A 49th minute goal from ex Reading ace Guy Sanders was enough to give Leamington a 1-0 victory over Rushall Olympic in the BGB Midlands Division play off semi-final last night. Apparently the New Windmill Ground was wetter last night than Montreal has been in the last 24 hours.
Now Brakes face Stourbridge in the play off final at Harbury Lane on Saturday. The Stour have beaten Brakes three times this season (once in the FA Cup) and are very much Leamington's bogey team. If they did win again, it would be interesting to see if the curious three sided ground of the Glassboys met grading criteria.
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Monday, 28 April 2008
Welcome Steve Waggott
Montreal: It is raining very heavily here in La Belle Province today and I have got dragged into yet another row emanating from Chilean politics. But I have been heartened by the news that an 'insider` in the form of Steve Waggott from the Charlton Community Trust has been appointed as chief executive.
Peter Varney will be a hard act to follow, but Waggott brings with him an in depth knowledge of the club and its particular traditions and outlook. At the same time he will hopefully be able to take a fresh look at things. This is only speculation, but one reason why Peter Varney may have felt that he had to go was that after so long in the post he was getting a little stale and the club needed someone who could bring in some new ideas.
Although Waggott will not be responsible for on pitch matters, he will have to respond to the deep disllusionment of many of the Addickted who have endured two very disappointing seasons.
Interesting to see that Thierry Racon has been recalled for the match against Chaventry City. Perhaps he will be given a chance to show what he can or cannot do.
Peter Varney will be a hard act to follow, but Waggott brings with him an in depth knowledge of the club and its particular traditions and outlook. At the same time he will hopefully be able to take a fresh look at things. This is only speculation, but one reason why Peter Varney may have felt that he had to go was that after so long in the post he was getting a little stale and the club needed someone who could bring in some new ideas.
Although Waggott will not be responsible for on pitch matters, he will have to respond to the deep disllusionment of many of the Addickted who have endured two very disappointing seasons.
Interesting to see that Thierry Racon has been recalled for the match against Chaventry City. Perhaps he will be given a chance to show what he can or cannot do.
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Je me souviens
Work takes me to Quebec for a week (for work). The translation of the motto of Quebec has always been the subject of debate. What exactly is it that they are remembering? I certainly won't be remembering this season as a memorable one. I shall miss the final game of the season which will be the first time for many years.
I shall also miss Leamington's two play off matches (two if they win the first one) which will decide whether they are promoted to the Southern League Premier Division.
Meanwhile, there are many other Charlton blogs to keep you informed and entertained (although none others covering the Brakes as well). Enjoy the games.
I shall also miss Leamington's two play off matches (two if they win the first one) which will decide whether they are promoted to the Southern League Premier Division.
Meanwhile, there are many other Charlton blogs to keep you informed and entertained (although none others covering the Brakes as well). Enjoy the games.
Friday, 25 April 2008
Cook returns to Putney
Lee Cook has followed Leroy Lita in returning to his home club. Luke Varney and Scott Wagstaff are in contention for his place on the left in tomorrow's clash at Barnsley.
Cook had expressed an interest in remaining at The Valley, but it was no dice with the Charlton supremo: 'He's a Fulham player and I didn't feel we had any chance of signing him permanently. There's no point keeping him here so I've sent him back and his position will be taken by one of the players who will be here next year and who is looking to make an impact.'
Leaving aside for a moment the question of whether we would want to keep him, why was there no chance of keeping permanently? Was he needed by Foolham for their bid to return to the Premiership? (No hope) Or couldn't we afford his wages? If that is the case, it is another worrying sign of the club's financial condition.
I thought that Cook was a good technical player who was adept at taking corners, at least sometimes. However, there were always doubts about his fitness and we don't want another player on the dread Sparrows Lane treatment table.
Pards has also admitted that the injury that Zheng Zhi picked up against QPR was partly a consequence of fatigue and that the Chinese player was tired out. Actually some of the fans spotted that some time ago.
Cook had expressed an interest in remaining at The Valley, but it was no dice with the Charlton supremo: 'He's a Fulham player and I didn't feel we had any chance of signing him permanently. There's no point keeping him here so I've sent him back and his position will be taken by one of the players who will be here next year and who is looking to make an impact.'
Leaving aside for a moment the question of whether we would want to keep him, why was there no chance of keeping permanently? Was he needed by Foolham for their bid to return to the Premiership? (No hope) Or couldn't we afford his wages? If that is the case, it is another worrying sign of the club's financial condition.
I thought that Cook was a good technical player who was adept at taking corners, at least sometimes. However, there were always doubts about his fitness and we don't want another player on the dread Sparrows Lane treatment table.
Pards has also admitted that the injury that Zheng Zhi picked up against QPR was partly a consequence of fatigue and that the Chinese player was tired out. Actually some of the fans spotted that some time ago.
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Addicks boost for Swansea
Newly promoted Swansea City are hoping to boost their season ticket sales and are flagging up the visit of Charlton as a big attraction. A Swansea site reports, 'Season Ticket sales look set to rise from the 8000 or so holders now as fans flock to get their seats for next season and with the likes of Derby County, Norwich City and Charlton Athletic gracing the Liberty Stadium next season, club officials will see gate revenue rise.'
You couldn't make it up. The worrying aspect is that it is yet another 'smaller' club who are going to treat our visit as their cup final against a 'Premiership' side and consequently raise their game. I was hoping we would be over that next season and that it would be one thing that would give us a minor boost.
You couldn't make it up. The worrying aspect is that it is yet another 'smaller' club who are going to treat our visit as their cup final against a 'Premiership' side and consequently raise their game. I was hoping we would be over that next season and that it would be one thing that would give us a minor boost.
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Free season ticket offer repeated
From the E mail bulletin, hence the hyperbole (my comments in square brackets):
Charlton fans will get a second chance to receive a free Premier League season ticket, plc chairman Derek Chappell announced this afternoon. The club has decided to repeat last year's sensational [somehow it doesn't seem so sensational this year] offer to provide a season's top-flight football at no extra charge if the Addicks are promoted at the end of the 2008/09 campaign.
And Chappell promised that everyone at Charlton will be pulling out all the stops to make the free season ticket become a reality. [It's getting it right, not talking us up that matters: walk the walk, don't talk the talk]
'Our fans have been tremendous this season, which is reflected in the fact that we have recorded the highest attendances in the club's history outside the top division,' said Chappell. [Don't worry how dire the football is, they will turn up. Actually, some big away crowds must have helped]
'The manager, players, staff and directors are all determined to bring Premier League football back to The Valley, but we need everyone to play their part. [Does that mean we all have to start training?]
'The board felt that continuing the offer was the best way we could show our thanks to the supporters and encourage them to carry on their magnificent backing of the team next season.' [As Dave Roberts has said, do these people get out much? Is there some special sound insulation round the directors' box that stops them hearing the booing and the negative comments?]
Charlton fans will get a second chance to receive a free Premier League season ticket, plc chairman Derek Chappell announced this afternoon. The club has decided to repeat last year's sensational [somehow it doesn't seem so sensational this year] offer to provide a season's top-flight football at no extra charge if the Addicks are promoted at the end of the 2008/09 campaign.
And Chappell promised that everyone at Charlton will be pulling out all the stops to make the free season ticket become a reality. [It's getting it right, not talking us up that matters: walk the walk, don't talk the talk]
'Our fans have been tremendous this season, which is reflected in the fact that we have recorded the highest attendances in the club's history outside the top division,' said Chappell. [Don't worry how dire the football is, they will turn up. Actually, some big away crowds must have helped]
'The manager, players, staff and directors are all determined to bring Premier League football back to The Valley, but we need everyone to play their part. [Does that mean we all have to start training?]
'The board felt that continuing the offer was the best way we could show our thanks to the supporters and encourage them to carry on their magnificent backing of the team next season.' [As Dave Roberts has said, do these people get out much? Is there some special sound insulation round the directors' box that stops them hearing the booing and the negative comments?]
Monday, 21 April 2008
Homer has something to celebrate
The president of the Association of Canine Match Analysts, Homer the Cherry Hound, has a full time job as match analyst at promotion chasing Didcot Town and only makes rare appearances at The Valley. However, he also keeps in touch with his New Forest roots and is seen celebrating AFC Totton winning the Wessex Senior League. Come on you stags!
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