Jacko makes the top fifty

Johnnie Jackson is the one Charlton player to make a list of the top fifty Football League players in the latest issue of Four Four Two. I might add that one shouldn't take these lists too seriously and the methodology behind them is also suspect: I speak as someone who once made it on to a list in the Sunday Express of the 500 most influential people in Britain which led to a lot of interesting banter on the lines of where and how I might exercise my influence.

The description of Jacko is, however, interesting: 'Jackson has matured slowly, having spent much of his early career playing for Spurs' reserves, but the versatile Londoner - who initially signed for Charlton on a one-month loan from Notts County in 2010 - has flourished at The Valley, where he is now captain. Although not the standout player to the extent that he was in League One last season, his versatility, tireless running [shome mishtake shurely?] and ability to rally the troops means he's still Charlton's main man.

'"Johnnie leads by example and you look for that in a captain," says manager Chris Powell. Jackson looks settled, too, having recently signed an extension to his contract.'

'Did you know? Jackson cemented his place as a fans' favourite after buying a train carriage full of Charlton fans a drink.'

I was a bit surprised that Chris Solly didn't even make 'the best of the rest' list while Leon Clarke was highly placed in the main list. If there was a 'most improved' or 'steepest learning curve' award, I would give it to Bradley Pritchard.

Clarke to become Sky Blue

Leon Clarke, who has not had a future at The Valley for some time, has been taken on trial by Coventry City with a view to a permanent move: Clarke

Where he will be moving to is an interesting question. If Coventry City can't settle their rent dispute with their landlords at the Ricoh Arena, it could be Nene Park, Irthlingborough, the former home of Rushden & Diamonds. Or beautiful downturn Burslem and Vale Park.

Clarke not to be recalled

Chris Powell has played down reports that Leon Clarke might be recalled from Scunthorpe where he has been scoring goals. Sir Chris reasonably points out that he would be less happy warming the bench for Charlton than playing for Scunthorpe.

Scunthorpe cannot afford to hang on to him when his loan expires, but there has been interest from other clubs in a more permanent deal: Clarke

Paul Jewell should have had the decency to resign at Ipswich when he was struck down by the curse of Charlton, but he has finally gone. Inevitably, journos are putting Curbs in the frame. However, this time it does make some sense. Curbs took a lot of Charlton's Premiership players from Ipswich and it is not too far from Essex. Also, Ipswich are looking for a manager who has secured promotion from the second tier which Curbs has done twice.

Ipswich have a long list of 34 names, but Alan Curbishley and Mick McCarthy are the favourites according to the BBC so it could be a battle between former South London managers.

The career of Matt Taylor

An article here reviewing the somewhat unorthodox career of Matt Taylor. Not sure what I think of the young journo's writing style: Taylor

Taylor is, of course, on the fringe of the team this year and had the misfortune to pick up an injury before the game at Hull.

Elsewhere, Leon Clarke scored Scunthorpe's only goal as they drew 1-1 with the smaller of the two Sheffield teams.

Crystal Palace appear to have given up on a move away from Selhurst Park, but are in discussions with Sainsbury's about how the ground might be developed. This would include moving the away fans: Palace

Leon Clarke out on loan

Leon Clarke is to join Scunthorpe on a one month loan: Clarke

Meanwhile, Doug Freedman is insisting that Palace are particularly good at derbies: Palace

No offer for Baldock

Although the Addicks have been strongly linked with West Ham striker Sam Baldock, no formal bid has been made for the player according to Chris Powell: Baldock

That, of course, does not rule out informal enquiries. According to the Bristol press, the signing of Baldock has been imminent for days. It is more than likely that the complex structure of the deal has held it up and that it will be concluded in the next day or two.

As Powell stressed, it is still silly season when asked about other players linked with Charlton. It looks increasingly likely as if we more or less have the squad that will have to face the Championship. It can always be strengthened in the January transfer window if necessary and provided funds are available. There is also the usual recourse to loan players.

Powell has told Leon Clarke and Paul Hayes they are free to leave as he is unlikely to be able to offer them regular first team football. Scunthorpe United have been interested in re-engaging Hayes, but apparently he has told them he is not available.

Are Stoke the new Charlton?

That is the question posed here, although I find it difficult to see Tony Pulis as the new Alan Curbishley: Potters

Interesting to see former Addicks Paul Mortimer and John Salako interviewed on Sky News last night about the Rio Ferdinand tweet. Mortimer was interviewed with what appeared to be the women's team training in the background. He is a bit bulkier than I remember him, but always a favourite player of mine.

Elsewhere it has been reported that Oldham Athletic have ended their interest in Leon Clarke whom they were hoping to sign as part of a 'promotion push'. Following his loan spell at Crawley, I had forgotten he was on our books.