To the Londoners 2-0

Charlton have gone second in the Championship, above Leeds and behind Swansea, after beating Reading 2-0 at the Madejeski this afternoon.

George Puscas had two good efforts for the hosts before the break in an even but goalless first period.

Jonathan Leko, described by Bowyer later as Charlton's 'wild card', broke the deadlock soon after half time as the Charlton forward's deflected effort spun in from the edge of the box. The lead was doubled when Lyle Taylor converted a penalty after Chuks Aneke had been brought down in the area by Pele.

Both sides had chances in the first period - Leko forcing a good early save from Reading's Rafael Cabral, while Lucas Joao's overhead kick went just over the bar at the other end. New signing Puscas hit the bar midway through the opening period and he also forced Dillon Phillips into a good save in first-half stoppage time after breaking through.

Reading failed to create many clear-cut chances after the break as Bowyer's boys took command, although John Swift's powerful effort to the top corner was saved by Phillips in the 88th minute.

Lee Bowyer was interviewed on Sports Report and was full of praise for Lyle Taylor, particularly how he holds up the ball. Asked if targets had been exceeded, he said that the only target was to stay in the division. He praised the 'fearless' Addicks to Louis Mendez: Bowyer hails fearless Charlton

The report from Louis Mendez can be found here: Addicks up to second

Stern test for Reading

The view in Berkshire is that Charlton will offer a stern test of Reading's credentials tomorrow. The Addicks are reckoned to be exciting going forward, clinical in front of goal and with few weak spots that the Royals can exploit: Assessment of Charlton

Four Four Two forecast a 20th place finish again for Reading. saying they might have just enough to retain Championship status. The quoted fan was more optimistic forecasting a 14th place finish. Reading are currently 11th, having won two, drawn one and lost one. Charlton remain 3rd after Fulham drew at Cardiff on Friday night.

Charlton have sold out the away end at the Madejski.

The game at Fulham on October 5th has been brought forward to 12.30 so that it can be shown on Sky.

Bowyer's praise for Pratley

Lee Bowyer is full of praise for Darren Pratley and says that he earned a contract extension. It's not just what he does on the pitch, but what he does off it calming down Lyle Taylor: Bowyer on Pratley

Josh Cullen has been called up for the senior Northern Ireland squad.

Charlton solve right back problem

Charlton are solving their right back problem by signing Adam Matthews who has played for Cardiff City, Celtic and Sunderland: Right back deal

Career details for the 27-year old Welsh international: Adam Matthews

Lee Bowyer favourite for Huddersfield job

Lee Bowyer is now the favourite with the bookies for the managerial vacancy at Huddersfield Town: Next manager

I'm not too worried, he is on the crest of a wave at Charlton and Huddersfield are struggling. The fact that he knows Karlan Grant is neither here nor there.

Richard Cawley of the SLP was told yesterday there had been no approach. But he added, 'But that doesn't guarantee that there isn't interest. If Bowyer and Charlton keep excelling this season then his list of admirers will only grow. Just the same as any player who does well.'

Lee Bowyer has confirmed to Richard Cawley that there has been no contact with him or his agent. 'I haven't spoken to my agent and he hasn't called me. I don't know where it has come from. How can I not be happy at Charlton? We're sitting in a good place. I haven't heard anything.'

Leko finds his feet

A Black Country look at how Leko and Field are settling in at Charlton with comments from Louis Mendez. Understandably there is a greater emphasis on Leko who has been able to make more impact as Field has to compete with Darren Pratley for the defensive midfield position: Flying high with Charlton

Why Gallagher has been such a success

Lee Bowyer explains why Conor Gallagher has been such a success at The Valley, putting down to his desire to learn and take on board everything he is told: Instant hit at Charlton

For me Gallagher has shown a maturity of judgment and a sense of purpose well beyond his years. Credit must go to Lee Bowyer and his team for their success in recruiting loan players.

Williams recalled by Wales

After a two year absence playing for a proper club has seen Jonny Williams recalled to the Wales squad for forthcoming games against Azerbaijan and Belarus: Glad to be back

Tom Lockyer is also in the squad.

Charlton hold on to go second in table

Charlton beat Brentford 1-0 at The Valley this afternoon to go second in the Championship table. The Addicks were under the cosh for much of the second half and the midfield was forced into defence, leaving Lyle Taylor isolated up front.

Brentford passed the ball around well and kept possession much of the time, but their inability to score goals was evident. They have scored just two goals in the first five matches.

The deciding goal came before half time when Jonny Williams surged forward and Conor Gallagher placed the ball crisply in the back of the net.

Charlton almost had a second in the 51st minute when Lyle Taylor narrowly missed connecting with a Ben Purrington cross. Ollie Watkins, who has scored both Brentford goals this season, stung the palms of Dillon Phillips on the hour mark as the Bees pressed.

Substitute Said Benrahma and Emiliano Marcondes were both denied by heroic blocks as the game reached its climax, but Charlton held on to preserve their unbeaten record.

There were a lot of interruptions for injuries, in part reflecting new concussion protocols. Deji Oshilaga had to be withdrawn with a groin strain and Lockyer filled in at right back: Withdrawn as precaution

Sizzling supremo Lee Bowyer admitted that Charlton probably did not deserve to win today, but he admired the way in which tired players put their bodies on the line in a battling performance: Bowyer not getting carried away

Buzzing Bees

How come Brentford are so good ask CAS Trust in their match preview: Brentford

Four Four Two forecast a top half finish for the Bees at 8th. The fan file names Neal Maupay as their key player who, of course, left and whom they tried to replace with Lyle Taylor.

Charlton are again expected to be without Chris Solly after he suffered a head injury during the game at Barnsley and will continue to be monitored under concussion protocol.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank may freshen up his side with former Arsenal player Josh Da Silva and Said Benrahma in contention.

Brentford are 18th and have scored just two goals this season, the lowest total in the league and their worst opening performance at this level since 1947/48. Brentford registered just 29.5 per cent possession and attempted only five shots against Leeds in midweek; both their lowest totals in a Championship game since getting promoted in 2014.

Charlton and Brentford have not met at The Valley in the Championship since October 2015, with the Bees winning 3-0. Brentford are looking to secure consecutive away league wins at Charlton for the first time.

Taylor could go to Premier League

Just offering Lyle Taylor what Brentford offered him in the summer transfer window would not necessarily work according to Lee Bowyer. Premier League clubs could be interested in him in January and Bowyer thinks he is capable of playing at that level. Bowyer emphasised that he has to work within the constraints of a budget: No doubts about his ability to play in top flight

If Taylor scores against Brentford tomorrow he will be the first Charlton player to score in the five opening games of the season since Fred Whitlow in the 1929-30 season. He went on to score 27 goals in that season but was sold to Exeter City for £250 in 1931.

Bowyer resigned to losing Taylor

Lee Bowyer is resigned to losing Lyle Taylor in the January transfer window. The sad supremo fears that it will be impossible to hang on to him. Charlton simply cannot compete in terms of a contract offer: Lyle Taylor

Is Lyle Taylor the hottest striker outside the Premier League? asks Talksport Lyle Taylor

Proposals for a salary cap in the EFL could help clubs like Charlton to retain players in the longer run: Salary cap discussion

Joy turns to disappointment

According to many fans and Lee Bowyer it was the best 45 minutes of football Charlton have played under him as manager, but Charlton were unable to hold on to a first half lead. A moment of inattention at a corner and led to a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at The Valley tonight. The Addicks are now 5th in the Championship table.

Aro Muric made a series of early saves for Forest, denying Jonathan Leko and Conor Gallagher, before Lyle Taylor beat the on-loan Manchester City goalkeeper with a finely-placed header into the bottom corner. The visitors failed to get a shot on target before the break, their best chance being a loose ball that fell kindly for Lewis Grabban in the box but it was superbly cleared by Tom Lockyer as the striker shaped to shoot.

Forest had a penalty shout, as Sam Field brought down Sammy Ameobi with a challenge that appeared to be just inside the area but it instead resulted in a free-kick outside the box.

Forest, who triumphed under Sabri Lamouchi for the first time just five days earlier against Birmingham City, struggled to deal with Charlton's free-flowing attack for long periods of the first half. They didn't have any answers to Charlton's play.

For Charlton, former Addicks academy player Erhun Oztumer made his senior bow, having returned to his childhood club last week after being granted a release by financially-stricken League One side Bolton Wanderers. The forward created the first chance of the game, delivering the corner for Leko to test Muric at his near post.

The keeper went on to deny Gallagher from close range, with Michael Dawson then throwing his body in the way of a fierce shot from Leko on the rebound. Minutes later, however, Leko teed up the opener for Taylor with a neat cross from the edge of the box to complete a slick 22-pass move from the Addicks.

Lockyer ensured the Addicks led at the break with his fine piece of defending, but he was not quick enough to react from a corner as Adomah pounced on a poor first touch to level with 12 minutes remaining.

Lee Bowyer commented after the game: 'I said to them at half-time that that was the best 45 minutes I have witnessed since I have been in charge. We were frightening and created numerous chances and should have been two or three up. We suffered at the end because we got tired. We are all disappointed but I am proud because to put in a performance like that, in and out of possession, was great to watch. You can get punished easily and Forest score a goal from a corner that hits someone and drops down.'

Report from Louis Mendez: Excellent Addicks pegged back late on

Jonathan Leko says that the Charlton were disappointed not to get the win. They try to press as high as they can: Leko's verdict

Top of form table clash

It's first (Charlton) versus second (Nottingham Forest) in the form table at The Valley this evening. Forest are hoping for their first win in South-East London since 2013 as they come off the back of last Saturday's 3-0 home defeat of Birmingham City. It will be another tough test for Bowyer and his boys, but they have shown they are up to the challenge of the Championship.

Four Four Two forecast a 14th place finish for Forest. They commented, 'Player unrest led to Martin O'Neill's exit, so Forest fired up the random manager generator and within 18 minutes had brought in ex-France midfielder Sabri Lamouchi. Such mid-summer antics don't point to a long-awaited promotion push.'

Their fan file commentator was also pessimistic: 'This season will be different because last time we were fancied to do well and didn't. This year we aren't and we won't.

Charlton have slipped to third in the table after the Massives beat Luton 1-0 last night.

Forest sources are predicting a 1-1 draw: Prediction

There are reports that Charlton could allow new signing Macauley Bonne to go out on loan to Ipswich.

Hemed here at last

Tomer Hemed has at last joined Charlton and will be eligible to play against Nottingham Forest tomorrow evening. This is the fourteenth signing since promotion.

It has been announced that Steve Gritt has landed a role at Macclesfield as part of the coaching team: Silkmen .

Since his departure from Ebbsfleet United he has been scouting for Charlton.

Charlton will receive a £4.5m solidarity payment from the Premier League this season compared with £675,000 if they had stayed in League One.

Team of 1980-81. Where are they now?

The Football League Paper took a look yesterday at what happened to the Charlton players of 1980-81.

For most of the season the Addicks led the table. A 15-match unbeaten run put them in pole position to return to Division Two as champions at the first attempt. They had to settle for third place after winning just four of their last 14 games.

Steve Gritt, now back at The Valley as a scout, said that looking back there is no doubt they should be disappointed not to have won the league. 'We got to Christmas and lost at Oxford which stopped the run. The pressure of trying to keep that run going got to us, we had the players to do it but towards the end of the season we made it hard for ourselves.'

The nail in the coffin of the Addicks' title hopes were four defeats at the start of April. They lost at home to Huddersfield Town and Portsmouth as well as title rivals Rotherham United and Fulham. 'There is no reason why our form should suddenly gone like that,' added Gritt. 'Nerves kicked in maybe. And when we went to Rotherham they thrashed us. But we achieved promotion at Carlisle which was quite a good ground for us. We wanted to finish properly in front of our fans so it was good to beat Gillingham.'

The players

Martin Robinson is now working in hotel management. Gary Churchhouse later moved to Queensland where he worked as a manager in the electrical and communications industry. Nicky Johns goalkeeper won two promotions with Charlton and became Football in the Community Officer at Crystal Palace.

Jeff Wood goalkeeper who managed Brighton and Gibraltar. Now has a soccer school in Spain and is the head coach and technical director of Marbella United. Frank Clark a striker who was a glazier by trade and after running his own company worked for Glass Masters in Bromley. Steve Gritt was assistant manager of Ebbsfleet United until 2018. Ian Salter has been head coach of a number of clubs in Scandinavia after settling in Denmark where he worked as an English teacher.

Phil Walker has worked as a personal trainer and had his own soccer school in West London. Paul Lazarus settled in Helsinki, Finland. Derek 'Killer' Hales ran a pub and was a PE teacher. Lawrie Madden became a journalist and university lecturer and now runs his own media consultancy. Peter Shaw had worked in IT and is now product writer developer at Covea Insurance in Kent.

Colin Powell was groundsman until 2014 is now a school escort. Tony Hazell a central defender who was a fibre optics engineer for British Telecom. Johnny Ostergaard was also an ice hockey international, he has run a coffee shop in his native Denmark. Mark Bailey later managed Brighton, OFI Crete, Fisher Athletic and Leatherhead. He became Portsmouth's reserve team manager and scouted for Wolves. Paul Walsh won a Division One title with Liverpool. Has been a player's agent, a property developer and now working in the media.

Richard Wilson managed Jaro in Finland but then joined the Metropolitan Police. Dick Tydeman worked for the Prudential before becoming a taxi driver. Viggo Jacobsen ran a café in Denmark and has worked at the Lynettien sewage treatment plant. Phil Warman ran a pub, worked for a security company and in customer services for BMW. Keven Dickensen the left back has worked in facilities for Spanish bank BBVA.

Gallagher happy with a share of the spoils

Conor Gallagher is buzzing after his contribution to Charlton's draw at Barnsley. He says that he wants to get in the box as much as possible and to make scoring part of his game: Happy to take a share of the spoils

Powell's fear for 'brilliant' Lee

In an interview in today's Football League Paper Chris Powell praises the job done by Lee Bowyer but reckons he now faces his toughest test.

The report notes that Powell knows how hard it can be to keep tensions at bay under Roland's ownership. 'His time at the club was brought to an end after disagreements with the controversial Belgian.'

Powell said, 'Lee has been brilliant. Short-term it's about dealing with the Championship and ownership and then in the medium to long-term I think it's about looking ahead and building with someone new involved. The sale to Duchatelet hasn't worked out. It was a decision that was made and teams who are exceptional at The Valley have stuck by the team but it's quite clear they don't want anything to do with the ownership.'

'They're going to find it really tough in the Championship. Their budget is nowhere near most of the clubs in the division. I'm sure the ownership issue will eventually be dealt with, it's not good for anyone involved with the club.'

Powell's managerial ambitions are by no means extinguished according to the report, but he is doing some media work for now. However, he says, 'The desire is always there to manage.'

Solly sidelined

Chris Solly will not be available for Wednesday's game against Nottingham Forest after he suffered concussion at Barnsley: Spell on the side lines

Lee Bowyer will give new signing Ehrun Otzumer time to gain match fitness before introducing him to first team action. Bowyer thinks he is an exciting signing, comparing him to Jonny Williams: Prepared to play the waiting game

Charlton remain unbeaten

Charlton remain unbeaten in the Championship after a 2-2 draw with Barnsley at Oakwell in their new black away kit. They are second in the table behind Leeds United on goal difference.

On four minutes Taylor turned provider for Purrington but the left back fired wide. Cullen put in an effort on 14 minutes, but a defender intervened.

Solly had a clash of heads with Ben Williams on 22 minutes and had to go off. Oshilaja replaced him and was booked four minutes later. Pratley nearly scored an own goal following a corner, but Taylor was able to clear off the line.

Barnsley went ahead in 34 minutes with a volley from distance scored by Woodrow but Gallagher equalised before the break, taking advantage of a Jonny Williams right-hand cross from 12 yards out. Five minutes were added on.

On 48 minutes Chaplin evaded challengers to make it 2-1 to the home side. The referee was injured and at first it was thought that he had lost a contact lens, but he required treatment for biting his tongue.

Leko was replaced by Aneke on 70 minutes. Pearce made a great block with his face in 81 minutes as Barnsley chased a third goal. Aneke was denied one on one with Radlinger in the Barnsley goal. Pratley came off on 83 minutes to be replaced by Bonne. On 88 minutes Gallagher was tripped in the area and Taylor stepped up to score calmly from the spot.

Just as in League One, Charlton's game was the last to finish with five minutes added on, enough time for Aneke and Cullen to pick up bookings.

Lee Bowyer has said that he was disappointed to come away with just a point.

Another tough test at Barnsley

Barnsley are unbeaten at home for 27 games. In fact the last team to built them at home were Millwall 17 months ago: Tough test

Four Four Two forecast a 17th place finish for the Tykes. They have spent more seasons in England's second tier than any other team.

According to Four Four Two 'The fans' opinion of the gaffer is that the positivity of Daniel Stendel gives us an exciting identity, pressing high and scoring for fun.'

Otzumer signs two year deal

Ehrun Otzumer has signed a two year deal at Charlton. Richard Cawley of the SLP notes, 'Patience personified by all parties for this one. Charlton tried to get him last January and then there has been the lengthy wait for him to get free of his Bolton Wanderers deal.'

The 28-year old local lad born in Greenwich started as a youngster at Charlton, but was let go for being too small. He subsequently played for Dulwich Hamlet.

Career details here: Otzumer

A Charlton fan who also follows Dulwich Hamlet said, 'I am absolutely ecstatic about the signing of Erhun Oztumer. You won’t believe how small he is and you won’t believe how good he is. The only reason he didn’t do better at the Hamlet was the other players weren’t good enough to keep up with him. If Lyle and the rest can get onto his wavelength we could be in for a massive season.'

Still no answers on Hemed

Charlton still haven't been told whether Tomer Hemed can join them from Brighton. One would almost think that the football authorities are incompetent. Bowyer: we're not getting answers

Jonny Williams says that this is the most enjoyable start to a season he has ever had (fans chanted his name when he was substituted on Saturday): Most enjoyable start

Of course, Williams has started all his previous seasons at Palace, but he says that he never felt part of things there.

Charlton defeated by Vegans

Shawn McCoulsky netted the winning penalty as Forest Green Rovers sent Charlton tumbling out of the Carabao Cup and set up a second-round tie at Premier League Bournemouth. League Two Rovers scored all five of their spot-kicks to win 5-3 after Charlton's Albie Morgan's effort struck the post.

The Addicks could have won the tie when a foul on Naby Sarr earned them a penalty midway through the second half. But Rovers keeper Joe Wollacott flung himself to his left to push away Jake Forster-Caskey's kick.

Wollacott had already produced a string of saves to thwart the Addicks, notably blocking Sarr's close-range volley in the first half. Forest Green rarely threatened, although Junior Mondal forced a diving stop from Ben Amos 15 minutes from time.

Lee Bowyer was disappointed with the performance. he said that only Sarr and Amos came out with any credit from a Charlton point of view. He felt a lot of fringe players wasted their chance to stake a claim.

There is still no further update on the ratification of the signing of Tomer Hemed. Bowyer admitted it's frustrating that the decision is taking this long by the relevant authorities, says it is wasting everyone's time.

Charlton's excellent 2019 points return

It's early days, but Charlton have made an impressive start to life in the Championship which Richard Cawley of the SLP reviews here: Not proving a slog for Charlton

Only Manchester City and Liverpool have averaged better points returns in 2019 than Charlton (2.22).

Tonight's Carabao Cup game against Forest Green Rovers will provide a chance to see some of the fringe players in action. Should any of the Vegans players go down, check that they are not having a munch of the grass.

Beram Kayal will not make his Charlton debut tonight as he has a slight groin strain: Bowyer wanting to unlock new signings

Ramsgate rebel rebukes Roland

VOTV editor Rick Everitt hits back at what he describes as a personal attack on him by Roland Duchatelet (who has never met him). The Rickster says he has an agenda, but it's all about making Charlton the best it can be: My agenda

The Ramsgate-based fan says that Roland is stubborn and belligerent, but admits that some people apply that description to him. However, he notes that only one of us experiences the rush of joy that comes from seeing the team succeed on the field. He describes Roland as 'a dessicated calculating machine'.

Everitt discusses at some length the role of Richard Murray and his 'simmering feud' with former chief executive Peter Varney.

Difficult to get Taylor to sign new contract

It will be difficult to get Lyle Taylor to sign a new contract admits Lee Bowyer. His current contract expires at the end of the season. The shaken supremo commented that his head had been turned by Brentford and Charlton are never going to be able to offer what Brentford did: Tough to get new contract

Roland denounces 'aggression'

Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet has denounced 'new aggression' by CARD who are planning targeted protests against him: Owner's disappointment

The barmy Belgian makes a reference to individuals with an agenda. This may refer to Ramsgate rebel Rick Everitt and his group of disgruntled ex-employees as he clearly riles Roland.

Louis Mendez commented, 'Really is quite hard to comprehend why the owner feels the need to remain involved in this feud like this. Shows that CARD has him rattled and also takes the focus off the work Bowyer and the side are doing - surely he’d want people to just concentrate on the team doing well?'

Why Cullen returned to The Valley

Josh Cullen thinks that Charlton was the best place to continue his development as a player. He improved under Lee Bowyer's guidance last season: Best place for me

Cullen commented, 'He knows what he’s going to get from me, I know what he wants me to do and how he wants me to go about my business.'

Right back Tyrone Mears is to train with Charlton this week. The right back is a free agent: Former West Ham defender

Charlton show Championship quality

Charlton showed Championship quality in their 3-1 defeat of Stoke City at The Valley this afternoon. They are one of only two teams with a 100 per cent record and are in second place. Jonny Williams and Darren Pratley had outstanding games. The lively and skilled Jonathan Leko got a deserved standing ovation when he was substituted.

Stoke seemed to be going for an early goal, but the Addicks were able to contain their threat. Taylor broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with his second goal in as many games, collecting the ball on the edge of the box and rifling the ball into the far corner, easily beating international goalkeeper Butland.

Taylor's strike roused Stoke who seemed to be working out Charlton's gam plan and Scott Hogan struck the crossbar before Ince snatched the equaliser, unleashing a left-foot drive that zipped into the net.

Lee Gregory squandered opportunities to put the Potters ahead either side of half-time, hitting the post and then blazing an effort over from close range after Sam Clucas had teed him up.

But Jonny Williams and Josh Cullen combined to set up summer signing Aneke, who dispatched the chance from 10 yards.

Chelsea loan midfielder Conor Gallagher (man of the match) completed the scoring with his first senior goal seven minutes from time, finding the roof of the net after Taylor had flicked on Cullen's corner.

Incidentally, the new corner flags should be triangular rather than rectangular, a privilege granted to teams who have won the FA Cup.

No cards were shown during the game.

Bowyer reckons that the chances of signing Tomer Hemed from Brighton are 50-50: Transfer hopes

All's well that ends well

It has been a roller coaster of a week, but now we can focus on Saturday's match against Stoke City in the knowledge that we have a strengthened team.

Louis Mendez has tweeted, 'Considering what the fears were about Taylor earlier in the week, to keep him and then get Cullen, Field, Leko, Kayal [from Brighton and Hove Albion] and then hopefully Hemed (should find out for certain either way tomorrow) - that’s a pretty tidy last few days of the window.'

It's a great shame that Lyle Taylor has been subject to abuse on Twitter, it's not his fault that Brentford made four offers for him.

A shame to lose Dijksteel, but it's a survivable loss which wouldn't have been true for our talisman Taylor.

Charlton hope to complete Field deal

Charlton are hoping to complete a deal for 21-year old West Bromwich Albion midfielder Sam Field who is available on loan: Deal hope

Career details here: Sam Field

Richard Cawley has tweeted that we have been linked with Jonathan Leko at West Brom, described as a bit of a raw talent but someone Bowyer could work on and improve.

Leko is a forward: Career details

Hopes of Cullen return

The Currant Bun and other sources are saying that Josh Cullen is set to return to Charlton on loan. Great news if it is true.

Richard Cawley of the SLP says there is a wall of silence from the club at the moment which suggests that things are happening.

Charlton turn down Taylor offer

Charlton have turned down an offer from Brentford according to Richard Cawley of the SLP: Bid for talisman rejected

It says something about our situation if a club like Brentford thinks they can offer a little over £2m for our star striker.

Charlton linked with Spurs starlet

Charlton have been linked with 17-year old Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott who could come in on a one year loan: Possible deal

I don't give much credence to reports linking Lyle Taylor with Brentford as a Maupay replacement. However, Richard Cawley of the SLP thinks there is substance to it. It would be a sideways move, although under Roland anything is possible. He will sell anything except the club.

One report states that Charlton are looking for a fee of £3m. Apparently, Taylor is not training today and one report says he has been seen at Brentford.

Dijksteel on his way

According to Richard Cawley of the SLP, Middlesbrough have accepted Charlton's price for Dijksteel which is thought to be £2m. Nice little earner for Roland.

He has agreed personal terms and will have a medical tomorrow.

He has been a target for Boro all summer. They need cover at right back.

Charlton are purring

Charlton are purring after they started their Championship campaign with a 2-1 win at Blackburn Rovers with goals from Ben Purrington and Lyle Taylor. 1,077 Addicks were there to see the victory. It was the first time Charlton had won their opening away game of the season for 14 years.

Naby Sarr got an early yellow card on 8 minutes. Charlton did not spark into life in the opening exchanges, finding it difficult to get out of their own half. It was 15 minutes before they had a real spell of possession.

On 26 minutes Lockyer did well to head a Downing cross away. Williams linked up well with Purrington, but his low cross was kicked away. On 36 minutes Taylor forced a good save from Walton.

On 43 minutes 'The Cat' bared his claws. Using a cross from Williams, he put in a left footed shot from close range that went over the keeper to put the Addicks ahead.

Half time: Rovers 0, Addicks 1

On 54 minutes Rovers scored a bizarre own goal. Dijksteel headed off the line and Charlton thought they have cleared the ball but it went off the back of Phillips into the goal.

Taylor fired over from the edge of the box. Phillips made a good save. Pearce did well to turn a cross behind. Sarr had not been doing well at left back and was replaced on 66 minutes by Gallagher. Blackburn made a double substitution.

Purrington made a great block. There were yellow cards for Pearce and Forster-Caskey. Gallagher made good use of a throw in from Dijksteel, but his shot was deflected into the side netting. From the corner Pearce headed the ball and Taylor back heeled into the net to put Charlton ahead again.

Williams was replaced by Morgan on 80 minutes. Forster-Caskey was denied by the keeper from close range. Lapslie was replaced by Oshilaja, making his first appearance.

Six minutes were added on, but Charlton stood firm to take the three points.

Charlton are 3rd in the tentative table.

Report from Louis Mendez: Battle to opening day win

Lee Bowyer praised the impact made by Conor Gallagher but said more signings are imperative before the window closes: Bowyer's verdict

Feature article profiiles Lee Bowyer

The Times this morning has a feature article profiling Lee Bowyer, accompanied by a smiling photo of the supremo.

Referring to the chaos over his own contract, 'Bow' says: 'Duchatelet didn't realise how much the Championship had improved. I don't think he was up to date with how much it's moved on, what players are earning and what managers are earning.'

'My aim is to stay in the Championship and try and become an established side. A lot of it depends on whether the club gets sold because the owner has said he wants to keep the budget as low as possible to make it more attractive, which makes it more difficult, but we'll be ok.'

Bowyer says that he believed that the Wembley final would go to extra time, but as Charlton were fitter than Sunderland he was never worried.

Bowyer says that he has only been able to spend five days fishing at Etang de Bows in France's Champagne region this summer. He has been to France every summer for the last 20 years.

'If I'd stayed in the game I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I am now. Taking that step away for five years, it made me hungry.'

Striker admits he is nowhere near good enough for the Championship

Summer signing Macauley Bonne says he is nowhere near good enough for the Championship, but hopes to reach that level one day: I want to be playing at this level every week

Somewhat worrying, as it means that we only effectively have one striker.

Tough ask at Blackburn

Charlton have won just five games out of 47 away on the first day of the season and a comparison of the two squads shows what the Addicks are up against according to the CAS Trust preview: Two clubs in debt

Four Four Two forecast 'another solid performance' from Blackburn Rovers this season and a 13th place finish. The Fan File writer forecasts 12th. According to him the player to watch out for is midfielder Lewis Travis: 'Great movement, classy on the ball and ultra aggressive in the tackle.' He adds, 'The fans' opinion of the gaffer is high. Tony Mowbray is steady and has a distinct philosophy.'

Conor Gallagher joins from Chelsea

19-year old midfielder Conor Gallagher has joined from Chelsea on a season long loan. He trained with the team this morning and will be travelling with the squad for tomorrow's match at Blackburn.

He was one of the stars of Chelsea's youth team last year, playing in central midfield. He joined the club at the age of six.

A late addition to the England Under-17 squad, he made his debut prior to the World Cup finals in October 2017 and returned with a winner's medal, featuring regularly as a steadying influence in midfield in the latter stages of games, including the final.

Curbs: 'Club in turmoil'

Former Charlton manager Alan Curbishley says that 'the club is in turmoil' and predicts further demonstrations by fans. Indeed, CARD in a statement criticising Roland's latest sob story have said that they are planning further demonstrations, although not at The Valley: Serious Charlton concerns

Facing Charlton a big test for Rovers

Facing Charlton on Saturday will be a big test for Blackburn Rovers according to Tony Mowbray. It will not be an easy fixture and the Rovers supremo is expecting a tight and edgy game: All set for an intense opening day

Republic of Ireland international Derrick Williams is out injured, but Rovers have signed a defender on loan from Manchester City: Rovers team news

Roland pockets Lookman sell on fee

This morning's press conference confirmed that Roland has pocketed the Ademola Lookman sell on fee. No great surprise, but it doesn't help Lee Bowyer who confirmed that he is still five players short.

Bowyer does, however, think that he can fill the bench which he was not able to do at the opening game at Sunderland last year. Read his comments here: Back in the Championship

Another setback is that Bristol City are interested in signing Anfernee Diksteel, one can just see Roland selling him on transfer deadline day: Bristol City