Valley of Despair?

The South London Press lays in on with a trowel in this account of the state of affairs at Charlton. It is difficult to argue with most of what they say and they do raise an interesting point about whether we are make a correct initial diagnosis of injuries (another reason for hoping that the rumours about Chelsea's former doctor were true): Much that is wrong

A more nuanced account is provided by the CAS Trust, pointing out that we might be less reliant on young players caught in the headlights today: Searching for hope

Charlton fans are generally agreed that we have a squad that is thin in quality, making it vulnerable to injuries and suspensions. We then rely too much on Academy products. All Charlton fans like to see them being given a chance, but if this happens before they are ready, it only compromises their development.

As for Guy Luzon, it is difficult to separate out his performance as a coach from the squad available to him. I am not that impressed, but nor I am particularly hopeful of the quality of any replacement. Having said that, I think that 'Championship experience' is overrated. The Championship may well be the best second tier league in Europe, but the football played in it is not that different.

Perhaps because I was spared Tuesday night, I won't be travelling to today's match in a particularly pessimistic mood. One can't read off from the result of one match to the next one. Brentford are not invincible.

I am concerned about the mood of the crowd which is likely to seize on the first misplaced pass. Fans argue that, having paid their money, they have the right to boo. I wouldn't dispute that. There is even booing at operas these day, reflecting the role of the consumer as king or queen. However, when the team's confidence is low, they really need the crowd to get behind them and create a good atmosphere.

A new issue of Voice of the Valley will be available and we can expect them to give it large. At £2 it represents good value. My local paper costs almost as much and is full of property adverts. It was planned for the gnomes and elves that sell the fanzine to wear the new third kit, but given the current general mood, they will wear sombre clothes. Earlier in the season Rick Everitt was wearing shorts at his sales point opposite the club shop to demonstrate that he was pitch ready.

Some of you may have a copy already as it was on sale on Tuesday, Rick Everitt having been a hard taskmaster in his workshop over the weekend. A preview is here: Voice of the Valley

Charlton are unbeaten in four league games against Brentford (W3 D1). Brentford have scored once in four league games with Charlton, and have kept just one clean sheet in nine league encounters.

Odds are: Charlton 17/10, Draw 12/5, Brentford 13/8.

Warwickshire's Stuart Attwell is referee. Although our poor performances cannot be blamed on match officials, we have suffered from some bizarre decisions and a tendency to give any marginal decision to the opposition. I know where Attwell lives. He was the youngest ever referee to join the Premier League list in 2008, but was demoted in 2012, although he has had a recall. If he wants to give us one of his infamous 'ghost goals' today when the ball goes wide of the post, he is more than welcome.

I am actually looking forward to the game and I am forecasting a 2-1 win for the Addicks.