Roland may be closer to selling than is realised

An interesting article by Rick Everitt on the Wilder affair, making the point that it was not a public relations stunt: History repeated as farce

The Ramsgate resident thinks that Duchatelet may be closer to selling than his acolytes realise which is what I have heard from other sources. First, he is going to try and boost the value of the club by the conventional route, but if this doesn't work out by Christmas he may be ready to cut and run.

Over at Leeds United, Massimo Cellino has decided to throw in the towel: I quit

Wilder deal hits a snag

Richard Cawley of the SLP tweets that the deal for Chris Wilder to come to Charlton has hit a snag. 'Whether that will be rectified, time will tell.'

Richard Cawley has added another tweet stating that Charlton were confident of announcing Wilder yesterday. 'Rumblings are not good today.'

Other comment suggests that it could be a big issue and getting the deal over the line will need a major concession from someone.

It appears that contract length may have been an issue. It has also been suggested that the club refused to put in writing certain key assurances such as control, buying etc. If they were in writing, they could subsequently be the basis for a constructive dismissal claim.

It also appears that Sheffield United may now have come into the mix. The Blades are also interested in Charlton target George Moncur.

The club has now confirmed that the deal is off: Failure

I am disappointed that this deal did not go through. It would not have dealt with the criticisms of the regime, but it would have been a step in the right direction.

Cobblers chairman accepts loss of Wilder

Northampton Town's chairman thinks it is very likely that Chris Wilder will join Charlton: Move accepted

The story of what he achieved at the Cobblers is told here: Success story

Northampton fans are worried that Wilder will take their best players with him: Cobblers fears

Wilder on his way

Chris Wilder is on his way to London prior to his appointment as Charlton coach. It's not Eurostar, it's London Midland this time. Apparently he has received assurances about having a say in player recruitment: Wilder

According to one report, Wilder has already had the Eurostar ticket as he travelled to Belgium to meet Roland, but this has not been confirmed: Under the Channel . It now transpires that it wasn't a Eurostar ticket, but a flight in a private jet.

The club has confirmed that they have been given permission to speak to Wilder and assistant manager Alan Knill: Time to talk. Richard Cawley of the SLP has tweeted that this means that the deal is done in principle.

VOTV editor Rick Everitt has tweeted that Wilder may be a good manager, but it is unclear how gullible he is.

Wilder, who would receive a substantial salary boost, wants total control in setting up a structure that would bring success: The deal

Knill's name will be good for purveyors of 'Charlton nil' jokes.

Ambition at The Valley

There's plenty of ambition of display at League One Charlton with the club targeting Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, widely regarded as a hot property as a loan target: Loan target

Charlton continue to pursue Chris Wilder as their new head coach. The Cobblers boss has lost interest in Bolton: Wilder

Liverpool have entered the contest for the signature of Ademola Lookman with a fee of £6m being mentioned: Lookman

But Spurs could offer £8m: Auction

Farewell then (again) José Riga

It will be St. Pancras Station and Eurostar on Saturday for José Riga as he leaves the club for a second time: Farewell

If he had been in charge for the whole season, and we had not had to suffer the hapless Karel Fraeye, we might have done enough to stay up.

There has been talk of a coach with English league experience, but I wouldn't hold your breath. Moreover, anyone hoping to progress their career would not find the present set up at Charlton inviting.

In his report on Riga's departure, Richard Cawley of the SLP mentions the speculation surrounding Northampton's Chris Wilder: Wild card

However, would he want to club with a bonkers owner and an incompetent chief executive where he would have limited influence over player recruitment? Moreover, whereas Northampton's fans are in a buoyant mood, Charlton's customers continue to seethe with dissatisfaction.

Wilder has also been targeted by Bolton, although financial constraints might be an issue there given that many players are on high wages with a year or more to run on their contracts.