Nursery club or massive club?

I had Watford down as possible relegation candidates, but now they are poised for an Italian takeover with a £15m cash injection and Gianfranco Zola as manager: Watford

However, Hornets fans are sceptical about whether they are to join the ranks of the massive clubs in the Championship. Rather than becoming the Sheffield Wednesday of Hertfordshire, they fear that they could become a nursery club devoted to the development of young Italian players.

Addicks get the Blues

Charlton start their Championship programme with an away trip to hospitable Birmingham City on August 18th. They then face the Foxes at home three days later: Fixtures

It's a challenging start to the season. If CAFC win the CO Cup against Leyton Orient then they will have to play 6 games in 18 days. However, injuries and suspensions are less of a problem at the start of the season.

Charlton entertain Crystal Palace on 15 September and visit the New Den on 1 December with the return fixture in March. They face a truly massive game on 22 December when they have the honour of playing at Hillsborough, the home of Sheffield Wednesday.

The last home game of the season should provide any needed points when the Addicks entertain Bristol City at home on May 4th.

A look at the Championship

This page will get a proper re-launch before the Crown Berger Cup against Welling (the links need updating). Meanwhile, Charlton are 10th in the table just ahead of Crystal Palace who have moved up after their lowly finish.

The teams in the Championship can be divided into three categories:

• 1. Massive (Erfawr), largely self-selected, clubs say they are massive and lazy journos start using the term.
• 2. Really rather big
• 3. Potential relegation candidates.

Massive

Sheffield Wednesday (super massive); Blackburn Rovers; Wolves. Erfawr: Cardiff City. Candidate massive (pending takeovers): Leeds United, Nottingham Forest.

Really Rather Big

Birmingham City (provided financial problems do not get worse); Bolton Wanderers; Brighton; Derby County; Hull City; Leicester City; Middlesbrough

Potential relegation candidates

Blackpool (wheels could come off, but a long shot); Bristol City; Burnley; Crystal Palace; Huddersfield (only one point for a draw); Ipswich Town; Millwall; Peterborough United; Watford.

If we treat Charlton as a medium-sized club, this would see them finishing 14th. If we add in the extra Powell ingredient, it could be higher. It's all to play for!

Believe It - Or Not!

'Three goals - I can't believe it' declared mouthy Banbury player Simeon Williams as Leamington beat Banbury United 3-1 at the New Windmill Ground tonight. Rebuked by the referee for his constant complaints, Williams declared towards the end of the match (in language probably not heard in Cromwell's day) that the Puritans' performance was '****ing ****'.

In fact the Puritans showed that they can be quite a decent footballing side and certainly asked some questions of Leamington. They also showed real pace, a contrast with Cirencester last Saturday who fielded a 51-year old and a 43-year old.

A well-taken free kick from Stephan Morley (surely but sadly destined for higher things) saw Brakes go ahead through a Liam Daly header on three minutes. Then on 30 minutes the referee awarded the Puritans a penalty with Ricky Johnson scoring.

But within three minutes Brakes were ahead again after Jacob Blyth broke well in front of goal to seize a scoring opportunity.

Half time: Brakes 2, Puritans 1

A Morley free kick saw Brakes hit the post. Banbury then created a period of sustained pressure, but Brakes were able to hold out. Leamington then tested Banbury with a great shot from Lee Chilton which the keeper put out for a corner.

It was announced that a bucket collection for injured player Richard Batchelor had raised £267.

On 89 minutes, with the keeper advancing out of his goal, Jacob Blyth swept through to make it 3-1. It looks as if the young striker is recovering his form while Leamington's play off push is back on track.

Apparently Sir Josh Blake (suspended for this game) was there but I didn't see him.

Brakes Face Gay Puritans

After winning the Fosse Way derby on Saturday, the Chiltern Line derby comes to the New Windmill Ground tonight when Leamington take on Banbury United. In the 1950s they were known as the Gay Puritans according to the Windmill Wonderland fanzine, but these days they are known simply as the Puritans.

However, like the Bardsmen of Stratford Town, their language can be industrial rather than pure. A favourite chant used against Banbury United is 'you all smell of coffee', Banbury being the home of a factory that makes it.

With a number of changes made in the side, including the departure of Lee Downes after an exchange of views with manager Paul Holleran, Brakes have staged a mini recovery. A credible draw away at Cambridge City was followed by a win away at Bedford and Saturday's victory. A play off place may yet be achievable.

Centurions vanquished

Leamington continued their push for a play off place with a 2-0 victory over Cirencester Town at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon.

It was a dour first half reflecting the dour nature of the visiting Centurions. Brakes pressed hard, but the visitors gave no quarter. The best chance of the half came on 25 minutes when the Cirencester keeper fumbled the ball, but they were able to clear.

Brakes piled on the pressure playing towards the Harbury Lane end in the second half and Jamie Hood connected with a corner kick on 67 minutes to make it 1-0. Alex Tayor then put in a sweet strike from mid-distance on 74 minutes to put the game beyond the visitors.

Brakes continued to play some nice football, keeping the ball on the ground more than they had earlier in the game, but were unable to find the net again.

Big lump Jody Bevan contested every offside decision until the Grecian 2000 model was eventually substituted. Man of the match for me was Stephan Morley.

Manager's job on the line

Paul Holleran

First it was Lee Clark at Huddersfield. Then it was Gary Megson at the Massives. Now the latest manager whose job appears to be in jeopardy is Paul Holleran at Leamington.

The Brakes have gone nine league games without a win and have slumped to 9th in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier League. On Tuesday they lost 0-1 at home to West Bromwich Albion in the semi-finals of the Birmingham Senior Cup.

Holleran told the Leamington Spa Courier 'We're getting into a period where we have to start playing games or it will be me paying the price.' Holleran has been in charge at Harbury Lane for 27 months.

Brakes face Evesham United at the New Windmill Ground tomorrow.