Riga tried to get in another striker

Charlton head coach José Riga tried to get in another striker before the loan window closed, but was not successful. Hence, he has to rely on what he already has in the squad: Striker

He may, of course, not have the range of contacts within the game that a British coach would have.

Michael Morrison says that the Addicks will have no one to blame but themselves if they get relegated and he will take personal responsibility: Morrison. He also says that coach José Riga will rely on squad rotation given the hectic pace of games for the rest of the season.

Addicks just out of relegation zone

Charlton lost 3-0 to Derby today, but stay out of the relegation zone on goal difference above Barnsley who won 4-1 at Yeovil. Millwall drew at home. The Addicks forced Derby keeper Lee Grant into several excellent stops, but were unable to find the back of the net.

Patrick Bamford set up Johnny Russell to score the Rams' first goal and then pounced on a poor back-header by Johnny Jackson to squeeze home their second. Charlton created the first clear chance when Reza Ghoochannejhad (subbed at half time) let fly from the edge of the area, but Grant pushed it behind to make his first significant stop of the day.

Derby scored with their first meaningful attack, which saw Jeff Hendrick play the ball in from the right before Bamford found Russell to turn and fire home a low shot. Bamford made it 2-0 before half-time after Jackson's error and only an excellent Hamer save stopped Andre Wisdom adding a third. Grant made further stops to deny Callum Harriott and Joe Piggott after the break but Derby's top scorer Martin made sure of victory.

A friend who is a Derby fan who was at the game said, 'Not bad going forward, but the defending for all three goals was horrible.' Usually it's the other way round.

Alnwick leaves Orient

It was argued that letting Ben Alnwick leave Charlton was a mistake. However, he played only one game for Orient and his contract has now been cancelled by mutual consent: Alnwick

Charlton now harder to beat

Steve McClaren is too astute a coach to chalk up tomorrow's match against Charlton as three easy points. Rams fans are still celebrating their 5-0 thrashing of rivals Nottingham Forest last Saturday, but then slipped up in an away defeat at Ipswich. McClaren thinks that one time Ram Chris Powell was unfortunate to lose his job, but considers that Jose Riga has made the Addicks harder to beat: McClaren

Derby's home record is a bit more mixed than I expected: won ten, drawn four, lost five. Charlton are now 12th in the form table whereas Derby have slipped to 18th. They have won only one of their last six matches.

Derby are unbeaten in the last five meetings between the two clubs. In last season's encounter, they won 3-2 and they also won 2-0 at The Valley earlier in the season. I would be surprised but delighted by a Charlton win, but a draw is possible. However, I think that a home win is the most likely result.

Odds are Derby 8/13; draw, 11/4; Charlton, 9/2.

Katrien asks for patience

A message from Katrien Miere and the board recognises the importance of dialogue with the fans and developing a shared vision for the club, but asks for patience at a very busy time for the club on and off the pitch: Board statement

Some have argued that postponing meetings with fans until after the end of the season is a classic delaying tactic. My view is that Roland and Katrien want to do all they can to keep the club in the Championship. There are also a number of matters that needed to be sorted out off the pitch were Katrien can play a key role. Even Voice of the Valley paid her some regard in the last issue.

The results of the CAS Trust survey of fans are now available and they make interesting reading, although would respondents be as sceptical now about the chances of José Riga keeping us in the Championship?: Survey results

Addicks try for Petrucci

As a search for a winger continue, Charlton have been successful in signing Manchester United starlet Davide Petrucci on loan for the rest of the season: Petrucci

Brighton and Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest were also reported to be in the frame: Competition . However, Petrucci has now signed whilst Tudgay has returned to Forest.

In other breaking news, the SLP's Richard Cawley has tweeted that Danny Hollands may go on loan to Portsmouth. The fan run club have sacked their manager this morning as they face the possibility of playing non-league football next season (with Portsmouth v. Eastleigh a possibility).

Addicks swoop for Eagles

Charlton are trying to persuade out-of-favour Bolton winger Chris Eagles to come south on loan, preparatory to a longer term move: Eagles

The 28-year old was a youngster with Manchester United. Originally from Hertfordshire, the Spurs supporter started his career in the Watford youth system: Career

I think that this attacking midfielder could add something that we don't have at present and I hope the move goes ahead. However, this is now looking much less likely. Apparently, despite his southern origins, he want to stay 'oop North.

The Evening Standard is reporting that Arsenal are keeping a 'close watch' on Jordan Cousins. Perhaps they should keep a close watch on Arsene Wenger.