Another Charlton starlet in the top flight

My partner laughs when we are watching a Premier League game, which she thinks is the only place football is played (apart from La Liga) and I say, 'former Charlton player'.

When Alfie Doughty was 18 he was sent on loan from the Addicksto Kingstonian in the Isthmian League. He spent around 10 weeks playing in the seventh tier of English football before returning to his boyhood club.

Five and a half years on, and Doughty has played in the fifth tier in the National League with Bromley, experienced relegation from the Championship with Charlton and struggled to get into the team at Stoke City.

Now he is 24 and has not only helped Luton Town get promoted to the Premier League but has become one of their standout players in England’s top flight.

Doughty spent 15 years at Charlton’s academy, coming through with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez and Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa. His aim has always been to play in the top division and he is doing it with aplomb.

His versatility and trustworthiness have meant he has been relied on both sides of the pitch at wing-back, and heading into their match with Burnley, no Luton player had created more chances than Doughty.  A high number of those chances have arrived from set pieces, with Doughty in charge of free kicks and corners. Only West Ham United midfielder James Ward-Prowse has created more chances from set pieces in the Premier League than the Luton player this season.

Doughty’s drive and deliveries are among the top reasons Luton remain in a fight to stay in the Premier League. As for Doughty, this level looks more and more like one he belongs at.

Bowyer still looking for additions to squad

Lee Bowyer is still looking for two or three additions to the squad before the transfer window closes: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-gives-his-verdict-on-wingers-championship-move-and-outlines-transfer-plans/

Bowyer confirmed that Alfie Doughty has joined Stoke City, praises his attitude and thinks that he made the right decision in staying in England.   The offer of a bespoke kilt and a translator from Celtic were not enough to tempt him north of the border.

It is clear that Joel Randall is out of the frame.  Exeter were determined to stick to their valuation with 18 months left on his contract.  He may well be a star of the future, but £1m is a lot for someone whose main experience outside League Two has been six months at Tiverton Town.

Doughty loan back off

Richard Cawley of the SLP reports: 'Sounds like Alfie Doughty's move to Stoke should be announced at some point today.  It won't be a loan back as rehab on his injury is going to take a bit longer than expected.'

'It opens up another loan slot for Charlton, they are chasing at least two signings before the end of the window.'

'Charlton are still working on getting a player in before Saturday's match against Swindon Town.  The deal Lee Bowyer spoke about from earlier in week is still in play.'

If this means Joel Randall from Exeter, I have mixed feelings.  Of course, Bowyer and Gallen are better judges of a player than I am.   But £1m seems a lot for a player whose main experience is with Tiverton Town.    I suppose our situation justifies taking a risk.

Cawley has also stated that rumours about Scott Fraser at MK Dons being a target for Charlton are not true.  He would not be affordable within the salary cap.

Prodigal will return

Whichever of three clubs Alfie Doughty goes to - Bournemouth, Stoke City or the Super Hoops - he will be loaned back to Charlton for the rest of the season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/alfie-doughty-will-be-loaned-back-to-charlton-athletic-with-stoke-bournemouth-and-qpr-all-agreeing-to-terms/

It is interesting that Celtic are out of the picture after they spent all that money on a bespoke kilt.   It is also being claimed that Rangers were interested.

Unconfirmed reports are stating that Stoke City have won the race for his signature, after trying to sign him last summer.

Sceptical fans have suggested that these clubs do not want to rehabilitate a player who will not be fit for two months.   When he does return, his first priority may be avoiding injury, understandably enough.

Doughty to choose his new home

Alfie Doughty has had offers from three Championship clubs and will now have to make his choice, but he is expected to have gone soon.

Lee Bowyer told Richard Cawley: 'I expect him to speak to all three clubs. I think he should. Alfie has been really good - he's not been knocking on my door. I expect him to be gone in the near future. Now it is down to Alfie, his family and his agent.'

I don't blame a young player for wanting to leave a faltering League One club and I would be happy to present him with a cushion to use for his bench warming duties. Sometimes it leads to greater things, sometimes it doesn't, but in life you have to take risks when you are young.

Charm merchant agent ups the pressure

Alfie Doughty's charm merchant of an agent has tried to issue an ultimatum to Lee Bowyer as more than one bid comes in, but the steely supremo is standing firm in the face of pressure: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-claims-ultimatums-issued-over-alfie-doughty-as-winger-the-subject-of-transfer-tussle/

He is going, but we want to get the best price and also a good sell on clause.  The days of Katrien Meire give aways are over.

Given the money that Celtic had laid out on a kilt, I still think they are in within a chance.

Beswicks Sports have taken an understandable pride in Doughty's achievements: https://beswickssports.com/alfie-doughty-with-the-winner/

Doughty on his way

Charlton are talking to Stoke City about Alfie Doughty against the background of a rumoured bid of £650k.  However, they are not the only club interested in the injured prospect.   Celtic have been in the frame for some time and have already ordered a mad-to-measure kilt.

Doughty is out of contract in the summer and will not sign a new one, so we might as well cash in: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-ace-alfie-doughty-will-not-sign-new-contract-as-stoke-city-push-for-january-deal/

Some fans are indignant but as Richard Cawley of the SLP has pointed out: 'Doughty's situation is a hangover from the old regime. Should have been buttoned down long before Thomas Sandgaard took control. Same kind of situation with Joe Aribo and Dillon Phillips, just as a couple of examples.'

In my view young players are entitled to make the choices they think are best for their careers, albeit their agents may not always give them the best advice.

Sagacious supremo Lee Bowyer has insisted that any deal will have to be on Charlton's terms: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-lee-bowyer-provides-transfer-update-on-stoke-target-alfie-doughty/

Could Canadian player replace Doughty?

Hopefully, Lee Bowyer had an enjoyable birthday yesterday with his family with the attention directed at Frank Lampard.   At least Thomas Sandgaard has not spent as much money as Roman Abramovich.  Mind you, he usually ends up spending a lot of money sacking managers.

Lee Bowyer has confirmed that he has an interest in Liverpool winger Liam Millar who is seen as a stand in/replacement for Alfie Doughty: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-lee-bowyer-confirms-interest-in-liverpool-winger/

I can't remember when we last had a Canadian player at Charlton.   Don't confuse him with the Irish professional footballer of the same name.

He has had a loan spell at Kilmarnock: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liam_Millar

Update: Richard Cawley of the SLP has been confirmed he will be signing today.   More here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-complete-loan-deal-for-highly-rated-liverpool-attacker-liam-millar/

Second Celtic bid for Doughty rejected

Bowyer seeks inspiration

Charlton refused to comment yesterday on reports from north of the border that a second Celtc bid of around £650,000 for Alfie Doughty had been rejected.

Lee Bowyer hopes that Doughty will score goals in double figures in League One: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-expecting-celtic-target-to-net-double-figures-in-league-one/

Charlton use their cushion

Before the game Crewe fans were offered a 20 per cent discount on cushions.  Charlton used the cushion of the two goals they scored in the first half through Doughty and Washington to secure three away points in a victory at Gresty Road this afternoon.    

Crewe signalled early intent with a shot just over the bar within the first minute from captain Ng.

Charlton went ahead on 24 minutes after a break down the right.  A good ball from Gilbey enabled Doughty to put in a left footed shot along the ground which went into the bottom corner of the net.

Washington made it 2-0 on 42 minutes.   After good headers from Purrington and Oshilaja he put in what might generously be described as a half volley.  It was a scrappy goal, but they all count.

Indeed, it had been a scrappy first half, possibly not helped by a swirling wind at pitch level.   The Charlton left had looked vulnerable at times.  Crewe closed down Charlton in midfield and the Addicks were not very fluent, although they looked threatening going forward.  

The Addicks were able to feed off Crewe's mistakes while the home side were not very accurate when they did have a half chance.

Half time: Crewe Alexandria 0, Charlton Athletic 2

At the beginning of the second half a deflected shot from Forster-Caskey drew a fingertip save from Jaaskelainen in the Crewe goal.

Amos made a good save on 58 minutes.   On 60 minutes Williams, who was on international duty, replaced Lapslie.

Amos got a yellow card for time wasting when he delayed a goal kick because he thought Doughty might need a physio.

Crewe were livelier in the second part of the half with Kirk showing some quality in patches. Aneke replaced Washington.  Doughty got a yellow card for a foul.

On 80 minutes a Crewe effort came off the crossbar and Amos punched it clear.

The four minutes added on were extended to six for a late Crewe free kick.   Doughty was replaced by Morgan in time added on.

I'm not sure that Charlton's short corner routine worked well, you need a high skill level to bring them off.

Doughty would be my man of the match.  Oshilaja put in some good defensive work and Barker did well at right back.  Amos was in command of his area, but needs more work on his kicking out.

Charlton are 3rd in the tentative table.  The Addicks had a bit more quality than their newly promoted opponents.

Sanguine supremo Lee Bowyer thought there was plenty of room for improvement: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lee-bowyer-says-theres-still-room-for-improvement-after-charlton-claim-opening-day-win-at-crewe/

He said: 'We played okay.  I expect us to be a lot, lot better than that.'   Bowyer praised Conor Washington's hard work and revealed why Charlie Barker was played at right back: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-praises-goalscorer-connor-washingtons-hard-work-at-crewe-and-reveals-why-charlie-barker-was-played-at-right-back/

Tireless journalist Louis Mendez is currently locked in at Gresty Road.

The nightmare shows no sign of ending

Richard Cawley of the SLP reviews Charlton's plight in depth and it doesn't make for happy reading: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/relegation-to-league-one-feared-exits-of-star-players-and-doubts-over-bowyers-future-the-nightmare-shows-no-signs-of-ending-for-charlton/

Dillon Phillips and Alfie Doughty are the subject of serious interest elsewhere and in the last three years we have had to deal with a cumulative deficit of £40m by selling players.

The SLP also says that Adam Matthews is leaving.   He has been one of our better players this year, showing skill getting forward, but also doing his defensive duties well.   The shell shocked supremo is resigned to losing Matthews: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lee-bowyer-fears-that-star-players-will-go-following-championship-relegation/

Bowyer himself is likely to go soon.  I do not think that the club has been in a worse state since the return to The Valley.   I try to be positive and optimistic, but it is becoming more difficult.

Alfie Doughty offered new contract

Charlton have offered Alfie Doughty a new contract.  He was a Fulham target in the January transfer window: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-charlton-athletic-offer-new-contract-to-winger-who-attracted-january-interest-from-fulham/

The Valley is to be used for testing the return of fans to stadiums when the new season starts on September 12th.  No Charlton fans will be involved: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/charlton-stadium-the-valley-to-be-used-as-test-ground-for-supporters-returning-a4494951.html

'The reds are staying up'

This was the chant from the Covered End as Charlton beat Luton Town 3-1 at The Valley this afternoon. It was a rather frenetic first half with Charlton making lots of mistakes as Luton pressed for a win. A very strong cross wind made it difficult to play quality football.

The midfield was far from its best, unusually including Cullen. Three at the back didn't seem to be working very well either. Lyle Taylor, a target for chanting from the Hatters, maddened them by putting the Addicks 1-0 ahead, Naby Sarr having earlier hit the crossbar. Alfie Doughty also forced a save from charm merchant keeper Sluga (who in the second half tussled with Lyle Taylor and got the captain for the day a yellow card).

Charlton are always vulnerable when they have scored and not much more than a minute later Luton equalised after some woeful defending making the half time score 1-1.

Green missed a chance to put the Addicks ahead after the break and Luton had a goal chalked off for offside on 51 minutes, their manager putting it down to discrimination against 'little Luton'. After a blatant handball, Lyle Taylor calmly put the Addicks ahead from the penalty spot. Phillips had to make a good save from Moncur.

Bringing Lapslie on as a substitute helped to change the game, as did the subsequent addition of Bonne. Lapslie put the game beyond doubt by scoring the third goal in the 87th minute after a one two with Bonne. He's truly one of our own. Alfie Doughty also showed some moments of sublime skill, outwitting the Luton defence.

Charlton moved up to 18th with Barnsley, Stoke and Wigan all winning.

Attendance was just under 19,000 despite a packed away end but the Addickted made a lot of noise to back the team.

The report from Louis Mendez is here: Super sub George Lapslie

In his comment serene supremo Lee Bowyer said that Lyle Taylor would have enjoyed silencing the Luton fans: Silencing abusive Luton fans

Doughty contract extended

Alfie Doughty's contract has been extended by one year as Lee Bowyer starts the process of securing existing players. Fulham showed an interest in him in the January transfer window: Deal trigger

Charlton have also been talking to the agent of Adam Matthews.

Bowyer wants to keep Sarr

Sagacious supremo Lee Bowyer wants to keep Naby Sarr after his contract expires in the summer. Bowyer admits that Sarr makes mistakes, but considers that he has a lot to offer, including the contribution he makes to morale: Contracts update

Sarr has his fans and detractors. He is probably one of our most inconsistent players. He can put in a great pass, as he did at Forest this week, and then nearly score an own goal. If Bowyer wants to keep him, that is good enough for me.

Contract negotiations are also taking place with Alfie Doughty and Dillon Phillips.

Fulham interested in Doughty

Having suffered the humiliation of having drawn both matches with Charlton this season, Fulham are interested in Alfie Doughty, but the youngster is not for sale: Flying winger not for sale

Boost for Bromley

I know this is not a Bromley page, but there are many links between Charlton and the team now third in the National League. Tireless SLP reporter Louis Mendez, now in the middle of moving house (don't forget the dog) proclaims on his Twitter feed that he is both a Bromley and Charlton supporter. He is not alone, as for many Addicks Bromley is their second team.

We mustn't forget the active Bromley Addicks group which my friend Steve from Petts Wood enjoys. In days gone by when I was representing the UK at tiresome meetings in windowless rooms in the Square de Meuse in Brussels, I was always relieved when Eurostar flashed through Bromley as I thought 'I am in Charlton territory now'.

Developing Charlton players have benefitted from a loan spell at Bromley, most recently Alfie Doughty. Our connections with Bromley are now closer than those with National League South Welling.

The Times today has a feature article on Bromley. It is behind a pay wall, but as a subscriber I can send a few copies out electronically. If it is of real interest to you, contact me via Twitter @wyngrant or via Facebook, but not if your surname is Acworth-Waldegrave.

The tone of the article is somewhat patronising as it refers to Bromley as 'the spirited little south-east London club'. This reminds me of the evening after the Greatest Game when ITV described us as 'the tiny London club.' An ignorant Premier League director objected to playing a 'village team', evidently having thought that Charlton Village was a stand alone village in deepest Kent.

I did quickly forgive the guy who thought we were the third Manchester team playing in Chorlton as he did become a lifelong fan.

Returning to Bromley, much is made of the ramshackle state of the ground 'a glorious patchwork of corrugated iron and cracked concrete terracing'. However, the new stand with its commercial units does get a mention.

The club who won the FA Amateur Cup in 1949 (then a big deal) have had their ups and downs, but one lifelong fan is quoted as saying he thinks they now have the best team ever. Of course, if they do get into the Football League they have plans to relocate their artificial pitch.

Which non-league teams do Charlton fans support?

Not Leamington I know, as I am referred to there as 'the Charlton fan'. After Leamington beat Gloucester City 3-0 on Boxing Day the Gloucester board apologised publicly for the humiliation. On New Year's Day I will be boarding a minibus for Evesham (which is where Gloucester play until their new stadium is ready). The chairman has issued a three line whip on attendance.

I may at some point do a poll on non-league clubs that Charlton fans follow. For me, the most obvious ones are listed below (in no particular order), but I would be interested in other suggestions:

• Bromley
• Dulwich Hamlet
• Ebbsfleet United
• Dartford
• Welling United
• Erith & Belvedere
• Maidstone United

Alfie's special moment

Quite understandably, 20-year old Alfie Doughty, until recently playing at Bromley, says that his first goal for Charlton was an experience that will stay with him for a long time: Special moment

The Addickted always like to see Academy players come through the ranks and succeed and Doughty is clearly hard working and talented. More importantly, he is not letting success turn his head.

He knows that Charlton have to try and stage a Ram raid on Monday. Doughty told the SLP's Richard Cawley, 'Today [Boxing Day] is not forgotten but we’ve got to move on to another game in four days time. We’ve got to focus and be ready for another tough game. If we show the same mentality as today then I think we’ll come away with three points.'

Derby are currently one point and one place behind Charlton so it will be a big test of whether the Addicks are on the road to revival.

Meanwhile, over in the non-league the shell suited supremo of Leamington is fed up with blocked toilets and ageing referees: Not a happy bunny

Charlton fight back to win three points

Charlton ended their dire run with a 3-2 victory over Bristol City at The Valley this afternoon including a brace from Macaulay Bonne. However, it was the 12th match without a clean sheet and the defence will need some attention in the transfer window.

Charlton went up to 17th, one point behind Birmingham City or third out of ten in the relegation league.

Bonne showed his intent on five minutes when a shot from him was deflected for a corner. City skipper Brownhill displayed his west country charm by cynically tripping Morgan and received a yellow card.

From a Charlton corner, Doughty put an excellent ball in but Sarr headed wide. Lockyer, just behind Sarr, might have been in a better position to score. Bonne got a yellow card for a foul. Matthews won the ball well off Diedhiou.

With the atmosphere in the ground nervy, Bonne then took advantage of a long ball with a really cool lob over the keeper to put the Addicks 1-0 ahead. A late Charlton corner was cleared.

Charlton went behind after 45 seconds in the first half, suggesting a lack of concentration. The Austrian player Weimann scored with a header. Meanwhile, Rowe had been replaced by former Addick Jay DaSilva.

Gallagher went down hurt and was replaced by Purrington. On 56 minutes Charlton hit the crossbar, but it is not clear who was engaging in crossbar challenge practice.

On 60 minutes City went ahead through Elliason. The Swede nutmegged Phillips from five yards out. Phillips then had to save from an Elliason volley. Purrington was brought down in the box, but well-regarded referee Keith Stroud said there was no penalty. Then a minute later Bonne made it 2-2. Doughty then made it 3-2 at the far post.

The hard working Morgan was replaced by Jason Pearce on 86 minutes. On 90 minutes City won a free kick wide on the right which was potentially dangerous, but was dealt with.

Referees now apparently get a bonus for every minute added on at the end of the second half, so the customary five minutes became eight after Oshilaja received treatment. Weimann was way off target. A late City free kick saw the keeper come up, but Charlton held on.

Despite limitations on public transport the stated attendance (including absent season ticket holders) was 18,058 with 1,260 Bristolians.

Shaken and stirred supremo Lee Bowyer said: 'Fair play to the players. They kept going and going. Their togetherness is unreal. It was great to see Alfie get his goal. I'm pleased for him because sometimes he switches off when balls are coming across the box. He got there today and he got his reward. A draw may have been a fair result, but we’ve had a lot happen to us in recent weeks so you can say we were due it.'

Lee Bowyer told Bonne to add physicality to his game: Go out there and be horrible

Jonathan Leko is out for the rest of the season.

A late goal for Charlton for once

A 95th minute goal by the 'Nabster' Naby Sarr secured a 2-2 draw for Charlton at Queens Park Rangers: Derby draw

Nevertheless many fans have been critical of Sarr on social media, saying that he cost Charlton the first goal.

Louis Mendez has noted that the result has given a boost to the morale of players and fans. Only a point, but it 'feels massive'. However, the winless run continued to eleven games and Charlton slipped to 18th in the table.

On his 20th birthday Alfie Doughty played well and blogger Hungry Ted commented, 'When this injury crisis is finally over, this lad needs to stay involved. Taken his chance and looks a great prospect.'

Lee Bowyer has said that goal scorer Lyle Taylor insisted on staying on for the full 90 minutes which was not the plan. He also clarified the position on the new contract offer which had nothing to do with the potential new owners, East Street Investments: Ninety minute stint

Reading won 3-0 at home to a faltering Derby and went above Charlton. Huddersfield are on the same number of points as the Addicks, but have a worse goal difference.

More injury worries with the mercurial Jonathan Leko seen hobbling around in a knee brace, it looks like a bad knee injury.

Lee Bowyer said that he hoped the result was a sign that Charlton's luck was changing. However, defensively they had to improve and he was critical of Naby Sarr over the first goal. He praised Alfie Doughty. 'I thought he was outstanding,' said the supportive supremo: Hopes late leveller is a sign