Cardiff release Williams

Cardiff City have released Jonny Williams after six months, but I don't think we should be inviting him back: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/cardiff-city-release-former-charlton-and-crystal-palace-midfielder-jonny-williams/

Reports are indicating that Nottingham Forest are considering releasing Lyle Taylor who made only 15 Championship appearances last season.   Barnsley, Blackpool and Middlesbrough are considering taking him on loan.

A straw poll of nearly 300 Charlton fans showed a clear majority against a return to The Valley.

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.

One more goal would have done it

The Daily Mirror notes that one more goal would have saved Charlton from relegation and Lyle Taylor could have scored it: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/one-goal-could-saved-charlton-22421081?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar

I realise that players are simply employees and we shouldn't apply standards to them we wouldn't follow in our own careers.  Nevertheless, I was very disappointed - but not surprised - by Taylor's decision.

Taylor U-turn report was fake news

I was cautious about a report in the Currant Bun claiming that Lyle Taylor had changed his mind and would be playing for Charlton for the rest of the season.

Louis Mendez of the SLP reports, 'Lee Bowyer has just told TalkSPORT that Lyle Taylor has NOT made a u-turn and will still not be playing out the season for Charlton.'

Taylor to return claim

The Currant Bun is claiming that Lyle Taylor has decided to return to help Charlton with their Championship survival fight after talks with Lee Bowyer: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/11852529/charlton-lyle-taylor-championship-restart-lee-bowyer/

I am cautious about this report as I have no independent confirmation and there has been a social media claim that Taylor has denied its veracity.  It would certainly be quite a U-turn.

Taylor: So long, and thanks for all the fish

Clearly the manner of Lyle Taylor's departure from Charlton has provoked a range of views among fans. All I would say is that I remember Andy Hunt ('he plays up front') saying once that players are at a number of clubs during their careers and (most) try to do their best for the club while they are there. I think one can't ask for much more than that.

It would have been good if he could have completed the season with us, but I wouldn't want to get injured if I had prospects of a better job.  Fans are loyal to their clubs (although the evidence shows there is more churn than many people assume).   One can't expect  that of players, although displays of badge kissing do irritate me.

A disappointed but realistic Heather McKinlay writes about Taylor from north of the border: https://www.castrust.org/2020/06/lyle-taylor-last-impressions-count/

A well-known and well-informed Addick from Prague has suggested that Taylor's agent completely misunderstood the value of the offer made by Charlton in January.   Given the implication that the agent is one sandwich short of a picnic, I can say no more.

In any event, Taylor has tweeted: 'This is not how this chapter was supposed to finish, but sometimes we have little control over it. I’ve had so many messages of support from fans, teammates and other players and coaches. For those, I thank each and every one of you.'

As I continue to struggle with idiomatic Spanish, the many Addicks who live in Spain may wish to correct this: Borrón y cuerta nueva.

Taylor: I won't play

Lyle Taylor won't play when the Championship resumes, shocked supremo Lee Bowyer has told Talksport.  The striker fears injury.  David Davis and Chris Solly will also not play beyond the end of their current contracts on July 1st.

The loss of Taylor is a real blow.  He is the target of a number of clubs including Burnley, Middlesbrough and Preston North End.

A full report here from the SLP's Toby Porter: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/manager-lee-bowyer-reveals-lyle-taylor-will-not-pull-on-charlton-shirt-again/

Lyle Taylor interview

An interview with Lyle Taylor is available on You Tube, doesn't make for happy listening about how contract negotiations were handled: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9WmGVUm496w&feature=share

One of the interviewers referred to Charlton as a circus and Taylor said in reply, 'I can't see this ending well.'

Bowyer says PPG relegation would kill Charlton

In a wide-ranging interview with Sky, Lee Bowyer has said that Charlton being relegated on  a points per game basis would kill the club: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11684/11986747/lee-bowyer-relegating-charlton-from-championship-on-points-per-game-would-be-scandalous

It would be unfair to relegate a club which had been in the bottom three for just six days.

Bowyer also expresses his concerns about player contracts with particular reference to Lyle Taylor.

Players in talks to defer wages

Charlton players have taken part in talks to defer wages to help the club through the current crisis. Lyle Taylor has taken a prominent role in the talks along with Chris Solly,Jason Pearce and Darren Pratley: Talks to save the club money

Ratings by the FLP from Huddersfield

I am puzzled that some fans are asserting we are already relegated given that 20th is not a relegation position, nor are Charlton in a relegation position in the form table. Middlesbrough are claiming they will 'do a Charlton' at Forest on Monday, but I am sceptical. Even if they win, the Addicks would still not be in a relegation place.

Against that, yesterday's performance was woeful but with Charlton it is always difficult to read off the next result from the preceding game. Clearly, the game against Middlesbrough next Saturday is another crucial one. Well, they all are from now on. With the smallest budget in the Championship, Charlton were always at risk.

Desmond from Deal has challenged me to publish the ratings and comments from the Football League Paper this morning, so here are the 'best' and the worst:

• Jason Pearce 6 'Made several telling interventions, before crumbling under late assault.' [It was ever thus].
• Alfie Doughty 6 'Did a decent job of keeping Willock away from the box. Passed well too.' [Dismissed as National League standard on social media].
• Dillon Phillips 5 'Exposed for the opener and kept his side in it with great save from Willock'.
• George Lapslie 4 'Careless passes gifted Terriers the opener. Never recovered confidence.'
• Erhun Otzumer 4 'Offered little either side of the diamond and got the hook at half time.' [We should give the diamond the hook and revert to 4-4-2].

As for Lyle Taylor he was 'forced to scrap and forage for lack of forward support. No sight of goal.' Andre Green 'committed several needless fouls and final ball was poor.'

Bleak night for Charlton

Charlton once again succumbed to a last minute goal as they went down 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. Charlton have now conceded six goals after 90 minutes this season.

With the bottom three all winning (Wigan 3-0 at Reading, Barnsley 1-0 at Hull, Luton last night), Charlton remained in 18th place but just two points above the drop zone.

It was a far from inspiring performance from the Addicks, who started with a 3-5-2 formation. There were about 500 fans there in an attendance of 21,370. There was considerable criticism on social media, although the poor standard of refereeing was also criticised. Lockyer received his 10th yellow card of the season, a harsh booking which means that he will miss the next two games.

Once again Charlton had difficulty holding on to the ball, while the Wednesday midfield were given too much time and space. Phillips made a number of good saves from Forestierei and also from Fletcher. Charm merchant Forestieri got booked for a nasty challenge on substitute George Lapslie.

Charlton's best effort was a 25 yard volley from Lyle Taylor in the second half which hit the crossbar. Shortly afterwards a goalbound effort from Taylor at close range was blocked.

Fletcher nodded the ball home from close range in the fifth minute of stoppage time to end Charlton's resistance and earn the Owls a first win in eight Championship attempts.

Naby Sarr was not available due to a tight calf. It is unclear how serious his injury is, but he was missed tonight.

Lee Bowyer thinks that Charlton were robbed of a point by a late soft free kick: Shell shocked supremo

Fans have been piling in on Bowyer on social media, but it is not clear what replacing him at this stage would achieve or who they would replace him with. He started the season with a thin squad and it wasn't enhanced much in the transfer window, although perhaps McGeady should have been given a chance to show what he can contribute tonight.

The team are staying in Yorkshire for Saturday's six pointer at Huddersfield.

Relying on our own results

Louis Mendez has tweeted, 'Impressive how the majority of teams in the Championship relegation battle seemed to have morphed into a reincarnation of the 1970 Brazil side at the moment.'

Of course, fans have pointed out that we can't rely on the results of other teams, but I find it hard not to pay attention to them. It has, of course, given a new opening for pessimists.

One thing that seems to have escaped them is that our goal difference is far better than the other clubs in the relegation league, because when we have lost it has often been by one goal. I am also puzzled why no one ever factors likely points deductions into the discussions. I suppose it's the equivalent of 'I won't believe until I see it on the official site'. These things take time, but it doesn't mean that the EFL will not act.

When it comes to relying on our own results, we face a tough challenge at Hillsborough tonight where Sheffield Wednesday will be eyeing an opportunity to end their run of bad form which has seen them fall from promotion challengers to mid-table.

They managed a 3-3 draw at Birmingham on Saturday, although from what I could see from the highlights their defence looked suspect. Even so, we have conceded 48 goals against their 41.

Manager Garry Monk reckoned that the Owls were unlucky not to win at St. Andrews and said 'In terms of the performance it was more like ourselves. There was fight, passion and desire.'

Charlton will assess midfielder Darren Pratley, who had an injection in a back injury and missed Saturday's win against Luton. Jonny Williams (ankle) continues to be out.

The Addicks are five points above the relegation zone, having won three of their past five games.

Sheffield Wednesday are looking to win three consecutive league games against Charlton for the first time since September 1990 (four in a row). This will be Charlton's first away league match against Sheffield Wednesday since March 2016, when they lost 3-0 under Jose Riga.

Sheffield Wednesday haven't won any of their past seven games in the Championship (D3 L4), last going on a longer winless run between September and November 2014 (10). Charlton have alternated between a victory and a defeat in each of their last five league games (W3 D2). The previous three wins for the Addicks came across a run of 23 matches (W3 D7 L13).

When Lyle Taylor starts for Charlton in the Championship this season, the Addicks have won 54% of their matches (7/13) compared to just 14.

One thing is certain, it will be a massive game.

'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

To the Londoners 1-0

Charlton achieved what many thought was impossible last night and beat Nottingham Forest 1-0. An excellent Naby Sarr cross was converted by Lyle Taylor in the first half. Sarr then nearly managed to score an own goal. Forest's manager admitted that Charlton were the better team, saying that Charlton controlled the game

The Addicks went up to 19th in the table, six points above Wigan in the first relegation place.

Report from Louis Mendez here: Vital away win

Smiling supremo Lee Bowyer said: 'We're now three points nearer to the target of staying up that we need. People wrote us off and said we'll go down, but I believe in this group of players and they keep fighting and I keep pushing them. With our fans behind us, we've got a good group here.'

However, the striving supremo was not completely satisfied, saying that Charlton should have scored more goals. Certainly chances were missed in the second half. Hemed in particular was guilt of some wayward finishing.

Pessimists and negativists are few and far between this morning, but Desmond from Deal was unabashed: 'Bowyer does get lucky sometimes, but it was a fluke result. Mark my words, we are going down.'

'It's the result that matters'

That was the reaction of Steve from Petts Wood after Charlton ground a 2-1 win over fellow relegation strugglers Barnsley at The Valley to go up to 19th in the Championship. They were pretty much Lee Bowyer's sentiments too. Read his comments on the game here: Players were a bit rusty

After a first half in which the Addicks were dominant and went 2-0 ahead, the Tykes came out of the traps in the second half and eventually got a goal back. They maintained the pressure and Charlton were forced back too much, but held on, even through the six minutes added on. They had difficulty keeping hold of the ball.

Particularly in the first half, Barnsley resorted to constant fouling and one of their number was fortunate not to get a second yellow. Their manager got a yellow in time added on and one northern charm merchant got a yellow card after the game ended for abusing the referee.

Barnsley found themselves behind inside the first 10 minutes as Taylor reacted quickest as the ball dropped in the box from a Jason Pearce free kick and he scored a poacher's goal. Andersen's header forced Charlton keeper Dillon Phillips into a brilliant save and Aapo Halme hit the outside of the upright with a follow-up effort.

Green's goal just before half time left the Tykes with a lot to do in the second half but Woodrow struck the crossbar after Andersen's initial shot rebounded off Phillips, before scoring after a quick break by Luke Thomas.

I have only just heard about Green's grandad: respect to him for playing, and playing well, and also for acknowledging his grandfather.

Jacob Brown also hit the bar as the Tykes pressed for an equaliser, but their efforts were in vain as Charlton's new majority shareholder Tahnoon Nimer was able to savour three points on his first visit to The Valley.

Darren Pratley deserves really praise for his contribution, he covered every blade of grass and was serenaded by the Covered End. It was great to see Lyle Taylor and Jonny Williams in action. I enjoyed Lyle's 'I'm on fire' interview. Jake Forster-Caskey was disappointing when he came on as a substitute. Hemed also disappointed and nearly set Barnsley up for a second goal by giving the ball away at the other end.

We also messed up a promising free kick by playing it short rather than putting it in the box and allowing Barnsley to counter attack. Johnnie Jackson was beside himself.

Read the report from Louis Mendez here: Vital win

Although one should not really take pleasure in the pain of others, particularly on Candlemas, I have to admit that I was amused by the video of disgruntled Barnsley fans leaving in some chaos to the tune of the 'Red, Red Robin'.

One more deal

David Davis is in on loan from Birmingham City. Richard Cawley comments, 'Very experienced midfielder who is strong and sounds like he will be a crowd pleaser. Loan deal until the end of the season. Takes temporary deals to six - only five can be in a matchday squad - but we know Lee Bowyer loves to rotate his midfield options.'

Cawley adds, 'Got to say that probably the big win for Charlton in this window is keeping Lyle Taylor. Absolutely no doubt in my mind he can be the difference in the run-in. All starts with a huge game tomorrow v Barnsley.'

Next month is going to be tough says Bowyer

Richard Cawley of the SLP has stated that no news is expected from Charlton tonight in terms of transfers. This has clearly disappointed some fans to say the least, although ESI never said they had huge sums of money to spend. Some fans simply jumped to their own conclusions.

Cawley has subsequently tweeted: 'Charlton chairman Matt Southall has told @charltonlive that he is "hard at work at the training ground with rest of the team trying to get things over the line. Hopefully we'll have some good news for you all soon'. A tweeted picture of a supply of soft drinks appears to be authentic.

Lee Bowyer has said that Sam Field should be available for Saturday's game against Barnsley, although presumably that means from the bench. Chuks Aneke may also be available, although I have to admit I do not find that much of a morale boost: Injury situation and the pressure of Saturday's clash

Sombre supremo Bowyer emphasised the size of the task he faced: 'We’ve got most players back but some need training first. That’s been the problem – we’ve had six or seven come back at the same time but they are all limited to 30 minutes each and I can only make three subs!'

'It’s about trying to blend them all in. Getting them all fully back will make my job a lot easier – it will mean I can rotate. The next month is going to be a tough month because there are a lot of games. We’re going to need the full squad.'

There are media reports that Brentford are going to make another effort to secure the services of Lyle Taylor. This was not what I was hearing from normally reliable Brentford sources earlier in the week, but the picture can change quickly as the transfer deadline nears.

Addicks sweep for Gashead nomad

Charlton have put in a bid for Bristol Rovers striker Jonson Clarke-Harris:

Bristol sources say that Charlton have been interested for ten days in both the striker and Rovers captain Ollie Clarke. Charlton have now strengthened their interest in the 25-year-old striker, submitting a bid that Bristol Live understands to be around £1m plus add-ons.

The offer of around £1m is likely to be rejected by Rovers who hope it will start a bidding war. They are also looking for loan players for Charlton, unlikely given the thinness of our squad.

Clarke-Harris has netted 21 league goals in 35 appearances since joining Rovers from Coventry almost 12 months ago, with his form at the end of last season winning the Gas vital points in their bid to escape the drop zone.

Plenty of Championship clubs have run the rule over Clarke-Harris since he joined on January deadline day last year, including the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough - both of whom have been heavily linked with the player this month.

The 25-year old has extensive loan experience in the lower leagues. He started his career playing park football for Leicester's Beaumont Town: Career details

Richard Cawley has tweeted that if JCH comes in it means Taylor is off.

Bee doubtful about Taylor story

Richard Cawley is taking a deserved two day break, but this means we won't have any white smoke in the run up to the end of the transfer window.

However, I did contact a leading Brentford fan about the Lyle Taylor story and although he is a busy Bee he replied: 'With Lyle Taylor, we’re wondering if this is a press re-hash of the summer story. Then, we needed a central striker, but Ollie Watkins has performed above and beyond our expectations. So if he came, he’s definitely be backup. I’m not sure that would attractive to him given he’s first choice at Charlton.'