Not surprisingly, there has been interest in Johann Berg Gudmundsson since his return from international duty. Norwich City are among those interested and a price of around £3m is expected: Man in demand
Many Addicks are quite critical of Gudmundsson and his performances this year have been rather sulky and inconsistent. But then one can understand when one looks at coaches like Karel Fraeye and some of the dross in the rest of the squad.
A centre back is manager Russell Slade's next target. After that, there will be a pause while the future of existing members of the squad is sorted out, not least Johann Berg Gudmundsson who now has a higher profile through his participation in the successful Iceland team: Next steps
I think that Slade has made some sensible signings so far and there does not seem to have been too much interference from Her Upstairs. Perhaps some lessons have been learnt, although a great deal of damage has been done.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson played his part in England's largely self-inflicted defeat against Iceland tonight. He won't be a Charlton player for much longer, but was referred to as such by the commentary. Certainly few Charlton internationals have taken part in such a sensational victory.
Iceland have just a semi-professional league, albeit one with a high standard from the one match I watched. Football cannot be played outside for at least six months of the year, so there has been a big investment in indoor training facilities, in particular to bring on the younger generation.
They know how to celebrate in Iceland
The Icelandic commentator sounded hysterical at the end of the match, but understandably so. And self-styled No.1 Iceland Addick and one time Voice of the Valley contributor Olfaur Johansson will be celebrating in style. His naïve adventures as a supporter of Charlton while he was working in London caused some amusement, but he has had the last laugh. The best team on the night won.
Johann Gudmundsson played with verve and energy for Iceland in their 1-1 draw with Portugal tonight, being substituted right at the end of the game. The commentators managed to avoid any reference to his connection with Charlton, merely stating that he played 'in the English leagues'. Of course, he will leave us once Euro 16 is over.
Richard Cawley of the SLP reckons this will add to his transfer appeal. He was already near the top of the pay scale at Charlton: Where and for how much?
Hermann Hreidarsson, who now manages in Iceland, was interviewed before the start of the game. When he first came to England, he was 23, but felt that in terms of his development he was more like a teenager given that Iceland had not then progressed as far as it has now in football.
Ronaldo looked as if he was going to have a hissy fit at any minute during the game and made some ungenerous remarks afterwards about Iceland having a 'small mentality'.
No.1 Iceland Addick, Olafur Johansson from Grindavik, is thought to have been one of the 30,000 Icelanders in St. Etienne, amounting to one tenth of the country's population.
It's being reported that Nick Pope may be going to Burnley for £850k. Cannot confirm at present.
Newly promoted Metz are reported to be considering a bid for Johann Berg Gudmundsson: Iceland ace
I was giving a presentation at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London today and was introduced as 'a Charlton Athletic supporter and the only relegated member of the panel.' It's like the mark of Cain.
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.
Today was the last match as season ticket holders for many Addicks fans who have vowed not to renew until the regime goes. I suspect that they will have a long wait.
Charlton were defeated 0-3 at The Valley today by champions Burnley to finish third from bottom in the Championship. Once again the match was overshadowed by customer protests.
As for the match, Charlton started well enough, but then fell to a sucker punch after 20 minutes. They pressed hard in the remainder of the half, creating a number of chances and putting in several shots on target, Gudmundsson being prominent, but they were all straight at the keeper.
The Addicks made a lacklustre start to the second half and defensive errors gave Burnley two goals in quick succession. That was pretty much game over. After Gudmundsson was fouled and taken off, he received warm applause from the crowd in appreciation of his efforts. This was the last time we would see him in a Charlton shirt.
As for the protests, like all fans, I was frisked and had my bag searched before entering the ground. Netting had been placed along the whole length of the covered end, not something you see in the average supermarket to deal with dissatisfied customers. In the first five minutes of the game paper aeroplanes and screwed up leaflets with one or two toilet rolls were thrown on the pitch.
Towards the end of the half, a home made banner with the word 'Liar' and an arrow pointing downwards was moved along the front of the upper west above where Katrien Meire was sitting. It was eventually removed by a jobsworth.
After the third goal went in, flares were thrown on the pitch and the game was temporarily halted. A dissatisfied customer got on to the pitch and evaded efforts to capture him for some time.
The referee blew up with no time added on and Clarets fans swarmed on to the pitch to congratulate their players. It all kicked off at the intersection of the East Stand and the Covered End as Charlton fans tried to join them. Eventually large numbers got on and congregated in front of the West Stand expressing their dissatisfaction.
According to an ex-director he and other ex-directors were forcibly ejected from the directors' box after the game. It has also been reported that the valued amenity of the fan sofa was damaged beyond repair.
José Riga resigned after the match. He said, "It's not necessarily about going down to League One - and I am not a liar. I have taken this decision a few days ago. Even before that it was down to what I saw and could feel. Everybody can recognise my investment in Charlton the first time I was here and this time."
A powerful report on the day's events has been written here by Paul Breen: The Big Smirk
A ten minute video of the protests here: Angry customers
It's no great surprise, but comments by Johann Berg Gudmundsson indicate that he won't be staying at Charlton: Gudmundsson
Belgium beat Italy at Elland Road today with the Addicks winning the bonkers owners derby. Lookman probably added to his selling price.
Pope had to make a good save with his feet early in the game at Elland Road as he faced a one on one from Leeds. It looked like a 4-4-1-1 formation with Harriott and Lookman out wide and Gudmundsson behind Vetokele.
Charlton won a free kick 25 yards out after Lookman was fouled. Lookman’s free kick was over the wall but just wide. Leeds fans started to sing ‘Your owner is a ****, so is ours.’ The 363 Charlton fans subsequently started a chant of ‘We want Roland out.’
Diarra got a yellow card for a foul on Wood. Pope had to tip the resulting free kick over the bar. He claimed the corner well.
A strike from Gudmundsson hit the foot of the post from 25 yards.
Around the half hour mark Leeds started to apply a bit more pressure, but Bridcutt shot high and wide from distance.
Pope claimed Coyle’s low cross after Leeds advanced down the Charlton left.
Leeds won a corner after Pope tipped the ball out following a good block by Jackson.
After a great move down the left involving Lookman and Fox, Gudmundsson took the opportunity from Fox’s cross and scored with a low strike.
Charlton won a corner taken by Lookman but it went out for a Charlton throw.
Pope flew out of his area to deny Wood with a diving header. Vetokele put in a shot, but it was blocked in the area.
Teixeira won a corner in time added on.
HT: 0-1
Gudmundsson nearly played in Vetokele, but he was too slow to react and the keeper gathered.
A great strike from Lookman into the bottom corner put Charlton 2-0 ahead on 49 minutes, the whole move starting with a Fanni nutmeg of Dallas who was subsequently taken off.
The referee pulled play back for a Charlton free kick despite Vetokele racing through on goal. What about advantage?
A header from Wood hit the bar. Bamba fired the rebound into the side netting.
Charlton won a corner, Bamba fell over after a collision and the referee gave a free kick to Leeds.
From a Leeds corner Cooper headed well over. Fanni put in good defensive work as Charlton looked as if they might be under pressure.
Leeds won a corner, but the ball was headed over by Botaka.
Charlton made a good break away, but Harriott’s shot was just wide. Kashi was booked for a late challenge.
Bamba got a free header from a free kick to make it 1-2 on 71 minutes. Pope was furious with his defence. Suk Young came on for Gudmundsson.
Pope saved an angled shot from Antenucci who had come on a sub. Pope claimed the corner at the second attempt.
Pope saved well with his feet in a one on one with Wood after a free kick. Vetokele made way for Makienok on 82 minutes.
Fox dealt with a cross well with a header. Harriott blocked a cross at the expense of a Leeds corner. Makienok headed the ball away.
Leeds threatened with a series of attacks, but Charlton held firm. Kashi, who had had a good game on his return, went down injured. Ba replaced Lookman on 88 minutes.
Six minutes were added on. Kashi put the ball behind for a Leeds corner. Diarra headed clear at the near post.
Charlton broke away well, Ba played in Harriott but his shot was blocked for a Charlton corner. Kashi gave away a foul.
Three balls into the box were headed away by Makienok. Pope had to save as Cook tried his luck, leading to a corner.
Sanogo and Gudmundsson are uncertain for tomorrow's clash against Derby County at The Valley: Fitness doubts
Charlton beat Derby 3-2 in the fixture last year, but lost 0-2 the year before. Derby's away form has been somewhat suspect: On the road
However, the Rams have only lost once against Charlton in nine Championship games (W5 D3), scoring in each game and netting 17 in total. Charlton have conceded a league-high 24 goals via set-pieces this season (excluding penalties).
Odds are: Charlton 15/4 Draw 11/4, Derby 8/11.
The last edition of Voice of the Valley for this season will be on sale around the ground from 1 p.m. The story exposing the Liberal Democrat candidate for London mayor as a Millwall supporter has been spiked for lack of space, but there will be plenty of Charlton related material.
A Blues fan complained on the train back to London Bridge, 'I thought we would moonwalk it when we went 1-0 up. It's humiliating and embarrassing to be beaten by a team that is probably going to be relegated.'
Unfortunately the win still leaves the Addicks six (effectively seven) points from safety. But as the Bloke Beside Me said, 'You have to play the teams you've got.'
I decided to come via Marleybone today to avoid the main contingent from the Millwall of the Midlands, but some Blues chose that route. On the way back, there were police on the train and a further contingent waited on the platform at Leamington in case it kicked off between local Addicks and Blues.
The start of the match was delayed as hundreds of small stress balls were thrown on the pitch by protesting fans. The match started quietly with the Addicks playing rather cautiously. We feared a Blues goal, although we thought that might galvanise Charlton.
The visitors took the lead when Paul Caddis' cross took a deflection and reached Jon Toral who turned it home, leaving Pope with no chance. Charlton equalised six minutes later through Johann Berg Gudmundsson whose shot bounced off Paul Robinson and in.
The Blues tried to get back in the lead in the early phase of the second half, Charlton having brought on Lookman at the break. The referee ignored increasing pushing and fouling by the Blues, but missed no chance to award them free kicks. He also managed to give Gudmundsson a yellow card for dissent while giving nothing for fouls by the visitors. Fabrini was a persistent offender until he was taken off.
Charlton stood firm and showed great commitment, increasingly threatening. Gudmundsson was not far off target with a free kick and Lookman drew a good save from the keeper. Teixeira once again showed his value at set pieces, rising to meet Lookman's corner in the 94th minute to make it 2-1.
Player ratings
Pope was not to blame for the goal and otherwise was in command of his area. With Henderson on the bench, he seems to have secured the Number 1 spot for now. Apart from his goal, Teixeira provided some cultured passes forward, particularly in the first half. Diarra showed once again that he was a quality player and soon became a target for the Blues. Fox was error prone. Fanni put in two excellent tackles to avert imminent danger.
Suk Young was confident, but not that impressive, and withdrawn at half time. Motta had some excellent moments and also some poor ones, for example an excellent display in winning the ball and seeing off the opposition, followed by a poor pass. Cousins battled away to good effect. Gudmundsson seem to have benefitted from the international break.
Harriott was energetic, but he gets muscled off the ball too easily. Vetokele put himself about and it is good to see him back.
Lookman used his pace to good effect. Jackson didn't make a great difference when he came on. Makienok had a cameo in the hope that his height would be useful.
The SLP report from Louis Mendez is here: Charlton
Unconfirmed reports are appearing that Norwich City are interested in signing Johann Berg Gudmundsson at the end of the season.
He certainly wouldn't want to stay at Charlton in League One.
Charlton lost 2-1 at Preston this evening to remain bottom of the Championship on goal difference.
The Addicks had an early opportunity when a floated free-kick from the left found an unmarked Roger Johnson, but his tame header from 12 yards was comfortably held by Anders Lindegaard.
Preston took the lead at Deepdale as Joe Garner headed in Paul Gallagher's corner at the near post. But Johann Berg Gudmundsson, who had earlier drawn a good save from the keeper, drilled the ball into the net from 20-yards out for the Addicks just two minutes later.
After the break Jorge Teixeira dribbled forward after 50 minutes before Ademola Lookman chipped the ball just wide of the far post.
However, substitute Robinson was left unmarked to fire home from 12 yards to restore Preston's lead after the break before Harry Lennon was sent off on 74 minutes for raising his arm to Garner late on.
Charlton threatened an equaliser in added time, but Yaya Sanogo fired wide from 12 yards.
It was the first double of the season for Preston.
Preston had twelve shots to Charlton's nine and each side had four shots on target.
Charlton beat fellow relegation strugglers Rotherham United 4-1 this afternoon to move just a point behind Bristol City who drew at home to Birmingham.
Simon Makienok scored twice to help the Addicks end their 11-game winless run. The Dane opened the scoring early on from Zakarya Bergdich's cut back before Chris Burke levelled for the home side. Igor Vetokele then finished off a well-worked counter-attack to put Jose Riga's side ahead at half-time.
Makienok headed in to make it 3-1, then Jonson Clarke-Harris blazed over a Millers penalty before Ademola Lookman rounded off victory in added time.
Charlton took the lead after just four minutes when Bergdich cut the ball back for Makienok to smash in. They did not stay in front long as Rotherham's Burke scored his first goal for the club on his home debut, receiving Danny Ward's pass before slotting under Henderson.
After Grant Ward had shot wide for the Millers, Johann Berg Gudmundsson crossed for Vetokele, who turned in from close range after a rapid counter attack. Henderson then produced a diving save to keep out Danny Ward's left footed strike before Makienok met Gudmundsson's pinpoint delivery to give Charlton a two-goal lead.
Rotherham had a chance to get back into the game when Clarke-Harris was brought down by Jorge Teixeira, but the striker smashed his attempt over. Substitute Lookman slid in a fourth to complete a hat-trick of Gudmundsson assists.
In remarks after the game, José Roga was critical of Tony Watt's commitment and also that of Ricardo Vaz Te: I want committed players
The game got good coverage on the Football League Show including the banners. Chris Powell was interviewed and emphasised that Riga knew the Championship.
The Daily Mirror reports: 'The struggling Addicks, second-bottom in the Championship, want to raise at least £2m in January and prepared to sacrifice some of their stars to bring in some much-needed money. Though the Charlton board risk further angering their fans, who are already protesting against owner Roland Duchatelet and the current regime, with their fundraising plans.
They are desperate for striker Tony Watt’s loan move to Cardiff to become a permanent one, bringing in around £1m. Highest earner and winger Johann Gudmundsson, in-demand teenage starlet Ademola Lookman and striker Igor Vetokele are among those who could go too.
Charlton are bracing themselves for January bids for Lookman from Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea and could now cash in to ease their money worries. But the sale of the 18 year-old academy product in particular would be an especially controversial decision and crank up the animosity towards the board from Charlton fans.'
Johann Berg Gudmundsson has said that the protests and chanting at Saturday's match did not help the team: Dampener
This does not seem to have gone down too well with fans. After all, Gudmundsson himself tweeted on Saturday that the team's performance was not good enough.
The protests were limited to the second minute. Admittedly, there wasn't much of an atmosphere, but there were big empty spaces in the home stands. This was probably because of a combination of the early start, the fact that the game was on television and discontent with the current regime at Charlton.
Top fan Jonathan Acworth is setting up a meeting in Greenwich next Sunday to discuss the way forward for the club. However, rather than any individual initiatives, my preference would be to channel activity through the CAS Trust which is having some success in establishing a dialogue with the club.
Charlton face another six pointer at The Valley tonight. The Addicks have won just one of their last five home games against Preston (D2 L2), though it was in their most recent meeting at the Valley (5-2 in Nov 2011). Preston have scored either twice or not at all across their last seven meetings with Charlton.
The Addicks are winless in seven league games. Only Preston are on a current longer run in the Championship (9). North End have also scored fewer goals than any other Championship side this season (7).
No.1 Iceland Addick Olafur Johansson asks: 'It has always puzzled me why the other Preston club are called Southend. Why not either call them Northend and Southend or Preston N.E. and Preston S.E. to avoid confusion?'
Talking of Iceland, there are rumours that Gudmundsson may be out tonight may be out with a knock picked up at Reading. Not good news if true, but sources close to Sparrows Lane can neither confirm nor deny.
On the more positive side, Reza is apparently back which gives us more options up front.
Patrick Bauer is suspended for the visit of Preston. Stephen Henderson has beaten a shoulder injury and could return, but Cristian Ceballos, Simon Makienok (contrary to his claims yesterday) and Igor Vetokele remain sidelined.
Odds are: Charlton 17/10; draw, 11/5; Preston, 13/8. Charlton are 6/4 relegation.
I am still in Switzerland, so Lydia Burton has stepped in to provide a report of tonight's game. Swiss Radio gave me a language test today. I passed, but was then told that my East German accent would not be acceptable to Swiss listeners.
At least one Charlton player will be taking part in Euro 16 next year. Johann Berg Gudmundsson played the 90 minutes as Iceland secured the point they needed to qualify.
The small nation is now ranked 23rd in the world above countries like France. Indeed, Iceland is one of the most dedicated football nations in the world: Football fanatics It has produced more than its share of football talent, including Hermann Hreidarsson for the Addicks. More here: Gudmundsson
Gudmundsson said in an interview after the game: 'This is the best feeling I have ever experienced in my whole life. We played very poorly today but I don't give a **** because we got the point that we needed and this is just wonderful.'
The narrative about Charlton is changing after the weakened relegation favourites beat promotion favourites Hull City 2-1 at a sweltering Valley this afternoon to go third in the table. We are now being talked of as 'unknown quantity' or even a 'surprise package'. The glass half empty crowd will say that we rode our luck and at times we did, but there is nothing wrong with that.
For their part, Hull were less good than all the hype about them during the week suggested. Their supporters were also rather quiet by the standards of many who visit The Valley. Perhaps they realise that a quick return to the Premiership is not going to be straightforward.
Interrupted by injuries and with the heat slowing the tempo, the first half was relatively uneventful with neither keeper really being tested. However, Charlton controlled the game well.
After the break a Gudmundsson cross to a well placed Simon Makienok enabled the Dane to head home his first Charlton goal. He raised his arms to the heavens in gratitude (apparently it was for his departed mum). Gudmundsson had a chance to make it 2-0 after a breakaway put him one on one with the keeper, but he was denied. Hull started to find space on their left and eventually the pressure told and they equalised on 89 minutes after a fumble by Nick Pope.
The fear then was it would be 1-2 and for a moment it looked as if it was, but the linesman's flag was raised in time. Eight minutes added on looked as if it might favour Hull, but Gudmundsson got a last gasp winner with a header to make it a Valley of joy. Guy Luzon got sent to the stands for his excessive celebrations. Great to hear the Covered End chanting 'Guy Luzon's red army.'
A special word of commendation of the Bloke Behind Me for wearing his suit to the game in that heat.
A black mark (again) for South-Eastern Railways. One train from London Bridge was cancelled. The next one was in twenty minutes, but left ten minutes later. The excuse given was 'Congestion on the Greenwich and Woolwich line due to the football.' If they ran a proper service, there wouldn't be congestion.
Good to run into a former student who is Addickted after the game, he observed how much better the train services in North London were.
Rick Everitt has a little fun at the expense of those who said that Makienok was the worst player they had ever seen at The Valley (actually quite a lot to choose from) in a new post at the Voice of the Valley website: Rickmansworth
Player ratings
Pope had played well up to his error for the goal. Bauer was magnificent, distributing forward well. Captain Diarra was a rock. Cousins had to be played out of position at right back, but performed well in that role. Fox continues to improve.
Kashi was man of the match for many, covering every blade of grass and using the ball way. Ba was excellent, but eventually had to be withdrawn because of cramp. Ceballos had to be withdrawn after 23 minutes because of injury. Bergdich was not prominent, but competent enough. A bit petty of the ref to book him for leaving the field too slowly. Gudmundsson created one goal and scored another. His retention may turn out to be crucial. Steve from Petts Wood had not seen Makienok before and thought that he look lost and lacking in confidence. His moves were not coming off. The goal should give him a much needed boost.
Ahearne-Grant did his best when he came on, but his attempts were either wild or off target, despite Makienok selflessly setting him up on one occasion. I couldn’t understand why Luzon didn’t immediately Charles-Cook at right back when he came on and push Cousins into central midfield. He eventually did this in extra time and straight away Charles-Cook looked more comfortable, attacking down the right side. Before that, in midfield, he hardly touched the ball and allowed Hull back into the game. Harriott had a chance to impress, but didn't.
Charlton are 5th in the Championship tonight after a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest. In some ways they were unlucky not to get all three points.
Addicks striker Simon Makienok missed the two best chances of the first half, heading crosses from Morgan Fox and Cristian Ceballos over while unmarked. Forest's David Vaughan fired just over the bar from 20 yards after the break.
Charlton started to threaten again after the hour mark when Reza Ghoochannejhad came off the bench, setting up Makienok for a header, only to see Dorus de Vries pull off a diving stop, before Patrick Bauer was denied from point-blank range by the Forest keeper.
It still looked like the Addicks could claim all three points with a late goal as the match headed into the final 10 minutes, but Gudmundsson's free kick failed to find any of his teammates in the Forest box, although Lansbury came close down the other end with a similar set-piece effort.
The two sides clashed late on as a late challenge on Chris Solly left the Charlton captain floored, with Makienok reacting angrily, forcing the referee to separate players from both sides.
Charlton did not stop pushing in stoppage time, but the home side had numbers back to make sure they did not slip up in the final moments, while Pope managed to claim a long ball forward in the final seconds to stop Forest snatching the victory.
Johann Gudmundsson discusses the game here: Missed chances
