Steve Brown thinks that Alan Curbishley should be brought in as a key advisor at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/steve-brown-its-perplexing-why-alan-curbishleys-know-how-is-not-being-utilised-to-help-charlton-owner-thomas-sandgaard/
Many fans have argued that his talents are wasted sitting in the stand that bears his name given the current crisis of the club. Sometimes it seems that he has been hinting at such a role.
Those fans left in the ground last night chanted 'We want Adkins out' and that sentiment has been reflected in social media posts. However, the shell shocked supremo is determined to stay put and fight on: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/beleaguered-adkins-vows-to-fight-on-at-the-valley-after-bolton-wanderers-thrash-charlton/
However, he could be a dead man walking. Louis Mendez says that there is a stink around The Valley thinks that for the first time last night Adkins realised that his days might be numbered: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-heavy-home-loss-to-bolton-nigel-adkins-is-running-out-of-time/
However, Dean Kiely and Alan Curbishley think that the time for excuses is over: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/alan-curbishley-and-dean-kiely-agree-any-excuses-for-charltons-terrible-start-to-season-need-to-stop-now/
Charlton went ahead after 11 minutes with a replica of the goal against Portsmouth. Clare got hold of the ball well and passed to Leko who fed Davison who put the ball in the back of the net.
Bolton were playing the ball a lot between the two centre halves and it wasn't clear what the plan was.
Leko was a real threat down the wing. Lee put the ball just wide of the post.
Captain Watson got booked and then Davison after a theatrical performance by the Bolton player.
Bolton started to come into the game more after the half hour mark. Matthews got caught in possession and the ball went right across the front of goal.
On 42 minutes Bolton equalised. The ball was played across the pitch, their player was allowed a few touches and put in a good strike from 20 yards out into the far corner of the net, but they shouldn't have been given so much space.
HT: 1-1
It was a cagey start to the half as the rain poured down. It was something of a stalemate. Davison managed to skim the outside of the post.
Leko had to be replaced by Washington after he took a knock.
Charlton started to look tired. Big gaps were appearing between the midfield and the front line. Bolton advanced down the right and a deflection saw the ball go past MacGillivray to make it 1-2.
After a great run from Washington, he tried to put the ball over the advancing keeper but it went inches wide.
Clare went off and was replaced by Gilbey. Clare had been tiring.
Bolton broke down the Charlton right on 80 minutes and made it 1-3 on the inside of the post from six yards out.
Bolton claimed for a penalty against Purrington, but there was no contact. Watson went off and Stockley came on in a last desperate attempt.
With Charlton pressing, Bolton made it 1-4 on 90 minutes, Sarcevic rounding MacGillivray.
Curbs said it was time Nigel knew his best eleven. Getting beat 4-1 at home is terrible.
Charlton are second from bottom.
Post match comments by Nigel Adkins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/every-word-nigel-adkins-said-to-charlton-tv-after-4-1-defeat-to-bolton-wanderers/
Bolton boss Ian Evatt believes that the Whites are creating chances at the moment but not taking them. He is putting his faith tonight in debut forward Elias Kachunga: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/elias-kachunga-bolton-wanderers-charlton-21688716
After back-to-back defeats, Bolton are looking to take three points off an under pressure Charlton. Bolton have stability whereas Adkins has been forced to rotate his team: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/evatt-adkins-pressure-charlton-bolton-21690121
Bolton have had a mixed start to the season following promotion. They are 9th in the league, but just four places ahead of Charlton in the form table. Away from home they have won two, drawn and lost two.
The fan contributing to Four Four Two at the start of the season expected a 6th place finish and promotion through the play offs. Fans will not be happy unless there is a play off challenge and many are expecting back-to-back promotions. Four Four Two thinks that ambitions for a dream double promotion will have to wait a little longer, forecasting a 11th place finish.
Besieged boss Nigel Adkins insists he has nothing against DJ who has not featured in recent games. However, the priority appears to be getting players who are less than match fit up to a level by rotating them: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-diallang-jaiyesimis-absence-from-charlton-squad-is-nothing-personal/
I am reminded of Curbs's mantra that a consistent team brings consistent results.
Thomas Sandgaard discusses his first 12 months as Charlton's owner in an in depth interview with the SLP's Richard Cawley: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/big-read-thomas-sandgaard-on-12-months-as-charlton-athletic-owner-and-his-laser-focus-on-bringing-success-to-addicks/
Charlton face mid-table Portsmouth at The Valley tomorrow. Pompey have lost three of their last five matches and have drawn the other two. Their 2-2 home draw with Plymouth midweek was characterised by defensive errors.
Last Saturday they lost 1-2 at home to Cambridge United and Danny Cowley said that there had been a lack of intensity across the pitch, although he also had picked the wrong side.
On the road, Portsmouth have won one, drawn two and lost two, scoring six goals and conceding six.
At the beginning of the season, Four Four Two forecast a 9th place finish, noting that 'Portsmouth begin the season with a more popular management team than 12 months ago, but perhaps an inferior squad.' 10 senior players were allowed to go on free transfers this summer. The fan commentator says that it is a season of transition and forecasts a mid-table finish.
Nigel Adkins has been full of praise for on loan keeper Gavin Bazunu, possibly getting his excuses in first: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-has-massive-praise-for-on-loan-manchester-city-keeper-ahead-of-clash-with-portsmouth/
Nigel Adkins has praised Charlton's 'fight' and 'spirit', but I am more concerned about quality and consistency of play across the 96 minutes. Can we exploit Portsmouth's defensive weaknesses? Can we defend crosses? Can we stop the midfield disappearing? We will have a clearer idea after tomorrow.
