Return of Myles Weston

Former Charlton trainee Myles Weston may return to haunt us this season as it is being reported that he has turned down a three year deal at Notts County and joined promoted Brentford.

Self-styled 'no nonsense' defender Jamie Stuart, once with Charlton, has left Grays and moved to the banks of the River Nene to join Rushden and Diamonds.

Hudson off to Cardiff

Cardiff City are saying that they have an offer accepted for an unnamed centre back, believed to be Charlton captain Mark Hudson. The fee is rumoured to be around £700,000 which will provide some much needed cash flow. Read more here:- Bluebirds

With Jonathan Fortune's future at The Valley uncertain, Charlton may be short of a centre back. Perhaps Kelly Youga's change of hairstyle was preparation for this role.

Addicks sign Llera

Charlton have finally won their long fought campaign to secure the signature of Spanish defender Miguel Angel Llera. The powerful centre back would be a suitable replacement for Mark Hudson should he leave. The 6 ft. 4 defender made 37 appearances for Franchise FC last season. Llera, who turns 30 on the day before the Third Division South season starts, has signed a two year contract.

The signing is further confirmation that Phil Parkinson is firmly in charge at Sparrows Lane. The Addicks supremo said, 'I'm delighted Miguel has agreed to sign. He is a good age for a centre-half [Why is 30 a better age than 25, ed?] and all the homework we've done and meeting him confirmed he's a good character. He's a big centre-half who goes and attacks the ball but has got good use of it with his left foot as well.'

Pretty Things

Charlton fans have been disappointed at the failure of a Mr Big to arrive at The Valley with a big wad of readies to sort out the club's problems. Evidently Peter Varney's powerpoint presentation is not as convincing as Iain Dowie's DVD which landed him the manager's job at The Valley.

However, things are not as bad as they are at Southampton. The Saints are in real danger of being wound up within a week. And the mystery backer behind the Pinnacle consortium that has been trying to buy the club turns out to be a lettings agent from North London who lives with his mum and dad. Dad was a cab driver, but mum Sandra did own a lingerie store called Pretty Things in nearby Cockfosters (which as Joe the Saint points out is 'the end of the line'.

We predict that next week Kevin Portch will launch his bid for Charlton.

A non-story

Even Pravda is having to resort to non-stories: Keeper

Why would we need another keeper?

Enjoy the weekend and the absence of a game. I'm start to look forward to some Chilean football in a couple of weeks.

Randolph and Holland expected to sign

Darren Randolph has been holding contract talks with Addicks supremo Phil Parkinson and a deal is expected to be agreed within the next few days. Matt Holland has started training and is also expected to agree a deal.

Phil Parkinson is expected to remain Addicks manager next season. Realistically we cannot afford anyone else. I wouldn't describe myself as an enthusiast, but I am not as critical as some people are. He inherited a poisoned chalice and performances and results did improve somewhat.

Peter Varney was never heading up a takeover deal, but has been helping with making presentations to prospective investors who might inject some much needed new money into the club.

Gloomsters are already predicting relegation into Division 2. It has to be remembered that many League 1 sides are not as good as those in the Championship and the squad should be able to cope, at least to the extent of getting to the fringes of the play offs.

Blues in for Shelvey

Chelsea have joined the race for the signature of Jonjo Shelvey. What is particularly attractive about their interest is that they would be prepared to loan him back to Charlton for a season or even two.

However, West Ham and Spurs are also in the face and Shelvey himself is thought to favour a move to White Hart Lane.