Dykes is the target man Jones wanted

There has been a mixed reaction by Addicks to the signing of 'Last Ditch' Dykes from Birmingham until the end of the season with some concerned that he does not score more goals, although some of us remember the old fashioned inside forward role.

Anyway Nathan Jones is pleased that he got the target man he wanted and says that he has no interest in Bosnian Nardin My Name Is Too Big for My Shirt.

Apparently the supremo sees the Scottish international, who knows Charlie Kelman, rotating with Miles Leaburn up front.

Dykes will be the player at Charlton with the most tatoos which also cover hidden parts of his anatomy.

Lawrence of Australia

Charlton are being linked with 32-year old midfielder Tom Lawrence who has been having a successful season with Perth Glory in the A-league and is available for £130k.   Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers are also interested.   Richard Cawley will be discussing him on his latest podcast.

Lawrence came out of the Manchester United academy and has spent most of his career as a loan player.  Born in Wrexham, he is thought to speak Cymraeg.

While at Derby County he was convicted for drunk driving. 

Richard Cawley advises that it looks like Daniel Kanu will stay at Walsall for the rest of the season.  Cawley says it makes sense as Charlton are exploring forward options.

My name is too big for my shirt: Noah's Ark signing?

Richard Cawley reports that Charlton are being linked with 26-year old forward Nardin Mulahusejnovic. The Bosnian is currently playing in Armenia for FC Noah.  He has also played in Slovenia but never in the UK.

The price tag is said to be €1.5m.   As Cawley states, the club shop might welcome him.

Whatever happened to Charlie Methven?

Whatever you think of Charlie Methven, he has a capacity to reinvent himself in new ventures.  Now he has gone reggae time in Jamaica.

The New York Times tells me that Methven was chief executive at Charlton 'where he stabilised what was another fixer-upper and enjoyed much better relations with staff and supporters.'  Maybe.

And it was during his time in south London that he met Peter Gould and realised Mount Pleasant in Jamaica might be a nice place to test his own theories about building a sustainable football business around developing talent and selling it on.

Having started a partnership between Charlton and Mount Pleasant in 2024, Methven decided to go all in on the Jamaican project in March 2025, two months before Charlton secured their return to the Championship by beating Leyton Orient at Wembley.

Methven’s arrival at Mount Pleasant is a signal of his and Gould’s intent to create a Caribbean talent factory,

The fog rolls in from the Thames

I am not sure this fan essay doesn't tell us anything we didn't know already about Saturday's FA Cup game, but I provide the link for information: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cg7y585ek42o

We have thins quad and any injuries, particularly to the defence, are serious.  

Charlton fan meets :Larry the Cat

VOTV fanzine editor Rick Everitt was recently invited to No.10 Downing Street for consultations with Arsenal fan Keir Starmer.   I am envious because he got to meet Larry the Cat. 

I have been to No.10, but Larry wasn't there then and I have only met Gladstone, the now retired Foreign Office cat.   Still, I did get to witness a massive ding dong between Dave Cameron, Bozza and Hezza.

The Rickster looks very startled and I wonder if he thought that Super Hoops fan Lord Toby Young might be waiting outside the gates to berate him again as a 'town hall tyrant'.

Charlton turn to stranded Tractor

Ipswich Town defender Harry Clarke has emerged as a loan option for Charlton Athletic, reports Richard Cawley The Addicks are one of a number of clubs that have expressed an interest in signing the 24-year-old.

Stoke City, where had one of his more successful loan spells, have a full back crisis and are keen to have him back.  Nevertheless it's a done deal  at Charlton until the end of the seaaon.

Clarke can play at right wing-back as well as centre-back.

Clarke is due to be out of contract at Ipswich at the end of June although they hold a 12-month extension option. He has not featured in any of their matchday squads in the current campaign.

The fact Clarke can also cover the right-sided centre-back spot is an added attraction with Reece Burke and Kayne Ramsay suffering injury setbacks this season.

However, he has not played any competitive football since last season.   He is the fourth in the right back pecking order at Portman Road,

It all looks a bit desperate to me, but what do I know?

Defensive worries compounded

Charlton's players gave their all against Chelsea at The Valley last night and Mannion made some great saves.   It was also pleasing to see Miles score.   And the mist really did roll in from the Thames.

The complete absent of Kaminski from the line up was explained by Nathan Jones in terms of rotation which appears to be a new departure in this position.

But now it's back to the grind of staying in the league and Nathan Jones has told Richard Cawley that his defensive worries have been compounded after last night's game.

Amar'i Bell pulled up with a hamstring problem on 74 minutes and not long afterwards Tyreece Campbell felt something and had to be replaced.

The Addicks were already without Kayne Ramsey, Reece Burke and Josh Edwards.

Shell shocked supremo Jones told Cawley that he would like to bring in five defenders during the window, but only two are really feasible and one of those is likely to be Bree whom many fans think has faded from a good start.

Jones sets out his stall ahead of top flight encounter

'I want The Valley rocking and for us to give a performance where they can get behind it. We want a proper cup atmosphere. We want to make it a cup tie - a proper cup tie. I don’t want it to be like a Premier League game where the inevitable happens.

There is always a realistic opportunity (of an upset) but we can’t be disrespectful of the level Chelsea play at. Chelsea are a top six Premier League side. The gulf between the Championship and Premier League is big. The gulf between the Championship and League One is big.

This time last year we were two leagues apart and world’s apart in so much. We’ve managed to slightly bridge that gap but we know it will be a meteoric task. It is 11 v 11 and at home, we’re pleased it is at home. I’m not sure the finance director is, but we are pleased.

It is one we will be bold and brave in. I don’t want us to be passive in anything that we do. Let’s look forward to it.

There are certain details we have to get uber right because they have quality, technique and world-class players that can hurt you - but that is brilliant. The nerves…these are the games you want to be involved in.

Jones was asked about whether Chelsea had a lack of emotional discipline after a fifth red card in the top-flight this season.

I’m not sure you should be asking me about the emotional side of the game,” he laughed. “It is the heat of the battle. The chance they got which led to the red, I don’t think it was an emotional decision. It’s not that Cucurella lashed out - someone got the wrong side of him.

I don’t want to comment on Chelsea’s disciplinary problems, I’ve only just come back from a ban myself. My emotional side is probably not in the dictionary.

Hopefully they come and are an emotional side but I have no idea of their emotional state in any given game.'

It will be a great atmosphere tomorrow tonight, but CAS Trust reminds us that next Saturday's game against Sheffield United is more important: https://www.castrust.org/2026/01/the-cup-tie-all-london-is-waiting-for/

Chelsea fans don't seem too happy with the way their club is being run.  

A snap survey by Chelsea Supporters’ Trust has revealed that over 90 per cent of fans do not have confidence in “the ownership group’s football-related decision-making”, while more than 80 per cent are not confident that the club is being run in a way that will deliver “sustained success over the next three to five years”.

The survey, which garnered nearly 4,000 responses in 48 hours, also found that more than 40 per cent of respondents felt the club’s current sporting structure is “not fit for purpose”, with a further 42.69 per cent believing it has “significant weaknesses”.

The most damning response was surely in relation to satisfaction with the owners’ football decisions, with 53.7 per cent of respondents having “no confidence at all” and 36.9 per cent “not very much confidence”.

Chelsea are owned by BlueCo, the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital consortium that also owns Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. On Tuesday, the French club’s supporters also expressed displeasure at the way their club is run, calling for their club president’s exit after the “humiliating” departure of Rosenior.

Rail and underground closes on Saturday

Fans are reminded that there will be no Jubilee Line service to North Greenwich on Saturday and Lewisham station will also be closed which will affect the travel plans of some of the Addickted.  However, there will be additional trains on South-Eastern via Greenwich: https://greenwichwire.co.uk/2026/01/07/jubilee-line-closed-north-greenwich-charlton-chelsea/

Chairboys deal for Anderson?

Richard Cawley has revealed exclusively on his Substack page that Wycombe Wanderers would like to have a loan deal for Karoy Anderson.   The Jamaican international has not featured in the last three Charlton squads.

On balance it would be a good move for him and Charlton.

Rosenoir's first game will be at The Valley

Richard Cawley thinks that Liam Rosenoir's first game 'in charge' at Chelsea will be on Saturday against Charlton.  Too early for the curse of Charlton.

The Sunday Times had a nice graphic at the weekend about the fate of Chelsea managers,  'Fail' and they get sacked.   Succeed, they ask for more say, and get sacked.

Chelsea fans seem remarkably phlegmatic about the rapid turnover of managers, but have they ever asked themselves if they might do even better if they followed the Arsenal or Manchester City models.?  But rapid sackings are all the fashion, Celtic being the latest example.

Chelsea also believe in player rotation, so who knows what team we will face on Saturday, but I assume it will be weakened to some extent.

I remember the 4-2 Boxing Day victory over Chelsea which led to the loss of Scotty Parker and our best ever chance of getting into Europe.

It looks like a honourable defeat on Saturday and I note that there are still seats for sale.

As for the 'Jones out now' crew, I haven't seen Oxford United signing a genius.

Do cheer up

It's always disappointing to surrender a two goal lead, but the torrent of moaning by Charlton fans on social media after yesterday's away point hardly seems justified.  A thin squad was looking tired.

Those who want to replace Nathan Jones rarely have a name to offer, because quality managers are hardly likely to be enticed by a relegation battle at Charlton.

It might be worth bearing in mind Frank Lampard's comments about Charlton in yesterday's Football League Paper: 'I've got respect for the Charlton team.  Teams will come here [The Valley] and find it hard.'

On managers, it's worth watching the hour long interview with Alan Curbishley on You Tube ('The Managers', Boyle Sports).

It further convinced me that Murray Mints should have let Curbs see out his contract so that the board would have had time to find a better replacement than Dowie.

Curbs said that he regretted that he hadn't had one more go at management but his year long legal battle with West Ham was a black mark against him, making him seem like a trouble maker.    What he was getting offered were teams in the Premier League relegation places or Championshio clubs.

Also he was enjoying a different lifestyle after missing his children growing up

Charlton surrender lead

Charlton went 2-0 ahead at Blackburn this afternoon through two Charlie Kelman goals, the second one a penalty, but ended the game 2-2 to win an away point.   The Addicks remain 19th in the table, Oxford and Norwich lost at home.

After a low-level first 25 minutes, the game sprang to life around the half hour as Charlton scored twice in six minutes. Charlie Kelman netted both goals, scoring the rebound after Miles Learbun's header had come back off the crossbar.

His second came via the penalty spot after Harry Pickering as judged to have brought down Lloyd Jones. Replays showed there was no contact on the Charlton defender but Kelman made it 2-0.

It was Charlton who took control and the lead. It was another goal that originated from Rovers' final third as the ball was turned over and a quick breakaway saw Bree's cross headed onto the bar by Leaburn and the rebound was gobbled up by Kelman.

Six minutes later, things went bad to worse for the home side. Pickering was judged to have brought down Jones in the area. On first viewing, it looked clumsy but replays showed that the Rovers man pulled out yet Charlton's defender went over. Referee David Webb pointed to the spot.

Kelman stepped up and rolled the ball away from Aynsley Pears, giving Rovers a mountain to climb on 35 minutes. Considering the hosts were staring down an eighth successive half without scoring, things looked rather bleak.

However, just three minutes later, Rovers gave themselves a lifeline. Good work from Yuki Ohashi saw Cantwell cross for Baradji, who steamed between two defenders to power home a header. That was his first goal for Rovers and a very timely one too.

Charlton had the first chance of the second half with the feeling that a third for them would be the killer blow. Bree got down the right again and delivered a teasing cross but Miller intervened before Tyreece Campbell could convert.

Atcheson then went mightily close to his first Rovers goal after winning the ball back and skidding a volley towards goal which had to be pushed away by Thomas Kaminski.  With 20 minutes to go, the tension inside Ewood Park began to rise. For all their territory, the Charlton goalkeeper had only made one save of note.

At the other end, the Addicks continued to threaten on the break. Leaburn had a clear sight of goal but a block from Sean McLoughlin prevented him from getting his shot off.

With 12 minutes remaining, Rovers found the equaliser. Miller's initial cross was blocked but he fired the rebound hard and low which picked out Baradji, who arrived into the box and finished from 12 yards for 2-2.

Hibs fan gives Dykes sp

Our Scottish correspondent 'Angus from Portobello', who is a Hibs season ticket holder, reports: 'I've no information about Hibs interest in Dykes, although it wouldn't surprise me. I believe that Hibs were disappointed not to get him in the summer, and so it's possible that they are still interested. 

The main Hibs concern is that they may lose Josh Mulligan, who is attracting a lot of interest from elsewhere. He's been a star performer since his arrival in the summer and will be missed if he moves on. It's suggested that he may have a release clause in his contract. 

Otherwise it's going well for Hibs - three consecutive wins, including one against Hearts. Zach Mitchell is now getting a bit of game time. I was surprised that Hibs had not made more use of him sooner.'

Last ditch Dykes?

Richard Cawley thinks there is something in rumours linking Charlton with out of favour Birmingham City striker Lyndon Dykes,  Certainly adding a striker is a priority in the transfer window.

However, Hibernian have offered the Scottish international - thought likely to feature in the World Cup this summer - the kilt.    They nearly secured his signature in the summer.

The 30-year old is known as a model professional, although he is a physical player.   Price tag is thought to about £1m, although Chicago Addick thinks he could be a loan until a summer signing.

I have asked my Scottish correspondent who is also a Hibs supporter for any insights.

Rovers 'running on empty'

The games are coming fast and furious and tomorrow Charlton travel to Blackburn to face the team one place below them in the Championship table.   I suppose there is some risk that weather conditions could see the game called off, but I expect it to go ahead.

My best memory of Ewood Park was a 1-1 draw that saw us promoted back to the Premier League.   Andy Hunt played up front that day

Blackburn have done better away from home than at home this season.  They have won just two at home, drawn three and lost seven, the latest being a 0-2 defeat by Wrexham.   According to their coach they were lacking in energy.

They are running on empty, fractured by a long injury list and the residual effects of a baffling and chaotic summer transfer window.   Rovers are short of quality and the head coach appears to know it.

They lack enough attacking potency or enough players who have proved they are good enough at Championship level.    Rovers have some players who are consistently capable but not enough to make significant progress - so much of that appears to rest with botched recruitment and player sales.

Academy products stand out in a team without its top goalscorer Andri Gudjohnsen for several weeks, and one that does not feature striker Makhtar Gueye at all - fully fit but left out completely in favour of players making the bench who were unheard of until winter began.

Gueye does not run enough in training to warrant a place in the squad according to Rovers boss Valerien Ismael, who really did not hold back when asked about the Senegalese player.  

New Charlton 'discovery' Rankin-Costello was, of course, a summer signing from Blackburn and the Lancashire lad has pledged to give his all against his former employers.

CAS Trust are billing this as the first away game of the new quarter century, perhaps a reminder I could do without as I look forward to my 80th year.  Their assessment is that Blackburn will be 'tough physical opponents', but I am not expecting any protection from the referee: https://www.castrust.org/2026/01/first-away-game-of-the-new-quarter-century/

  

Charlton recover from early blow

Charlton went behind early doors against league leaders Coventry at The Valley this afternoon, but Rankin-Costello equalised in the second half, scoring his first goal for the club.  Kaminski made some good saves to keep the Addicks in the game.  However, Charlton could have done better at their many corners.  

After the Sky Blues were allowed to score too easily within three minutes, the visitors had keeper Rushworth to thank for making a good save to deny Miles Leaburn pulling level five minutes later as he advanced on goal.

Charlton had a big shout for a penalty turned down when Joel Latibeaudiere blocked a goalbound shot from Charlie Kelman after the half-hour mark.

The same defender also did less controversial work to deny Luke Berry, recovering to poke the ball back to his keeper when the Charlton man was about to shoot just before half-time.

Wright was denied by Kaminski early in the second half, but Coventry were forced to defend in numbers as Charlton mounted a fight back with some sustained pressure.

Charlton were the better side in the second half but they needed goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski to pull off a double save from Haji Wright and Jamie Allen three minutes after the restart.  On 69 minutes they pulled themselves level.

Strong work from Kelman saw the left-sided forward latch on to a through pass from inside his own half and out muscle Miguel Angel Brau. His shot across goal was parried by Carl Rushworth into the path of Rankin-Costello, who finished high into the net from eight yards.

Coventry nearly snatched the lead back three minutes later, Liam Kitching spinning and poking a shot goalwards as Charlton struggled to clear but Kaminski once again pulled off an excellent save low to his left to turn it around the post.

The five minutes added on were nerve wracking as usual, but the Addicks managed to remain in control.

Charlton are now 19th.  Portsmouth lost 5-0 to Bristol City and Blackburn lost at home to Wrexham.

Attendance was 20,789.

On transfers, Nathan Jones told Richard Cawley that the club knew exactly who they wanted.   He was working 15 hours and sleeping at the training ground, but it all depended on other clubs.

Another tough test: time to change keeper?

Charlton face league leaders Coventry City at The Valley this afternoon.  Although the Sky Blues lost 0-2 at home to a resurgent Ipswich earlier this week, there is no doubt that they pose a very real threat to a faltering home side this afternoon.

Away from home Coventry have won six, drawn four and lost two.  They have scored far more goals (27) away than any other Championship club.

I fear that my former next door neighbour will once again have bragging rights.  My Badger League prediction at the start of the season was a 2-4 win for the visitors.

Questions have been raised about Thomas Kaminski's performance in goal.  Richard Cawley comments on his Substack page: 'Kaminski has conceded 29 goals this season from 90 shots faced - his xGOT (expected goals on target) is 26.71. The 33-year-old is 15th in the division when it comes to save percentage (67.8). By way of comparison, that is better than Norwich’s Vladan Kovacevic (65 per cent) but lower than Oxford’s Jamie Cumming (69.4) and Schmid (72.9).

Kaminski and Lloyd Jones are the only ever-present league starters after Sonny Carey was dropped to the bench at Portsmouth.

There are definitely some sections of the club’s fanbase who would like to see Will Mannion, who ended last season as first choice, handed a chance. His only appearance came in the 3-1 EFL Cup win over Stevenage in August.

Mannion kept three clean sheets in the League One play-offs but has never played at Championship level.'