Pravda is reporting that Kyel Reid is being released by the Addicks. Views differ about him (as always) but my view is that he promised more than he delivered. He had pace and could penetrate opposition defences, but the final product was often disappointing. Towards the end of his stay it was apparent that he was becoming increasingly disllusioned at Charlton.
Ross Worner has been released, emphasising the need to bring in Sullivan who has been released by Millwall. Mambo has been retained, which is encouraging news, but one time white hope Tamer Tuna is on his way.
This decision is not a great surprise given the level that he has been playing at in the non-league. He had pace, but the question is whether he had much else.
Nevertheless, an issue remains about whether the development path for Academy youngsters is as good as it was without a reserve side. But I suppose one has to balance the cost of that against bringing in another player.
Showing posts with label Reserves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reserves. Show all posts
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Behind closed doors
Many years ago I was in London for some reason and I had some free time in the afternoon so I decided to go and see a reserves match at Welling. It was pouring with rain and the Park View Road pitch couldn't cope. It was moved to the training ground and no one stopped me getting in.
These days we don't have a reserve team as such and any matches are played 'behind closed doors' at the training ground like yesterday's 6-2 demolition of Ebbsfleet United, who could well be in trouble in the Conference this season given their restricted budget.
However, keen Addick Clive Richardson managed to get in and I reproduce his notes here: 'Leading 2-0 when I left - first in about 15 mins, Waggy finishing from close range after (about the only bit of) good work by Dicko. Great save by our keeper on 20 mins kept us level at 1/2 time, though Waggy went close with two other chances and Wade Small looked threatening. [Trialist] Small made it two after 55 mins- clearance by our keeper to Jack Clark, and the left back played Small in with a great ball down the inside left channel. Good finish, sliding ball past advancing keeper.'
'Liam Bellamy impressive at right back, also the tall Jordan at centre-back with Yado. Stavrinou and Davisson busy in midfield, Waggy and 'Peter' doing well wide right and left. Small did well again, unlike Dicko, who spent a lot of time whinging/arm waving!' [But did score later]
I'm not quite sure who Peter is. Is Peter Garland being brought back or was it a run out for 'Reg' and another sign of an imminent takeover?
These days we don't have a reserve team as such and any matches are played 'behind closed doors' at the training ground like yesterday's 6-2 demolition of Ebbsfleet United, who could well be in trouble in the Conference this season given their restricted budget.
However, keen Addick Clive Richardson managed to get in and I reproduce his notes here: 'Leading 2-0 when I left - first in about 15 mins, Waggy finishing from close range after (about the only bit of) good work by Dicko. Great save by our keeper on 20 mins kept us level at 1/2 time, though Waggy went close with two other chances and Wade Small looked threatening. [Trialist] Small made it two after 55 mins- clearance by our keeper to Jack Clark, and the left back played Small in with a great ball down the inside left channel. Good finish, sliding ball past advancing keeper.'
'Liam Bellamy impressive at right back, also the tall Jordan at centre-back with Yado. Stavrinou and Davisson busy in midfield, Waggy and 'Peter' doing well wide right and left. Small did well again, unlike Dicko, who spent a lot of time whinging/arm waving!' [But did score later]
I'm not quite sure who Peter is. Is Peter Garland being brought back or was it a run out for 'Reg' and another sign of an imminent takeover?
Thursday, 11 June 2009
So, farewell then, the reserves
The reserves are the latest victim of cost cutting at The Valley. They have a useful role in providing a competitive game for fringe players, but there will be fewer of those in future. Players returning from injury could be loaned out.
In the 1950s we very rarely went to reserve games. Indeed, the only one I can remember is a Combination Cup tie against Aldershot.
In more recent years, I have taken in the odd game when we played at The Valley and I have been in London. I recall one game against Norwich City when there were two particularly vociferous Norwich supporters in the row in front of us. The referee looked as if he was about to draw his pension and looked considerably startled when my friend bellowed across the almost empty ground, 'Get a grip ref!'
We did, of course, win the reserves championship more than once under Keith Peacock. We also got into the final of the reserves competition, but went down at home to a strong Manchester United side.
If one was looking for further cost cutting measures, why not disband the first team? Those who had already paid for season tickets could still turn up and buy a souvenir programme of the match that might have been. They could use the refreshment kiosks and then take their seats for the pre-match build up. The only difference would be that no teams would emerge.
They could then spend the next 45 minutes chatting to their neighbours (which many do anyway). At half time one could still have the Valley Gold and jackpot draws and dignitaries could appear on the pitch.
It would also be a great solution to the guilt felt by early leavers.
I'm off to Amsterdam for a couple of days for a workshop I am organising with Uefa participation with contributors from the 'Big 5' leagues and other European countries on European football. No doubt when I come back Phil Parkinson will still be in charge and there will be no news on the takeover.
In the 1950s we very rarely went to reserve games. Indeed, the only one I can remember is a Combination Cup tie against Aldershot.
In more recent years, I have taken in the odd game when we played at The Valley and I have been in London. I recall one game against Norwich City when there were two particularly vociferous Norwich supporters in the row in front of us. The referee looked as if he was about to draw his pension and looked considerably startled when my friend bellowed across the almost empty ground, 'Get a grip ref!'
We did, of course, win the reserves championship more than once under Keith Peacock. We also got into the final of the reserves competition, but went down at home to a strong Manchester United side.
If one was looking for further cost cutting measures, why not disband the first team? Those who had already paid for season tickets could still turn up and buy a souvenir programme of the match that might have been. They could use the refreshment kiosks and then take their seats for the pre-match build up. The only difference would be that no teams would emerge.
They could then spend the next 45 minutes chatting to their neighbours (which many do anyway). At half time one could still have the Valley Gold and jackpot draws and dignitaries could appear on the pitch.
It would also be a great solution to the guilt felt by early leavers.
I'm off to Amsterdam for a couple of days for a workshop I am organising with Uefa participation with contributors from the 'Big 5' leagues and other European countries on European football. No doubt when I come back Phil Parkinson will still be in charge and there will be no news on the takeover.
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