From the Academy to the World Cup

A Charlton academy product will almost certainly be playing for England in the World Cup against Croatia on Wednesday, but I doubt that we will get a mention.

Here are a few excerpts from Richard Crawley's story about Ezri Konsa.  The full interview with Jason Euell is available to subscribers to his Substack page.

“It was about managing Ezri’s frustration in training and games - because he always wanted himself and everyone else to do well. You can see now he does that extremely well. It is about habits that players pick up. It can become a positive habit - knowing how to control frustration.”

Jason Euell is explaining his reasoning behind when he made Ezri Konsa the captain of Charlton Athletic’s U16 team.

It is 12 years since Euell handed Konsa the armband. Now he is an England international, capped 19 times, and in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for their World Cup campaign, which starts against Croatia on Wednesday.

Konsa signed for Charlton at the age of 11 following a six-week trial in 2008. In February 2018, already a first-team regular by the time he had turned 20, he explained to the South London Press why he had the word ‘blessed’ tattooed on the side of his left hand.

“I feel very fortunate to be in this position right now - playing football for Charlton Athletic. There are a lot of kids my age, and younger, who want to get into my position.   The area where I was growing up there was a lot of crimes and gangs. But I wouldn’t like to say I would have got caught up in anything if it wasn’t for football. I’ve got an older brother who looks after me a lot.”

Konsa’s Charlton story ended in June 2018 when he signed for Championship side Brentford. Thirteen months later he was on the move again, this time to Aston Villa, newly-promoted to the Premier League.

BTW, the obsession of Spectator editor (Lord) Michael Gove with Charlton has taken a new turn.  He has hired Charlie Methven as his World Cup correspondent, billing him as 'former Charlton Athletic director.'

Speculation links Charlton with Catalan defender

Charlton have been linked in unconfirmed reports with Reuben Sanchez who plays for Espanyol, the number two team in Barcelona.   The 25-year old Catalan is a right back but can also play on the right wing.

I wonder if this speculation has been started by his agent as multiple clubs across Europe are said to be interested.

League One battle for Mitchell

Oxford United and Plymouth Argyle are in a battle for the signature of Charlton defender Alex Mitchell: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/26158169.oxford-united-join-charlton-defender-transfer-battle/

Mitchell was on loan with the Pilgrims last season and was a fans' favourite.

Luton swoop for Kanu

Unconfirmed reports from various sources have stated that Luton Town have offered £750k for Daniel Kanu.

We would be mad as Hatters not to accept, although perhaps we should ask for a little more or at least a share of any later transfer fee.

Kanu had a great season with Walsall, but saddling up for the Championship would be a challenge.

Spectator finds new target

 

The Spectator has found a new target in its campaign against the 'Charltification' of football and it's none other than the Prince of Wales.  Unfortunately, Wills did not convert his time at Sparrows Lane into an Addicktion.

However, the magazine thinks that his support for Villa, and in particular the way in which he demonstrates it is undignified for an heir to the throne and calls him out as a 'centrist dad'.

I realise that the Speccie was founded in the 18th century, but it is now the 21st.

Congratulations to 'Last Ditch' Dykes on his 45 minutes for Scotland in their weekend international friendly.  The lure of the bagpipes may be such that he does not return to us.

Keep on taking the tablets

Contributors to my non-league club's banter page have been asking if I have started my course of anti-depressants to prepare for Charlton's next season.

If I did need them, it would be to cope with the moaning and pessimism of so many Addicks.

However, the news that a serious Saudi investor hopes to take a stake in Derby County shows what we are up against: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2026/05/saudi-boxing-supremo-swoops-for-rams.html

Congratulations to Charlton Women

One of my good memories at Charlton is beating Arsenal in the women's league cup final at Wycombe. The team also won the women's FA Cup in 2005.   Charlton Women were disbanded in 2007 after the men's team were relegated from the Premier League.

Congratulations to Karen Hills on proving to be a very resourceful head coach on a limited budget.   A great display by keeper Sophie Whitehouse.

London clubs will make up half of next season's WSL sides, including the Nigellas.

The women's team to some extent appeals to a different demographic, but some of their supporters should be encouraged to support the men's team.