Another prodigal returns

Defender Danny McNamara has signed a one year contract with Charlton, having been let go by Millwall. Richard Cawley has revealed that he was with Charlton until the age of 14.

He plays golf with Matty Godden who recommended the Addicks to him.

Career details for the 27 year old who would like to reboot his international involvement with the Republic of Ireland: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_McNamara_(footballer)

The rumour mill has been suggesting that Alex Mitchell is in Plymouth today and it is not just for a cream tea.  He had a season long loan with them last season and was well thought of by fans.

Mitchell has now signed foe Argyle, preferring them to Wycombe Wanderers.

Hibs interest in Kanu doubtful

There have been reports of interest from Hibernian in signing Daniel Kanu and I thought he might have donned the kilt.   Hibs could offer SPL football and they could fund a decent fee.

My Scottish correspondent, Angus from Portobello, who happens to be a season ticket holder at Easter Road, has been investigating.

He reports: I'm not aware of Hibs interest in Kanu, but it's possible that there is something in what you've heard. I'm slightly sceptical because Hibs have just acquired Nathan Lowe on loan from Stoke City. I've only seen Lowe play 45 minutes in a pre-season friendly, but he looked good to me, and not only because he scored both of the Hibs goals.' 

In any case Hibs are away in Kosovo tomorrow in a European Conference league qualifier (1st leg).

Armchair managers on the prowl

Charlton are blessed with a number of negative armchair managers who seem to think they understand the game better than professional coaches so let's remind ourselves of some of their favourite clichés.

We're already relegated This has already been used by leading moaners without a ball being kicked and last season was in frequent use after Christmas although we were only briefly in a relegation position.  If I felt so pessimistic about the club, I would stop being an active supporter,

He's lost the dressing room Asserted by a fan about the coach who has never spoken to any players.

He's got to go Charlton lose a match or draw at home, coach's dismissal is demanded without any sensible suggestions about a better replacement.

If we can see it, why can't he? Coach told what he sees on training ground or gains from analysis of statistics not generally available to fans is irrelevant.

Owners have to invest Owners told to turn large fortune into a smaller one.   Reminded 'you can't take it with you', but fans seem to forget that those of us departing soon have dependants with expectations.   A visit from the Spanish branch of my family reminded me that I have 13 not counting partners!

Seaside deal for Karoy

Karoy Anderson has joined Blackpool where he was on loan last season.  The fee paid for the Jamaica international and Academy product has not been disclosed, but the negotiations appear to have been protracted: https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2026/july/21/seasiders-sign-karoy-anderson-on-a-permanent-deal/

He is clearly delighted to be back by the Irish Sea.   Thanks for all your tried to do and every success in the future.

Kanu's fate in the balance

A number of clubs have expressed interest in Daniel Kanu, including Burton Albion and Hibernian.  I will be speaking to my Scottish correspondent, Angus from Portobello, who happens to be a season ticket holder at Easter Road.

Nathan Jones is emphatic that Kanu won't go out on loan again after his successful spell at Walsall last season.  Jones is happy to keep him and use him, but equally would accept a good enough offer.  That would be pure profit as Kanu is a product of the Academy.

My hunch is that he will soon be measured up for his kilt.

Jones upbeat about Karlan Grant signing

The signing of Karlan Grant has not been greeted with universal enthusiasm by Charlton supporters who seem not to realise that Nathan Jones has to work within a tight budget.

Karlan has been on my radar since he was 15,” Jones told Richard Cawley. “I was aware of Karlan when I coached here with the U21s. I really took an interest in him.

“I spoke to Harty (Paul Hart, then academy boss) about him and he said: ‘This kid has got it all - he can be a bit special’. He has proved that. He went through the Charlton age groups quickly and got into the first team.”

“He got a move and did fantastically well. At that point the financial side really helped Charlton. Since he has moved on, and his career has developed, Charlton have continued to benefit (from future transfers).”

The sanguine supremo added: ‘You look at midfield and I’d like to bring another midfield player that gives us real control in a game. But you’ve seen the emergence of Alan Mwamba, which is wonderful. How you saw him play today (against Gillingham), he has been like that every single day in training. So that gives us an option.’

 

Charlton to beat drop

With their usual positive outlook some Charlton fans are proclaiming that we are already relegated before a ball is kicked.   However, last season Four Four Two magazine said we would be relegated.  This year they are forecasting survival in 21st place.

FFT's verdict is: 'Solid defensive foundations plus a capacity for surprising one-off results thanks to an underdog spirit after Nathan Jones could be enough io beat the drop - but a touch more open play creativity is needed.'

Fan Natasha Everitt forecasts a 17th place finish 'which is fine by me.  Rome wasn't built in a day.'

Everitt says that the main change she would make at the club is to stop signing injury prone players.  The opposition player she'd like at The Valley is Swansea's Chilean keeper Lawrence Vigouroux.   Let's hope he's not like the Chilean player I saw playing for Catholica in Santiago who when he scored the only goal of the game took his shirt off to reveal a tattoo of Christ on the cross covering his back.

She hopes that 19-year old Micah Mbick will recover from his injury to offer a fantastic attacking option.