There are reports that Wycombe Wanderers are interested in signing free agent and former Addick Chuks Aneke: https://the72.co.uk/2025/08/19/wycombe-wanderers-offered-chuks-aneke/
Chuks is the sort of player that the Chairboys like, but Burton Albion are also interested and St. Mirren are said to be prepared to offer him the kilt.
Wherever he ends up, the 32-year old will provide work for the club's medical department, but good luck to him. He did his best for us.
Chuks Aneke has been let go by the club. It was the right decision by the club for the injury prone player. I would like to thank him for the crucial goals and the way in which he disrupted opposition defences and I am pleased that he got on the pitch at Wembley.
I hope that he is able to continue playing football, but in the meantime he has built a £2m property business, acquiring his first buy to let in 2013: https://www.3sixtypg.co.uk/about-us/
Reports are circulating that Thierry Small has been offered a new contract. I hope that he takes it.
Charlton beat the pride of Shropshire 2-0 at The Valley this afternoon in the last home game of the season. It was six victories out of the last nine. Charlton are now 12th, just in the top half of the table.
What was to be an unchanged Charlton side from the win at Cambridge faced Shrewsbury Town at The Valley on a chilly afternoon, but DJ replaced Blackett-Taylor after the team had been announced. He developed a late illness, so late there was no extra sub on the bench. It was a big miss.
Yann Kermorgant was the guest on Charlton TV and his son was a mascot. The 'we were better off under Roland' crowd might like to remember how he let Kermorgant go.
Charlton made a good start, as is usually the case. An effort by DJ was tipped away by Morosi and led to an early Charlton corner.
Pearce had to make a good header away under pressure after Morgan had let the ball slip.
Sean Clare came down awkwardly and the referee sent him off the pitch.
Shrewsbury got into the game a bit more, Fornah putting in a decent shot, and Johnnie Jackson was on the edge of his technical area urging his players on. Charlton weren't finding to easy to stop the visitors coming forward. Steve Brown said we had to be better at recognising where they were trying to get in behind.
The ball took a big deflection off Dobson to give Shrewsbury a corner in front of the Covered End. It ended in a free kick for Charlton.
Charlton's midfielders needed to get involved more to give the Addicks a spell of possession, but Shrewsbury won another corner. It was headed away by Stockley.
A heavy touch from Famewo in a clearance put Charlton in trouble, but Udoh was unable to take advantage. Gilbey kept losing possession.
Matthews sent Washington on his way but the keeper made a good save.
It had been a catalogue of errors from both sides but with no outcome. Steve Brown said that Charlton had not been creative and were not keeping the ball well.
Charlton won a corner, a move starting with a good throw by Matthews. Gilbey's header went straight to Morosi.
It had been a half lacking in intensity. There was no time added on because as Louis Mendez commented the square root of sod all had happened.
HT: 0-0
Macca had to make an early double save from Bowman and Daniels before Famewo cleared away. The Charlton defending had been poor with a lack of communication.
Pearce won a free kick by the corner flag, Morgan's effort leading to a Charlton corner which was cleared.
Washington was in goal but Morosi saved. A good Morgan corner was met by a powerful Stockley header to make it 1-0.
Macca had to palm away a shot from former Leamington ace Udoh.
The disappointing Gilbey came off and Aneke came on. A good move from Charlton with nice work from DJ on the left ended with a header by Aneke straight at Morosi.
Morosi was upset about something that happened behind his goal in the Covered End and the referee made a note. The referee went to speak to the fourth official and Charlton security. There was a long delay.
Morgan delivered the free kick well and the power of Aneke's header after he got away from his marker made it 2-0.
Seven minutes were added on. Macca had to stretch out and grab the ball. Charlton applied some pressure, but the third goal didn't come. A Morgan free kick led to a corner. The ball went over the bar after both Clare and Stockley went for it.
Kanu came on to loud applause. Dobson took a shot but it went wide.
The pundits
Curbs said that Macca made a great double save. It had been a disappointing season. From where we were when Jacko took over you've got to be well pleased. It would be a tough old game at Ipswich. We had to go into the market. Blackett-Taylor had the turn of pace, but DJ was more tricky in the box. We weren't playing against the best opposition. We had one or two scares but survived it. 'I think Jacko will be looking at the back five. We let some poor goals in. We need to be a bit more aggressive when we're exposed. There was scope there to turn it around.'
Post match comments from Jacko here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-pleased-to-sign-off-home-campaign-with-win-over-shrewsbury/
Comments from both managers after Shrewsbury's Slovakian goalkeeper made comments about an alleged racist remark directed at him: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/managers-react-following-allegation-of-racism-from-shrewsbury-town-goalkeeper-marko-marosi-that-saw-game-halted-at-charlton-athletic/
It appears that two men ejected from the ground and interviewed by police were wrongly identified: https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/view/626466c99dfd9/update-on-report-of-discriminatory-abuse
On a warm day at The Valley Mason Burstow replaced Conor Washington leading to complaints from some fans.
Charlton dominated the early exchanges with Blackett-Taylor prominent. There were opportunities and Gilbey went close from a Blackett-Taylor cross. Morgan squandered one by not passing to Blacket-Taylor but putting in a poor shot It was 14 minutes before the Shrimpers had a wild shot on goal.
It was a classic case of Charlton starting the game very well and then losing control.
Macca had to save from danger man Stockton after he was one on one with Pearce a long way up the pitch. Morecambe were getting into the game more with the Charlton wing backs high up the pitch.
Macca had to touch the ball wide for a corner. There was too wide a gap between Matthews and Clare and the Shrimpers were starting to pick holes in the Charlton defence.
Stockton, the top scorer in the lead, gave Morecambe the lead after 25 minutes, the ball going in off the post. There was a failure to track players.
An Albie Morgan shot was saved comfortably. A Burstow shot went over the bar.
Charlton had a period of pressure with good possession, but Morecambe were able to defend. A free kick won by Morgan led to a Charlton corner, but nothing more. Stockley was disappointed with a ball from Morgan.
Clare conceded a free kick for handball. Famewo did well to clear.
Morecambe went 2-0 ahead with a tidy ball from the edge of the penalty area through a crowd of bodies after there was panic in the back.
Famewo had to concede a corner after some casual play in midfield. Stockley headed the corner away.
Charlton won a corner, a good effort from Stockley was saved well and the striker's follow up went wide.
Curbs said we had balls flashing across the six yard box. He had thought they were for the taking, we got in some good positions. Their first goal was really good. The second goal was avoidable, it should have been cleared. For the second goal we had four chances to make a challenge and we didn't make any of them. There were four players around the ball, but none of them took control. You couldn't take your foot off the pedal, you had to be at it all the time.
HT: 0-2
Good work by Burstow led to a Charlton corner, but it ended in a goal kick. The ball in from Morgan was not right for Stockley.
After patient build up play by Blackett-Taylor and a great cross the header was won by Burstow and Stockley converted to make it 1-2.
After a Gilbey cross, Blackett-Taylor hit the side netting.
Charlton conceded a corner. It was taken short and ended in a throw in for the visitors.
A poor throw was intercepted by Gibson and the visitors made it 1-3 to the delight of the Morecambe massive. Matthews was slow to react and Clare could perhaps have got a bit closer. It was another lapse in concentration. Gilbey was replaced by Washington in response. It looked like a 3-4-3.
Macca had to come out to ensure that Stockton didn't score. An effort by Connolly ended on the roof of the net.
Forster-Caskey came on in place of Morgan to provide more midfield quality.
Famewo was brought down by Phillips. The free kick went past everybody.
Pearce took one for the team and received a yellow card for taking out Stockton. Burstow was replaced by Aneke. Arguably Burstow had not been fed enough. Cooney replaced Gibson for Morecambe.
Clare gave away an unnecessary corner. Dobson was brought down in the penalty area, but the referee waved it away.
Blackett-Taylor was once again outstanding on the left and his cross enabled Aneke to score with an outstanding header to make it 2-3.
Morecambe made a double substitution and were able to waste some time. Five minutes were added on. Dobson made a great turn but his shot went over the bar.
Once again we started a game well, the opposition get a chance and take the lead. We started the second half brightly and then conceded again. Pressure at the end of the game did not bring a reward and it was back to back defeats at home.
The pundits
Curbs pointed out that you can't concede three goals at home. Bradley Allen thought we were worthy of a draw. Curbs said that Corey had been a revelation at left wing-back.
Bradley Allen said that the changes gave Charlton a lift. Curbs said that the defender had come across and taken Dobson for the penalty shout. Bradley Allen thought that the defender did not get a faint touch on the ball. Curbs said that the reason we were not in the top half of the table was because we had three strikers out. To concede three goals to a team towards the bottom of the table was hard to take.
Bradley Allen praised Blackett-Taylor as a young player that showed real promise. Curbs said people were having to double up on him. He had to work on his defensive side as he had not played wing back before.
Curbs said it was one step forward and one step back again. It was interesting to see what Jacko would do now he had three strikers back.
Charlton had 23 attempts on goal, but just four on target, the same as Morecambe. Charlton remain 15th, Tuesday's opponents Cambridge United are 14th.
Jacko said: 'It was a frustrating game, end to end, a lot of chances, too many for the opposition. They were clinical when they did get the opportunities. I was disappointed with the goals, we gave them the third goal, it deflated us, took us a bit to get going again. We had a little period in the first half when we lost our concentration and they exploited it. Corey was outstanding in the second period. Good to have the big man (Chuks) back. In the second half the boys gave it everything.
It wasn't a great performance, but Aneke secured an unlikely away point for Charlton in time added on. Charlton remain 14th, six points ahead of Morecambe in 21st place.
With Conor Washington injured and Craig MacGillivray on paternity leave, Johnnie Jackson made five changes in the team against Cheltenham Town at the Jonny Rocks stadium. New signing Chuks Aneke started alongside Mason Burstow. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the inclusion of Adam Matthews as wing back in the 3-5-2 formation.
DJ put in a good cross after build up by Morgan and it led to an early Charlton corner after a good run from Matthews.
DJ got an elbow straight in the face and a yellow card was awarded.
After an outstanding throw from Matthews, Charlton won a second corner. Charlton tried to maintain the pressure, but the ball was cleared.
A third corner came within the opening ten minutes, but it was saved off the line from an Inniss header.
Cheltenham threatened from a good free kick, but the ball went over. Charlton almost conceded, but Henderson made a great save from May. Cheltenham then got the better of Charlton's defence again and Henderson was called into action. After a bright opening ten minutes, Charlton were not getting to the ball first. Nlundulu was a nuisance to the Charlton defence.
Famewo required treatment after a blow in the face and was off for a Cheltenham free kick. Somehow Cheltenham failed to score through Wright from a yard out and DJ cleared the ball over the bar. The corner was comfortable for Henderson.
Good work by DJ led to a Charlton corner. The keeper was able to catch Morgan's effort.
Charlton are always vulnerable just before half time. After Inniss made an error, Henderson saved from Wright who was able to get into space but the Southampton loan player Nlundulu was able to pounce on the ball palmed out by Henderson to make it 1-0 on 42 minutes.
Aneke got a yellow card. It was very close to 2-0, but Henderson was able to save from May in time added on.
Charlton had looked disjointed, Cheltenham had had the better of the chances, as many as five or six of them.
Steve Brown said we were really poor after a super start. We were lucky to be going in only 1-0, Henderson had made two or three excellent saves. Chuks and Mason had struggled to press. The midfield were 30 yards behind. He had been expecting a much more solid performance, instead we had lost confidence and belief. We had created only one good opportunity and we were vulnerable at the other end. He couldn't remember a worthwhile challenge.
HT: 1-0
DJ was replaced by Blackett-Taylor at half time. Aneke fashioned a chance, but it came off the bar, giving the sold out away end something to sing about.
Morgan advanced but was tripped giving Charlton a free kick in a dangerous position, but they were unable to take advantage.
Matthews put in a cross and Lee's effort was saved. Charlton were still getting out muscled too easily in places. It was too easy for Cheltenham to get from their third to ours and a May volley was not far wide.
A shot from Aneke was saved by the keeper. Matthews was taken off and Leko came on in the hope that he would show more forward intent.
Cheltenham had a free header from a corner but it went wide. Charlton were struggling to create anything.
Inniss did well to get an important tackle in. The ball was too far ahead of Aneke for him to turn it in.
Thomas was given acres of space but put the ball over. Dobson made way for Gilbey.
Leko won a corner in time added on, but it was cleared. Inniss headed the ball back across and Aneke got an equaliser from a header for Charlton.
Steve Brown said that under the circumstances it was a great point. It stopped the rot. We were much improved second half. We did look exposed defensively. It was a big step forward for the morale of the team.
Chuks Aneke said he was delighted that he'd made his mark. It had been hard fought. 'I felt good today, I felt strong.'
Steve Brown said the whole team would benefit from Chuks holding the ball up. He got into some very good areas in the six yard box. It was good he got through 90 minutes.
Johnnie Jackson said: 'Football's a mad game, we haven't been getting what we deserved the last few games. Today we didn't deserve anything and we got an equaliser in the last minute. A point on the road is never terrible. Credit to Albie Morgan for his delivery from the set piece. We need to use that as a little springboard, time for us to get some good work in on the training pitch.'
Giving his assessment of the 'smash and grab' point Jacko said that it was a flat performance and Charlton had been better at Crewe. They lost the individual battles at Cheltenham: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-gives-honest-assessment-of-charltons-smash-and-grab-point-at-cheltenham/
Cheltenham Town are investigating reports of homophobic abuse at the game: https://www.ctfc.com/news/2022/january/club-statement
All out of contract players including Chuks Aneke want to stay at Charlton says Nigel Adkins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-nigel-adkins-all-our-out-of-contract-players-want-to-stay/
However, no contracts have been actually signed and negotiations are proceeding with Steve Gallen. Any deals will have to be within the budget.
Responding to comments that other League One clubs have already made signings, Adkins says that he recognises the importance of recruitment and is available all the time to talk to players.
A regular summer phenomenon is Charlton fans complaining about the paucity of signings. However, the team that matters is the one that plays in the first match of the season. There is no point in making signings for the sake of making a signing. The emphasis has to be on quality and how the player fits into the way Adkins wants to play.
Chuks Aneke has not turned down Charlton's contract offer, but at least five other clubs are interested in him. These include Championship clubs: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/chuks-aneke-has-not-turned-down-charlton-athletic-contract-offer/
Charlton are in talks with six players about extending their contracts - Ben Amos, Chuks Aneke, Jake Forster-Caskey, Jason Pearce, Adam Matthews and Ben Watson: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-in-contract-talks-with-six-of-squad-and-confirm-exit-of-trio/
Oshilaja has been let go and Otzumer will not be returning. Thomas Sandgaard has confirmed that Charlton are interested in two loan players, presumably Famewo and Stockley.
Of those engaged in talks, Ben Watson has attracted some criticism from fans.
Midfielders James Vennings and Ben Dempsey have been offered contracts and various forms of contract have been offered to a number of Academy players: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/james-vennings-and-ben-dempsey-offered-deals-as-addicks-take-up-options-on-ghandour-and-ness/
Cash strapped Sheffield Wednesday are looking for free transfers and Chuks Aneke is on their radar: https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/chuks-aneke-who-is-the-former-arsenal-man-once-compared-to-yaya-toure-linked-with-sheffield-wednesday-switch-3239809
As well as the Massives, Blackburn Rovers are also said to be interested.
An online poll by one fan reveals a 52-48 per cent bovvered/not bovvered split. It's a trade off between a player who can score goals and disrupt oppositions, but is not generally available for 90 minutes.
Reports are circulating that Chuks Aneke has been offered a new one year deal after a meeting with Nigel Adkins yesterday, but I have no confirmation from a reliable source.
There were rumours that Blackburn Rovers were interested and they certainly need a striker as they are likely to lose Alan Armstrong.
Chuks can unsettle the opposition with his physical presence and can find the back of the net. The downside is his history of injury and his inability to last 90 minutes, although hopefully medical and other staff can work on that.
On balance I think that a one year contract would be the right decision.
Nigel Adkins was full of praise for Jayden Stockley after his performance in the 3-1 win over Lincoln City: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/phenomenal-nigel-adkins-has-praise-for-one-charlton-player-after-3-1-win-over-lincoln/
Adkins praised Johnnie Jackson for the work he has done on set pieces: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-credited-with-charlton-athletics-set-piece-prowess/
Adkins said that Albie Morgan was talented with the ball, but needed to learn the other side of his game, echoing comments made by Lee Bowyer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-echoes-lee-bowyers-comments-on-charlton-midfielder-albie-morgan/
Adkins said that he had to take Aneke off before he got sent off: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-subbed-off-chuks-aneke-to-avoid-charlton-gamechanger-picking-up-red-card/
Charlton kept their play off hopes alive with a 3-1 victory over Lincoln City at The Valley tonight. All the goals came in the second half after Chuks Aneke came on at the break.
Curbs said that Aneke coming on gave Gilbey and Millar a lift, it changed the dynamic of the whole team.
Jayden Stockley said that in the first half he had to keep it alive, wait for everyone to get back up. With Chuks on there was someone else in the box that had to be marked. I feel that me and Chuks do have an understanding. We weren't as threatening as we wanted to be [in the first half].
Bradley Pritchard said that Stockley is the type of character you want in the changing room. He was a priority to be signed.
Curbs said that Chuks was a lucky boy, he could have been sent off.
Nigel Adkins said that Lincoln had the best away record in the league, we knew it would be challenging. We made sure we were in the game. We had scored from a corner again thanks to Johnnie Jackson's work. We score from set pieces. I was disappointed with the goal we conceded, there was a suggestion he was offside. I had to take Chuks off before he got sent off, he's got to learn. The object was to win the game and we take it to the last game of the season.
Chuks is a massive threat. We've got to keep working with him. We've got an excellent medical team here. Chuks has only started two games this season and on one he got sent off. We need to make sure that Jayden Stockley gets a good supply. His goals are great.
Match report
It was a windy Valley with intermittent heavy showers. Amos have to save at the expense of a corner on 10 minutes. Purrington was booked for a professional foul.
Bramall got a yellow card for a foul on Millar. From a Forster-Caskey free kick with Inniss turned provider but Maatsen headed over the bar and he was offside anyway.
On 28 minutes referee Kevin Johnson had to go off injured and the fourth official took his place. Forster-Caskey went down and had to be replaced by Morgan on 37 minutes.
Jones got a yellow card for a foul on Inniss. In the eight minutes added on Millar blasted over. Sreve Brown thought that we were not creating enough chance.
HT: 0-0
Aneke replaced Purrington. Gilbey supplied a great ball, Aneke headed downwards and Stockley scored with a half volley.
Charlton were almost caught out immediately and Amos had to save. Ben Watson was at fault in letting Lincoln advance.
Aneke drew a save from Palmer. Scully, one of Lincoln's better players, had to be replaced by Howarth. The effective left back Bramall, formerly with Arsenal, had to be taken off as he was in danger of getting a second yellow.
Millar put in a ball to Stockley who was inches wide. A Morgan corner found Inniss unmarked at the far post and he scored with a header to make it 2-0.
On 66 minutes Millar burst down the left and passed to Aneke whose shot took a deflection to make it 3-0.
Famewo made a great block. A Lincoln free kick conceded by Watson in a dangerous position on the edge of the area came off the wall.
Aneke got a yellow card. On 88 minutes Charlton were looking for an offside and Anderson scored with a neat shot for Lincoln. This meant that our goal difference is two worse than that of Portsmouth.
Six minutes were added on and Aneke was taken off to be replaced by Pratley who collected his yellow card. Charlton were being forced back and Morgan made a great defensive header. Amos had to save and Stockley put in good defensive work, drawing a foul. Then the whistle blew and Charlton were left with everything to play for on Sunday.
Consulting his book of excuses, Imps boss Michael Appleton said that his team failed to play with their usual edge: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lincoln-city-boss-appleton-we-might-get-the-opportunity-to-put-charlton-athletic-result-right/
A last minute equaliser by Chuks Aneke saw Charlton draw 1-1 at Accrington today, but it didn't really help us very much. As Steve Brown said at the end, there was a real lack of quality and creativity. The fear of losing was a problem.
For much of the game I could have been watching a National League North fixture given the amount of hoofball and the time the ball was in the air. The hope drained away as news of matches elsewhere filtered through.
Curbs said we never really got going, it was all about stopping Accrington, although they are not easy to play against. Carl Leaburn said that Accrington are a strong side.
Scott Minto said that on Tuesday we didn't deserve to win and today we didn't deserve to win. Curbs said it was difficult to get the ball down and play your own game. All the corners we had were outswingers.
Carl Leaburn said in terms of chances everything was a rush or it wasn't bouncing properly, this reflected our anxiety. The only bit of quality was the one we scored on.
Curbs said that you do get caught up in the way that Accrington play. If we had won the last two home games, it would be different.
Nigel Adkins said it was a battle, we adapted our shape, modified, see how direct they are. It wasn't a pretty game to watch, a very poor goal. It should have been a foul on Prats. It was a poor game. The pitch was very bobbly. We didn't get the ball in their half of the pitch well enough. It feels like a defeat.
We knew it was going to be direct, they are a big side. We were trying to get a bit of momentum. We made the changes to try to affect the game, but we could leave ourselves exposed in terms of spaces. They're all very disappointed in the dressing room.
We'll analyse it and learn the lessons from this. Then you draw a line underneath and move on. The next game will be totally different to this game. We've got a long way to go. It was a horrible, scrappy game. We want to pass the ball, we want to be dynamic. It was a poor game, that's what football is.
Curbs said that in trying to combat what they're good at we lost our way. Scott Minto said that we did the ugly side well in terms of defending, but we just didn't get the ball down.
Portsmouth, Oxford, Blackpool and Sunderland all won away. Charlton stay in 8th and have to win on Tuesday and even then it depends on results elsewhere.
Match report
Charlton started with a 3-5-2 in the windy conditions. The wind was in Accrington's favour in the first half. Amos's kicks went off for throw ins a lot.
On six minutes Conor Washington had an opportunity, but his effort went over the bar. Famewo was putting in some good defensive work. An effort from Gilbey was wide. Pearce had to defend to deny Bishop.
In the one minute added on a shot from Charles hit the bar, Amos may have got a touch to it.
At half time Steve Brown said it had been very tight and a nervy game. He also commented that we hadn't been able to string four or five passes together. Scott Minto said it had been a war of attrition. Curbs said we had to get the ball down and create something.
HT: 0-0
Accrington won a free kick on the edge of the box and Stockley had to clear the ball with a header at the expense of a corner. Steve Brown complained that we were lacking creativity.
On 57 minutes Washington, who had been quite lively, was replaced by Aneke. Russell fouled Maatsen and got a yellow card and was soon afterwards replaced by Pritchard which turned out to be bad news for us.
An Aneke effort won Charlton a corner. Forster-Caskey provided a good delivery and Inniss was only inches wide with a header. This was one of our best chances of the game.
Steve Brown complained that we had no composure. Amos had to make a save under pressure and Gunter cleared the ball. Forster-Caskey got a yellow card for a foul as referee Young built up his collection of Charlton names in his first game with the Addicks.
Stockley was taken down on the edge of the box when he could have gone through and McConville got a yellow card. The Forster-Caskey free kick was aimed at the corner away from the keeper but was just over the angle of post and bar. Millar replaced Pearce on 75 minutes.
On 81 minutes Accrington broke and Pritchard put the ball in the corner of the net to make it 1-0. Pratley may have been fouled at the start of the move, but Famewo's positioning was poor and Gunter possibly could have done better.
As we tried to get forward we were caught offside a lot. Inniss got a yellow card for a foul.
Four minutes were added on and Morgan and Shinnie replaced Pratley and Forster-Caskey. Rodgers got a yellow card for a foul. Morgan placed his free kick well in the box and Aneke tapped the ball home.
The root of our problems was last summer when all the disruption meant we could not assemble a team of sufficient quality. There is a big reconstruction job ahead.
Chuks Aneke and Jake Forster-Caskey are two of Charlton's best players and they are free agents in the summer. However, contract talks cannot start until it is known which division the club will be in: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-chief-explains-why-contract-talks-are-on-hold/
As it is likely to be League One, the salary offers may not be attractive enough for players likely to be in demand elsewhere.
It wasn't polished or pretty, but Charlton secured three points tonight with a 1-0 victory at Wigan. As Curbs said afterwards, 'They dug in. It was an all round effort.'
Chuks Aneke secured the points with a first half goal in which he shrugged off two Wigan central defenders pursuing him. Washington was the provider. He then should have had a penalty when he was rugby tackled, but the referee ruled that he had lost his balance.
Wigan upped the tempo in the second half and applied pressure to Charlton, but a lot of their efforts were wild and Ben Amos was only really called into action a couple of times.
Millar came closest to scoring in the second half when his effort was cleared off the line.
On the downside, as Steve Brown noted, too often a Charlton attack was turned into defence ten seconds later. More quality was need in finishing.
It was good to see Jake Forster-Caskey back and he led Charlton with 46 passes, four tackles and seven crosses.
The Charlton clean sheet owed a lot to Jason Pearce, who made one crucial defensive header and Akin Famewo.
Curbs praised Ben Watson's work in the middle of the park where he operated as a defensive midfielder.
Charlton are now 9th, ahead of Gobby's Oxford United whom they play on Saturday.
Albie Morgan has not been in the squad for the last three Charlton matches and it's not because he has been injured. Once again he appears to be out of favour with the somewhat mercurial supremo who says he is 'still learning his game': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/albie-morgan-absence-explained-by-charlton-athletic-chief/
I have to say that I am never quite sure what to make of Morgan who sometimes looks quite good and at other times makes little impact. It may be that his contemporary George Lapslie was the better player.
It is still uncertain whether Akin Famewo will make the journey to Wigan Pier tomorrow. Bowyer is waiting for the medics.
Charlton are to appeal the red card for Chuks Aneke, while Bowyer has defended Darren Pratley: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-appeal-chuks-aneke-red-card-as-lee-bowyer-defends-darren-pratley/
Curbs thought that we should appeal the Aneke red card, but the pundits on The Football League Show thought it was justified. Personally I doubt whether it will succeed, although I think the referee had a mare (but according to him his worst game changing mistake was down to the linesman). I was wrong: the card has been overturned.
As for Pratley, he is committed, but the problem is that he is too committed for the modern game. One might also argue that commitment is a substitute for skill.
Charlton were beat 3-0 by Blackpool at The Valley this afternoon, two of the goals scored from the penalty spot. A team in form beat one lacking confidence and showing indiscipline with Pratley and Aneke sent off in the second half.
There were no real positives: the players simply aren't good enough. There were no shots on target. We go again Tuesday at 6 pm at Wigan. Charlton are now 12th, behind Crewe on goal difference.
Aneke would be out for four games and Pratley for two. The Aneke sending off is going to be appealed.
Bowyer made four substitutions at half time, but whatever the plan was it was wrecked by Pratley being sent off for a second yellow immediately after the break. He should have been substituted. It was an odd way of marking his 100th appearance in a Charlton shirt.
Bowyer's line afterwards was to complain about the officials. Some of the decisions were harsh, but they weren't all wrong by contemporary standards.
Before the game Bowyer said that he had chosen Washington over Aneke because he needed pace up front, but he admitted afterwards that he was disappointed with his performance. Curbs said pre match that he was 'a bit surprised' by that choice.
He was also concerned that the midfield would have a job to do with two wingers playing. Bowyer admitted afterwards that the wingers had no impact on the game which is why he changed things around at half time.
I didn't have time yesterday to post anything about Kevin Lisbie's contribution to the pre match show, but you can find it here on my new Charlton Retro page: https://retrocharlton.blogspot.com/2021/02/team-lisbie.html
Post match Bowyer interview
Bowyer said: 'We gave them a good start, after that the officials did us, one decision after another.' Scott Minto suggested that Blackpool were more athletic and sharper. Bowyer argued that in the first half, 'They did it a little better than us. I don't think there was much in it. [Not my view]. These people [officials] keep making decisions against us.'
Scott Minto asked how difficult it was to keep a settled side. Bowyer said one couldn't go Saturday-Tuesday with the same players. But he admitted, 'The players are not in a good place, look nervous at times.' Minto asked about the home form and Bowyer said 'You have to look at why' which is a statement of the obvious, but it then became evident that different players kept disappointing him.
Scott Minto suggested one could try going with the best eleven. After Bowyer had gone, Curbs suggested keeping a settled side and shape for one week would be possible. In a parallel universe, one could have Curbs in as interim manager until the end of the season to show the continuing relevance of the one time cry from the stands: 'Sort it out Curbishley.'
Match report
After a cagey start by both sides, Charlton inevitably went behind within 10 minutes. Simms simply out paced Oshilaja who brought him down and Yates scored from the spot on 9 minutes to make it 0-1.
On 14 minutes Charlton won a corner. After a good header back in by Famewo, Stockley found the back of the net with a header but it was judged to be offside (I was not convinced).
The Blackpool midfield were denying Charlton any space and the Addicks were having to adopt the non-league tactic of hoofing the ball forward to no effect.
On 25 minutes Pratley (not for the first time) conceded a free kick which led to a Blackpool corner, but Purrington cleared with a header. Oshilaja got a yellow card for a foul.
The referee was getting increasingly fed up with Pratley. He had a long chat with him on 32 minutes and it wasn't about whether the Charlton captain had any hints on beard care or controlling your waistline.
Following a free kick, Stockley had to put in some good defensive work. Blackpool were being given lots of space to operate in and Ward was left unmarked on the right on two occasions. Then nobody chose to close Virtue down, he was given space to strike and chose his spot to put the ball past Amos to make it 0-2. Woeful defending again.
Pratley was given a yellow card for a handball that he felt was inadvertent, but the referee had had enough of him by then.
HT: 0-2
I don't think four substitutions have been made at Charlton at half time before and it suggests that Bowyer made serious errors in setting up the team. Maatsen replaced Purrington, who hadn't played badly, but the youngster did at least show some energy. Washington, who as Bowyer put it had not been screaming to say 'I want to play next time' was replaced by Aneke. DJ, who had been anonymous and Millar, who had been below par, came off. Matt Smith came on, and did show some nice touches, but Ben Watson contributed little.
But you know if Darren Pratley is on a yellow card he is going to get a second, so why not take him off? On a yellow he should have been cautious but he got in a tangle with the Blackpool right back Gabriel on the ground and referee Huxtable was surrounded by Blackpool players demanding that he be sent off. The bearded wonder took his time, but showed the second yellow.
On 51 minutes Watson put his foot in on Yates. Whether he made much contact was unclear, but these days that is enough for a penalty. Amos judged which way the former Liverpool Under 23 player would send the ball, but Yates got it underneath him to make it 0-3. Game over, although Charlton did show a bit more fluency and urgency in the second half.
The referee continued his entry in the 'most cards against Charlton in one match' contest with a yellow card against Shinnie for a foul. He then spoke to Aneke at some length and clearly had him in his sights. To show balance he gave Yates a yellow card for a foul.
Charlton did manage to win two corners in succession, but they were unproductive as is so often the case. Maatsen won another, but it also had no end result. To his disappointment, Stockley headed wide from a Shinnie free kick. Famewo got a yellow card. Stockley, who had been feeding on scraps, was replaced by Schwartz who made contact with the ball once
Amos had to save from Mitchell who had been given too much space. Aneke was judged to have extended his arm near the referee and was sent off. Curbs said afterwards that we should appeal.
Charlton did manage to escape conceding another goal. You can change the manager, but he would have to deal with the same group of players.
Ipswich Town could be on the verge of a revival with an American takeover: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2021/02/american-investors-swoop-for-ipswich.html
There are three changes in this afternoon's line up with Akin Famewo joining the defence: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-v-blackpool-team-news-akin-famewo-starts-as-lee-bowyer-makes-three-changes/
Some are disappointed that Chuks Aneke is on the bench, but we don't see him in training.
Curbs did express some concerns about the line up pre-match, in particular only two players in midfield given there are two wingers, but he noted that Bowyer was going for pace.
Charlton's poor home run continued with a 2-3 defeat by Gillingham at The Valley this afternoon. It was the sixth game at home without a win.
The Addicks didn't have a lot of luck with Chuks Aneke being harshly sent off on 69 minutes. However, poor defending could be blamed for all of the three Gills goals.
Lee Bowyer argued that the defeat came down to the red card and a poor start. 'There's not much I can really criticise. The second goal [for Gills] was a great strike. We were on top for a lot of the time. We competed well. Their staff were intimidating the officials, they do that.'
Bowyer added, 'It's a contact sport, it's becoming not a contact sport. When we went down to 10 men we fought hard. Chuks said I tried to win the ball. It's a foul, but not a yellow card.'
With Rob Lee featuring in the Valley Pass build up, it was inevitable that his son would score, but not within the first minute on 21 seconds. A wayward header from Oshilaja let Lee in. Bowyer said, 'It was the last place you should head it.'
Charlton made an instant response. Aneke got past the keeper, but the ball was cleared off the line. On five minutes he hit the woodwork.
Gillingham nearly went 2-0 up after they powered down the left and nearly scored from the corner.
Forster-Caskey made a good run and Millar also ran well, but the final ball was lacking. Then a good delivery from Millar saw Aneke hit the post. On 14 minutes Millar pounced on a mistake in the Gills defence and Aneke made it 1-1.
A tussle in front of the Gills bench saw the horizontally challenged Evans shouting and the referee had a word with him, but no more.
A fierce shot from Darren Pratley was tipped over the bar. Forster-Caskey went down with a hamstring problem on 25 minutes and DJ replaced him.
Aneke won Charlton a corner, but Shinnie's effort was poor.
Charlton had been on top since the equaliser, but suddenly the visitors started to apply pressure. I'm never quite sure why matches suddenly turn in that way. Pearce lacked pace in defence and Amos was out of his goal, but Purrington pounced from nowhere to make a key defensive intervention.
Pratley had to concede a corner, Oshilaja cleared initially but the defence started to panic and Ogilvie had the space to put in a screamer. It was a great strike that left Amos with no chance.
In three minutes added on, Shinnie put in a good effort but it took a deflection and just led to an unproductive corner.
HT: 1-2.
On 50 minutes DJ won a corner and Shinnie turned provider for Stockwell who scored with a header to make it 2-2.
Gillingham were being given too much space, but fortunately Akinde's effort went wide.
A Gills free kick in a dangerous position was cleared with a header. Bonham saved from Aneke. I was still concerned about how much space the visitors were being given.
The referee had already warned Chuks Aneke and he was given a yellow card for running into Tucker. He needed to be careful, but two minutes later he received a second yellow. It was harsh, but consistent with current interpretations of the rules.
Tucker received a yellow card for a foul on DJ. The visitors kept obstructing free kicks and finally McKenzie received a yellow for his efforts in this respect.
Oshilaja got a yellow card for simulation which I do not think was justified. So did Lee Bowyer and he got a yellow card for his complaints.
Lee had a shot off the crossbar. Millar and Purrington then retreated as Dempsey advanced, allowing him to advance into the penalty area and score. Bowyer thought that the team was running out of legs.
Schwartz replaced Purrington. DJ shot with his weaker left foot and his effort was tipped over. With four minutes added on, Morgan replaced Pratley. Charlton should have had a corner, but only got a throw in. Pearce received a late yellow card.
Many games were postponed, but Charlton were overtaken by Sunderland who beat Doncaster 4-1 to lose their toehold in the play off places.
Jayden Stockley talks about why he chose Charlton, the good service he is getting and his partnership with Chuks Aneke: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-jayden-stockley-on-his-charlton-athletic-loan-move-aerially-dominating-defences-love-of-the-office-his-preston-north-end-future/
Lee Bowyer discusses his frustration at the way the salary cap hindered Charlton in the last two transfer windows and what might replace it: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lee-bowyer-gives-his-verdict-on-league-one-salary-cap-being-scrapped-and-expresses-frustration-if-hampered-them-in-last-two-transfer-windows/
CAS Trust discuss whether Charlton might get a home win at last: https://www.castrust.org/2021/02/a-home-win-at-last/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-home-win-at-last
My Badger League prediction was a 3-1 win for Charlton, but they are a bit of a bogey team for us. The Football League Show pundits last weekend thought we might be at the start of a run. Let's hope they're right.
