Sunday 28 August 2011

More good things

Read our Bury v. Charlton report and about an interview with Scott Wagstaff at our new blog: Third Division Diary

Saturday 27 August 2011

Brakes hunt down Stags


Not a good day for match analyst and Stags supporter Homer

Leamington defeated AFC Totton 2-1 at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon in a key victory in front of a crowd of 601 over the table topping side who had won all their matches to date.

There was an early call for a penalty for the Brakes after an apparent handball in the box. Then the Stags went ahead on 13 minutes. Gosney broke away at speed for the visitors and the goal was attributed to Jonathan Davies although I thought it could have been an own goal.

Baddley and Charles received yellow cards for the visitors, the latter for a blatant trip on Downes. Porter had to make a good save for Totton to deny Leamington.

Totton were impressive defensively with Leamington camped out in their box much of the time but always being closed down. Leamington put the ball in the air too much which was not a good idea in the very windy conditions.

Half time: Brakes 0, Stags 1

Breeden in the Brakes goal changed the game with a great assist which led to a penalty dispatched with aplomb by Jacob Blyth who was my man of the match. Despite the last man being brought down, the referee thought that no card was necessary.

Leamington then went ahead on 67 minutes after Berwick had provided the assist for his strike partner Blyth.

Totton used all their three substitutes, the last one coming on to cries of 'Bring out your dead.' The referee gave a series of dubious free kick decisions to Totton which led to Richard Batchelor receiving a yellow card for dissent.

The referee added on as much time as he could find but Leamington held on with some authority and the players received warm applause as they left the pitch.

Friday 26 August 2011

Top match in the top flight

'There's no doubt where the top match in the top flight [EvoStik Premier League] takes place tomorrow: it's at the New Windmill Ground': Top game

Leamington, unbeaten so far, face newly promoted AFC Totton. The Stags have won all their four games to date.

The Brakes are expected to have Tom Berwick and Ben Mackey back from injury to strengthen their strike force.

We will be the only Charlton blog covering this match tomorrow.

Bury preview

This is now available at our new page: 3rd Division Diary

This page will continue to be used for Leamington reports and later today we will be previewing tomorrow's clash between the unbeaten Brakes and table topping AFC Totton.

The Radio Scilly sports show returns tomorrow at a new slot of 10 to 11 on Saturdays and I will be contributing: Radio Scilly

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Charlton beat Reading in Carling Cup

A second string Charlton side beat Reading 2-1 at The Valley tonight in the Carling Cup to progress to a third round home tie against Preston. The Royals also put out a second string side, but it was a determined performance by the Addicks that was a testament to the spirit in the camp.

Andrea Hilton's full report can be read at the Addick's 3rd Division Diary page: Reading

Reading preview

This is now available on our new site: Reading

Saturday 20 August 2011

What went wrong?

Charlton drew 2-2 at home with Scunthorpe today, surrendering a half-time 2-0 lead with the visitors scoring their equaliser in time added on. With MK Dons winning 6-2 against Chesterfield, they took top place in the table from Charlton. The moaners found their voice again and boos were heard at the end of the game.

Charlton never looked as composed as they did against Bournemouth or as they appear to have been in the two away wins, but they certainly edged the first half. In the second half they lost momentum while the Iron upped their game. Some chances were missed and poor decision-making occurred when the Addicks tried to keep the ball by the corner flag in the 87th minute rather than lauching an attack to try and get a third goal.

In our section of the East Stand, we thought that we were vulnerable to attacks down our right and would have substituted Solly.

Full match report is available here: Diary

Match analysis

No one had an outstanding game in a Charlton shirt or indeed for either side but Ivy the Terrible has awarded the Silver Bone to Johnnie Jackson for his goal and his contribution throughout the game.

Juneau the Soccer Cat has awarded the Hiss of the Match to the East Stand linesman who seemed unable or unwilling to tell the referee what was happening in front of him.

Full match analysis at Third Division Diary

Friday 19 August 2011

Charlton report Pardew to Premier League

Charlton have reported Newcastle manager Alan Pardew to the Premier League after he broke a confidentiality agreement in relation to a bid for Rob Elliot.

Newcastle made a derisory £100,000 for the keeper on Wednesday which was immediately rejected.

It is unlikely that we will get any joy from the Premier League, but it is worth making the point.


Any old Iron?

With Charlton topping the league and Scunthorpe in 20th place, tomorrow's fixture would look like a banker for the Addicks. One should never be complacent, but the team is playing well. The midfield has impressed. The central defenders may be a bit agricultural, but they are doing their job. Bradley Wright-Phillips has found his scoring boots and Paul Hayes, much criticised pre-season, is displaying his qualities.

Chris Powell has been playing down speculation about Rob Elliot moving to the Toon saying that talks are at an 'embryonic' stage. It looks as if Rob Elliot will be between the sticks on Saturday and there is a lot to be said for continuity.

Four Four Two saw the Iron finisihing in the play offs. The Times thought 'It will be a significant surprise if they make an immediate return to the Championship' and saw them finishing 16th. They thought that the looss of David Mirfin to Watford left a big hole in defence and saw their weakness as 'brittle confidence after relegation last season' which ended in a 6-0 defeat at Carrow Road.

The supremo is giant former central defender Alan Knill who was brought in from Bury with eight games to go last season but was not able to turn things around.

Some disllusioned Addicks may be tempted to return tomorrow, but don't expect a big crowd as Scunthorpe are expected to bring only around 250.

I am going for a 3-1 win for the Addicks.

Addick's Third Division Diary has now been running for a few weeks and this blog will now be phased out. There will be reduced content from now on, but links will be provided to stories on the new blog.

Thursday 18 August 2011

Pards swoops for Elliot

Newcastle United are expected to sign Charlton goalkeeper with Rob Elliot in the next day or two. He would be a replacement for Fraser Forster who has rejoined Celtic on loan with a view to a £2m transfer.

Elliot was recommended to Pardew by Andy Woodman, the goalkeeping coach, who worked with the player at Sparrows Lane.

Elliot has had a good start to the season, conceding only one goal. Doubts have been expressed in the past about how well he commands his area and how good he is with crosses, but I am far from sure that his departure is good news.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

The best team won admits U's manager

Colchester's manager has admitted that the best team won after Charlton beat them 2-0 in front of a crowd of 5,094 at the Community Homes Stadium last night with goals from Bradley Wright-Phillips. He claims that he simply cannot match Charlton's millions. A Colchester supporter comments that the Addicks are the best team in the league:United

On 13 minutes Wright-Phillips completed a one-two with Waggy and on 28 minutes he converted Johnnie Jackson's left-wing cross. He had chances in the second half to get his hattrick but was denied three times by Mark Cousins (who was named man of the match) in the U's goal.

Elliot and Wright-Phillips were booked. Danny Green came on in a 86th minute cameo.

Charlton had 57 per cent of the possession and seven shots on target to two for the home side.

Charlton remain top of League 1, but Sheffield United retained their 100 per cent record after coming back from a two goal deficit to beat mighty Walsall at home 3-2.

Monday 15 August 2011

Are the U's sustainable?

After beating the second placed team in the admittedly provisional table on Saturday, the Addicks now face fourth placed Colchester United away tomorrow. The U's started the season with a storming 4-2 win at Preston, then scored another three at Wycombe in the Carling Cup midweek only to be knocked out on penalties. They then managed a 1-1 draw in the league at home to the Chairboys on Saturday.

Limited resources are one of their constraints, although that may be more of a problem later in the season as injuries and suspensions take their toll. Their new stadium is often far from full and owner Robbie Cowling has stated that he is building a 'sustainable' club. This does not mean green turf on the roof and a wind turbine by each corner flag but involves cutting the playing budget.

No surprise, then, that Four Four Two forecasts mid-table mediocrity for the U's, while The Times plumps for relegation. They do have a fight back capability, though: they gained 21 points from losing positions last season.

Former Norwich striker Ian Henderson is seen as a key player. Tom Eastman was brought in from Ipswich and Michael Rose from Swindon to strengthen the back line in a team that can be defensively suspect and liable to concede penalties. The U's will be without winger Ashley Vincent who scored the only goal on Saturday but was then stretchered off with a knee injury. Michail Antonio has been brought in from Reading on a month's loan as cover. He is a direct, attacking player.

Boss John Ward stepped up from assistant manager after Aidy Boothroyd left. He is something of a journeyman manager in the lower divisions, having seen service at six different clubs. Fans are sceptical about him and some doubt whether he will last the season.

The betting odds suggest that this could go one of three ways. I think we are more likely to win (by the odd goal) than lose, but I will opt for a 2-2 draw.

Saturday 13 August 2011

Charlton top table with away win

Charlton started with an unchanged side against Notts County today reports Erith Addick Paul May from Meadow Lane. Scott Wagstaff deservedly retained his place with Danny Green joined by Jason Euell on the bench.

Charlton started brightly. Hollands was the object of an early foul with the Magpies determined to get their retaliation in early. County were able to clear from the free kick. Good play by Hayes won a corner for the Addicks. Jackson’s corner was cleared by Hughes and the move ended in a goal kick for the home side.

A free kick was awarded against Morrison on the edge of the box on seven minutes. It was a good free kick but the Addicks handled it well and it was cleared. A Jackson free kick was unproductive. Wagstaff was caught in the face by a ball at point blank range. He came back on with cotton wool in his nose.

The green shirted Elliot came quickly off his line and acted as a sweeper, anticipating the situation well. The Addickted were vocal while the home fans seemed quite subdued. Elliot punched out a long throw from Edwards.

With twenty minutes gone neither side had had a real chance but then Jackson headed the ball off the line to deal with a volley. Wagstaff was pushed but the referee, who had not followed the advice of the hoardings round the ground to visit Vision Express, saw nothing.

Good play by Stephens and Wagstaff gave Jackson an opportunity and he put the ball in the net but was ruled to be offside. Bishop put in a speculative effort that went wide. A shot from Hayes was saved well by the keeper.

Hollands won the ball well in midfield with a good tackle and turned provider for Wagstaff who rounded the keeper and scored from a tight angle to put the Addicks ahead on 35 minutes. The game then went a bit quiet.

Wright-Phillips advanced down the right and turned provider with a slide rule pass for Hayes who made no mistake tapping the ball in on the far post to make it 2-0 to the Addicks just before half time.

Half time: Magpies 0, Addicks 2

County made two substitutions at half time, taking off Bencherif who had been quite effective in defence. Whether they were going to abandon their 4-1-3-2 formation was initially unclear. Lee Hughes came on, possibly posing more of a challenge to Morrison.

Hayes threatened early on and then Stephens put in an excellent ball and Jackson was there but the offside flag went up. Bishop clattered into the back of Wagstaff and the free kick was awarded. Bishop then fouled Stephens and another free kick was awarded, but Jackson’s effort went well over. Bishop conceded another free kick.

Sheehan headed back to his keeper and Nelson had to scramble across to prevent an own goal. Solly provided some great defending at the expense of a corner, without Solly’s intervention Hawley would have been in for a tap in. Sheehan put a great ball in and the substitute Montano made no mistake in finding the back of net to make it 1-2. The defending was a bit slack as Charlton conceded their first goal of the season.

Hayes turned provider for Wright-Phillips but his effort went over the bar. It all kicked off in midfield after Charlton were given a free kick. Elliot told Wagstaff to calm down. Westcarr put in a shot as County revived.

Hayes put in a clever ball for Wright-Phillips, but the keeper was able to gather. A shot by the Magpies from distance was only just wide. Hayes put in a shot from 35 yards that wasn’t far wide. A bad challenge was made on Jackson by Ravenhill who received the first yellow card of the game. Wright-Phillips was manhandled but the free kick was given against him.

A free kick by Stephens from 30 yards out was too close to the keeper. Demontagnac (whose first name was on his shirt) came on and the full back Kelly came off suggesting that County were going to intensify their attack.

Taylor dealt well with a long throw from Edwards. Wright-Phillips played in Hayes but the offside flag was raised. Taylor and Montano had a clash of heads. A free kick was awarded against the combative Hollands who had had a good game. The offside flag was raised against County to the distress of the home fans.

Wiggins got a yellow card for kicking the ball away after a disputed throw in. Lee Hughes put the ball down for the goal kick and Elliot put it elsewhere. Jason Euell came on to replace Paul Hayes who had played well but was possibly tiring. Euell was warmly greeted by the 818 Addickted at the game.

Morrison stopped Westcarr putting in a shot with a fierce but fair tackle. Stephens dealt with a long throw by Edwards. Elliot came off his line well to deal with the ball. Montano started a move with a push which was ignored and won a corner. A poor shot went in from distance. Doherty came on.

Charm merchant Lee Hughes went down in the box in an exhibition of cheating. Edwards had another long throw opportunity but Doherty defended it bravely and the goal kick was awarded as manager Allen went beserk again.

Four minutes were added on. Doherty won the ball in the air. Westcarr put in a shot which was gathered by Elliot. Former County player Andy Hughes came on for his Charlton debut to replace Wagstaff. Euell tried to hold the ball up in the corner but the free kick went against him which was taken by the keeper in a much more advanced position. Sheehan went up to the referee, tapped him on the shoulder and said something and received a yellow card for his views.

Charlton won a corner and then the full time whistle blew. It all kicked off with handbags at six places and Euell and Hollands were involved and Elliot joined in. The coaching staff went on to calm things down. Hollands got a yellow card.

It was 2-1 win as Wyn Grant forecast yesterday and Charlton kept their place at the top of the table. As Chris Powell said last season, ‘Judge me when I get my own team’

Friday 12 August 2011

Elliot keeps his place

Rob Elliot is expected to keep his place in goal in tomorrow's match against Notts County, even though Ben Hamer has now recovered from his minor injury: Elliot

Notts County won a surprise victory away at Carlisle on the opening day of the season and maintained their good form in a league cup tie with rivals Forest in their first competitive meeting since 1994 which they only lost on penalties midweek. They will be hoping to take three points off the Addicks to remain top of the table.

Last season they finished 19th and two years ago they neraly fell into the non-league. The heady days of the Munto Finance affair and Sven Goran Eriksson are now an unhappy memory. Martin Allen is the seventh manager in less than two seasons but has a good track record of improving lower division teams.

The fans are not that optimistic, forecasting mid-table mediocrity. Four Four Two forecasts that they will end the season returning to League Two, but The Times goes for a more realistic 12th.

Player of the Year Neal Bishop is very much the fulcrum of the team. He is combative and tenacious midfielder. Karl Hawley is a good attacking player, but the defence is suspect.

No doubt I will have to eat my words at 5 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, but I am going for a 2-1 win for the Addicks.

Paul May will be covering the match from Meadow Lane.









Wednesday 10 August 2011

And now Jason Euell

Jason Euell has become Charlton's 16th summer signing. The 34-year old, the all time record signing for the club, has agreed a one year contract.

He will provide useful cover and his experience will be of value to younger players.

Tuesday 9 August 2011

Reading game is off

Tonight's cup match with Reading is off as the police do not want to dilute their resources after the serious disturbances overnight in London. Woolwich was one location in which trouble occurred with reports of a fire:Woolwich Shops at Charlton retail park were ransacked.

Sunday 7 August 2011

The pressure is on - Matt Taylor

The pressure on says Matt Taylor in a column in today's Football League Paper. Read more about the interview at our new third division site: Diary

Clubs compete for Reid

Kyel Reid could make an early return to The Valley if Scunthorpe succeed in their attempt to secure his services. However, the free agent has impressed at his trial with Barnsley so he is likely to settle for whoever can offer him the best package.

Both clubs are clearly impressed by pace and not too worried about the quality of the final ball.

On another subject altogether, today is the birthday of Charlton legend Eddie Firmani. He will be 88 and celebrating in Naples, Florida.

Saturday 6 August 2011

Cherry juice

Every so often someone sends me an E-mail advocating the merits of cherry juice as a remedy for gout (which I have never had). Bournemouth's players looked like cherry juice at 5 p.m. this afternoon as they slumped on the pitch after an emphatic season opening 3-0 defeat by Charlton.

The Times had us tipped as champions and although it's very early days no one can deny that it's a good start and puts the Addicks top of the league in the tentative table.

It wasn't perfect but there was some fluent passing play at least some of the time and a judicious use of the long ball. We still go too deep under pressure and we looked a bit vulnerable defensively to counter attacks. But the corners were an improvement on last season.

The two goals scored from open play by Dale Stephens and Waggy were screamers and Johnnie Jackson scored his penalty with calm and authoritative aplomb as one expect from the skipper.

Bournemouth started the game with some agricultural clearances which suggested that this was not the best team we would face this season, but not the worst either. Solly conceded a rather unnecessary corner but fortunately it was unproductive.

A nasty foul on Hollands did not earn the yellow card it deserved from the raher self-important referee. Good work by Hayes led to a Charlton corner, but Morrison, always busy in the box on these occasions, headed the ball over.

A corner taken by Jackson was played back in by the alert Stephens but Wright-Phillips put the ball just wide. Hesitancy by Wagstaff nearly caused problems, but then a good long ball released Wright-Phillips. However, he was not able to get round the keeper. At this stage of the game one saw some good ideas but they were not quite coming off.

Another corner was conceded unnecessarily, something which needs to be worked on. There was then panic stations in the defence because Elliot failed to come for the ball when he should have done.

Solly made a good run and passed to Wright-Phillips who flicked the ball well to Stephens enabling him to put in a rocket shot that left the keeper with no chance. Quite wisely, Charlton then slowed the game down and kept possession to avoid the kind of early equaliser which happened too often last season. However, possibly they kept this up for too long, leading to a rather quiet end to the half.

Bournemouth's Byrne, on loan from Spurs, was looking lively and a bit of a menace and was given far too much space throughout the match. Elliot risked danger by hesitating again. Charm merchant Arter was finally given the yellow card he deserved. Some fans thought we should not have let him go, but I was not convinced by his petulance, even if he is Scott Parker's cousin.

Jackson put in an opportunistic shot from distance which tested the keeper and led to a Charlton corner. Stephens provided a good corner with some real pace on it but it was unproductive.

Charlton prospect Danny Ings received a yellow card for a foul. I was not that impressed by his contribution. Wagstaff won Charlton a corner. Elliot had to make a good save in the minute added on.

Half time: Addicks 1, Cherries 0

Bournemouth took off Baudry and brought on Taylor. The Cherries threatened with a couple of early corners, but then Solly won one for Charlton taken by Jackson. Stephens laid the ball off to Wagstaff who put in a screamer of a shot to make it 2-0.

A Bournemouth free kick flashed across the front of the Charlton goal and then the Addicks gave the ball away in midfield. They mounted a good counter attack, but Stephens should have tried a shot rather than playing the ball across the field. Another Bournemouth attack ended in an offside decision.

Elliot caught a Bournemouth corner. Good play by Hayes saw him put in a shot at a difficult angle and he was frustrated when it went wide. A Charlton corner was unproductive, but at least we were winning them. Elliot saved from play following a Cherries corner.

Charlton were awarded a free kick for holding at last, but Jackson's effort went over. Wright-Phillips was then brought down for the penalty which Jackson converted to make it 3-0.

Elliot made a good save. Taylor received a yellow card. Good work by Wagstaff was unproductive when Jackson overhit the ball. Wright-Phillips was just wide with a good effort from distance.

Hayes was replaced by Benson and shortly afterwards Bradley Pritchard made his competitive debut in place of Wagstaff. Wright-Phillips advanced well, but Jackson was unable to steer the ball. Pritchard displayed good control of the ball and then good defensive work. The three minutes added on were dominated by Charlton.

A clean sheet and no bookings, I feel good about this result. But next Saturday we face a top of the table clash away at Notts County.

Match analysis

Ivy the Terrible has awarded Dale Stephens his first ever Silver Bone for a committed and authoritative performance throughout. Elliot deserves credit for a clean sheet and some good saves, although the pressure he was under was rather intermittent. However, he is sometimes overcome by hesitancy and fails to command his area which suggests that he should not be first choice keeper even if he stays (Hamer having injured his thumb in training). The two new centre backs Taylor and Morrison displayed competent efficiency in their tasks, Taylor possibly showing more subtlety in his play. Wiggins was continually jeered by the away support, but apart from the odd mistake carried out his tasks well. Solly had some excellent moments, particularly in terms of contributing to attacks, but looked less secure in defence. Hollands was not that prominent, but did what he had to do with a commendable quiet efficiency. Jackson showed some nice touches and had a number of speculative efforts on goal which were worth the effort. Wagstaff did lose the ball a few times, possibly through hesitancy or trying to be too clever, but this should not detract from an impressive overall performance in attack. Hayes attracted some pre-season criticism, but seemed fully involved to me and showed some real guile. Wright-Phillips was relatively quiet and does expect the ball to be played to him but he did set up the penalty claim well. Benson had ten minutes to show what he could do which was pretty much what we saw last season, i.e., not that much but not without some skill. One time TNT Dynamos player Bradley Pritchard had a cameo in which he showed that he is a player with real promise. Incidentally, he must be the most educated player ever to feature for Charlton with five years at university, culminating in a Masters level qualification in sport science which surely trumps Iain Dowie's degree in rocket science. Doherty came on to help us defend our 3-0 lead and did what he was asked to do competently enough.

The Hiss of the Match was awarded by rescue cat Fleur who joined Juneau the Soccer Cat's squad in the close season and the former Southam United fan gave the award to the East Stand lino for some bizarre second half decisions.

Cherries team in M25 chaos

Bournemouth's team were severely delayed on the M25 last night and eventually recahed their hotel about five hours late: Cherries

At one time it looked as if they might ask for today's kick off to be delayed, but that will not happen and indeed the idea received short shrift from their own fans.

Friday 5 August 2011

How the pundits assess the Cherries

Last year Bournemouth were knocked out of the play offs in a penalty shoot out. Will they be able to repeat their play off achievement this season? There is a sense in the assessments from pundits that they over achieved last season and the general view seems to be that they will finish just outside the play offs. The Times and Four Four Two give remarkably similar rankings: 8th and 9th respectively.

The Times thinks that a solid defence is a strength, but takes the view that Eddie Howe is a hard act to follow for manager Bradbury. They see the departure of Rhoys Wiggins to Charlton as significant (although some doubts have been expressed about him pre-season) but note the arrival of Adam Barrett from the Glaziers. Captain Jason Pearce has left for Portsmouth.

Four Four Two note the effectiveness of the midfield with March Pugh and Liam Feeney providing the final pass for almost a third of their 75 goals last season. Their fans' player of the season last year was a midfielder, 25-year old Anton Robinson. The former Weymouth player is noted for his 'all-action displays'. Perhaps he comes on and does a dance routine as well.

The Cherries have some difficulty in holding on to a lead, having squandered 32 points from winning positions last season.

On the south coast fans are saying that Charlton are there for the taking, have been 'all over the place' pre-season. Perhaps this is a reference to the Spanish tour, but it would be interesting to know what some of them are on down on the south coast.

More cautious voices are saying they will settle for a draw which would not be good enough for us. I am going for a 2-1 win, the Cherries scoring first after 19 minutes from a free kick and Bradley Wright-Phillips getting both of the Charlton goals.

Facing ex-Cherries gives extra incentive

Bournemouth manager Lee Bradbury reckons that face former Cherries players at The Valley tomorrow will give an extra incentive to start the season with three points: Cherries

Thursday 4 August 2011

Addicks may bid for Ings

Charlton may bid for Bournemouth striker Danny Ings if they don't land Jeffery Schlupp from Leicester according to Pravda: Ings

The Cherries are asking £1m for the 19-year old ace, but any Charlton bid is likely to start at £500,000 plus add ons with Simon Francis as a possible makeweight.

Johnnie Jackson has been named as the popular choice for Charlton captain. The team trained at Sparrows Lane today instead of at The Valley as planned as it was considered important not to damage the pitch after heavy rain.

Football blogging

A short video here of me talking about football blogging, but be warned, no Charlton content: Blogging

The countdown begins

You can also read this post at 3rd Division Diary

Just another 48 hours and I will be getting ready to travel to The Valley. The football season is within touching distance. Yesterday I was doing a preview for Radio Mercia on Coventry City, but now I can start to think about Charlton with a real sense of anticipation.

I have a sense of optimism about the coming season, although perhaps I will already have suffered a setback by 5 p.m. on Saturday. Last year's team simply wasn't good enough to achieve the promotion that all Addicks desire and it seems to me that some good choices of new players have been made. How they will play together remains to be seen, but early indications are of a passing game with the occasional use of a judicious long ball.

There are those who insist that the problem is the manager not the players and are calling for judgment to be made after three games. I think we need to be a little more patient and not too short-termist. What we need in the early part of the season is to stay in touch: the example of Southampton last year shows that it is possible to go forward from a solid base.

Come on you Reds!

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Poyet agree terms

Diego Poyet, son of Gus, has signed a two-year professional contract at Charlton: Poyet

The highly-rated midfielder was at one time an Arsenal target but did not follow in the footsteps of Carl Jenkinson (who has announced today that he is turning off his Twitter account).

Charlton a relatively expensive team to watch

Charlton are the fifth most expensive team to watch in League 1 on a day out basis according to a survey by the BBC, although Leyton Orient top the table: Price

Of course, if you want really cheap football you can always watch Rochdale.

Charlton fans seem to be in a relatively optimistic mood as the start of the season approaches with the new signings being seen as having strengthened the team.

Addick's Third Division diary is ready to launch and from the Bournemouth preview we shall be posting new material there, but it will be reproduced here for a week or two. Hopefully recognition of our true status will bring us some much needed luck.

Monday 1 August 2011

New keeper in

Charlton are involved in talks to sign keeper Ben Hamer from Reading: Hamer

Should this signing go ahead, it must cast doubt on the future of Rob Elliot. Some Addicks who were at the Millwall game thought that he was positioning was not too good for the two free kicks that led to goals

Hamer came up through the youth academy at Reading. He is a fluent German speaker, a talent likely to be wasted at Charlton: Wikipedia

A Bee has e-mailed me to say that he was a great keeper for Brentford and a fans' favourite.

Apparently Hull were also interested so we did well to get him.

The Sky report also refers to the possible signing of another striker, but I have heard reports linking us to another full back, Andy Hughes from Scunthope. Scunthorpe have confirmed that there has been an enquiry about the 33-year old who has only spent six months at the club after joining them from Leeds.