Friday 27 August 2010

Terrified?

Charlton's visit to the Galpram Stadium tomorrow has been billed as a tough test and rightly so. Huddersfield were given odds of 2-1 for promotion at the beginning of the season, although 4-4-2 had them finishing 6th and facing another play-off test. Last season the Terriers produced a free-flowing brand of football and only lost at home once.

In their time, when Herbert Chapman was manager, Huddersfield were one of the top teams in English football. Times have changed, but one could still argue that they are punching below their weight.

All my memories of seeing Charlton at Huddersfield are happy ones as I have only see them win there, including a Johnnie Robinson strike which I rate as one of the great Charlton goals of all time.

Manager Lee Clark, who was named Manager of the Month three times last season, has one of the biggest budgets in the division to play with. Over the summer he brought in Scottish international Gary Naysmith, Burnley midfielder Joey Gudjonsson and keeper Ian Bennett (Gordon's brother) on a free after his contract at Sheffield United had expired. Former Tractor Jordan Rhodes managed 23 goals last season.

The Terriers have had a somewhat faltering start to the season, reflecting a concern expressed in the fan's view in 4-4-2 that 'Our signings don't gel with the existing squad, meaning a slow start.'

There is no sign of the three Charlton signings flagged up at Monday's meeting, but even if they were signed today they could intervene from the bench at most. It seems that some silly prices have been asked for far from impressive players. Apparently we are still chasing Paul Benson and talks have been taking place with Jon Fortune and we are reportedly close to a deal.

I know this sounds like a cop out, but I genuinely believe that this is a game that could go three ways. I am plumping for a 1-1 draw which would be acceptable in the circumstances.

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