Are West Ham invincible?

AI avatar Desmond from Deal had to take his time to put together a pessimistic take on Saturday's win against Derby, but here it is: 'Jones often rides his luck, particularly in the first match of the season, but a thumping at West Ham on Sunday will bring him and the fans down to earth.'

But is defeat inevitable?   The New York Times generally focuses its Championship coverage on praising Wrexham, but here is what its soccer ball coverage has to say about the Hammers:

'Before a ball was kicked against Burnley on Sunday, there was a misplaced arrogance from some that West Ham United would walk the 2026-27 Championship. Instead, they received a much-needed reality check in their season opener.

Following relegation from the Premier League last season, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are understandably considered promotion favourites. But they squandered a two-goal lead at Turf Moor, were taunted by the home supporters and ended up with a 2-2 draw that has created more angst than optimism. It was a game that highlighted West Ham’s lack of squad depth, with Nuno unable to influence the game with offensive substitutions.

West Ham are depleted of attacking options with untested academy prospects Joshua Ajala and Josh Landers the only recognisable forward options on the bench. Despite the imminent arrival of Arne Engels this squad is still not equipped to cope with the rigours of a 46-game schedule in the second tier.

Other glaring issues include Nuno being prone to a drab approach when his side is in front. Last season West Ham dropped 20 points from winning positions, and retreating further into their half for large spells of the second half on Sunday cost them again.

“Disappointing,” said Nuno in his post-match press conference when asked for his thoughts on the performance. “We did a very good first half. We created a lot of chances and we were able to control and stop Burnley but not so good in the second half. After we scored the second goal, I think we should have done better to get the result. Many things (frustrated me about the performance in the second half), many things that we have to improve for the next one (a London derby against Charlton Athletic on Saturday).

“But we need more (bodies), especially in the offensive part of the team. We have young lads, we have options in both full-back positions like in the last game, but we need more bodies in the offensive part of the team. The club knows the targets and the needs of the team. We’re working very hard and trying to get the bodies in as soon as possible.”'

Will Okonkwo join Charlton?

It looks as if flamboyant Wrexham keeper Arthur Okonkwo is firmly out of favour with Phil Parkinson at Wrexham.   However, unconfirmed reports suggest that Bolton and Derby as well as Charlton are interested in a one year loan deal.

The Addicks have been linked with a move for amid doubts over the future of Thomas Kaminski.  However, there have been no recent updates on a possible deal with Sparta Rottedam.

Addicks manager Nathan Jones did not include Kaminski in his matchday squad for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Derby County on the opening day of the Championship season.

Richard Cawley has consulted a Wrexham expert who has stated, 'The potential of the guy is off the charts but he can’t seem to put it all together.  He has got the same sort of failings of a lot of young goalkeepers. He doesn’t really know when to come off his line, there is no communication and he’s very bad with his feet.

I think you might have a Premier League keeper on your hands. He is still developing. I feel like he needs that arm around him, which he isn’t going to get at Wrexham.'

An Arsenal academy graduate, the Camden born Okonkwo has joined the Nigerian international squad and has made his first appearance with them.

'Unbelievable sound' scoring in front of the Covered End

Lloyd Jones has been talking to Richard Cawley.  Here are a few excerpts as a taster.

Referring to Saturday: “That’s my first goal in front of the Covered End,” said Jones. “The sound was unbelievable. It’s addictive.

“The most important thing was the three points. I would’ve liked a clean sheet but to come from behind, especially in the first Championship game, and get three points is a great feeling.

“The Championship may be a little bit stronger this year. We’ve got to keep building. We had our targets set last week. If we can improve our points tally, goal difference and scoring - we got two today - it will stand us in good stead.”

Plenty of pundits have tipped Charlton to struggle this season. [The bookies have us as favoujrites to go down].So does he pay attention to those comments?

“No - stuff them,” said Jones. “It’s good to be underdogs sometimes, you haven’t got as much pressure going into games. It’s outside noise. We’re a confident bunch. There will be some tough times as well as good ones, it’s just how quickly we can recover from that.”

Lord Young of Acton has been celebrating the Super Hoops win at Portsmouth.   I have messaged 'Tobes' to warn him that Charlton will be more difficult and asking him if he plans to reignite his feud with Rick Everitt.  No reply yet.

No Ram raid today

A second half comeback saw Charlton defeat Derby 2-1 at The Valley this afternoon.   Derby went ahead in the first half.

Lloyd Jones scored with a pinpoint header, making use of a well placed free kick by prodigal Karlan Grant.

Then Tyreece Campbell scored a rare goal to deliver the winner on 80 minutes.

Carlton Morris made a last minute effort for an equaliser and had a penalty appeal turned down.

The Addicks made a rapid start to the game but rarely threatened to go ahead before Szmodics scored following neat interplay with Morris, soon after going close with another strike.

The outstanding Campbell was at the heart of Charlton's best moments, sending in several dangerous crosses, notably when Rams defender Charlie Taylor made a brilliant block to stop Dan McNamara's fierce half-volley.

With pressure increasing on the resumption, Timothy Ouma headed wide when unmarked at a corner but Jones was not so wasteful as he powered the ball in from an exquisite Karlan Grant cross.

Campbell was the appropriate match winner and Charlton survived a late rally by the Rams, in which Oscar Fraulo forced a fine save from Will Mannion, who also denied Morris in injury time.

Nathan Jones told Richard Cawley that Charlton are in "really advanced negotiations" with Tyreece Campbell over a new contract.   And he wants to stay (not all fans will welcome this unfortunately).

Jones had only an opaque explanation of why Mannion was preferred over Kaminski.  Jones has never ruled out a move for him.  It is understood that the Belgian player's family live abroad.  A Cyprus club came in for him early in the transfer window.

Wines to drink if we win

Unfortunately I haven't been able to identify any good buys from Aldi or Lidl today, but I have spotted a New World Wine.  I am a great fan of them and have enjoyed visits to vineyards in Chile and various parts of Australia (Margaret River is tops).

I am also able to recommend a Sauvignon Blanc and there is an anecdote.  Annie was a friend at uni, later a work colleague and then a retirement pal in the Royal Spa.   She is no longer with us, but always drank Sauvignon Blanc.

Coffee with Annie

She had a pan in Spain and I used to drive her to and from Birmingham Airport.  Sometimes she had an upper class friend from Cambridge with her and this lady always festooned with her luggage on arrival and addressed me as 'Driver'.  Hence, 'Driver, take us to Tesco at Warwick and buy us two bottles of SB.'

Once I was at a funeral at Golders Green crematorium for a big funeral conducted by Dame Julia Neuberger.  I was not pleased to be identified as Annie's driver by the upper class lady who was accompanied by another upper class airhead.

'You can drive us to the wake.'  I explained that I used public transport in London.  So I had to take them on the tube which fortunately they found a very exciting novelty.   I was also able to give them an architectural tour en route to the pub.  I did leave before they did as I knew I would be required to provide a black cab to the Cambridge train.

Anyway, I am great fan of the SBs from Marlborough in New Zealand.  They are great value at £12, but the Co-op has an Irresistible Explorers at £8.25.  All right, I know that in my day we all called the RACS Rob All Customers Slowly.

Marks & Spencers has a Sicilian wine at £7.50, Found Arisonica which is a citrussy white with a firm finish.

Ram raid still on

Derby County have been something of a bogey team for us.  They defeated us in our first cup final at Wembley and I am still stung by a 2-4 home defeat in the then Division One when we had gone ahead.  Overall, in many encounters, we have lost 40 games, won 32 and drawn 21.

The Addicks are unbeaten in seven seasons on the opening day, winning five of those games, most recently 1-0 at home to Watford last year.

The Rams exited the EFL Cup at home to Lincoln and have seen a proposed takeover collapse in recent days while their 3-1 defeat at Stoke last season was their third straight defeat on the opening day.

Charlton Athletic have lost their past two home league games against Derby, only losing more consecutively between December 1946 and May 1951 (5).   Derby County have lost just one of their previous five league meetings with Charlton Athletic (W3 D1); a 2-1 defeat in February 2024.

Charlton lost five of their final eight league games last season (W1 D2), while only Sheffield Wednesday (12.7%) spent a lower proportion of their games in a winning position than the Addicks (16.5%) in the Championship last term.

Derby lost six of their final eight away games last season (W2), though did win their most recent match at QPR in April (3-2).

Carlton Morris' 12 league goals for Derby last season was his second-most in a single campaign in the top four tiers, behind his 20 for Luton Town in 2022-23; five of his goals in 2025-26 came from corners, more than anybody else.   Rams fans reckon that his physicality and hold up play make him the focal point.

Derby County have completed their fifth signing of the season,f Alex Mowatt from West Bromwich Albion as they made a breakthrough in their pursuit of the midfielder.

Coach John Eustace has said that he is glad the takeover drama is over and they can focus on the pitch.

Fuur Four Two forecast a 11th finish for the Rams with the fan commentator going for 8th and what is now a play off place,  The fans think that Eustace is not charismatic but a very effective manager   Thery also think that David Clowes is a model owner, not hogging the highlight and getting on rebuilding the clujb.

Scouser referee Ben Speedie has no sympathy for southern softies,  but at least has calmed down somewhat as he was known in his earlier career for his love of brandishing yellow cards and a red if he could.

Great news about Lloyd Jones

There were fears that he might go, but key player Lloyd Jones is staying.   

Defensive rock Lloyd Jones has signed a new contract at Charlton Athletic until the summer of 2028.  The Addicks have rewarded the centre-back for an excellent season in the Championship where he was top for defensive blocks and clearances.

Jones, who has won back-to-back Player of the Year awards at Charlton, was just pipped by Millwall’s Jake Cooper for aerial duels won.

The former Liverpool, Luton Town, Northampton Town and Cambridge United player featured in all 46 league matches for the Addicks - 45 of those starts.

Richard Cawley has remarked: 'As if you couldn't love Lloyd Jones any more, he played the last three months of the season with a busted up ankle.'

Managing director Jim Rodwell on the remainder of the transfer window: "There will be plenty of ebbs and turns yet. I think there will be a couple coming in and a few going out."  He repeated what Nathan Jones has been saying - right-wing is still an area that club want to add.