Into the Fraeying pan

Last week Rick Everitt was treating his gnomes and elves to a round of drinks in the Rose of Denmark for their valiant efforts in selling Voice of the Valley. Then the news came through that Guy Luzon had been sacked and the Rickster was about to celebrate with more drinks. But a surly goblin pointed out that Luzon may have gone, but his replacement might be even worse.

No surprise, then, when Charlton went down 3-0 at Boro today, their third loss in a row by that margin. In the first half, David Nugent's low strike was kept out by Addicks keeper Stephen Henderson as Boro continued to attack. Henderson's acrobatic 27th-minute save then denied on-loan Watford midfielder Diego Fabbrini.

Charlton managed to hold out for 52 minutes, but eventually the pressure by the superior side told, which Charlton offered no attacking threat. Substitute Reza did draw a save from the keeper.

Once again the stats tell a sad tale: possession 74-26 for Boro; they had ten shots on target to our one; and fifteen corners to our two.

The only slight consolation is that Charlton didn't initially fall further down the table, but the goalless draw between Preston and Bolton in the evening kick off put paid to that, pushing the Addicks down to 23rd. However, it is very tight at the bottom, so Tuesday's game with MK Dons is crucial. Taking a longer perspective,a revival could occur under the right leadership.

Fraeye, nevertheless, insists that he does not want to return to the comfort zone of the Belgian third division. He wants the Charlton job on a permanent, long-term basis: A hungry man

Halfway house

The intention of Katrien Meire and Richard Murray to meet with a cross-section of fans is a welcome step forward given the concerns about the direction of the club, but it is only a halfway house: Meeting plans

The biggest omission is the absence of Roland Duchatelet. It is his vision and strategy that determines what happens at the club. Many think that he does not have a vision, but I think that he does, but it is flawed. The central weakness was an assumption that financial fair play would kick in and create more of a level playing field in the Championship, enabling prudent financing strategies to be followed. That was never going to happen and it hasn't.

Richard Murray made a substantial historical contribution to the club, and is still owed a lot of money by it. It was a classic case of making a small fortune by starting with a big one and 'investing' in a football club. However, and it pains me to say this, Richard Murray is perceived in some quarters today as a more of an apologist for the current regime rather than an independent figure speaking up for fans. But, of course, we don't know what goes on behind closed doors.

Another doubt is the composition of the meeting. First, it will be made up of the various groups represented on the Fans' Forum. I'm not exactly sure which groups those are (although one appears to be the still operating West Sussex branch of the old CASC). However, I recognise some of the names as those of stalwart, clued up and long-standing Addicks.

Selecting fans at random from the database strikes me as typically Rolandesque. It will be his fault if they end up with the likes of Acworth and the Bloke Behind Me or any other professional moaner lacking any focus or constructive suggestions. It would be nice to see one or two of the awkward squad there, but I suspect that they may get black balled, or perhaps I am being too cynical.

Baptism of fire for Fraeye

Karel Fraeye faces a baptism of fire when Charlton play Middlesbrough tomorrow. Our last four encounters with them away at this level in recent years have produced one draw and three defeats. Charlton are 8/1 to win and 7/2 for a draw. A full set of officials from Yorkshire has been provided to ensure that no quarter is shown to southern softies.

I remember a 8-1 win over Boro at The Valley in my first year of supporting Charlton. Gloom merchants have piled in suggesting that we will be beaten 8-0 tomorrow.

I don't think that Stephen Henderson has suddenly become a useless keeper or that Bauer or the returning Diarra have suddenly lost all their skill as central defenders. Our problem is not defensive: other teams in the relegation league have conceded more goals away from home. However, we have only scored three goals away from home this season, a record equalled in the Football League only by Doncaster Rovers.

Shell shocked supremo Fraeye did not give a press conference yesterday, but is to give an interview on the official site today which will no doubt produce some formulaic replies. Fraeye knows that he has given up the comfort of the Belgian third division for an open return ticket on Eurostar. Boro are not the equivalent of Welling United.

It is difficult to see him pulling a rabbit out of the hat and I am forecasting a 2-0 win for the home side.

Charlton fan and author Paul Breen is taking an interest in the Save our Steel campaign and is featured in the local paper: Paul Breen

A Charlton fan shares his despair

A Charlton fan writing for City AM shares his despair and implies that the pitch side sofa might as well be put in a skip: Failing project

Meanwhile, another Charlton fan has applied for the post of manager and it's not Acworth: Fan's application

Hasselbaink for The Valley?

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been named as a possible long-term coach at The Valley. He did not impress as a player at Charlton in the latter stages of his career, but has been very successful at Burton Albion as a manager: Hasselbaink. He is not, of course, Belgian.

Interim coach Karel Fraeye has been told he needs to get results and quickly if he is not to find himself heading for St.Pancras. He faces a tough test at Middlesbrough on Saturday and has ducked out of holding a press conference.

Former Addicks favourite Paul Mortimer says he is shocked by the appointment of Fraye: Morts

Luzon lets rip

Sacked Charlton coach Guy Luzon is disappointed that Roland Duchatelet decided to sack him just as his thin squad was starting to recover from injury: Luzer

It has to be said that successive 0-3 defeats at home would place any coach's position in jeopardy. We haven't seen similar results since the last days of Pardew.

Luzon does thank the Charlton fans who he says have been 'fantastic' for him throughout.

Temporary duo in charge

Wim de Corte contemplates the task ahead at Charlton

Karel Fraeye has been appointed as interim head coach at Charlton and he will be joined at Sparrows Lane this morning by fellow Belgian Wim de Corte: Carry on

De Corte is 43 years old. His previous clubs include Standaard Wetteren, Beerschot AC and Roeselare.

The club is to search for a new permanent head coach, but whether this search will extend beyond Belgium or the network more generally remains unclear.

According to The Times this morning, Malky Mackay remains interested in taking the job on a permanent basis. He was expected to become manager of the Glaziers in August 2014, but dropped out of contention after allegations of racist, sexist and homophobic text messages.

The Times also discusses the prospects for Alan Curbishley who has resumed his 'man in the stands' role at Fulham. That is not going to happen and I am far from convinced that such a 'back to the future' move would be the right one. The golden days have gone and they are unlikely to ever come back.

Stephen Henderson has said that all the Charlton players need to take a hard look at themselves and he includes himself: Players to blame as well

This article argues that Charlton have lost their identity: Identity loss

An online petition is now available for fans unhappy with the situation at the club: Communication wanted

A more specific petition asks the FA to investigate the running of Charlton Athletic and to review the fit and proper person criteria: New petition

In Shakespearean mode, Voice of the Valley editor Rick Everitt gives his latest thoughts on the situation at The Valley: Belgian play. Perhaps he'd like to come and watch Stratford Town at the Anne Hathaway Stadium?