No fear of Charlton for Owls

Sheffield Wednesday come to The Valley on Saturday with no fear of Charlton and ready to claim three points: Wednesday

The Owls have only lost once on the road this season, but have not won a game in their last six matches and have not scored in their last three. Another home draw then?

The Addicks are beset by injury worries with Gomez, Wiggins, Bulot, Vetokele and Gudmundsson all unavailable. The last two could be on bench, but it is thought that Vetokele could play for 15 minutes at most.

Andy d'Urso, the banker from Billericay, will be referee. I don't think he is biased against Charlton, I just don't think he is very competent and that can affect the course of the game.

Odds are: Charlton 19/10; draw, 21/10; Wednesday, 13/8.

Golden boot for Bradley Wright-Phillips

Bradley Wright-Phillips has equalled the all time goal scoring record in Major League Soccer and has also won the golden boot. Great to see his career resurrected: Wright-Phillips

See him score a hat trick here: Eye for goal

'Brutal lessons of three chaotic years at Charlton'

Chris Powell talks about the 'brutal lessons of three chaotic years at Charlton' in a double page big interview feature in the Football League Paper this morning.

Powell recalled, 'I had a group of [players] who were working hard and trying to stave off relegation. But then came the takeover and all of a sudden I had players arriving from Standard Liege I didn't know. The message from upstairs was that they had to play. I have always taught my players that you had to earn the right to play. So when you get people coming in who expect to play, it destroys that ethos.'

'To be fair, the lads could see what was going on. They could see I had no control over the players that were arriving. And I think that we could all see that the writing was on the wall in terms of my future.'

'Obviously Jose Riga came in and they stayed up which I always knew they would. But what's funny is that he barely played these Liege players and none of them are there now. So in that sense, I think I was proved right.'

Billionaire swoops for Palace

American billionaire Josh Harris is on the verge of taking over at Crystal Palace according to press reports this morning: Crystal Palace

However, it should be emphasised that it is by no means a done deal: Speculation premature?

Charlton lose at the Cottage

Two goals for Fulham in the first eleven minutes led to defeat for Charlton at Craven Cottage tonight. Lacking four regular first team players, Charlton staged a spirited fight back in the second half but to no avail with Fulham adding a third in the closing minutes.

The first attack from Fulham almost led to an own goal from Morgan Fox, in for Wiggins, but Solly retrieved the situation. However, after a foul throw decision, Charlton won the first corner of the evening, but Bikey’s shot went five yards wide. Moussa put it wide when he could have put the ball out to Solly on the right.

Solly gave the ball away and the unmarked Parker put the ball into the roof of the net on five minutes. Ben Haim put in excellent work to frustrate the next Fulham attack. There was a late flag against Tucudean who was onside.

Henderson made an initial save, but the follow up saw Fulham made it 2-0 through Rodallega on 11 minutes as the rain came pouring down. Charlton’s passing game wasn’t working. They were giving away possession too much. Parker was finding too much space in midfield.

A good ball in from Fox gave Charlton a corner, but the keeper saved. Charlton had settled down and were having a better spell of possession, but then Fulham attacked again. Jackson got a gash over his right eye and had to go off for treatment. He had a bandage on his head.

Charlton nearly conceded a third from Hoogland after the popular Parker, who was serenaded by the Addickted, won a free kick.

Fulham won a corner on 33 minutes, but Henderson claimed it. Bikey made an important interception. After some good work on the right, Charlton won a corner which was cleared. After losing his man, Bulot shot well wide.

When Charlton did get the ball, they were closed down.

Half time: Cottagers 2, Addicks 0

After good work by Bulot Charlton won a corner, which was followed by a second. A shot by Bikey was deflected and then led to a third corner, and then a fourth which was cleared.

Charlton won their eighth corner which was cleared. Fulham counter attacked, but Wilson defended well and got the ball back to Henderson.

Burn put the ball in the net for Fulham, but it was ruled offside. Moussa turned and put in a shot with his right foot, but it went just past the post. He was then taken off and was replaced by Gudmundsson. Bulot moved up alongside Tucudean.

Gudmundsson made an early impact, winning Charlton their ninth corner, followed by their tenth and then their eleventh. This ended in a goal kick, but it was a good spell of pressure from Charlton.

Fox was taken off and replaced by Ahearne-Grant with Jackson coming out to the left. Ahearne-Grant twisted and turned to put in a shot which led to a corner. Bulot pulled his hamstring and Morrison came on with Bikey going up front. Bulot is likely to be out for a few weeks, adding to our injury list. A dangerous Fulham ball flashed across the goal. Bikey clattered Parker. In the 88th minute Rodallega scored the third for Fulham as Morrison slipped over. Wilson hit the inside of the post but the offside flag was raised anyway.

Possession was 50-50, Charlton led on corners 13 to two, but of 23 Charlton shots on goal, only three were on target.

Bookies make Fulham favourites.

The bookies have made Fulham firm favourites for tonight's clash at Craven Cottage. Fulham are 4/5, a draw is 5/2 and Charlton are 7/2.

Igor Vetokele will not be available and Gudmundsson is also unlikely to play. Buyens is suspended. However, Chris Solly will be back. Scott Parker is available for Fulham after being rested for the game against Rotherham earlier in the week. Against Norwich at the weekend 'He was the first target for every Fulham pass, but frequently won possession and launched attacks.'

Our track record against Fulham is not good. They won the last meeting 4-0 at Craven Cottage in the FA Cup in January 2012. The last league meeting ended as a 2-2 draw at The Valley in the Premier League in December 2006. If I remember rightly, this was when the lino made an offside decision against us that contributed to our relegation.

Fulham are unbeaten in the last six meetings in all competitions, winning three. Charlton's last win was 2-1 at The Valley in the Premier League in December 2004. Fulham are unbeaten in the last 10 meetings at home in all competitions, winning seven. Charlton's last win there was 3-0 in the old Division Two in April 1986.

Although they are 22nd in the table, Fulham are 7th in the form table above Charlton in 14th. Fulham have lost only one of their last six games in all competitions, winning four and drawing one. Their only defeat since 20 September was 2-0 at Middlesbrough in the Championship on 4 October.

Fulham have won their last three home games in all competitions, against Doncaster, Bolton and Norwich. Their one goal win against Norwich 'did little justice to their superiority' according to The Football League Paper.

Against Norwich, Fulham were dominant in central midfield. Bob Peeters has refused to say whether he will use Jordan Cousins in midfield. Many Addicks think that he is better there than on the wings.

If we can get something out of this encounter, we will be doing well.

Results are better than the stats

A couple of Addicks have been taking a look at the stats for the season so far. One reports: 'We've averaged 44% possession; had a total of 114 shots to the opposition's 205; with 40 on target to their 57; and 16 goals to their 12. Behind these stats are our 40 corners (only 14 at home!) to their 118.'

'If you want to be positive, then we have a much higher percentage of our shots on target, and of those on target, we score 40per cent whereas they only get half that.'

Another Addick commented, 'We have had more possession than our opponents only once in the last 8 games! That is consistent with our season to date: for example in our last 5 games we have only managed a total of 29 efforts on goal (around 6 a match) compared to 80 by our opponents over the same games (an average of 16 attempts per match).

So what are we to make of this. The glass half empty view, as represented by Derek from Dymchurch, would be that we have been riding our luck and will eventually get found out.

The glass half full view, which I prefer, is that we have found a way of coping with the weaknesses of a relatively thin squad vulnerable to injuries to key players. We have a strong defence, exemplified by Bikey, a point made in this report of the Bolton game: Defensive display . If we get a bit more pace and penetration going forward, we would be a real threat.

It should also be noted that we have beaten the two teams in the promotion places. Of the four teams above us, we have beaten one and drawn with two (one yet to play). So there are grounds for some optimism, particularly if we strengthen in the January transfer window.

In this connection, reports of Bob's dinner meeting with Roland are mildly encouraging whilst not containing any firm commitments about strengthening the squad to the extent necessary to push for a play off place: Squad strengthening

Charlton cling on for win

Charlton beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 at The Valley last night to go 7th in the table. The Addicks had just 38 per cent of the possession. Charlton had one corner to 14 for the visitors.

The Addicks took the lead with their first real chance. Yoni Buyens spotted Tucudean's run behind the Bolton defence and played a clever ball over the top for the Romanian, who raced towards goal and fired beyond Andy Lonergan.

The Bolton players did not let their heads drop as former Charlton defender Dorian Dervite headed narrowly over from a corner before Beckford missed the ball when in front of goal.

But Charlton doubled their lead early in the second half when Tucudean squared a pass for captain Jackson to slot home. Moxey gave Bolton hope when he drilled in from the edge of the area, and Dervite came close to heading in a late equaliser, but Charlton displayed great team spirit and kept their defensive shape to hold on for the win. Ben Haim played a key role in the defensive effort.

Buyens is suspended for Fulham after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.

Derek from Dymchurch writes, 'Let's face it, apart from a few patches, we were outplayed for most of the game, but once again we managed to ride our luck. A special word for Cousins who never gave up chasing and harrying.

Addicks 'perennial strugglers' says Lennon

New Bolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon has labelled Charlton the 'perennial strugglers' of the Championship, although he admits they have made a good start to this season: Lennon

Lennon comes to The Valley fresh from a 1-0 victory over Birmingham last Saturday which has led to the sacking of their manager Lee Clark.

The absence of Igor Vetokele with an Achilles problem will be a concern for the Addicks.

It will be a return to The Valley for Dorian Dervite whose departure I regretted at the time. On Saturday he was 'brilliant in the air' according to the Football League Paper.

Indeed, with the exception of Jermaine Beckford who 'struggled to make an impact' the whole team seems to have played well. Lonergan in goal made some 'smart saves', while McNaughton was 'solid at the back and caused problems for Birmingham when he went forward.' Matt Mills was 'disciplined in his defensive duties' and Dean Moxey 'made a number of vital blocks.' Skipper Jay Spearing was 'tenacious' and Neil Danns 'shielded his back four brilliantly'. Lee Chung-Yong 'showed off his quick feet and extensive passing repertoire'. Darren Pratley 'put in some teasing crosses'. It isn't going to be easy.

The last meeting ended as a goalless draw at The Valley in April. Bolton have won only one of the last seven meetings in all competitions. Their only win since 2006 was 2-0 at home in December 2012. Charlton are unbeaten in the last four meetings at The Valley in all competitions, winning three. Bolton's last win there was 1-0 in the Premier League in October 2005.

Odds are: Charlton 5/4, Draw 23/10, Bolton 11/5

Peeters for mother ship?

Rioting fans forced the abandonment of Standard Liege's match at the weekend and tried to reach Roland in his box. The club is now just above the relegation zone.

The Belgian press is speculating that Bob Peeters may now be asked to return to the mother ship, but this does not seem like an immediate or very realistic prospect: Bob Peeters

Roland is travelling to England today and is expected to be at tomorrow night's match against Bolton, but this trip has been planned for some time.

Bob Peeters has subsequently ruled out any move to the mother ship: Staying in SE7

Charlton lose unbeaten record

Charlton lost their unbeaten record with a 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth this afternoon, hours after Nottingham Forest experienced their first defeat at Cardiff. The Addicks are now 8th in the table.

The Cherries were ahead within three minutes as a corner was not cleared and Callum Wilson met Marc Pugh's left-wing cross with a close-range finish. Charlton went close when Johann Berg Gudmundsson curled in a free-kick but Artur Boruc tipped it round the post. Keeper Stephen Henderson kept Charlton in the game after the break with a fine low save from Andrew Surman.

The Addicks were still finding their feet when a stray pass from Gudmundsson fell to Matt Ritchie, whose left-foot piledriver was parried by Henderson for a corner, from which Pugh's trickery deceived Chris Solly, and Callum Wilson found room in a crowded box to slot home his eighth of the season. That was only the third time all season that Bob Peeters's side had gone behind and Wilson nearly doubled the lead when he deflected Ritchie's low free-kick goalwards but the ball was blocked.

Tommy Elphick’s last-ditch saving tackle denied Karlan Ahearne-Grant a shooting chance before the young Addicks striker’s low drive was blocked by Steve Cook with Johnnie Jackson spooning the loose ball over the crossbar. Henderson got down smartly at his near post to save after Wilson had met Ritchie’s clever free-kick in the 17th minute with Andrew Surman blazing over the top after the ball had reached him on the edge of the box.

Youthful striker Karlan Ahearne-Grant continued to pose the hosts some problems. Given that he has come in for some criticism on the boards, I was interested to see that the Footbsll League Paper gave him a score of 7, saying that he was 'skilful with the ball at his feet but was out muscled on occasions.'

Charlton's best chance came when Gudmundsson's free-kick was heading towards the top corner until Boruc somehow kept it out. Peeters made a double substitution and a formation change at the break. As Charlton enjoyed a spell of pressure at the start of the second half, Buyens’s volley was charged down by Cook 10 minutes after the restart. However, Bournemouth piled on the pressure again, winning 16 corners.

Winger Pugh continued to torment full-back Solly, and while Ritchie was happy to shoot on sight, his delivery from corners remained a threat as Steve Cook twice headed wide. The visitors lacked invention and while Addicks substitute Lawrie Wilson headed straight at Boruc when well placed in stoppage time, it was too little, too late.

In the clash of former Charlton managers, Huddersfield beat Blackpool 4-2.

Derek from Dymchurch writes: 'I said the wheels were coming off and now they have. That Belgian geezer has been found out, good and proper. Coach? He couldn't coach an under 12 side. It was a toothless display.'

Expectations need to be tempered says skipper

The expectations of Charlton fans need to be tempered says Johnnie Jackson in an interview with the Evening Standard. He wants promotion as much as anyone, but you won't hear talk of promotion among the players: Jackson

Addicks head for the seaside

With a mild, windy and rather wet weekend forecast, the Addicks head to Bournemouth tomorrow to see if they can retain their unbeaten record and perhaps even get a win. However, some fans reckon that this our second hardest away game so far after Norwich.

Bournemouth have turned things around a little in recent weeks having gone through a poor spell of form that saw them win just once in seven matches. Victories over Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers in recent weeks have seen them climb back into the top half of the table, however, and Eddie Howe will now be hoping to find the consistency needed to push for the top six.

That is particularly true at home, where the Cherries have won twice, lost twice and drawn once so far this season. Howe will be without Yann Kermorgant this weekend with the striker suspended following his red card in the 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers. Howe has praised the former Addick's work rate in an interview: Kermorgant

In Kermorgant's absence, Howe is placing his faith in Tokelo Rantie who has been a bit of a disappointment since a big money signing from Malmo thirteen months ago. However, he has scored for South Africa in the African Nations Cup and will be flying back from Africa for the game: Rantie

Charlton won the last meeting 1-0 at The Valley in March. Bournemouth have won only one of the last six meetings, drawing one and losing four. Their only win since 1999 was 2-1 at the Goldsands Stadium in August last season. Charlton have won only one of the last four meetings at Bournemouth. Their only win there since 1974 was 1-0 in League One in March 2012.

Gudmundsson (ankle) and Bulot face late fitness tests for Charlton. Odds: Bournemouth 4/6, Draw 14/5, Charlton 9/2.

Charlton have cheapest season ticket

The BBC have published their latest price of football study and highlight that the £150 Charlton season ticket is the cheapest across all four divisions: Cheap at the price

You can find more detailed information about comparative Charlton prices including the cost of a replica shirt and a pie here: Comparative prices

In general the cost of the cheapest ticket in football has increased at twice the rate of the cost of living since 2011.

Simon Church injured

Simon Church was injured early in yesterday's international qualifying match between Wales and Cyprus. Just a few minutes into the game (timings vary), he appeared to be nudged in the back and went down clutching his left shoulder. Unconfirmed reports say that it was dislocated.

In the old days this was a frequent affliction of Derek Ufton who sometimes had to play on with the shoulder strapped up, as there were no substitutes, although in the historic 7-6 victory over Huddersfield he had to leave the field at 0-0 and go to hospital where he was told the result. In total he dislocated his shoulder twenty times, 13 times on the left and seven on the right.

The rumour mill says that Derby and Brighton are interested in Church.

The season so far

A Charlton fan looks at the season so far for the Sevenoaks Chronicle and records a mixture of buoyancy and frustration, asking a series of 'what if?' questions: So far, so good?

When you have done better than expected, one is bound to ask whether the team could have achieved even more.

Tal Ben Haim scores for Israel

Tal Ben Haim scored for Israel in their 2-1 victory over Cyprus last night. He weaved his way into the penalty area and slotted the ball into the net: Tal Ben Haim

Simon Church played for 65 minutes in the 0-0 draw between Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovinia. He got a score of 6 from Wales Online for giving the Bosnian defence work to do without ever really threatening. That sounds like Simon Church: Simon Church

Peeters nominated for manager of the month

Big Bob Peeters is one of four nominees for Sky Bet Championship manager of the month. He is praised for bringing in 'organisation and defensive stability' with the win over Norwich a highlight. The smart money is probably on Ipswich's Mick McCarthy: Bob Peeters

In some ways it would be good if he didn't win it as it is usually followed by a run of bad results!

If he is successful, he will be the first Addicks boss to receive a monthly award since Chris Powell in February 2012.

Doubts about Igor's international status - and new signings

Some doubts have been raised about the entitlement of Igor Vetokele to play for Angola and he had to be kept out of the last match against Burkina Faso. A ruling from Fifa is awaited: Igor

In other news Joe Gomez has signed a long-term contract with the club: Gomez

Defender Elan Assiana has been signed by Charlton after his release by Manchester City. He will play with the Under 18 squad. The London-born player was with Fulham before he joined City. See his promo video here: Elan Assiana

Defender Ayo Obileye will join the Under 21 squad. He has played a few games for Jason Euell's side and was formerly with Sheffield Wednesday: New signings

Being let go by Charlton was lowest point says McGleish

At 40 years old Scott McGleish is still playing football for Wealdstone in the Conference South, close to his original club at Edgware. Aged 20, he left there to take a year's contract at Charlton. Being let go by the Addicks was the lowest point in his career, he has told today's Football League Paper.

He went on to play for a series of lower division Football League teams, most recently for Leyton Orient. He scored the winning goal for them against us on 25 January 2010. He could be said to have found his level.

McGleish said of his release by Charlton, 'I'd given up everything to go pro and I felt I deserved another year's contract. I'd finished the season as the reserves top goal scorer. When I came out of that meeting with Steve Grit and Alan Curbishley, I felt that everything had gone. Luckily Keith Peacock pulled me to one side and said, "Don't worry, I've had lots of phone calls from clubs, you will be ok."'

As far as the first team was concerned, I recall him as a player who came on as a late substitute.

'It would be nice to have a win'

That was one comment I heard as I left The Valley tonight and I know what they mean. It was Charlton's third home draw in a row as they saw Birmingham City pull level with them to record a 1-1. On a day on which there were a lot of draws in the Championship, the Addicks remain in 6th place. We hold the same position in the form table.

The Addicks started brightly. Vetokele had his own run on goal, outfoxing defenders and was unfortunate not to get the ball in the net. Then on eleven minutes Bulot provided a pinpoint cross and a bullet header from Vetokele saw Charlton go a 1-0 ahead.

However, Charlton were unable to capitalise on their lead. It looked as if the visitors had equalised, but the goal was disallowed for offside, possibly harshly. In any event, it was a matter for concern how easily the Blues had been able to slice through our defence.

After the break Vetokele supplied Lawrie Wilson at the back post only for him to blaze over. At the other end, Addicks goalkeeper Stephen Henderson kept out Paul Robinson's header from a free-kick, but was unable to stop Davis's low drive for 1-1. This was the result of a corner routine which seemed to catch the Addicks unaware. Whether it was a good application of a training ground routine or simple opportunism, it is difficult to say.

Cousins had to be stretchered off late in the game and I hope that his injury is not too serious. Apparently he has tweeted that he is fine and the stretcher was just a precaution. Six minutes were added on, but Charlton were unable to impose themselves on the game.

I think that the Bloke Behind Me had a point when he said that Charlton had failed to apply sufficient consistent pressure on the Blues, although some credit must go to them for breaking up our attacks. The Blues did look quite vulnerable defensively.

Incidentally a nice touch from Darren Randolph to climb up on the Covered End to talk to some supporters after half time.

Match analysis

Henderson put in a good performance, although a surprising number of the Blues shots were wayward which perhaps helps to explain their league position. I don't blame him for the goal. Towards the end of the second half he saw a ball coming, changed his position and came out and claimed it. This is what a good keeper should do. Bikey is a little eccentric at times, but 'the beast' did his job well. Morrison was a concern for some before the match, but he was solid and tried to get the ball forward. Solly got the highest score this morning from the Football League Paper this morning, but I thought it was short of a Man of the Match performance. Perhaps this is because I am in the East Stand, but I thought that he got forward more in the second half. Wiggins didn't get forward as much as I would have hoped and he found some of the opposition players a bit of a handful.

Buyens was a disappointment, indeed he has faded after a good start to the season. As the link man between the back four and the rest of the team, he wasn't doing the job, although he did start to make more short passes that were completed in the second half. For a big man he is hassled off the ball too easily and lost possession dangerously at least three times. Jackson did put in some good tackles, but he was not really contributing enough and was substituted, which he wasn't too pleased about. Cousins had to play on the left and in the centre and had a good work rate. Whilst I am fan of Wilson I thought that he had a poor game and that seems to be the general opinion. His crosses were poor.

Bulot got in trouble with Vitokele for playing the wrong ball at times, but on the whole I think that he is a threat. His cross for the goal was first rate. Vitokele scored an excellent goal. For much of the game he lacked the quality of service he needed. The Bloke Beside Me criticised him for not being involved enough all over the pitch, but I did see him make one good defensive intervention. But for me it is his goals that matter.

Moussa was lively, but didn't really change the course of the game. Tucudean contributed very little. Our greatest need is another striker. Drinking During the Game thought Roland might have been at the game, so perhaps he will have realised that. Fox had a cameo, but did contribute. Good to see Thomas on the bench.

I thought that the referee had a decent game, but that is not Lee Clarke's view who has called for a system for reviewing referee's decisions.

Yann Kermorgant got sent off for Bournemouth yesterday for a high boot so we won't face him in our next game after the international break.

Blues urged to show no fear

After their defeat of Millwall earlier in the week, Birmingham City manager Lee Clark has urged his players to return to South London tomorrow without any fear: Be Brave . The win at Millwall was their first in nine games in all competitions.

This is not because he underestimates Charlton. Rather than the usual 'easy three points' line from the opposition, exemplified by the Norwich paper which Bob Peeters used as a motivational tool, Clark said after the win at Norwich that a tough match had got tougher.

Charlton will be without Tal Ben Haim because of Yom Kippur which is a major religious festival. Michael Morrison is likely to step into his place. Some Addicks have expressed concern about his match sharpness or whether he can play out from the back as the present style requires. However, he has been a solid and reliable defender for us and I have confidence in him.

Gudmundsson is still out and Joe Gomez has picked up an injury.

Our record against the Blues at home has not been good. Last year we lost 0-2 at home, a result that followed a 1-1 draw in the preceding year. Odds are Charlton, evens; draw, 11/5; Blues, 11/5.

New Dowie shock

It is rocket science

Copies of this month's Four Four Two have been placed in the horror comics section after it was found to contain a photograph of Ian Dowie. He is interviewed, appropriately enough, in the 'Ask a Silly Question' feature.

Turns out that when Dowie was a rocket scientist he worked on air-launched anti-radiation missile (ALARM). That should have rung alarm bells at The Valley. Even if he could fix a broken missile guidance system, he couldn't help his players find the back of the net.

Dowie thinks that the future is in teleportation. So that's how he got from Selhurst to The Valley.

Meanwhile Alan Pardew fans can read about his popularity at Newcastle here: Sack Pardew

Up the Football League we go

Following the 1-3 defeat of Wolves by Chris Powell's Huddersfield at Molineux last night, Charlton have moved back into the play off places at 6th.

Even the Sub-Standard gave us a decent write up last night. Bob Peeters revealed that a Norwich newspaper’s prediction that Charlton would get turned over last night provided the motivation for his side to stun the Championship leaders. They had forecast a 3-0 win for the home side. The Addicks coach altered his planned team talk after seeing the article.