Thursday 31 March 2016

Chris Solly could be back

Chris Solly is back in training and could feature against Birmingham City on Saturday. However, Reza is ruled out with a hamstring injury. I am clear which of the two I would like to see back: Injury news

Patrick Bauer is also back in training after what he described in a tweet 'as the toughest time in my career so far.'

Blues players are said to have been given a lift by their break in Marbella. An injury to Kyle Lafferty is not as bad as feared and the striker on loan from Norwich City may play on Saturday.

Has Pardew been rumbled?

Unhappiness is growing among Crystal Palace fans who feel that their club is losing respect, but despite the absence of any Plan B, they seem unwilling to point the finger of blame at Pardew, other than asking him to change things around. Palace angst

This is, of course, the manager of whom one Match of the Day commentator said recently: 'He can't manage a 1-0 lead.' At least we are not hearing anything more about Pardew as the next England manager. Accounts of his career usually miss out his time at Charlton.

Despite their slump, Palace are unlikely to be relegated, whereas we are near certainties. And the Glaziers have proper people running the club.

Tuesday 29 March 2016

Club meets police at New Scotland Yard

Following recent incidents at The Valley stemming from customer dissatisfaction, the club has met with the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard and they have issued the following statement: Joint statement

CARD have characterised the statement as 'shabby and insulting': Fan reaction

Fifa fine network club

Fifa have fined network club Sint-Truiden for breaching its third party rules.

Fifa state on their web site, 'Club K St Truidense VV of Belgium was sanctioned with a fine of CHF 60,000, a warning and a reprimand for breaching art. 18bis and art. 18ter par. 1 (2015 edition) of the Regulations. The club was found to be liable for entering into contracts that enabled a third party to influence the club’s independence in employment and transfer-related matters and entering into an agreement that assigns rights to a third party in relation to the future transfer of a player.'

So was the third party Roland?

Borja Garcia of the University of Loughborough has tweeted that the fines are relatively minor, but should be seen as a signal to clubs.

Valley Gold suspension worries Academy

Steve Avory talks about the work of the Charlton Academy, but expresses some concern about the suspension of funding from Valley Gold: Academy

What worries many fans is a strategy that appears to treat the club as a player farm, with promising players being sold on to the Premier League.

Saturday 26 March 2016

Holmes-Dennis: why I wanted loan

Tareiq Holmes-Dennis explains why he wanted to go out on loan at Oldham and implies that he got more of a look in under Karel Fraeye than José Riga: Holmes-Dennis

The instability in the squad this year hasn't helped anyone, but especially younger players. The changes of coach have produced a lack of consistency in approach.

A powerful forward run by Holmes-Dennis was featured in the Football League Show's coverage of Oldham's goalless draw at Burton.

Big screen to be restored

An Addick has received the following reply from the fans e-mail: 'Thank you for getting in touch. We know that the big screens have been a source of debate over the course of the season.'

'The good news is that there are plans to revert to showing team sheets, substitutions, cautions, etc. as opposed to the live feed. We needed the right software to make this possible, but we have now acquired this. We are hoping to trial this before the end of the season and make this a permanent feature next season instead of the live match feed.​'

A minor victory, but will the feesh come back?

Friday 25 March 2016

Blues thank Charlton

Michael Morrison returns to The Valley with Birmingham City next Saturday and the Blues take the view that they need to thank Charlton for their wasteful transfer policy. Manager Gary Rowett reckons that Morrison was the best signing of his career: Morrison

Yes, but we have Roger Johnson.

Guy Luzon stays on

When he was sacked as head coach of Charlton, Guy Luzon did not accept the offer of a Eurostar ticket. Instead, he has stayed on in London in the hope of getting back into English football: Staying on

Luzon says that he feels sympathy for fellow national, Katrien Miere.

Thursday 24 March 2016

CARD out at the training ground

CARD were at the training ground in Sparrows Lane today to protest at an event for sponsors, although not many turned up (one had been disinvited). It appears that the leading sponsor, Andrew Sykes is pulling out next year: Training ground protest

Luzon said he did not have final say on signings

Guy Luzon has said that he did not have the final say on signings when he was Charlton head coach. It was the network scout who was behind the deals: Guy Luzon

Roland Duchatelet claimed that the manager had a crucial role.

West Ham boost capacity

West Ham United have decided to boost capacity at the Olympic Stadium from 54,000 to 60,000, such has been the demand for season tickets: West Ham

Could some of these new season ticket holders be disgruntled Charlton supporters, given the good communications into Kent?

It is understood, however, that the club has a secret plan to counter West Ham which will be revealed in a week or so.

A judgment is awaited on the appeal by the London Legacy Development Corporation against the decision by the Information Commissioner to require it to reveal the terms of its deal on the stadium with West Ham: Appeal decision

Wednesday 23 March 2016

Leeds and Charlton compared

An interesting article from the Yorkshire Evening Post comparing the situations at Charlton and Leeds United, pointing out that the fans of neither club want them to fail: Awkward owners

Fifa profiles Reza

Fifa.com has profiled Reza Ghoochanneljhad and reveals that he plays the violin. Given the constant search for new ways to enhance the match day experience, perhaps he could serenade the fans before the game from in front of the fan sofa: Not just a football player

Of course, the question might be how much of a football player he is. Writing about last Saturday's defeat in the South London Press experienced reporter Kevin Nolan says: 'Ghoochannejhad wore the air of a reluctant passerby, who having witnessed an accident, is anxious to be on his way before the cops arrive. Not before time, his wish was granted after 68 totally invisible minutes.'

Monday 21 March 2016

Dowie back in work

Former Charlton manager Iain Dowie is back in work, fortunately not in football, but as a regional sales manager for Go To Surveys: Iain Dowie

Sunday 20 March 2016

Powell slams Duchatelet statement

Chris Powell has criticised the bizarre statement issued by Roland Duchatelet last week, contrasting the attitude of Charlton's owners with that of Leicester City: Chris Powell

Saturday 19 March 2016

Another 3-0 defeat

Nick Pope had to make a great save to keep out the first attempt on goal at Hillsborough from a Forestieri header.

Ba won Charlton a free kick twenty yards from goal. Gudmundsson’s free kick hit the wall. Harriott was then tripped 30 yards out. It ended in a goal kick for the home side.

Wednesday won a corner on 10 minutes after a long ball from Westwood in the home goal. Captain Diarra headed it clear.

Fox defended well to stop Wallace crossing he ball.

Forestieri won a free kick just outside the box after limited contact by Diarra. Wallace fired over the bar.

Harriott tried to put Reza through on goal, but he hit the ball too hard.

Fanni was booked for a foul on Forestieri. Pope claimed well from the free kick.

Wednesday won a corner, but Pope eventually collected it safely. Motta was taken out cynically by Hutchinson who received a yellow card.

The home support, who had been quiet, were starting to get restless.

It was a relatively incident free half, a game of few chances. Charlton had been comfortable, but had never really threatened. Both sides had cancelled each other out.

HT: Owls 0, Addicks 0

Sheffield Wednesday made a double substitution. Hutchinson and McGeady went off for Lopez and man mountain Nuhiu.

Forestieri chipped the ball to Nuhiu but his touch failed him. Harriott tried to break forward, but was chopped down by Lopez.

Gudmundsson turned provider for Reza, but his run was judged to be offside.

A Forestieri shot from 30 yards took a deflection, Pope saw it late, but saved well. A dangerous ball in from Pudli on 60 minutes was caught by Pope. The home support came alive.

Suk-Young got into a good positon, but put the ball way wide. Pope dealt well with a ball into the box. A bouncing shot from Lee was held by Pope. The home crowd started roaring. Tex provided a great block, but Wednesday had a corner. It was a free header at the far post and Pope stood no chance as Lees put the home side 1-0 ahead. Once again Charlton were let down by defending at a corner.

Wednesday won another corner, but it was unproductive. Vetokele came on and Reza went off.

On 70 minutes Charlton went 2-0 down after the ball came off the post and Forestieri had an empty net to head into.

Wednesday won a dubious corner, but it was unproductive. Ba was booked for kicking the ball away after he was brought down.

Wednesday won another corner, Ba under no pressure turned it into the net. He was taken off for Jackson.

After a Charlton corner a shot by Motta went inches wide of the post. Matias replaced Wallace for Wednesday. On 82 minutes Diarra came off and Lookman came on.

Harriott got booked for a challenge on Hunt in time added on. Hunt was stretchered off.

Attendance was the biggest for a league game at Hillsborough this season, 29,600+, 600 Addickted. We won't see that sort of crowd at Fleetwood Town.

José Riga seeks to justify his team selection here: Selection

An interesting essay here on contrasting ownership styles at Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday: How to do it and how not to do it

Friday 18 March 2016

Big crowd expected at Hillsborough

A crowd of around 30,000 is expected at Hillsborough tomorrow as promotion prospects Sheffield Wednesday take on 'relegation haunted' Charlton Athletic: Massive match

It may be the biggest crowd the Addicks see for a long time. They face a big challenge in maintaining their mini run of seven points out of nine.

In the form table Charlton (16th) are currently above Sheffield Wednesday (19th).

Last year we drew there 1-1 and the year before we won 3-2.

Odds are: Sheffield Wed 1/2, Draw 10/3, Charlton 6/1.

Charlton currently have the Championship's worst disciplinary record: Indiscipline

Thursday 17 March 2016

Mel Baroni resigns

Mel Baroni has resigned as Comms director at Charlton after just 46 days in office. The club had previously been without someone in post for two and a half years. Presumably the hideous statement on the club website was too much.

Fans who met her spoke well of her. She visited the museum early in her tenure to familiarise herself with club history.

Incidentally, coming out of York Railway Station today, I was confronted by a large poster which said 'Charlton Nil. SE7.' It was, of course, advertising a Jim Davidson tour.

Tuesday 15 March 2016

FA to probe behaviour of Charlton fans

The Football Association is to investigate the behaviour of Charlton fans after Sunday's match against Middlesbrough was interrupted several times: FA Probe

I sense that referee Darren Dreadman, who usually demonstrates that he is charge of a match by repeatedly flourishing yellow cards, was none too pleased with the expressions of customer dissatisfaction.

Apparently, the extraordinary statement on the Charlton website was not hacked, but is for real.

VOTV editor Rick Everitt describes the statement, evidently written by Roland himself, as an 'own goal': You didn't really want to do that

Monday 14 March 2016

Riga: I understand fans' anger

José Riga says that he understands the anger and protests of Charlton fans, but just wants to do his job: Riga

Sunday 13 March 2016

Charlton win at home

Charlton confounded their own fans' expectations by beating high flying Middlesbrough 2-0 at The Valley this afternoon. It was a composed and determined performance by the Addicks. I heard a surprised Boro supporter saying on the train afterwards, 'They really wanted to win.'

The start of the game was interrupted as the pitch was bombarded with black and white beach balls as fans chanted their desire to see Roland out. Charlton, however, kept their concentration well and Nick Pope's save to prevent an own goal by Rod Fanni was the closest Boro came before the break.

The visitors looked brighter after the interval, but £9m striker Rhodes was too slow after being found in a good position by Albert Adomah on the edge of the box and was crowded out by the Charlton defence.

The Addicks took the lead when Johann Berg Gudmundsson's corner was met by Teixeira on the six-yard line with a bullet header, giving Dimi Konstantopoulos no chance. A couple of fans invaded the pitch, one sensibly made his way back to the Covered End, but the other needed half a dozen stewards to restrain him.

A considerable number of fans left on the 74th minute and missed the second goal. Adomah and Gaston Ramirez tested Pope as Boro pressed forward, but they were caught out at the back as the ball rebounded off Dael Fry and the impressive Harriott swept home his eighth goal of the season before limping off with a knock.

Referee Darren Dreadman was much keener to award free kicks to Boro and handed out his customary large number of yellow cards.

Motta didn't know why fans were protesting: Motta

There has been discussion about whether Meire looks smug or frightened in the televised picture of her. I would say queasy.

Player ratings

Pope kept a clean sheet, making some excellent saves and never look flustered once. As well as scoring the opening goal, Teixeira was solid in defence. Fox had one of the best games I have ever seen him play. Apart from the near own goal, Fanni had a good game. Motta was the player I have reservations about, I am not sure how strong he is defensively.

Suk-Young had a decent game. We saw how much we missed Diarra who had an excellent game and was close to being man of the match. Cousins was chosen as man of the match by the pundits and was energetic and tigerish. Gudmundsson had the best game he has had for some time and got warm applause when he was taken off.

Lookman was energetic and skilled, but didn't make a huge impact. Harriott run himself into the ground pressing the opposition.

Bergdich didn't make a great impression when he came on. Reza raced around as usual, but to no great effect. Lennon had a cameo.

Boro to serve the last rites?

That is the headline in today's Football League Paper previewing today's match between Charlton and Middlesbrough. It refers to the mock funeral procession before the game and the 74th minute planned walkout by fans.

Boro are confident that any disruption caused by the exit of coach Aitor Karanka will be more than offset by the unrest at The Valley which they think will play into their hands. Midfielder Adam Forshaw told the FLP, 'If we can go there as a team and put in a good performance then hopefully there will be a few cracks in Charlton.' Contrasting the two sets of fans, he said, 'Our fans have been fantastic this season.'

The Addicks have scored just one goal in their past five league meetings with Middlesbrough. Boro are unbeaten in four league visits to The Valley, winning three. Only MK Dons (30) have scored fewer goals than Charlton this season (32).

Boro have won only one of their past six away league games (D2 L3) and have lost both of the last two. A points haul of 29 from their opening 36 games is the Addicks' worst return since the 2008-09 season, when they were relegated to League One (27 points).

There are often comments about a particular player being 'the worst I have ever seen in a Charlton shirt.' That is a very competitive league, but I do think that Simon Makienok is the worst forward I have seen playing for Charlton in the last twenty years. Unfortunately, with Sanogo foolishly getting himself sent off, we have few options up front with Lookman having to be protected as a saleable asset.

Although one doesn't want to overdo the pessimistic negativity, it's difficult to see Charlton claiming even one point today.

Odds are: Charlton 19/4, Draw 14/5, Middlebrough 8/13.

Those planning to travel by train should be warned that services appear to be minimal. Travel to and from London Bridge is convoluted, often taking as much as one hour.

Saturday 12 March 2016

Karanka pulls out

Aitor Karanka will not take charge of Middlesbrough at The Valley tomorrow and he is considering his future at the club. Assistant Steve Agnew will be in charge.

He is not the first manager to step down just before a game at The Valley.

Agnew took charge of Middlesbrough previously when Strachan left in 2010 and he had a 100% loss rate: 2 games, 2 defeats.

Boro coach storms out of training ground

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka stormed out of the club's training ground yesterday. There have been tensions between him and players after he accused them of lack of desire following the 1-0 defeat at Rotherham: Stormy times

However, he is still expected to take charge at The Valley tomorrow. Whether he falls victim to the curse of Charlton remains to be seen.

Chris Powell will be at tomorrow's game as a Sky TV pundit: Powell

Harry Lennon pledges his future

Academy product Harry Lennon has pledged his future to Charlton even if they go down: Lennon

I have no doubt that he could do a job for us in League One.

Thursday 10 March 2016

Club £46m in debt

Charlton's accounts for 2014-5 show that the club had a total of £46m in debt. £38m was owed to Roland's company Staprix, £7m to the old board and £1m to the bank.

£1m was paid in interest to Staprix during the year, according to VOTV editor Rick Everitt.

The club announced a loss of £3.78m in their accounts for the financial year to the end of June 2015. The club's match-day income fell by £1.2m but operating expenses were reduced by £1m to 16.8m.

The Addicks made a profit of £4.4m on player sales, which included the departures of Joe Gomez and Diego Poyet to Liverpool and West Ham respectively.

The overall figures are an improvement on the previous year's accounts, where Charlton recorded a loss of £5.72m.

"It is the board's strategy to continue to reduce these levels of losses over time and move towards a break-even position whilst remaining highly competitive in the Championship," chief executive Katrien Meire wrote in a statement. [What about imminent relegation?]

Wednesday 9 March 2016

Customer dissatisfaction affects players

José Riga thinks that the negative situation at The Valley is affecting player performance on the pitch: Valley issues

Assistant head coach Jose Jeunechamps has left the club after a month to manage a second tier Belgian side: Farewell

This probably puts him out of the running as a future head coach at Charlton. Thanks for all you tried to do.

Tuesday 8 March 2016

Bore draw at The Valley

MK Dons won an early free kick at The Valley but Pope claimed it confidently. Maynad managed to get into the box, but his effort was tame. Charlton were defending deep from the off. It was a nervous start for the Addicks on a wet evening.

A good shot from Gudmundsson was blocked on five minutes.

Suk Young put in a dangerous cross, but it was cleared.

Murphy went to ground easily looking for a penalty, but the referee ruled that it was a goal kick.

Harriott put in a good run going round three players but he was unlucky when his last touch ended in a goal kick.

Charlton had a spell of possession in the opposition half, but Fox put the ball in the Jimmy Seed.

Motta’s cross was headed behind for a corner after good interplay between Harriott and Motta. Gudmundsson’s delivery was poor and the ball was cleared.

Motta put an excellent ball across the pitch to Gudmundsson, but the ball was claimed by Martin clad in green in the Dons goal.

The visitors won a corner. Gudmundsson intercepted and got the ball away.

Charlton couldn’t break MK Dons down. The visitors were defending in depth and Charlton couldn’t get behind the back four with a pedestrian build up. A shot from Murphy went wide.

Pope made a poor clearance and then a decent save at the expense of a corner. The Addickted chanted for Sanogo who was felt to be incapable of starting two games in a few days.

Tex did well to put the ball behind for a corner. The ball was headed clear.

Gudmundsson got in behind, but Martin smothered the ball.

Harriott won Charlton a corner after the impressive Motta linked up with him well. Gudmundsson over hit the ball and it went out for a goal kick.

Charlton had a quick counter attack and Cousins put in good work, but Makienok and Suk-Young were both poor.

The first half ended unusually on 45 minutes. It had been uninspiring, but the Covered End gave the team a rousing cheer.

HT 0-0

Bowditch got a yellow card for a foul on Suk-Young. Play continued to be scrappy and lackimg in quality. The Covered End again chanted for Sanogo.

Great defending from Tex with Palace loan player Williams going down by the hoardings.

Williams was taken off and Hall came on. Tex had a header on target. A shot from Cousins was just inches wide of the post, after good work by Harriott. The crowd came alive. Pope had to make a great save from the substitute Hall. The Addicks just about dealt with the corner.

Harriott, rather surprisingly came off and kicked away the ball in frustration. There were boos followed by applause as Harriott kicked the dugout. There were chants of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ from the Addickted. Sanogo came on. Gudmundsson went on the right in a 4-4-2 formation.

A nasty challenge by Bowditch on Tex went unpunished. Bowditch was taken off and Reeves came on.

The visitors won a corner, but it was cleared. Maynard was replaced by Revell.

Poyet came off and Bergdich came on. He got a round of applause from the MK Dons fans. Bergdich went on the left and Suk Young switched to the right of midfield.

The visitors had a big chance, but Fox somehow blocked Hall’s shot from eight yards. The fans started to chant Lookman’s name, but a deal has probably already been done for him and he can’t be injured.

Bergdich put in a great ball, but it somehow squirmed past Sanogo. It was arguably the best chance of the evening for the Addicks.

Charlton won a corner. Gudmundsson’s corner was poor and it ended in an offside decision. There was the biggest cheer of the night as Makienok finally came off and Lookman came on.

Lookman struck the ball off a defender’s hand, but no penalty was awarded. Charlton won a corner. A second corner followed. A shot from Sanogo was blocked. MK Dons broke and won a corner. They then got a second. Pope claimed it.

Lookman won a free kick. It was taken by Lookman, and it was a good delivery, but the keeper claimed it. Lookman won another free kick. It was delivered to the near post, but went out for a corner. Four minutes were added on. A second corner followed. Word came through that Rotherham had gone ahead against Boro.

Yet another cynical foul on Lookman and Carruthers was booked. In the final minute Carruthers put a great chance over the bar.

Sanogo was sent off in the final minute for elbowing a MK Dons player off the ball.

Charlton had a final corner but it was headed away.

A draw was the result I feared tonight and the Franchisees got what they wanted. Lookman made a real difference when he came on, but there was a lack of quality in the final third.

Franchisees have no fear

Milton Keynes Dons think they are hitting their best form of the season and go to The Valley tonight without any fear: Fearless

Charlton have won all three of their league encounters at home to MK Dons, although none of these were in the Championship. MK Dons have found the net in each of their past four against the Addicks (W2 D1 L1). The Addicks have not won at home since 7 November, drawing five and losing four since then.

The visitors have won just two games away all season, fewer than any other team in the Championship apart from Bolton. They have, however, drawn five games and this must be a worry for tonight.

Monday 7 March 2016

Harriott confident we can beat drop

Callum Harriott remains confident that Charlton can beat the drop: Harriott

We certainly need belief at this time and hopefully Saturday's win will give the team some much needed confidence.

Tomorrow's game against MK Dons is clearly massive. Win and we can keep our slim hopes alive. Draw or lose and we can wave them goodbye. Even if we win, we have a mountain to climb. We would probably need another six wins against some tough opposition, although good teams can bring out the best in Charlton.

Stephen Henderson will not be available, but there is a outside chance that Diarra could play: Player availability

Crystal Palace lost again yesterday and I liked Lawro's comment that Pardoo couldn't manage a 1-0 lead against ten men. Unfortunately, just one more win would probably buy the Glaziers safety.

'Scoop' Burrowes had better hand over his hard won title to Rick Everitt, as the Ramsgate resident has another major story in the latest edition of Voice of the Valley which will be available from around the ground before the game: VOTV preview

Odds are: Charlton 31/20, Draw 23/10, MK Dons 9/5.

Saturday 5 March 2016

Charlton win away

Charlton went ahead after 15 seconds at Griffin Park after Harriott side footed the ball into the net, the attack having been started by Fox on the left. Brentford won the first corner of the afternoon. Pope got enough on it to get the ball out to Harriott.

Fanni had to deal with a Brentford free kick chipped into the box at the expense of a corner, but Charlton managed to clear the ball.

A good counter attack by Charlton involving Harriott and Sanogo led to a corner, but it was unproductive. Brentford had their first real chance but Swift’s header was misdirected wide of the post.

The referee booked Sanogo for handball.

As Charlton applied more pressure, they won another corner, leading to another on the opposite side.

The referee complained to Cousins and Harriott that there were too many free kicks. Pope did well to come out and smother the ball at the expense of a corner which was taken short.

A cross flashed across the six yard box but no one from the home side could connect. Judge advanced after Motta slipped but Pope made a super save.

On 24 minutes applause rang out for the Brentford fan Dean Langford who tragically lost his life in a car accident. While this was going on, Pope had to make an excellent save. From the corner Barbet equalised for Brentford with a header on 25 minutes. Once again the weakness of the Addicks at set pieces was evident. A Charlton corner led to a second on the opposite side, but the move ended in a free kick.

A header from Sanogo was just wide of the Brentford post. A great cross from Fox led to a Charlton corner, once again taken by Gudmundsson. Diarra was not able to continue and Poyet came on after 34 minutes. Fox had to concede a corner. Pope felt that he had been impeded, but Charlton had a goal kick.

Poyet put in a sliding tackle with his foot up and received a yellow card.

HT: Bees 1, Addicks 1

Gudmundsson lost the ball on the half way line and Canos broke through but put his shot wide.

Canos got a yellow card for a trip on Suk-Young. Motta received a yellow card for something that happened off the ball.

Brentford won a corner on 59 minutes. A low shot from Swift on the edge of the box was easy for Pope. A cross blocked by Tex led to another Brentford corner. Cousins cleared. Brentford brought on Vibe. A corner was well claimed by Pope.

Motta did well to win a corner for Charlton with a great run. Tex’s deep header was too easy for Button.

Charlton had a two on one situation but Sanogo couldn’t find Gudmundsson.

After great work by Fox on the left, and a good cross by Gudmndsson, Harriott advanced into the six yard box and scored a great goal to make it 2-1 to the Addicks.

Brentford took off Canos and brought on Saunders.

Sanogo was caught offside in a marginal decision. Saunders went down dramatically in the box, but the referee took no notice. Pope claimed a cross from Judge well.

McEacharan went off for Brentford and Hoffman came on for the long ball on 81 minutes.

Great work by Tex, but Brentford won a corner on 84 minutes. It was cleared from the near post by Cousins.

On 86 minutes Harriott went off to a standing ovation and Makienok came on. Fanni got booked for time wasting.

Brentford applied pressure on 89 minutes, but Charlton were able to block the ball and clear. Cousins won a free kick. Judge got a yellow card for his challenge.

Four minutes were added on. Charlton launched an attack, but it was unsuccessful. Makienok took a shot which came off the bar. Cousins advanced but was fouled by Hoffman who got a yellow card. Gudmundsson came off and Reza came on. A shot by Judge cannoned off the head of Poyet and a second attempt went over the bar.

Friday 4 March 2016

Never say die

I had lunch with my London boss today. He is a Fulham supporter and he was impressed with Charlton's away support who kept singing when they were 3-0 down and in the pub afterwards.

A good friend is a season ticket holder at Brentford. Their strategy is to consolidate in the Championship until they get their new stadium when they will be able to tap into the affluent south-west London market. But, be warned, Katrien was also targeting that in her search for new customers.

Brentford have conceded exactly once in each of their past four home league meetings with Charlton (W1 D2 L1). Charlton are unbeaten in two league visits to Griffin Park but have not gone three without defeat since their first three trips there in the 1920s.

The Bees have lost seven of their past 10 league games (W2 D1), including each of the past three away games, and have not lost four or more on the road since February 2011 (five losses). The Addicks have only won once in eight away league games (D1 L6), conceding 25 goals (3.1 goals per game).

Charlton have made more errors leading directly to goals than any team this season (9). The Addicks have conceded more goals via set-pieces (not including penalties) than any other team this season.

Jordan Cousins should return after being out injured.

With relegation a near certainty, they are now playing for honour.

Odds are: Brentford 4/6, Draw 3/1, Charlton 4/1.

Thursday 3 March 2016

Happier days

An Evening Standard article recalling when both Brentford and Charlton were top clubs: The 1930s

As the article points out, lack of investment by the Charlton board prevented the club becoming established as a top one.

Tuesday 1 March 2016

Charlton could extend Callum Harriott's stay

Charlton have an option to extend Callum Harriott's contract by one year: Callum Harriott

I would extend him as he showed at Colchester United how effective he can be in League One. However, falling revenues may stop this happening.

It's possible there could be another relegation in South London as Super Alan Pardew loses his magic touch: Glaziers

Gooner breaks Sanogo twitter promise

An Arsenal fan has had to back track after he promised to run naked down Regent Street if 'useless' Yaya Sanogo scored a hat trick: Gooner

He now claims that the second goal was an own goal, but he could have said that Championship goals don't count.