Chris Solly could be back

Chris Solly is back in training and could feature against Birmingham City on Saturday. However, Reza is ruled out with a hamstring injury. I am clear which of the two I would like to see back: Injury news

Patrick Bauer is also back in training after what he described in a tweet 'as the toughest time in my career so far.'

Blues players are said to have been given a lift by their break in Marbella. An injury to Kyle Lafferty is not as bad as feared and the striker on loan from Norwich City may play on Saturday.

Fifa profiles Reza

Fifa.com has profiled Reza Ghoochanneljhad and reveals that he plays the violin. Given the constant search for new ways to enhance the match day experience, perhaps he could serenade the fans before the game from in front of the fan sofa: Not just a football player

Of course, the question might be how much of a football player he is. Writing about last Saturday's defeat in the South London Press experienced reporter Kevin Nolan says: 'Ghoochannejhad wore the air of a reluctant passerby, who having witnessed an accident, is anxious to be on his way before the cops arrive. Not before time, his wish was granted after 68 totally invisible minutes.'

Charlton out of the cup

Charlton were left to concentrate on the league after a woeful performance at Colchester saw them exit the FA Cup.

Neither side was dominant in the early exchanges as Charlton played Colchester United in the FA Cup at the Weston Homes Community Stadium. The wind was blowing across the fields. Fox put in a good sliding challenge as it looked as if Massey was going to put the ball into the box. It was mainly possession football in the first ten minutes.

Makienok saw a half chance but got it all wrong and the ball went over. After quarter an hour one could see why the two teams were second from bottom in their respective divisions.

Poyet took a shot which was a yard or so wide of the Colchester goal. Sordell put in a shot which went past the post.

Colchester got the first corner of the afternoon after 20 minutes. Pope punched the ball clear.

A shot from Massey came off Johnson for a corner. Pope grabbed the ball.

Charlton struggled to clear their lines and Pope had to save well at the expense of a corner which ended in a goal kick.

Charlton were not showing a lot of creativity. On 28 minutes Moncur, the U’s leading scorer, put Colchester ahead, after a move that started from a throw in, with Pope having no chance to stop it. There was a chorus of ‘If you want them out, stand up’ from the Addickted.

Charlton won their first corner, but it was unproductive. Ceballos put in a shot, but it took a deflection and cannoned off the post with the keeper stranded.

Cousins was limping badly after a tussle with Sordell and then went down on his haunches. Eventually the ball went out of play and he received attention. Cousins took his captain’s armband off. Fox became captain and Vetokele came on.

Sordell made a run, there was poor communication between Johnson and Sarr, who was hopelessly out of position as he tried to play the attacker offside, and Colchester were able to get their second through Sordell. With their confidence boosted, Colchester were taking control of the game.

Pope had to save from a volley as Colchester once again found space which Charlton had been unable to do all half.

In the four minutes added on, Makienok drew a save, the ball came back out and Moussa’s effort went wide. The Addickted booed Charlton off.

U’s 2, Addicks 0

Rhys Williams came on after the break to replace Ceballos. Charlton won an early corner but it was unproductive. Charles-Cook took a shot, but it was parried away.

Johnson came off and Vaz Te came on, Williams moved back. Vaz Te took a shot, it was punched away, but the move ended with a decision that there had been a foul on the keeper.

Pope saved from Moncur after some poor play by Sarr. Vaz Te took a shot, but it deflected into the arms of the keeper.

A shot from Gilbey deflected off Sarr for a Colchester corner as the rain poured down. Charlton made a break, but a shocking challenge was put on Moussa and the yellow card was shown. Makienok was also booked for dissent.

Charlton won a corner, but the move ended in a goal kick. The Addickted chanted, ‘We want our club back.’ Shortly afterwards there was a chorus of ‘If you want them out, stand up.’

Charlton won a corner. Sordell was taken off to loud applause. Vaz Te put in a shot, the keeper saved, and then the ball was cleared off the line by Brindley.

A Charlton corner led to the ball being steered well wide by Williams. Charles-Cook put in a good cross, Makienok made a good run and put in a header but the keeper saved. In any case, the referee awarded a free kick.

Reza got a goal back for Charlton with a header after an excellent cross by Vaz Te in the four minutes added on to make it 2-1. Morgan Fox was penalised for a foul throw.

Will this lead to the sacking of the ‘Interim One’. I doubt it, as I don’t think anyone is lined up to replace him.

Charlton open to offers for Harriott

Charlton are open to offers for Callum Harriott after the mercurial winger's good loan spell at Colchester. Franck Moussa could also be on his way out, while Tony Watt is expected to sign a permanent deal at Cardiff: Departures

Richard Cawley of the SLP confirms that Roger Johnson, currently playing in the Indian Super League, is also in the club's sights: Roger Johnson

Unconfirmed reports from Belgium suggest that Sint Truiden are interested in Reza Ghoochanneljihad. Fans' opinions appear to be divided on this possible departure, but I think that at least he gives one hundred per cent and has shown signs of adapting to the rigours of the Championship.

Reza happy to stay

Reza Ghoochanneljhad's contract with Charlton runs out at the end of the season, but he would be happy to negotiate an extension. He feels that he was played out of position when he first came to The Valley and now considers that he has acclimatised to Championship football: Reza

Two goal lead turns into defeat

A two goal lead for Charlton over Brighton & Hove Albion turned into a 3-2 defeat for the Addicks. Charlton have slipped back into the relegation places.

Lookman and Reza put the Addicks ahead in the first six minutes and it remained 2-0 at half time. However, the sending off of Patrick Bauer on 57 minutes for holding back Zamora as the last man was a turning point in the match, Brighton having already got one back through Manchester United loanee James Wilson. The Seagulls drew level and Zamora scored the winner.

Charlton took the lead when Ricardo Vaz Te supplied Reza Ghoochannejhad with the ball, who fed Ademola Lookman. The teenager beat Bruno Manga in the box before firing past David Stockdale to give Charlton the lead with just two minutes played.

The Addicks doubled their lead in the sixth minute as Johann Gudmundsson whipped in a cross from the left. The ball just evaded Vaz Te in the centre of the box but Ghoochannejhad was on hand at the back post to sweep home. The Addicks were on the attack again moments later as Ghoochannejhad popped up once more at the far post, his header from Vaz Te's cross somehow kept out by Stockdale.

A clash of heads between Solomon March and debutant Harry Lennon midway through the half saw the latter forced off due to a gash on his forehead. The Seagulls had Stockdale to thank once more as the keeper made another save, this time from a point-blank 30th-minute Gudmundsson effort. In the seventh minute of injury time, Charlton again went close as another Stockdale stop denied Lookman his second.

The second half saw Brighton get a goal back with just five minutes played, as James Wilson picked up the ball 25 yards out before going on a mazy run which saw him beat four Charlton players. Having made it to the penalty spot, the on-loan Manchester United striker stabbed an effort past Addicks keeper Stephen Henderson to hand Chris Hughton's side a lifeline.

Relentless Brighton pressure paid off when Zamora equalised. March was the architect with a driving run and although Henderson instinctively saved at his near post, the follow up hit the post before the experienced striker slammed in. The winner came five minutes from time. Henderson did well to get a hand to sub Tomer Hemed’s header but it still looped into the net.

Reza: everyone is down

Everyone is down in the Charlton dressing room and the Iranian international reckons that he is facing the toughest challenge of his career: Despondency

Football is very much a confidence game and it is difficult to see the Addicks getting anything against an on form Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

I have missed Charlton games for lots of reasons, mostly work commitments. However, I have never failed to go when I was able to go. I have serious doubts about making a five hour round trip on Saturday, but I expect I will.

Six pointer in relegation league

Charlton face another six pointer at The Valley tonight. The Addicks have won just one of their last five home games against Preston (D2 L2), though it was in their most recent meeting at the Valley (5-2 in Nov 2011). Preston have scored either twice or not at all across their last seven meetings with Charlton.

The Addicks are winless in seven league games. Only Preston are on a current longer run in the Championship (9). North End have also scored fewer goals than any other Championship side this season (7).

No.1 Iceland Addick Olafur Johansson asks: 'It has always puzzled me why the other Preston club are called Southend. Why not either call them Northend and Southend or Preston N.E. and Preston S.E. to avoid confusion?'

Talking of Iceland, there are rumours that Gudmundsson may be out tonight may be out with a knock picked up at Reading. Not good news if true, but sources close to Sparrows Lane can neither confirm nor deny.

On the more positive side, Reza is apparently back which gives us more options up front.

Patrick Bauer is suspended for the visit of Preston. Stephen Henderson has beaten a shoulder injury and could return, but Cristian Ceballos, Simon Makienok (contrary to his claims yesterday) and Igor Vetokele remain sidelined.

Odds are: Charlton 17/10; draw, 11/5; Preston, 13/8. Charlton are 6/4 relegation.

I am still in Switzerland, so Lydia Burton has stepped in to provide a report of tonight's game. Swiss Radio gave me a language test today. I passed, but was then told that my East German accent would not be acceptable to Swiss listeners.

Good win for Charlton as Reza scores

It was an evening when some Championship sides were embarrassed. Brentford lost 0-4 at home to Oxford and Blackburn Rovers were defeated at home by Shrewsbury. Seven Championship sides were defeated, while elsewhere Barnet beat Millwall. However, Charlton secured a convincing 4-1 win over Dagenham & Redbridge to go through to the second round of the League Cup.

The Addicks took the lead on 26 minutes when Tony Watt latched onto a Johnnie Jackson pass to fire the ball past Mark Cousins. Karlan Ahearne-Grant doubled their lead with his first Addicks goal before Zakaraya Bergdich scored on his Charlton debut to make it three. Christian Doidge put Dagenham back in it but Reza Ghoochannejhad scored a late goal to send Charlton through.

Watt turned provider as he sent the ball into the box for Bergdich to calmly finish.

Bauer and Serr were steady at the back. Nick Pope seemed vulnerable to any low shots fired straight at him. He nearly got caught out twice.

Attendance was 5,100.

South London Press report is here: Good win

Wilson is Powell target

Lawrie Wilson is a target for Chris Powell's Huddersfield, but Guy Luzon wants him to stay at The Valley for now: Wilson

For me, Wilson has disappointed on his recent appearances (admittedly some think that he was only League 1 quality in the first place), but that is true of a number of players. For him, a loan to Huddersfield might be a good move.

Apparently the search for a striker is not going too well, no surprise really as good ones are thin on the ground and are not usually attracted by a relegation struggle. There is no prospect of 'Gucci' returning from Kuwait which in any case would not offer an answer in my opinion.

No meetings with Katrien

It is evident that neither the CAS Trust nor the 'Royal Oak' group have yet with Charlton's chief executive: Meetings

The Royal Oak group was largely based around the old Valley Party. The CAS Trust has a representative structure and says it has a good relationship 'at the operational level' with the club, whatever that means.

Following remarks by Bob Peeters last night, which were commendably transparent, it looks as if Reza doesn't want to stay at the club, although a deal for a move to the Middle East fell through. It's always a mistake to hang on to players who don't want to stay and in Reza's case I think that he has found the pace and physicality of the Championship quite difficult.

Reza rumours

Rumours have been circulating that Reza Ghoochannejhad is to be sold, or has already been sold, possibly to a club in the Middle East. I can't find any backing for these rumours. That is not to say that it won't happen, but usually it is possible to track down some kind of source, even if it is of dubious reliability. Of course, if it is a Middle Eastern club, the usual sources may not work.

There were reports at the beginning of the month that he was to be sold to Blackpool, to be reunited with José Riga, but the Seasiders have not managed to sign anyone.

Charlton player scores in World Cup

Reza scored a consolation goal for Iran in their 3-1 defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovnia today. He was supplied with a good cross, but made no mistake in finding the back of the net. Four Addicks have played in the World Cup, but he was the first to score a goal. Hopefully his experience in Brazil will stand him in good stead for the coming season.

When Charlton had a row with Iran

Reza faces Argentina on behalf of Iran later today and former Charlton communications supremo Matt Wright has used the occasion to recall when Charlton got embroiled in a row over a refusal to play Iran, not because of missile tests as the Iranians suspected, but because of fixture congestion on a visit to Spain: Iran . Fifa got dragged in, but eventually it all quietened down.

Wright refers to the fact that Charlton had signed Karim Bagheri eight years before this dispute, and it may have been a signing that was not unwelcome in government circles when Charlton were seen as 'on message' club by New Labour.

Charlton linked with Sam Saunders

According to Sky, Charlton are in talks with Brentford wide midfield player Sam Saunders. Career details for the former London Underground electrician are here: Saunders

Born in Erith, the 30-year old underwent exploratory knee surgery last season. Apparently, he knows a number of Charlton players. He wasn't a regular for Brentford last season, so it is difficult to get excited.

Congratulations to Charlton secretary Chris Parkes on being awarded a commemorative plaque by the Football League for twenty-five years service. Charlton through and through.

Reza scored for Iran in a World Cup warm up match against Trinidad & Tobago. His goal came from ten yards out in the second half.

Great victory at Leeds

Leeds commentators praised his 'suave' suit, but later it was in some disarray. 'We wanted it more,' said the coach.

A penalty save in time added on by Ben Hamer and a stunning goal by the Gooch saw Charlton win 1-0 at Elland Road tonight to move three points clear of Barnsley.

The Addicks started with Pigott as the striker up front in a 4-1-4-1, a formation that attracted some criticism (he was replaced by Obika in the second half). The first half was fairly even, although Leeds had the better chances. In the last five to ten minutes Charlton started to dominate and piled on the pressure.

In the second half Hamer made a key save by tipping the ball on to the crossbar. Then Reza beat two defenders and the keeper with a curling shot into the right of the net. McCormack spooned the ball over the net for Leeds under pressure from Morrison.

Poyet was at the heart of the play but was subject to a lot of fouls, having his hair pulled on one occasion. A tiring Astrit was replaced by Harriott. A free kick fed to Dervitte, who had been stalwart in defence, saw him put in a fierce shot which Butland did well to palm away for a corner.

Leeds started to apply more pressure in the closing minutes. Five minutes were added on and a long ball unsettled the back four, Poyet being judged to have committed a foul with a push in the box. Hamer dived to the right to deny McCormack.

My name is too big for my shirt

Long and positive feature on Reza, or 'Dave' as many Charlton fans call him: Reza

Can't remember this sort of coverage for Karim Bagheri!

Salvete et valete

Whatever else one thinks it has been an interesting transfer window and we are in for a lively ride. One thing that is clear, whether Chris Powell stays or not (and I think he will be here until the summer) is that we are moving towards a continental director of football model in which the manager runs the team but does not pick them.

Arrivals

Yohann Thuram-Ulien – goalkeeper - French. On loan from Standard Liège. Squad number: 21 DOB: 31 October 1988 Height 6’ 2”.

Astrit Ajdarević – midfielder – Swedish. On loan from Standard Liège. Squad number: 42. DOB: 17 April 1990 Height 6’ 3”.

Reza Ghoochannejhad – striker – Iranian. Signed from Standard Liège on a two-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee. Squad number: 8. DOB: 20 September 1987 Height 5’ 11”. The snappily named Ghoochannejhad (aka 'Guci') grew up in Holland and represented the Netherlands at under-age level but has been a revelation since making his debut for Iran last year scoring eight goals in 10 games and being seen as the main danger man for his country. His senior domestic league record is very decent - 48 goals in 115 games- the downside will be losing him for tournaments and games (Iran have two friendlies in March). Forget any comparisons with Karim Bhagheri: that was a commercial and political decision, rather than a footballing one.

Anıl Koç – midfielder – Turkish. On loan from Standard Liège. Squad number: 22. DOB 29 January 1995 Height 5’ 8”.

Loïc Nego – defender – French. Transfer in from Hungarian sister club Újpest. Squad number: 25. DOB: 15 January 1991 Height 5’ 11”.

Pitor Parzyszek – striker – Polish. Transfer in from De Graafschap on a four-and-a-half year deal. Fee said to be £800,000. Squad number: --DOB: 8 September 1993 Height 6’ 3”. The most exciting of the signings. West Ham were after him as well. He has an excellent goal scoring record in the 'Eerste Divisie' (closest to the Championship over here) scoring 29 goals in 52 games for De Graafschapwith him bagging 16 goals in just 20 games this season so far (including two hat tricks and one brace) making him that division's top scorer.

Departures

Yann Kermorgant. His departure is deeply regretted by most fans. He didn't seem too happy in his first interview with Bournemouth, despite the opportunity, as a Breton, to live by the sea and Eddie Howe's style of play which sees the ball played to feet more. Hopefully, we will rely less on the long ball aimed at Kermorgant's head in future.

Dale Stephens. A friend who is a Seagull asked what I thought and I said: 'Inconsistent. Will deliver a ball of real quality one minute and the next will give away possession easily and dangerously the next. Will provide the occasional sensational goal from distance.' Nevertheless, our most creative midfield player and we don't have a replacement for him.

Ben Alnwick. The real surprise of the transfer window. However, we cannot really justify having three senior goalkeepers (Hamer's injury is a short-term one as far as I know). Apparently, Roland was not too happy that he was played at Doncaster.

Michael Smith. Some fans are still sore about this, but as Chris Powell pointed out we would not have been able to give him the game time to develop. Scoring goals in League 2 does not mean that you can score them in the Championship and even if he does well in League 1, that does not mean that he would have cut it at this level.

Whether the new players will keep us up remains to be seen, but I will not pass judgment on them until I have seen them play a few times. Some, however, think that the turnover of players of itself poses problems. At least we have spent some money which the old regime would not have been able to do and they would probably had to offload players for cash flow reasons.

For all the jokes about 'Roland Rat' and 'Sub-Standard', we can only make a balanced assessment of the new set up in the summer.

Parzysek to sign

As I have tried to suggest in earlier postings, one should judge the transfer window when it was over. All the indications were that signings were in prospect and Sky Sports News has announced that the Addicks are signing 20-year old Polish striker Pitor Parzysek. He is currently with Dutch club De Graafschap where he has scored 23 goals in 42 appearances in the Eerste (2nd divison). The club have confirmed the signing on their website: Pitor . He is now listed as a Charlton player on Wikipedia.

He will be on a four-and-a-half year contract, so no half measures there. At 6ft 3 inches he sounds like a Yann replacement. He will have a medical tomorrow and may be available for Wigan.

As someone remarked, it's going to be tough for Big Dave Lockwood announcing the Charlton team from now on as the squad becomes more cosmopolitan.

Chris Powell has tweeted from the press conference, 'I want the fans to know we are battling hard and doing the best we can. We need their support.' That does not sound like someone about to walk.

Bradley Pritchard and Jordan Cook are to go out on loan. Joe Pigott may go on loan to League 1.

'Gucci' has now signed on a permanent deal, but he has not played for several months and is not match fit.

According to tweets from Richard Cawley, the deal for Dale Stephens to go to Brighton has been concluded. On Stephens, Chris Powell said, 'Brighton have made a number of offers and Dale has expressed his right to speak to them if the club agreed a deal - which the club has. Obviously I would like Dale to stay. Everyone has seen this season that he has been playing at the level we always thought he could. There's still a lot more to come from him. He has got all the attributes to be a top player in the Premier League.'

However, Rhoys Wiggins has signed a four-and-a-half year contract and is staying.

The Daily Mail has published a highly speculative piece saying that SCP and RD do not see 'eye to eye' on a number of issues. Although short of substance, it may not be wide of the mark: Powell

Gucci can't wait to sign

Standard Liege striker 'Gucci' can't wait to sign a two-and-a-half year deal for Charlton and hopes to play against Wigan (report in Flemish): Gucci . He had better get from Liege to the Gare du Midi and get on Eurostar as soon as he can.

Where's the right back from Hungary? We might need him on Saturday.