Dykes joins Millwall

Usually reliable sources are reporting that Lyndon 'Last Ditch' Dykes is joining Millwall on a one year contract.  No doubt Millwall can pay more than we can.

Charlton's search for the back of the net

Here is a taster from Richard Cawley's in depth review of Charlton's pre-season gbames - which can tell you everything and nothing.  I would summarise it as a work in progress with some gaps to be filled, notably a robust midfielder..    

Cawley says: 'What does leap out from the 2026 matches is the lack of goals. Charlton scored 13 in 2025 and 12 in 2024 (although admittedly half of those were in a 6-1 demolition of Dartford). This time around they have netted just five times and blanked against their two League One opponents.

Charlton’s lack of firepower and end product dragged them into the relegation picture in the closing months of the 2025-26 season. They were the third lowest scorers in the Championship, placed 23rd for xG (expected goals) and 21st for shots on target.

It is an area that Nathan Jones has talked more than once about improving and the formation change, from 5-3-2 to 4-2-3-1 in pre-season, seems to have been made to try and ensure the Addicks ask more troubling questions of the opposition in the final third.

The arrivals of Karlan Grant and Millenic Alli suggests that the set-up change is not merely a trial, although it would not be a surprise to see a more defensive structure for some of the fixtures, West Ham United away being a prime example.

It feels hugely important that Charlton get their midfield set-up right too. This website has talked plenty previously about that area needing to add more creativity, composure, athleticism and possess the ability to maintain more control in matches.'

All bets are on

London Bet has signed up as the official betting partner and back of shorts sponsor of Charlton.  They were specifically looking for a London tie up and in particular one located in a less fashionable part of the capital: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/08/05/125709-londonbet-named-backofshorts-and-betting-partner-of-charlton-athletic

Cheer up Charlton

Chatting to Curbs

After the pessimistic hysteria among Charlton fans yesterday following fake news about the sale of the club, I felt that I needed to find some new way of cheering them up.

I recalled that when I was Alan Curbishley's kit sponsor, I used to send him the occasional crate of champagne.  It went down quite slowly as he only opened it when Charlton won.

I also recalled that Super Hoops fan and Charlton scourge Lord Young of Acton also celebrates their successes with wine.  Sometimes he settles for a bottle of plonk at £40, but the rare thrill of a QPR victory is celebrfated with a £80 bottle.

This is pretentious nonsense.   I don't claim to b a win connoisseur, but I do have shares in a vineyard in Charlton territory and I was one of the 'angels' that provided the capital to set up Naked Wines.

The Moneda Palace

Admittedly there are truly exceptional wines.  On my first visit to Chile I was invited to meet the Minister of the Presidency at the Moneda Palace and I was served the best glass of red wine I have ever tasted.

On my second visit I was invited to the Palace to meet the then president, Michelle Bachelet.   Because of the importance of our relations with Chile (think Falklands) I had to be briefed by the UK ambassador.   I was interrogated quite brusquely by one of his aides and the ambassador suggested I should buy myself a bottle of wine from the shop round the corner.  After discovering that the lowest price was three fgures in US dollars, I made my excuses and left.

The president turned out to be very friendly and I was served an even better glass of red wine.  The president asked if I had ever been to Buck House and I said that I had been invited to garden parties twice.   She then mischievously asked. 'Did the Queen give you a tour?', but I explained that it didn't work like that.  'Well I am going to give you a tour of my palace; which she promptly did. 

I am sure that a lot of Charlton fans likely to celebrate victory with a few beers, each with their favourite tipple.  As I only drink zero alcohol beers these days I can't help there.

What I am going to do for each Saturday is recommend a competitively priced good quality wine from Aldi or Lidl or occasionally from Tesco or Sainsbury's.   (I am shareholder in the two latter supermarkets).

Finally, can I give a recommendation.   I have dealt with Stone, Wine & Vine for longer than I can remember: https://www.stonevine.co.uk/

They are not cheap, but their sales offer great value as they offer 'damaged' quality wines, e.g., with distressed labels at knock down prices.

Rod Liddle, the journalist who broke the mould

Rod Liddle certainly had an interesting life as the one page obituary in The Times today testifies.  Born in Sidcup, he supported Millwall rather than Charlton as part of a more general rebellion against his strait laced parents.

In the various media outlets he wrote for he has been a scourge of Charlton over the years.   It was typical of his provocative style of journalism.   He certainly could write in a way that grabbed the attention of readers.

In particular he was front man for the campaign initiated by Spectator editor 'daddy dancing king' Lord Gove against the 'Charltification' of football.

Presumably this role will now be taken on in the Spectator by QPR fan Lord Young of Acton who tried to lure VOTV editor Rick Everitt whom he tried to lure to a confrontation on Margate beach last autumn.  Having failed, he then attacked the Rickster in his column.

There is speculation that he is going to enlist his QPR mates Louis Theroux and Giles Coren in a new expedition to  Margate.

Caution needed about Charlton sale story

More later on this, but some caution is needed about The Guardian story that the  club is up for sale. Rather, the club is renewing a search for new investors but using a different company to attract them.

Richard Cawley reached out to the club yesterday evening to ask for comment on The Guardian’s article.

Early indications from the club have been that nothing has changed since Slater’s story about them seeking investment, except that it is now a different company doing it.

Charlton have since managed to consolidate their place in the Championship, avoiding an instant return to League One, with their women’s side promoted to the WSL, returning to the top flight for the first time since 2007, although staying there is likely to be costly.

It would be counter-intuitive for GFP not to progress the club when looking for investment, that the focus remains on driving it forward, that their spend this summer is in line with long-term planning and will see an increase in wages spent on players.

Many fans have gone off the deep end, but you shouldn't treat everything that you read in the papers as gospel.

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.