Season over for Sichenje

Nathan Jones has indicated that Charlton Athletic will look to secure Micah Mbick on a new contract.  The 19-year-old striker was the subject of a £5million bid from Southampton in the last few days of the summer transfer window.

The Saints had also indicated there would be another £2m in add-ons inserted into the move.

Jones also confirmed to South London Spor that Collins Sichenje is not set to feature again in the current campaign.   The Kenyan centre-back suffered a knee injury against Tottenham last week.

“That is pretty much the season,” said Jones. “He has had his operation today. That’s a tough one for us and for him. He’s had a tough time but he will come back stronger. Our thoughts are with him. Now it is about his recovery and how he comes back from this.”

Away point secured

The run of draws at The Hawthorns between West Brom and Charlton at The Hawthorns continued tonight.

Unbeaten Charlton had to come from behind to earn a point at The Hawthorns as they battled their way to a draw with resurgent West Bromwich Albion.

After a poor first half, Albion looked like they might be on their way to a second successive home Championship win on 59 minutes when Baggies left-back Callum Styles powered home a sumptuous 20-yard left-foot volley.

But the Addicks equalised 10 minutes later when Miles Leaburn nodded back for Tyreece Campbell to drill home a leveller from eight yards.

Although their winning start to the season has come to an end, Nathan Jones' Charlton remain third, having lost their leadership of the early season table the night before, with Albion in seventh.

AI avatar Desmond from Deal commented: 'As I forecast the wheels are coming off and Jones has been found out.'

West Brom hope to bag three points

The last three fixtures between West Bromwich Albion and Charlton Athletic at The Hawthorns have all ended level (1-1 February 2026, 2-2 October 2019 and 2-2 in January 2008).   Seven of the last ten meetings in all competitions have ended level. Albion have won two of the other three, with Charlton claiming one victory. 

Charlton are unbeaten in their last three games against the Albion. The Baggies' last win against the Addicks was a 1-0 triumph at The Valley in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup in January 2020. 

Albion's last home win against Charlton came in December 2007 - a 4-2 success in the second tier. Zoltan Gera bagged a brace, with Roman Bednar and Kevin Phillips also on target. The Addicks haven't won at The Hawthorns since September 2005 when Danny Murphy's double helped them to a 2-1 Premier League victory.

The Baggies are unbeaten in eight home matches - the first of which was a 1-1 draw with Charlton in February. They've won three of those, drawing the other five.  There have been at least three goals scored in all of Albion's last six games, with 24 notched in total. Both teams have found the net in all six of those matches.

Albion will be hoping to secure back-to-back home victories for the first time since a run of two between November and December of 2025 when they beat Swansea City and Sheffield United. 

Midfielder Isaac Price and striker JJ Morgan have both scored four goals each already this season. Together, they've notched two thirds of Albion's strikes so far in 2026/27.

The Baggies lost 3-1 at Boro on Saturday and boss James Morrison thought that they had played well but had made silly errors. He said that it was the timing of goals that was most frustrating at the moment.

My wife, who comes from Oldbury, reminds me that back in the day the Baggies were known as the Throstles.  Their transfer window is assessed here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cgjq5yeqlq1o

AI avatar Desmond from Deal says: 'Jones can't ride his luck any longer and tonight sees the start of the slide down the table.'

Straight in the skip?

Humorists have been posting pictures of skips to commemorate our last loan signing of the transfer window.

They have been paying too much attention to Leicester fans who have now replaced the Addickted as the biggest moaners in the EFL.

I think that defensive midfielder is one of the most crucial yet underrated positions in football.  If Skipp has faults, Nathan Jones is the man to eradicate them.

Career details here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Skipp

There is still uncertainty about the future of club captain Greg Docherty as the window has not closed in the US.

He has now left the club my mutual consent.  Thanks for all your efforts and good wishes for your future whether it is across the pond or north of the border.

Natasha Everitt commented: 'One of the first NJ signings to really bring that fire and passion back. Definition of playing for the badge which is something we missed for years. Shame it’s come to an end but his role won’t be forgotten.'

Nkeng could be signing No.10

Richard Cawley reports: 'Charlton Athletic are closing in on a deal for exciting AFC Wimbledon winger Junior Nkeng.

The former Tottenham youngster, who only turned 19 earlier this month, is set to become the Addicks’ 10th signing of the summer transfer window.

Nkeng has not featured heavily for the Dons in the current campaign due to speculation over his future.  Nottingham Forest and Lecce are believed to have weighed up moves for the teenager, who was thought to be available for less than seven figures.

One source told South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition: “He is basically Tyreece Campbell Mk II - pacey, direct and fearless.”

The Addicks have switched their focus when it comes to strengthening the flanks after they pulled out of a permanent transfer for Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.'

Career details for the wing back/winger who was born in Barcelona: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_Nkeng

Charlton's profile improves

Charlton's profile continues to improve.   Not only is the New York Times suddenly taking the club seriously as a promising soccer franchise, but the BBC is now inviting a fan to write about the club's week: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cy4z8k8pdyvo

One word of caution.  Any American financier looking for a soccer franchise will soon realise that the club does not own the capital assets of the stadium and the training ground.  All they will get is membership of the EFL, along with an assorted group of players and rather grumpy fans.

As football finance guru Kieran Maguire has pointed out, not only does the club face these challenges along with big operating losses, it is also located in an unfashionable part of London (although suddenly my old haunt of Plumstead Common seems to be going up in the world).

Jones hails arrival of Kiwi international

Smiling supremo Nathan Jones has hailed the ninth signing of the window, New Zealand international Tyler Bindon from Nottingham Forest.  He took part in all three of New Zealand's world cup games.  A right footer, he can play at right back as well as centre back.

“We have done very well to get him,” Nathan Jones told South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition. “He improves the squad significantly. He is probably somebody we couldn’t have afforded to buy.  He has really good experience. He is a player I’ve known from when he was at Reading. He’s an international and did well at Sheffield United in the second half of last season.”

“I’ve known him for a long, long time. He is someone I like and admire. When we had the opportunity to speak to him and he agreed on Thursday night, we’re really delighted to be able to do that.

“He is very composed and assured in everything he does, in and out of possession. He is not crash-bang. Technically he is very good and wins his duels. He has an air about him, he is someone that we feel really adds to us.”