Cullen treated Charlton as if it was his own

Josh Cullen, now playing his football in Belgium, enjoyed every minute of his time with Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/josh-cullen-exclusive-i-treated-charlton-athletic-as-if-it-was-my-own/

Josh Cullen may play for West Ham tomorrow

Former Charlton loan player Josh Cullen may feature for West Ham in tomorrow night's Carabao Cup derby, while Darren Randolph could be in goal: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-xi-vs-charlton-confirmed-team-news-predicted-lineup-latest-injuries-efl-cup-a4546821.html

Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer has said he will make as many changes as humanly possible for the game, but Charllie Barker will feature: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-manager-lee-bowyer-ill-make-as-many-changes-as-i-can-for-west-ham-tie/

Cullen: it won't be the same without the fans

The Charlton v Millwall derby at The Valley tonight will not be the same without the fans, Josh Cullen has told Richard 'Big Dog' Cawley of the SLP: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/josh-cullen-charlton-millwall-clash-wont-have-same-edge-without-any-fans-at-the-valley/

Cullen talks about how much he has enjoyed being at Charlton.   He likes it as much as the fans have liked him and he will give everything until the last minute of the last game.

He won't be drawn on how many points will be needed for survival, but none of us can calculate that.

One is enough

For the second week running one goal was enough to give Charlton all three points at The Valley this afternoon.  This time it was Darren Pratley who scored the winner in the first half.

A friend had sent me a team list beforehand which named 'Partly'.   Hardly: he was putting himself about all match.

The cut outs of fans moved around in the strong breeze at The Valley.  Pitch announcer Brian Cole was there and our friends at the Association of Canine Match Analysts were pleased to see one dog featuring.

Charlton entered the field of play by descending the steps from the hospitality area in the West Stand.

The Addicks were fluent in the early exchanges, but the final ball was missing.  Then from a Cullen cornet Pratley put in a header which was deflected by the keeper on to the post and into the net.

A shot from Hemed was blocked.  Oshilaja put in good defensive work.  Cullen was busy, providing good touches and also contributing in defence.  He was later judged to be man of the match.

Bonne won Charlton a corner after good work by Hemed, but a shot from Morgan was blocked.  Some drizzle turned into rain.  Matthews provided good defensive work throughout the half.   In two minutes added on, Albie Morgan put in a poor cross.

Half time: Addicks 1, Super Hoops 0.

A blue sky greeted the returning players.  QPR stepped up a gear and Dillon Phillips had to make a vital early save and a second one from the rebound.  As the Hoops increased the pressure, the reliable keeper was called on again to make a save.

McGeady turned provider for Bonne, but his header was judged to be offside.

Hemed who had taken a knock was withdrawn, along with McGeady, who had not been that involved.  Aneke and Doughty came on.  They both enhanced Charlton's play, Aneke making a nuisance of himself with his physical presence and Doughty showing silky skills, winning the Addicks a corner.

The referee remembered he had cards and booked Pratley for a lunge.

As the 80 minute point approached, QPR stepped up the pressure, but Purrington won Charlton a corner.  Bonne and Morgan came off and Field and Green came on, the idea being to pack the midfield.

After a rare mistake by Cullen, Lockyer cleard well.   Doughty's tenancity drew a key save from Kelly, one of QPR's best players.

In five minutes added on Aneke made a nuisance of himself and won Charlton a corner which was not taken.

Barnsley and Millwall drew 0-0, Wigan won at home and Boro won at Stoke under Neil Warnock.  Charlton are 18th, three points above Huddersfield in the first relegation place.  Of the bottom sides, four won, two drew and only one lost today.  Tuesday's opponents, Cardiff City, won 3-1 away.

It was the first back-to-back win for Charlton since Augsut.  Paul Elliott was at the ground and the BBC focuses on the new owner's winning run: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51811758

Another report here praising Lee Bowyer as Charlton's greatest asset: https://www.football.london/charlton-athletic-fc/lee-bowyer-charltons-greatest-asset-18500077

Cullen's future is not with Charlton

Josh Cullen's future is away from The Valley even if Charlton avoid the drop. David Moyes wants to take another look at him and a number of clubs are interested: West Ham set to give Cullen a chance

Cullen contract extension is a blow

Many Charlton fans think that Josh Cullen is one of our best players and want to see him sign for us permanently. But now West Ham have extended his contract for another year, making him a lot more expensive to purchase: Outlines his future intentions

Cullen himself emphasised that his long-term plan had always been to improve at Charlton and go back and play at West Ham. Ironically, West Ham are at some risk of being relegated.

The SLP's Richard Cawley has commented: 'That's a definite blow to Charlton fans, who had hoped he could be snapped up. Fact is he'll cost a fee + increased wages. Doesn't look anything like a goer at the moment.'

Once a club gets a new owner, clubs demand more for their players and the players themselves want higher wages. Bargain basement clearout deals, which might contain a hidden gem, are no longer available.

Player boost against Fulham?

Sanguine supremo Lee Bowyer hopes to have Lyle Taylor, Josh Cullen and Sam Field 'available' for Wednesday's game Fulham which probably means they will be on the bench, although Field looks the least likely. Today's birthday boy Chris Solly will also be available after feeling unwell before the game at Preston: Three injured players to return.

Pessimists are, however, inevitably taking a 'I'll believe when I see it' stance.

Unconfirmed media reports are stating that Bristol City were the club that offered a player or players in exchange for Lyle Taylor, an offer dismissed as ridiculously bad given the players mentioned.

Gloom merchants out in force

The doom and gloom merchants have been out in force over the last day or two. Some of it is the result of excessive expectations. Just because we have a wealthy owner doesn't mean he is going to turn a large fortune into a small one by splashing out on Charlton Athletic.

As far as relegation is concerned, all we need to do to avoid it is for there to be three teams worse than us. I am surprised that some people think that Luton, Barnsley and Wigan are stronger. Also remember that both Birmingham City and Derby County now face big points deductions for breaching financial fair play rules.

Lee Bowyer is very close to signing a new contract, according to a report from the authoritative Richard Cawley: Very close to signing a long-term contract

As for the transfer window, you can only assess it properly at the end, not by having a panic attack half way through. Lee Bowyer says that Charlton's hierarchy are working overtime to add players to the squad - two more loan slots emptied this week with Kayal and Gallagher both recalled.

There is also a possibility that Josh Cullen, who has resumed full training, may be available for Preston: Josh Cullen is a machine

As it so happens, the 'fake news' tweet about Marcus Maddison was not far short of the mark as it does seem that his wage demands were excessive.

All this negativity is just too much, it's enough to drive one to desperate measures. Rydw i'n mynd i Ceredigion am y penwythnos.

Bowyer a little more hopeful on fitness front

Lee Bowyer says that Josh Cullen will be back in training tomorrow and even seeing him walking around the training ground will be a boost to morale: Injury news

The serendipitous supremo said that the postponement of the Fulham game on January 25th would also give players more recovery time with Lyle Taylor expected to be out for two to three weeks with his thigh injury.

Bowyer admitted that Charlton's cup exit had its positive side: 'In a way we can look at it as if it’s a good thing we’re out the competition now. I love the competition and have a lot of respect for it but the bigger picture for this football club.'

New owners want Cullen deal

The new owners at Charlton want to make Josh Cullen's deal with the club permanent: ESI keen on deal

New chairman Matt Southall was part of a different consortium that tried to buy the club off Richard Murray in 2010, but instead it was sold to the 'spivs'.

Cullen could be out for three months

Josh Cullen could be out for three months with ankle ligaments damage and it will be at least two months, reports Richard Cawley of the SLP.

This is a huge blow as he has made a crucial contribution to our success. Even when he is back, it will a time because his sharpness returns.

Six without a win for Charlton

It was six games without a win for an injury ravaged Charlton as they were defeated 2-1 at Luton Town tonight in front of 1,032 Addicks. There were doubts about Luton's first goal, but there is no denying that they edged it. Indeed, the scoreline could have been even worse if they had taken all their opportunities.

In another blow Conor Gallagher picked up a fifth yellow card and will not be available against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Luton hit the crossbar in the opening minute. Then on seven minutes Leko burst past the Luton defence and found himself one on one to score. It was three in three for the often criticised player and his first without a deflection.

Then on 19 minutes a Luton free kick led to a Luton corner. It was cleared but came back in and Luton equalised through Roddick-Mpanzu. The referee did consult the linesman. At first it was thought that there might have been a hint of handball, but it seems that there was a Luton player in an offside position obstructing Phillips.

Luton then dominated possession until after the half hour mark when there was some Charlton possession. On 34 minutes a free kick enabled Solly to put in a good cross but Bonne's header was just wide. Leko put in a cross across the six yard box, but there was no one there to connect. Lockyer intervened to stop Luton scoring from a counter.

On 52 minutes Pratley, who had made some good interceptions, lost out in midfield. Cornick turned provider for Brown who scored. Luton then went on to hit the post.

Sarr was replaced by Doughty. Charlton then switched to a 4-4-2 and their play improved. A Luton corner was headed away by Pratley. Gallagher hit the post. Purrington was replaced by Josh Davison on 85 minutes. Charlton had some late corners but, as happened earlier in game, they came to nothing.

Charlton have gone down to 14th on the same number of points as Hull and Birmingham.

Full report from Louis Mendez here: Luton come from behind

Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer thinks that two refereeing decisions led to defeat at Luton: Refereeing decisions cost us

Having watched the highlights, Louis Mendez commented, 'Can see how the ref missed the handball but the offside decision is risible.'

Josh Cullen will be out until after Christmas with ankle ligament damage, Otzumer might be fit for Saturday.

Cullen out, Otzumer doubtful fior Luton

Josh Cullen will have a scan on his ankle today and will not be available at Luton on Tuesday evening: Key man ruled out

Ehrun Otzumer is 'touch and go' according to Lee Bowyer.

Once again, Lee Bowyer will not be able to name a full bench.

More injury worries after score draw

Today's 2-2 score draw against Cardiff City at The Valley was arguably a fair result, but it left Charlton with more injury worries. Cullen was stretchered off with an ankle injury and my man of the match Ehrun Otzumer picked up a knock and there were other injuries as well.

Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer said that he would not be able to put out a full side against Luton on Tuesday: Bowyer will struggle to name a senior eleven. Lyle Taylor was a week or two off returning.

At one time there were four players who had played in non-league in the past year on the pitch and three 19-year olds. Albie Morgan came on as a substitute for Cullen and impressed after his spell at Ebbsfleet. Debutante Doughty also played well.

Charlton started the first half very cautiously and defensively, but then broke away down the right to score the first goal. The second half was full of end-to-end incident with a penalty save by Dillon Phillips. However, finishing needed to be more clinical and defensive weaknesses were apparent. Charlton have gone down to 13th in the table.

The Bluebirds had the first clear chance of the afternoon when Mendez-Laing beat two defenders before crossing low to whingeing charm merchant Paterson, who could only hit the side netting from six yards out.

And the visitors were made to pay when Bonne ran freely down the right before beating Bennett and Curtis Nelson to cross into the six-yard box and Gallagher reacted quickest. He is now Charlton's top scorer.

Things went from bad to worse for Harris' Cardiff as Oztumer found himself in acres of space with all the time in the world to put Leko through on goal and the West Bromwich Albion loanee made no mistake.

Cardiff pressed forward after the break and were awarded a penalty when Madine was pulled down in the centre of the box when challenging for a cross. Hoilett stepped up, but his strike was tame and Phillips got down to his right to save.

But Charlton's two-goal lead did not last much longer as Mendez-Laing got a shot away following Leandro Bacuna's blocked attempt, leaving Phillips with no chance.

And it was Harris' substitution that made the telling contribution as Bennett's cross found Tomlin, who dropped the shoulder and rifled a shot into the bottom corner, sparking celebrations from the travelling fans behind the goal. This move started with two Cardiff players on one Charlton player on the Cardiff left. It is the first time Charlton have surrendered a two goal lead since the 3-2 defeat by Brighton in 2015.

It could have been even better for Harris and Cardiff when his other substitute Omar Bogle raced clear, but the striker was denied by Phillips. Both sides sensed a winner as the game opened up late on with seven minutes of time added on and Bonne almost snatched it at the death for Charlton, but Lee Peltier got his body in the way to seal the draw for Cardiff.

Cardiff manager Neil Harris saw it as a point gained rather than two lost and said: 'Roedd fel gêm pêl-fasged yn yr ail hanner-ac mae Charlton yn gallu chwarae fel hynny.'

Lee Bowyer ignored Harris's Harlem Globetrotters analogy and focused on the positives, although obviously disappointed by the result: Bowyer looks for the positives

Cullen happy with points haul

Josh Cullen is not too disappointed after an injury racked squad got four points from an action packed week of four games: Pleased with points haul

Bowyer: 'I'm doing the right things with players'

Lee Bowyer reckons that the biggest plus of the international break was seeing Jonny Williams back in the senior set up for Wales and Josh Cullen making his debut for the Republic of Ireland: Look at them now

Bowyer said: 'I’m really chuffed for them. It makes me feel good because you’re doing the right things with players – they weren’t anywhere near it before. Now, all of a sudden, they have crept in there and are playing.'

MOTM award for Cullen

Josh Cullen picked up a Man of the Match award in his debut for Ireland last night as they beat Bulgaria 3-1 and said it was a dream come true: Cullen debut

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.

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

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.