Crucial court battle tomorrow

Paul Elliot's attempt to prevent Charlton being sold to someone else will be heard in the High Court in Manchester tomorrow.   It's a complex tangle, but potentially the first step towards saving Charlton from predatory chancers.  VOTV editor Rick Everitt explains the background to the hearing: http://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2019-20-blogs/31-8-season-at-stake-as-addicks-come-up-in-court/

The man with the inside knowledge, VOTV editor Rick Everitt

Apparently an Istanbul-based consortium is also now in the frame.   How these things are learnt of in Ramsgate is a mystery to me, but it does mean that even if Elliott is substracted from the action, it is by no means certain that Thomas Sandgaard will be the next owner.

Sandgaard is here for eight days and had a brief meeting with Lee Bowyer at the Palace game on Saturday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-on-his-introductory-chat-with-potential-new-addicks-owner-thomas-sandgaard/

Phillips downgraded as keeper

Dillon Phillips will not be first choice keeper at Charlton after he refused to sign a contract extension.  Ben Amos will take his place: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-dillon-phillips-wont-be-first-choice-charlton-goalkeeper-as-lee-bowyer-explains-tough-stance/

Charlton have turned down an offer from Middlesbrough for the shot stopper, who has also attracted interest from Birmingham and Blackburn.

While I can understand why Lee Bowyer is frustrated, I do feel that he has got this one wrong and that his treatment of Phillips is harsh.   The choice of keeper should be made on footballing terms.  Ben Amos is a capable keeper, but Phillips is surely first choice.

Former Leamington ace plays for Charlton

I have only just picked up the fact that former Leamington striker Courtney Baker-Richardson played 30 minutes for Charlton in the 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

Charlton had shown some interest in him when he was playing for Leamington, but Swansea City signed him.

Conor Gallagher looks set to join the Glaziers on loan.

Charlton lacked quality in final third

Lee Boywer thought that Charlton were solid for the first hour against Crystal Palace yesterday, but lacked quality in the final third: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-man-a-doubt-for-afc-wimbledon-tie-as-bowyer-wants-to-add-cutting-edge-in-transfer-window/

Alex Gilbey had to be withdrawn from the game because of a stomach problem and is doubtful for Tuesday's cup game against AFC Wimbledon.

Lockyer lost

Tom Lockyer is signing a three year contract at Luton Town, reveals Richard Cawley of the SLP.  Another blow.

His departure does mean that the club has just two fit defenders.   However, it will make it possible to sign Adam Matthews who took part in today's friendly defeat at Crystal Palace: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/luton-town-land-charlton-defender-tom-lockyer-but-defenders-exit-set-to-lead-to-adam-matthews-signing/

Happy Birthday, John Robinson

Happy Birthday to John Robinson, one of my all time favourite Charlton players.  Remember that goal against Manchester United?

Charlton forecast to finish 12th

Four Four Two has forecast a 12th place finish for Charlton in League One.  They comment, 'This prediction could end up very low if the Addicks find their third owners of 2020 and hold on to Lee Bowyer.  Amid much boardroom chaos, the current situation is worryingly uncertain.'

SLP journalist Louis Mendez provides the accompanying notes.  He says that the key player will be Macauley Bonne, 'He will be our main hope in front of goal after Lyle Taylor's departure.' 

'Our most underrated player is Chuks Aneke.  His first season at the club was disrupted by injury, but there's a player in there.  Defenders struggle to stifle him.'

'Look out for Josh Davison, he has something about him.'

Sandgaard hopes to fly in

Thomas Sandgaard is hoping to fly to London soon, but will probably have to wait for the outcome of a court case on Tuesday involving Paul Elliott who is hoping to prevent ESI being sold to anyone else: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/thomas-sandgaard-set-to-fly-to-london-as-he-eyes-completion-on-charlton-athletic-takeover/

Sandgaard says he is finding the owners' and directors' test relatively straightforward, but so it should be if you are legitimate and have the readies.   However, some Charlton fans are starting to have doubts about him,  Palace chairman Steve Parish has expressed doubts about whether Sandgaard can complete the deal.

Sandgaard would be prepared to consider outside investment to speed the deal, including Andrew Barclay and Andtew Muir: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/thomas-sandgaard-answers-whether-he-would-be-ready-to-bring-other-investors-into-charlton-deal/

Exclusive photo of the sophisticated delivery system being used for VOTV

You can still order the new Voice of the Valley up to 12 noon for delivery tomorrow, Royal Mail permitting.  Copies have been delivered to Ramsgate rather than the Rickster's urban pad in Welling, but the fanzine will not be on sale on Ramsgate Main Beach or outside The Valley.  You can only get it by post.

Addicks need 10 more players

Lee Bowyer thinks that Charlton need 10 more players to be able to compete in League One this season, but the EFL reckon they already have a 23 man squad.   The shell shocked supremo lists all the gaps in the side and says that a 'finisher' to replace Lyle Taylor is a must: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-we-still-need-to-make-ten-signings-to-compete-in-league-one-this-season/

Sandgaard: I now know what Roland really, really wants

CAS Trust have had a positive conversation with Thomas Sandgaard.  He said he thinks he has 'figured out what Roland wants and he has put something in front of him which will allow him to achieve that'.   His final words were: 'I can't imagine it won't happen'.

Read the full report here: https://www.castrust.org/2020/08/cast-meets-thomas-sandgaard/

The Mayor of London has tweeted: 'Charlton is a club with a proud history of doing great work for the community via @cafctrust. I hope the current issues are resolved so all fans can look forward to watching them play at their stadium, The Valley, for years to come.'

Jason Pearce out for two months

Jason Pearce is going to be out for up to two months with a knee injury which leaves Charlton down to the bare bones in terms of central defensive options: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jason-pearce-ruled-out-as-charltons-central-defensive-options-become-a-concern/

Richard Cawley of the SLP notes: 'One of the players who counts as part of Charlton's 23-man squad is Junior Quitirna, who came on as a 62nd-minute sub in the EFL Cup v Forest Green in August 2019.'

VOTV at the printers

 As usual, Voice of the Valley has been typeset under strict editorial control

The latest issue of Voice of the Valley is at the printers and copies ordered today will be dispatched tomorrow, hopefully to arrive in time for the Bank Holiday weekend.  Little is known about the contents, but one can expect comprehensive coverage of the takeover saga as well as the vapourings of the usual suspects.

Mr A.B. of Norbury writes: 'My postman is a Nigel and he knows ultras from Selhurst.  I don't want him to discover I am an Addick.'   VOTV replies: 'Your secret is safe with us.  Your magazine will be posted in a plain envelope for you to enjoy in the comfort and privacy of your own home.'

Happy Birthday to SLP journalist Louis Mendez.

Peterson bears no grudges

Andy Petterson, now 50 years old, bears no grudges about being left out of Charlton's Wembley play off final: http://londonnewsonline.co.uk/andy-petterson-i-never-had-a-play-off-final-grudge-over-ilic-getting-chance-to-star-in-charltons-play-off-final-win/

However, it is clear that his relations with Alan Curbishley were strained and he was not happy about some of the manager's decisions.

Charlton try out left back

Former Burnley defender Ali Kolki is on trial with Charlton.  He is on the bench for this afternoon's behind closed doors game with Southend United at Sparrows Lane: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/former-burnley-defender-on-trial-with-charlton-athletic/

Elliott offered readies to buzz off?

Unconfirmed social media reports state that Thomas Sandgaard has offered Paul Elliott £50,000 to walk away.

The EFL are to meet CAST and CARD to discuss concerns about the running of the club: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/efl-set-to-meet-charlton-athletic-supporters-groups-to-hear-concerns-over-running-of-the-football-club/

Blues interested in Phillips

Birmingham City are interested in keeper Dillon Phillips, reports Richard Cawley of the SLP.

Blues keeper Jake Weaver has signed for Leamington in the National League North.

New bidder named

 VOTV editor Rick Everitt has tweeted: 'Believe the UK-based bidder in an NDA over a potential Charlton takeover is Joseph Cala. His name first came up around the end of May. Previously involved at Gateshead and linked to abortive approaches for Morecambe (2017), Bury (2019) and Portsmouth (2012).'

He has been a controversial figure in football and this report does not bode well: https://twohundredpercent.net/gateshead-run-into-the-ground/

Charlton fans occupy boardroom

Charlton fans occupied the club's boardroom at The Valley in peaceful demonstrations this afternoon.  Journalist Louis Mendez @LouisMend has the best account of developments on Twitter.

It is understood that the occupiers talked to Thomas Sandgaard in a Zoom call.

The report from Talksport is here: https://talksport.com/football/efl/749450/charlton-fans-occupy-boardroom-protest-owners-efl/

VOTV editor Rick Everitt has tweeted that the club have been 'criticising the behaviour of some fans today in response to media enquiries. Not sure that I’d be doing that, to be honest.'

League One for sure

Richard Cawley reports: 'My understanding is that the EFL have not appealed the Sheffield Wednesday decision. So that definitely means League One football for Charlton in 2020-21 season.'

In a week or two reports will appear on this site and Addick's Third Division Diary, before switching to the latter site as the start of the season approaches.

Any deal likely to be delayed

VOTV editor Rick Everitt reports: 'I’ve been told the court date for the Elliott injunction is September 1st. So not expecting a CAFC deal to go through ahead of that. Dates can change though and cases can be pulled.'

In a later tweet, the Ramsgate-based fan said: 'Been told that the UK-based party with an NDA in place with ESI has moved forward in recent days. Not saying in front of Thomas Sandgaar or a better proposition for CAFC but have heard evidence they have been busy. Might complicate matters (as if!).'

The Rickster added, '’Ive not found any evidence to link this approach to Murray, but I do believe he has been trying to find a way in with others.'

Should Charlton retain their EFL membership, their first home game against Doncaster Rovers on September 19th could be a crowd test pilot: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53861145

Non-league clubs can offer more than Addicks

Non-league clubs can offer more than the £1,300 a week Charlton are allowed to pay players by the EFL says shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer.  Charlton currently have a player for Wealdstone on trial and he is the kind of signing they are likely to be able to afford: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lee-bowyer-non-league-clubs-can-pay-bigger-wages-than-charlton-athletic-allowed-to-offer/

Don't blame me says Taylor

Lyle Taylor says he is not to blame for Charlton's relegation and claims that he is still on good terms with Lee Bowyer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lyle-taylor-exclusive-i-dont-deserve-the-blame-for-charlton-athletic-relegation/

I doubt whether many fans will be convinced by this interview.

Sandgaard speaks to Sky

Thomas Sandgaard talks to Sky about his hopes for Charlton.   His lawyers are already working on the owners' and directors' test.  He still hopes an agreement in principle will be possible this week: https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12052679/sandgaard-closes-on-charlton-deal

Takeover talks progress

Thomas Sandgaard has signed a NDA and hopes to wrap up a deal on Charlton by the end of the week.  Paul Elliott is seeking an injunction to prevent a deal, but Sandgaard has hired a top firm of lawyers: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sandgaards-charlton-athletic-takeover-talks-progress-but-elliott-court-injunction-set-to-slow-proceedings/

Marian Mihail has said that wages can be paid for August and there is no immediate threat of administration: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-charlton-director-outlines-financial-position-with-no-wage-issues-for-august/

Charlton ask EFL to act on points deduction

Charlton have asked the EFL to appeal the Independent Disciplinary Commission's ruling on Sheffield Wednesday which postponed the points deduction until next season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-request-efl-to-appeal-independent-disciplinary-commission-ruling-on-sheffield-wednesday/

Protest planned for The Valley

 A number of fan groups have combined to organise a protest at The Valley at 12 noon on Saturday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-fans-set-to-stage-protest-at-valley-on-saturday-and-want-supporters-to-be-quids-in/

Range Rover mystery

The Range Rover company car that Charlton has been trying to recover has mysteriously appeared for sale on Carcraft.   Meanwhile, one version of the club's ownership is trying to recover it from Dave Jones: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8636767/Charlton-company-car-club-allegedly-trying-recover-mysteriously-sale.html

Sandgaard hopes for quick deal

Thomas Sandgaard is hoping to conclude a quick deal to buy Charlton Athletic.  Negotiations have gone very well so far and he is very positive.  He is flexible about how the deal is structured: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/thomas-sandgaard-aiming-to-quickly-wrap-up-a-deal-for-charlton-athletic/

Greenwich Council make clear opposition to any Charlton move

The leader of Greenwich Council has made it clear that the local authority would oppose any move to take Charlton out of the Royal Borough: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/greenwich-council-chief-well-oppose-any-plan-to-move-charlton-athletic-out-of-the-borough/

He states: 'The stadium and training ground sites are designated for specific uses and we would not be interested in any proposals that involved a change of use.'

A while back CAF Trust ran a piece from a planning consultant who made it very clear why The Valley cannot be built on - and he missed the argument which is the access issue posed by the railway line.

Yet some fans persist in believing that a property play is a realistic possibility.

Barclay bid off

Peter Varney has issued a long statement on Twitter saying that Roland has refused to engage in any meaningful way with Andrew Barclay and therefore his bid is off, although he does not rule out re-engaging if circumstances change.

Duchatelet has a long history of treating Varney with contempt.  Andrew Barclay himself has praised Peter Varney's involvement and says that they worked hard for six months to find a solution.

VOTV editor Rick Everitt tweeted: 'Remains my view that the Barclay/Varney approach was the best one for CAFC. Andrew Barclay has behaved professionally and therefore deserves respect. There are various people in/around the club who set out to poison his chances.'

The Rickster added: 'Murray will now try to climb aboard the Sandgaard bandwagon clutching a copy of the fantasy peninsula prospectus. We need to make very clear to Thomas Sandgaard that as CAFC fans we want Murray nowhere near influence in the club ever again.'

Fully agree, Murray Mints is damaged goods as far as most fans are concerned.

Is it too good to be true?

From his Ramsgate fastness VOTV editor Rick Everitt casts a wary eye over the latest bid for Charlton and asks if it is too good to be true: http://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2019-20-blogs/17-8-sandgaard-rocks-up-playing-all-the-right-tunes/

Events are moving at speed and Sandgaard's lawyers are apparently in contact with Roland.

We may yet see Sandgaard strumming 'Valley Floyd Road' on his guitar.

Can Matthews be re-signed?

Charlton are waiting to hear from the EFL to see if they can re-sign Adam Matthews.   Lee Bowyer rates him as one of the top five performers last season or even better than that: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lee-bowyer-provides-contract-update-on-charlton-athletic-defender/

He was able to get forward well along with good defending.

Sandgaard: i want to keep Bowyer

Potential new Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard has made it clear that he wants to keep Lee Bowyer as manager if his deal goes through: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/thomas-sandgaard-of-course-id-want-to-keep-charlton-athletic-boss-lee-bowyer/

Tribute to JJ

To mark the 45th birthday of Jonatan Johansson I am reproducing excepts from our report of a cup game against Exeter City.   Currently JJ is manager of the Finish professional club TPS.

Exeter City turned up at The Valley for their 3rd round FA Cup tie with Charlton accompanied by Alex the Great with his sword and shield and the statuesque Athena (Darth Vader was promised, but failed to appear. No doubt his spaceship was caught in traffic in the Blackwall Tunnel). But the Grecians were no match for the acrobatic finish of Jonatan Johanssen who scored twice to put the Addicks ahead with overhead kicks. His first goal put the Addicks 1-0 ahead before the break but Exeter levelled with an excellent header from former Brazilian youth player Santos Gaia. The score stayed level for ten worrying minutes, but then JJ got his second and the Addicks made it 3-1 with a penalty from Jason Euell.

Charlton started brightly with JJ powering down the wing and winning a corner.  On 25 minutes Bart-Williams, always good in dead ball situations, put in a well judged free kick which was headed on by Bartlett into the path of JJ. From just eight yards out JJ executed a superb overhead kick into the bottom corner of he net.

The Grecians almost got back into the game straight away. Martin Thomas saw Deano push his shot from the edge of the penalty area on to the post. The rebound fell to giant centre forward and ex-boxer Steve Flack, but his effort was well over. 

The Grecians started the second half brightly with an early corner punched out by Deano. Euell turned provider for JJ, but his effort was saved. Exeter won a free kick four minutes into the half and the Bloke Beside Me commented, 'If they score now, we're in trouble'. I wish he hadn't said that. Gaia was allowed a free header from Sheldon's free kick and headed the ball into the corner of the net in a well taken goal.

As the Exeter manager was heard to say later, Charlton now stepped up a gear. Their greater fluency in passing and their skill at feints had been evident throughout the match. Nevertheless, it was a worrying ten minutes for the Addickted faced with the prospect of a trip to St.James's Park, particularly when Rufus went down. Then on 61 minutes Bartlett headed a long ball into the path of JJ who provided another stunning overhead kick, leaving Miller to pick the ball out from the back of the net. 

Five minutes after the second Charlton goal Euell put the ball through to JJ who was brought down by Pilkington just inside the area. Euell stepped up and put the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net to make it 3-1.

Elliott seeks injunction to stop sale

Richard Cawley of the SLP reports 'Paul Elliott is seeking an injunction to prevent East Street Investments being sold to any other party.'

VOTV editor Rick Everitt commented: 'If the purchase agreement is contingent on Elliott getting EFL approval then this is pointless unless his disqualification is overturned. If it’s not contingent on that then the judge in Manchester was misled. Think Elliott needs some better legal advice.'

Naby Sarr says farewell

Naby Sarr has said farewell to Charlton fans: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/naby-sarr-posts-farewell-message-to-charlton-athletic-fans/

For me, his hallmark was inconsistency.   At his best he could be very good, delivering precise balls forward.  He was also capable of making basic defensive errors.

Richard Cawley has tweeted: 'Sarr endured some fierce criticism in his first season at Charlton but came back to feature a lot more under Lee Bowyer. Battled through adversity to become a cult hero for many.'

No calls about Bonne

Despite speculation linking him with a number of clubs, no one has made a phone call to Steve Gallen about Macauley Bonne.  Dillon Phillips has been linked with a number of clubs: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-charlton-transfer-chief-on-speculation-surrounding-striker-macauley-bonne-and-goalkeeper-dillon-phillips/

Is MK man Gallagher 2.0?

Is Alex Gilbey the new Conor Gallagher?   Steve Gallen doesn't want to put pressure on him by making the comparison, but reckons Charlton now have the box-to-box midfielder they need: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-have-solved-search-for-box-to-box-midfielder-with-arrival-of-mk-man/

Charlton face wage limits

Charlton will be restricted in the amount of wages they can pay with some players on League Two getting more than £2,000 a week.  It will also be difficult for the club to take advantage of Premier League loans: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-face-a-restricted-wage-limit-under-efl-transfer-embargo-that-will-impact-on-their-remaining-summer-targets/

Danish multi-millionaire swoops for Charlton

Danish multi-millionaire, now a US citizen, Thomas Sandgaard wants to buy Charlton, but he is having trouble getting Roland to take him seriously: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-super-wealthy-danish-businessman-thomas-sandgaard-wants-to-buy-charlton-athletic/

The maker of medical devices commented: I found that Charlton is, for me, probably the biggest potential of the clubs out there that need to be sold. They are London-based, which I prefer. The fanbase and history gives this club so much potential.'

VOTV editor Rick Everitt has tweeted: 'Confident that Sandgaard is a clean pair of hands in this - had never approached ESI and doesn’t have connections to any of the villains, but he’s had no official access to CAFC. Bit early to say he is a genuine contender but he’s credible.'

He added, 'Have confirmed that Peter Varney has met Thomas Sandgaard in the last month or so, which was as a favour to someone at Joma, CAFC's former kit supplier, although for a more general chat about English football. He is not representing him, however.'

Done deal on Washington

Conor Washiington has signed for a Charlton a two year contract.  The fee is undisclosed, but he had to return his kilt to the Jam Tarts.  In a sense he will be returning to his native heath as he was born iin Chatham: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-make-it-second-time-lucky-as-they-land-hearts-striker-conor-washington/

Catching up

As he patrols Ramsgate Main Beach, Thanet Council leader Rick Everitt is also trying to keep up with fast-moving developments at Charlton with the club's fate now in the hands of Abu Dhabi chancer Tahnoon Nimer: http://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2019-20-blogs/11-8-farnell-ousted-as-esi2-takeover-appears-over/

A new VOTV will be out soon, but can only be delivered by post.  As always, it will come in a discreet brown envelope that will not reveal your Addicktion and you can then enjoy it in the privacy and comfort of your own home,   Order from the VOTV website.

Elliott consults his lawyers

As far as Tahnoon Nimer is concerned, Paul Elliott's deal to buy ESI is off, and he is looking for another buyer.  However, Elliott wants the deal to proceed and is consulting his lawyers: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53751242

Farnell speaks out - and Ramsgate replies

The tireless Richard Cawley of the SLP has reported the following statement from former Charlton lawyer and director Chris Farnell: 'I have been informed by one of the club’s directors that my relationship with Charlton Athletic FC has been brought to an end.  It was always my intention to provide Charlton Athletic FC with legal assistance and advice in my capacity as a lawyer, for a short period. I was never a director or owner of the football club, nor was I ever intending to be.'

'Once it became clear that one of the consequences of the boardroom dispute at Charlton was it’s likely expulsion from the football league, I focused my efforts on trying to facilitate the orderly running of the club as best I could in what were very challenging circumstances.'

'The significant work undertaken, against the back drop of intense speculation, much of which was inaccurate and misinformed, I believe greatly improves the prospects of Charlton Athletic FC remaining in the EFL.'

'I sincerely hope this is the case and the fans get the stability and success they and their club deserve. I wish them all the best.'   I am sure that Charlton fans will be duly grateful and show their appreciation.

Despite his duties guarding Ramsgate main beach from hordes of sun and sea seeking Nigels, VOTV editor Rick Everitt was quick to comment: 'Was a key error by Farnell becoming a director of ESI, which put him under EFL approval, but in addition he has said himself he put money in.'

The Rickster notes: 'This statement directly contradicts the Chris Parkes statement 12 days ago which said there was “not one mention of the club being expelled” in that day’s EFL meeting and that CAFC was in a “completely different set of circumstances to Bury”'.

He concludes, 'Farnell’s statement is clearly intended to underpin financial demands that he will make on CAFC'.  Surely fans will gladly have a whip round for his out of pocket expenses?

Q

Farnell terminated

Chris Farnell has been terminated as Charlton's solicitor, reports Richard Cawley of the SLP.  Reflecting the shock of Charlton fans at this news, Jimmy Seed tweeted: 'So sorry to hear that Chris Farnell has been terminated a Charlton’s solicitor, after all he’s done for the club. That must mean Dave Jones won’t be joining the Charlton family. Terrible shame!'

Rick Everitt tweeted: 'Removing Farnell from the club was a key step, but we need clarity that the sale of ESI to Elliott and others has now been abandoned. It was reportedly dependent on EFL approval but there have been some suggestions recently wasn’t the case.'

The VOTV editor added: 'The court proceedings in Manchester, Companies House and the version given to the EFL all support the view the deal was contingent.'

Current owners won't bring in Jones

The current board at The Valley will not bring in Dave Jones and have backed Bowyer and Gallen: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/current-charlton-athletic-board-wont-bring-in-dave-jones-as-they-back-gallen-and-bowyer/

Article author Richard Cawley notes: 'The key thing - and it's mentioned in the piece - is that Jones still very likely to arrive if the EFL ruling is overturned or the new version of ESI is approved.'

Tweeting from his new base of operations on Ramsgate main beach, VOTV editor Rick Everitt commented: 'Nimer, Mihail and Florica - the three CAFC directors – have now taken a public stand against ESI2 by rejecting Dave Jones' appointment. This is the first instalment of the ownership drama and they are the good guys in this episode, to be clear.'

Charlton face expulsion

The Currant Bun reckons that Charlton are likely to follow Bury in being expelled from the EFL: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12366459/charlton-efl-expulsion-threat-bury-elliott-farnell/

Not a particularly novel idea, as I have been saying for some time that a view at the EFL is that the problems at Charlton are so intractable and deeply rooted that there is only one solution.

According to the report, the appeal by Paul Elliott and Chris Farnell is unlikely to succeed.

Farnell to stay on as club lawyer

Although his appointment as a director at Companies House has been terminated, Chris Farnell is staying on at Charlton as club lawyer, reveals the SLP's Richard Cawley.

Lockyer activates release clause

Tom Lockyer has activated his release clause at Charlton.  He now has to serve out a month's notice so the Addicks have a slim chance of retaining him, but that would depend on more responsible ownership at The Valley: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-tom-lockyer-activates-release-clause-at-charlton-athletic/

Another smart move from ESI

Richard Cawley reports 'ESI want to bring in Dave Jones to be in charge of the football side of the club. He would be above director of football Steve Gallen and Lee Bowyer and have final say on transfers.'

Sheer genius!

Cawley also states, 'Also worth adding that Charlton still in talks with the EFL to try and see if the Washington and Gilbey deals can go through this week.' Rick Everitt of VOTV has tweeted: 'Chris Farnell may have overplayed his hand with Dave Jones. Looks as if his first role was to sell players, e.g. Dillon Phillips. ESI2 want him in, he’s due to start this week, but there is now pushback from within CAFC.'

Light in the darkness

In a comprehensive and informative post, VOTV editor Rick Everitt attempts to explain as best as he can what is happening at Charlton: http://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2019-20-blogs/8-8-an-airman-s-quick-guide-to-the-continuing-chaos/

One important point to note is that we cannot sign senior players so the Washington and Gilbey deals are off.  We have signed a 16-year old Australian.

Everitt does not think the EFL will expel Charlton because of the political damage that would result from a second expulsion after Bury.   I hope he is right.

The Rickster has tweeted: 'EFL having said that Farnell must be removed from any position with Charlton that qualifies him as a “relevant person” raises questions of whether that includes acting as legal adviser for the club. Not sure if their jurisdiction extends that far.'

Emergency talks at The Valley

VOTV has learned that an emergency senior management meeting was called at Charlton this afternoon on Zoom to discuss developments. A source has suggested that Roland Duchatelet’s point man Lieven De Turck was involved in it, and this now appears to have been confirmed.

Rick Everitt notes, 'This ties up with the claim that the EFL wrote to Duchatelet about the embargo, although that remains very odd.'

EFL reject Elliott as owner

The application for Charlton to be transferred to new owners headed by Paul Elliott has been refused with three individuals found to have a disqualifying condition in terms of the Owners' and Directors' Test.  It is believed that one of the other persons was Chris Farnell.

The third person was Andrei Mihail.   The club has launched an appeal against two of the decisions.  It is believed that the decision was based on a technicality.

The future for the club is uncertain but the EFL may well come to the view that expulsion is the only way to resolve what are seen as deeply rooted problems at the club.

Meanwhile disagreeable Charlton supporters appear to have confronted lawyer Chis Farnell in his office in Hale. Apparently they burst in after a lady supporter arrived at the door with flowers for a staff member.

Rickster on BBC Breakfast

VOTV editor Rick Everitt was interviewed on BBC Breakfast this morning, but it wasn't about Charlton.  He was there in his capacity as leader of Thanet District Council.

He was able to plug Thanet's 19 miles of 'wonderful' and 'fantastic' coastline.

For those who were hoping he might wear a Charlton top, he did not compromise his civic dignity but wore a neutral blue.

While the Rickster has been basking on the beach, Richard Cawley has hinted in a tweet that there may be important developments today.

Midfielder due for medical

MK Dons midfielder Alex Gilbey is set to join Chuks Aneke at Charlton.  He was Player of the Year there for the last two seasons: https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/football/dons-player-year-alex-gilbey-set-charlton-move-2935021

Richard Cawley has cautioned that the EFL may not approve these moves because of the registration embargo.  He has asked for clarification, but has not had a response.

Charlton swoop for striker

Richard Cawley of the SLP reports :'Charlton looking to get a deal done for former QPR striker Conor Washington. He was at Hearts last season.'

He was one of the higher paid players at relegated Hearts, but a hamstring injury blighted the first half of his season with them.

Edinburgh sources are saying that a two year contract at Charlton is almost agreed.   The Northern Ireland international has been keen to return to England.   He was born in Chatham.

He started his career at St. Ives Town while working as a postman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conor_Washington

Ben Amos has extended his contract at Charlton for a year: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ben-amos-extends-charlton-athletic-contract/

This means that all three players at the club who had the option to extend their contract have done so, starting with Forster-Caskey.

Lewis Page is on trial at Plymouth Argyle: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/released-charlton-defender-quickly-lands-chance-to-impress-at-league-one-rivals/

Jonny Williams stays

Some good news at last, Jonny Williams has taken a one year contract extension.  He says he has loved his time at the club: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jonny-williams-triggers-an-extra-12-months-at-charlton-athletic/

Championship clubs back Charlton

According to The Times this morning six or seven Championship clubs are backing Charlton in their complaint to the EFL about Sheffield Wednesday's points deduction being postponed until next season.

The club has talked about resorting to legal action, although it is not clear what the basis for that would be.

Varney speaks out

Former Charlton chief executive and current bidder Peter Varney looks critically at the way in which the Sheffield Wednesday points deduction was handled: http://www.integralsportsmanagement.co.uk/unfair-play/