Tyreece Campbell on his way?

Richard Cawley has confirmed reports that Tyreece Campbell is being linked with a move to Preston North End.  He has one year left on his Charlton contract.

He divided fans last season, being a scapegoat player for some because of what was seen as a lack of consistent effort.

We are not short of wingers so it may be a chance to cash in.

A summer mist rolls in from the Thames

Because my stepdaughter was visiting I was unable to watch Saturday's game against Reading which is probably just as well.  The 0-3 scoreline against the League One side (admittedly on a roll) reflected an evidently dire performance, not least in midfield.

The closed doors recipe was rather stringent and even included the media so Richard Cawley was unable to file an informed report.

Now it appears that the Carabao Cup at Cheltenham is to be used to fine tune the side as they prepare for the opening Ram raid.   This strikes me as a hostage to fortune particularly if GCHQ staff turn up to try out some disruptive equipment.

Shell shocked supremo Nathan Jones admitted “There are masses of disappointment (after the Reading game) because this has been a really disjointed pre-season, in terms of getting everyone up to speed. Today should effectively have been our final pre-season [match] but next week will be, even though it is a cup game.

“We are having to look after so many people and make so many changes.

“We have to make sure we arrive at the Derby game and everyone is ready to go - that we can pick our strongest 11 and have game-changers from the bench. Then we build into it from there."

I know than I resorting to the kind of football cliché I dislike but I am not sure that Jones knows who his best 11 are or indeed who will be available against Derby.

Two narratives are emerging.  One is that this just confirms that Jones is a useless manager whose achievements are limited to getting us promoted and keeping us in the Championship on a limited playing budget.

The alternative is that the owners are starving Jones of necessary funds.   Given the money the club loses every week and the failure to attract new investors, the lack of cash is no surprise.

What we are to make of Ramsay rumours?

I'm not sure what to make of rumours that Torino are interested in Kayne Ramsay who has one year left on his contract at Charlton.

The story seems to have started on the Currant Bun website and has then echoed around various advert heavy clickbait sites.   However, the fact that Richard Cawley has referred to it suggests that it may have some substance, although it could have started with the player's agent trying to stoke interest in the UK.

Ramsay had a rather stuttering start to his career before being signed by the Addicks from the Sulphurites.

A dependable figure across the back line, he helped the Addicks earn promotion and cemented his place as a regular Championship starter. Now 25, Ramsay has amassed more than 200 senior appearances.

As an athletic, versatile defender, these are qualities that make him an attractive, cost-effective target for clubs such as Torino. The Serie A outfit may be looking to replicate the success of Brooke Norton-Cuffy after he made the switch to Italian side Genoa.

Maynard-Brewer hands in kilt

Ashley Maynard-Brewer's short stay in Scotland is over,  He played 12 games for Dundee United but was then injured, just as he was when he was on loam at Dingall's Ross County.

He has now gone on a free transfer to Sheffield Wednesday: https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-sign-former-charlton-athletic-and-dundee-united-goalkeeper-8832014

Having been brought up in sun kissed Joondalup with its kangaroo infested golf courses, the former Addicks keeper may have found the Scottish climate taxing, not to mention haggis and chips and fried mar bars.

Jones praises trialist

Nathaniel Chalobah, a free agent after leaving Sheffield Wednesday, started for the Addicks in the 2-0 win at Colchester and played a holding midfield role. The former Chelsea player, 31, has also had permanent moves to Fulham, Watford and West Bromwich Albion.

“He was excellent,” Jones told Richard Cawley's website. “He did pretty much everything I knew he could. He has had a fantastic career. He is a wonderful footballer.

“What we need to do is improve the technicians we have. We want to evolve, have more possession and have more of a cutting edge. To do that we need players that can play that way - and Nate is one of those.”

“Ability-wise there is no question. I’ve known him since he was 16 or 17. It is where he is in terms of his physicality - can he do what we want him to do? If he can do that then technically he is comfortable.

“We are actively looking (for more signings). We’ve still got two more to do."

However, the Massives have left the door ajar for him and may take him back: https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/nathaniel-chalobah-sheffield-wednesday-8826992

Career history here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathaniel_Chalobah

Richard Cawley notes that Owls fans say he is quality, but availability is the issue.  The Sparrows Lane treatment table awaits.

Bolton Wanderers have obtained additional investment from an American pardoned by Donald Trump.

A spanner in the works

Kevin Lisbie's son has gone to Millwall: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cr59de9g2r0o

I thought that he might have been a good acquisition for Charlton, but I doubt whether we could match Millwall's offer or wages.

Charlton wing it

Richard Cawley reports that Charlton have completed a permanent move for Millenic Alli. No fee disclosed but been unverified claims that it is around £1.5million.

The word on from him other clubs seems to be that he is a bit of a maverick, but needs must.

Cawley notes that the Addickshave now got three players - Tyreece Campbell, Karlan Grant and Millenic Alli - who all played down the left at Championship level next season. Obviously doubts about the future of TC, whose deal expires at the end of this season.

Nathan Jones has dabbled with him playing as a CF, now has the attacking players to more easily do that. Grant and Alli both right-footed but have tended to play the inverted winger role.

Alli is 26 and has had his first call up for the Republic of Ireland: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millenic_Alli