ponderous at times. Ben Haim got the ball forward well at times, setting up one useful attack, but looked a bit sluggish in defence. It was good to see Wiggins returning. He did get forward well and delivered some good balls into the box. Not surprisingly, he looked tired by the end of the match. If we were still giving silver bones, Chris Solly would have one to add to his substantial collection. He looked our best player. We were concerned when he had to switch to midfield after half time, but he performed his role there well.

It was evident in the first half that Jackson was injured from his running and I am surprised that Bob Peeters started him, but I suppose that it reflects the lack of alternatives. I thought Gudmundsson did well, but an alternative view is that he was 'Below his usual standards, crossing was poor and his corners often going to the first defender. Cousins got involved, managed to maintain his position most of the time and made some useful contributions. Wilson had a simply shocking game.

Vetoekele is a shadow of the player we saw at the beginning of the season. He never threatened, his control was poor and he has clearly lost confidence. Tucadean was a waste of space.

Gomez did well when he came on. Not surprisingly, interest is being shown by bigger clubs but Gomez said in the programme that he intends to stay put as he could get lost at a bigger club. His best development path is at Charlton. Watt was greeted with a chant of 'Watt, Watt, Watt' and looks as if he can do the business. Not clear why Church came on or what he contributed apart from running around a lot, also meant that Vetokele was pushed out wide left which didn't work.

Pritchard's picks

Former Charlton midfielder Bradley Pritchard chooses a number of former Charlton team mates in his Dream Team in this week's Football League Paper.

Of Chris Solly he says, 'He's a club hero at Charlton. I probably remember 20 minutes of one game against Middlesbrough where he struggled but, apart from that, no one has ever come close to dribbling past him on a regular basis. He's got the footballing brain to play in the Premier.'

Ben Hamer qualifies 'because he has the best distribution of any keeper I've played with. He could hit half-volleys with incredible accuracy. He has the body of a postman, though.' [What does this mean?]

'I have to go for my ex-room-mate Cedric Evina, purely because people need a bit of humour to concentrate on the pitch and he was a real character. One of the key things the year Charlton went up from League One was our team spirit and he was one of the guys that created that atmosphere.'

Dale Stephens 'was certainly one of the best midfielders I've ever played with, he was just a complete player. He was outstanding in Charlton's promotion year. His distribution was superb and I think he's Premier quality.'

Danny Hollands: 'The year Charlton went up I think he got eight goals and he's fantastic on a night out as well. He definitely helps with the team spirit. A lot of memories I have of Charlton are off the field and Danny is one of the major protagonists in those.'

Bradley Wright-Phillips had to be included 'after the year he's had with New York Red Bulls. You could see he was a quality finisher and a good guy to have around the place. After all he did to get Charlton into the Championship, it was good to see him get the recognition he deserves at Red Bulls.

Charlton remain unbeaten draw specialists

Whilst it was no bore draw, there seems to have been more excitement at the Charlton Moscow game

Charlton remain the unbeaten draw specialists of the Championship following today's 0-0 draw at The Valley with Middlesbrough. The Addicks remain 8th in the table.

The game started with both teams taking a cagey approach to each other. However, Charlton seemed hesitant and had difficulty retaining the ball and Boro had the better of the game. It has to be said that Boro had a good defence that was difficult to penetrate.

The injury to Gudmundsson just before half time was a blow, as he had been one of the livelier players, but the arrival of Moussa as substitute after the break seemed to add some sparkle to Charlton's performance. Bulot managed to hit the post for the Addicks.

However, their best play came in the closing ten minutes or so after Boro charm merchant Admomoah had been sent off for a high foot, earning a second yellow card. Charlton pressed for a winner and substitute Lawrie Wilson drew a save from the keeper. From the resultant corner, George Tucudean's header was cleared off the line.

Possession was 54-46 in Charlton's favour, but each side had only one shot on target.

There was a curious incident at the end of the game when a fan ran the length of the pitch with what appeared to be the corner flag. He tried to join his fellow Boro fans, but was caught and hauled away by security. It has been suggested that he might have consumed an illegal substance.

Match analysis

My man of the match was Chris Solly. Tireless in tracking back and going forward, he showed real precision in his passing. Henderson didn't really have a lot to do, the header going just wide from a corner when they should have scored. However, once again he looked in command of his area, although his kicking out is a bit like that of Deano's. I thought that Ben Haim had an excellent game, some really good interventions. Bikey attracted the ire of the Boro supporters after a collision with one of their players, but their boos when he got the ball were drowned out by Charlton cheers. Interesting that he was positioned up front at the end of the match. Wiggins had a better game than of late.

Buyens was a disappointment, he was very one paced. Jackson really lacks pace and was eventually substituted. Cousins was more effective once he was moved into the middle after Jackson went off, he then contributed to a better last twenty minutes. Gudmundsson made some good runs before he was injured, it didn't look good.

Bulot looks very promising. Vitokele was energetic, but sometimes got muscled off the ball. Moussa was quite effective when he came on. Wilson livened things up with his appearance. Tucudean looked better coming on as a substitute.

I thought that the referee was over fussy, e.g., getting Henderson to move a free kick back a couple of yards. He was also inconsistent, penalising an offence then doing nothing about the same offence a few minutes later. The Bloke Behind Me kept up a stream of grumbling throughout the match.

Derek from Dymchurch has been at the UKIP conference in Doncaster.

Some fans have asked me, 'Is it possible to support Charlton without being exposed to Acworth? I am afraid that the answer is "No". Acworth is on of the downsides of being an Addick. The only way I can stop him clogging him up my comment columns is by stopping comments altogether and I don't want to do that. I have encouraged Acworth to set up his own blog for his insights.

Charlton lose Crown Berger cup

Charlton surrendered the Crown Berger Cup in a 2-0 defeat to Welling United yesterday. It was hailed with banner headlines in the Non-League Paper as a 'shock defeat', but I can't take it too seriously, although no doubt it will provide fuel for pessimists. These pre-season games are a chance for players to develop match fitness, but without incurring injuries. I can still remember Matt Svensson banging the side of the dugout in frustration after he was injured in a pre-season game at FC Roda.

Wings manager Jamie Day said, 'This is normally our first game, but I think that playing on Tuesday against Sittingbourne, and the fact that we have had more training seasons than usual by this stage made us a bit sharper.' Welling played their hearts out as if it was a cup final with some very close to the mark tackles.

In the fourth minute Malachi Hudson was brought down in the area by Harry Lennon. The spot kick was slammed past Dillon Phillips in the Charlton goal. Eight minutes later it was almost two when Joe Healy side-stepped Lennon before the shot came off the inside of the post. On 31 minutes Phillips had to dive bravely to his right to deny Malik Ouami.

Chris Solly's runs down the right caused Welling problems in the second half with Zak Ansah twice heading wide from his crosses. Ansah was then denied by a last ditch challenge by Jamal Fyfield. Then on 78 minutes Moses Ashikodi got his shot over Nick Pope.

Wilson named in dream team

Burton defender Phil Edwards [who he? ed] names Lawrie Wilson in his dream team in this morning's Football League Paper. He writes, 'I played with Lawrie at Stevenage. He has bags of energy and pace, he got up and down the right well and he was an exciting player going forward but he was a good defender as well.'

With Chris Solly's future career sadly in doubt, some Addicks are talking of Wilson as a possible candidate for Player of the Year. Others think that his performances are too inconsistent, but I rate him highly for both dedication and skill. A good signing by Chris Powell.

Edwards also names former Charlton keeper Rob Elliot: 'We had him on loan from Charlton when I was at Accrington and he was outstanding. He had a great kick on him and was really commanding in the box and was a great shot stopper as well.'

Any hope at Ipswich?

With Mick McCarthy's Ipswich in the play off places, and third in the form table, there might appear to be little grounds for optimism about today's fixture between the Tractors and the Addicks. Ipswich are unbeaten in their last seven matches. However, Charlton have lost on only one of their last four outings to Portman Road. Last year we won 2-1, but Ipswich were a much weaker team then and there is no doubt that Mick McCarthy's pragmatic approach has worked well: Mick McCarthy

Chris Solly should be back in contention, while hopefully Rhoys Wiggins will be available. They were both missed in the game against Sheffield Wednesday. Addicks will be able to bid a tearful farewell to Cameron Stewart as he heads back to Hull, possibly en route to Leeds. Two great strikes, but not much else.

After a draining draw at Bournemouth, McCarty is considering freshening up his side: Tractors

Warwickshire's Stuart Attwell is referee, so I will be paying him a call if there are any daft decisions.

I am going for an Ipswich 2-1 win. Odds are: Ipswich 10/11, Draw 12/5, Charlton 3/1.

Cameron Stewart in on loan

In a late deal in the transfer window the Addicks have signed Cameron Stewart on loan from Hull City: Stewart

Celtic had been chasing the 22-year old and it was thought that he might join them as he has family north of the border, although he was born in Manchester. He has chosen to represent England rather than Scotland in international youth football. There were also reports that Blackpool were interested in him.

He was originally with Manchester United, but since he joined the Tigers his opportunities for first team football have been limited by injury. Although he is a winger, he can also play as a striker: Cameron Stewart

I had been given to understand that Chris Solly signed a four year contract on Saturday which would increase his value should he be sold, but fortunately he has not been in this transfer window. The announcement has been made today (Thursday). There was also interest in Rhoys Wiggins which may have unsettled him. But it is pleasing that the squad remains intact.

Danny Green has joined MK Dons on a one month loan.

Joe Pigott has signed a three year deal which I think is a very sensible move and will be welcomed by fans.