SE7 dreams

2006-04-10T19:23:00.000Z

Charlton distracted

Saturday's fixture was a muted affair but then it was hardly likely to be anything else. It did though give an opportunity to look at some players who have not played much of a part this season. I accept that for anyone other than fans of Charlton and Everton the game would be a disappointment.

I don't think it merited quite the lashing it got in Sunday's Observer where it was described as "Lifeless, witless, meaningless - it was a game that lived down to expectations, which were far from great. " It wasn't a dull affair and on the whole both teams tried to play football.

Another scoreless draw was hardly a surprise given that everyone's attention is on this Wednesday's game at the Riverside.

Of those who played the best in my view was Sorondo he played a great game at Centre half. Spector looked better at right back than he does on the left.

Jason Euell played OK....but he is not the player he was a couple of years ago. Perry had a great game as did Myrhe. An Everton supporting mate told me that fans were disappointed when Myrhe left Everton and the fantastic applause which greeted his arrival on the pitch was proof of that.

At the front I did feel that we looked unlikely to score. Neither Bent or Bothroyd looked convincing. Without Darren Bent we looked like we did last season - frustrating at front. Curbs was correct when he said that we just shaded it. Our possession was 51%. Surprisingly we had 13 shots on goal ( but only 2 on target) against Everton's 8 (3 on target!).

The game did feel like 2 points lost though all the same. Beattie was a whinger when pulled up for backing in but apart from that one shot just before the break he didnt pose any threat.

So Wednesday it is - and my disappointment at not being able to go - will be overtaken by events if we pull it off and end up in the semi with West Ham.

2006-03-26T19:02:00.001Z

There's only one greedy b*****d

Like most fans I was angry and so disappointed when Parker took the gold sovs from Chelski. That season was our best ever. The team had been playing brilliantly with Parker central to the way we played. European football was in reach - a real david v goliath story. And then our season collapsed as the team struggled. And - the money we got was never going to replace the player we lost.

Danny Murphy, Franny Jeffers and Romm did not replace him - with all respect to Romm who made a brilliant goal this afternoon.

So I know that Parker should be an automatic for the england squad. His goal was great today. But I still despise him for his ill fated move to Chelski. And how delighted I was today to see his forlorn walk off the pitch today - playing at the great massive club Newcastle..languishing beneath us in the league. Beaten 3-1. And every goal scored by a Charlton player or ex player. It sums it up I think.

We have had so few penalties - these last few seasons - so watching one at the valley was great. But the final goal was brilliant. Romm can move but I though he'd left it too late for a cross. But he hadn't...and it was perfectly delivered and perfectly converted by Bothroyd.

As I was in the Family stand with young kids around me I only joined in quietly to the only one greedy bastard chant. But how right it was. Stuffing Newcastle was brilliant - this end of season really does feel different from the last few seasons.

FA cup fever has gripped Basildon where I live - so I really do want to meet West Ham in the semi final. Lets see how we do next weekend at upton park.

2006-03-26T19:02:00.000Z

2006-03-24T18:59:00.000Z

What a great day!

To be drawn West Ham in the semi final is a fantastic incentive for the fans to get behind the team. What a pity that last night we just lacked that edge to get a goal. There were several opportunities which went missing. Herman ( who in my view had a great evening) and Bent both missed opportunities.

Howler of the night though must go to Kish. As readers of my blog will know I'm a fan of his play - but last night's miss was possibly the worst I have seen all season. How we roared since it was utterly embarassing.

Last night was frustrating since I felt we dominated the game - certainly in the first half but for much of the second as well. But I do hope that we do not regret turning our domination into success by scoring a goal which the game cried out for.

There were several excellent performances last night. But stand out for me were Thomas ( who terrorised their defenders), Herman ( who dealt fantastically with their attacks), Chrissy Powell ( who played a blinder) and Perry ( although more than once his clearances played straight to a Boro player and the ball came straight back at us!).

It was a rivetting game for Charlton fans - but for the neutral I can appreciate it was a bore !

So todays news :

1. The draw against West Ham means that a win against Boro makes an FA cup final a good possibility. As a London exile living in Essex I shall look forward to a West Ham fixture with glee. We have, and we can, beat West Ham. The atmosphere promises to be cracking. Just as it was last night. The atmosphere and the noise were truly great last night - it mirrors our 4-2 Boxing Day win against Chelsea for noise from the fans. It was great fun.

2. The club provision of free coaches to the replay guarantees a good sale of tickets for the game at the Riverside. Well done Charlton !!

3. The announcement of season ticket prices for next season is really good news. I am particularly impressed ( as a parent of 4 kids - 3 of whom come to the Valley regularly) by the kids prices and the reduction for under 11s in particular. £5 for a child ticket effectively is just the right price. The reduction in the other prices is equally good news. Football is a fun leisure activity and it does run the risk of pricing itself out of the running by continually taking money away from the fans. Of course I want success in football terms but I do not want to see spiralling prices anymore than I want an Abramovitch to buy the club. Success without big money or ludicrous wages is somethig in itself worth achieving. So well doen Charlton !

And good god we have another fixture on Sunday against a small team from the north east. We can beat them if our players can recover from last night's match.

2006-03-18T20:12:00.000Z

Premiership goals fest

To those who claim that the Premiership is boring this weekend would give the lie. Some 27 goals were scored in 7 games on Saturday including Arsenal putting 3 goals past Thomas Myrhe.

Two teams scored 4 goals and two more 3 goals. Spectators certainly got their money's worth today.

Our result was not unexpected but the team needed more fight and energy. Jason Euell was given his opportunity but failed to shine. We played with two out and out wingers in Thomas and Rommedahl. That however was not enough to prevent us being overrun in the midfield. Class and skill certainly showed but I do feel that our team could have upped their workrate to close down their players before they got as far as the box. There were several occasions when an attack of ours led to a counter attack with their players finding themselves in our box in a matter of seconds.

But the result although not unexpected is still a disappointment. To those who urge us to play certain players and attempt attacking football I would simply say this. Would you prefer us to go to Highbury, get tonked, and lose 3 nil , or play tight hard working defensive football and come away with a scoreless draw. I would have to admit that I would take the nil nil draw any day of the week. Luckily for us we not only have a 5 point cushion from those teams behind us but both Villa and Middlesborough were beaten. Middlesborough's defeat also means that they come to the valley on the back of a weekend defeat just like us. This is beginning to feel like it has the makings of an exciting match on Thursday. I just hope the players are as up for it as we fans are !

2006-03-14T19:19:00.000Z

Kish - 75% tackle success

The sky sports table makes fascinating reading. Whilst Luke Young is just above Parker ( who's he ?) in the number of tackles it isjust a few more than Radostin Kishishev who sits below them but with the best success rate in the Premiership at 75%.

It is not an unentirely surprising stat given his work rate and his willingness to put his foot in. It is however the occasional dallying on the ball which frustrates the life out of us fans and his wayward passing particularly in the latter stages of the matches.

Nevertheless his contribution to the team is immense and without him our midfield would be over run every time. The invisible Matty Holland ( and I still cant make my mind up if his invisibility is a sign that he's had a great game or a dreadful one) and the reasonably skilful Hughes would be lost in the middle without KIsh breaking up play, harrying players and generally making a nuisance of himself. The fact that he escapes too many bookings is also a sign of his prowess in this role.

It is interesting to read the debate about attendances in the blogs and message boards. I am saddened by those hankering for the days of the first division ( or second) since I do remember those chilly wet evenings watching us play Stoke or Grimsby. Do try and convince me that the football was better - because it certainly wasnt. What has happened though is that money has distorted the game making us customers and not fans. Big money means that it is truly a capitalist business and it is that in my view which makes it less attractive.

The game is being priced out of reach as a fun activity - even Valley prices are expensive for a family. There are contradictory forces at work here with fans wanting us to sign big name players on ridiculous wages whilst at the same time bemoaning defensive football tactics designed to keep us in the Premiership. We cant have it both ways.

2006-03-12T21:03:00.000Z

It's 3 more points

Our home victory against Middlesborough at the valley was the first in the league since beating Liverpool at the beginning of February. Three more valuable points earned. It would be hard to say that it was undeserved but Middlesborough will feel unlucky. Both teams played poorly in the first half but all the chances fell to the visitors.

Myrhe made some excellent saves in a half where we conceded several free kicks in dangerous positions. But this did not have the feel of a team which had beaten Chelski 3 nil just a couple of weeks ago. They edged the first half and another snore draw looked on the cards with both teams settling for the draw.

For the third time this season Curbs opted for bold changes at half time with Euell and Thomas coming on. Euell frankly contributed little and I did not feel that he played any better than Bothroyd to be honest. But Thomas caused a nightmare to the Boro defence. He has a real handful and added a decisive difference to our midfield. Where it had lacked creativity in the first half it suddenly came to life. The Valley itself also came to life when Thomas was on the ball rampaging down the left or the centre inspiring the fans as much as he did the players.

His presence gave the second half advantage to the home side.

Chris Powell had an excellent game regularly dispossessing and beating any marauding Boro players on the left side of the pitch. His age was frankly not noticeable.

All credit to that man Bent for putting away the chances which fell to us. It seemed like ( but I'm sure I must have been mistaken) that we had two chances and scored two goals. In between Viduka's strike was a peach of a goal which showed his class - albeit an erratic talent.

Kishishev had a poor day and his attempts to release Bent with the through ball never came off. Hughes also was not at his best and our midfield ( until Thomas made his entrance) really did lack imagination. Frequently Hughes, Kish and Ambrose played with their backs to the opposition with passes moving back rather than forward. Ambrose made several of his super attacking runs but disappointedly dispossessed in the box before he had made the pass which his play called for.

The second goal for Charlton came from a sequence of super fast one touch passing with a great cross - I think from Young- leading to a great goal. If only we could have played at that tempo, and with that imagination, for the whole game !

My five year old nephew had his first match at the Valley today. He thoroughly enjoyed himself managing to keep up some "come on you reds" chanting when all around him were quiet and subduded. A big thanks to the Junior reds office for making his day with a scarf and drinking bottle which proudly made their way home to his mum. ( although I did get into trouble for letting him have bubble gum !).

I also found out last week that my seven year old has got the point of being a true fan. He was delighted to discover that Chelski had been beaten by Barcelona in the champions league. "Dad, I hate Chelsea " he told me when I asked why. Just as his own football skills are improving in his Coombewood YFC under 8s team ( South Essex Thundermite league) he is also grasping the subtler points of being a fan of a team like Charlton. Pleasure is derived not just from your own teams good performances but from the poor ones of others including, and especially, the arrogant ones like Chelsea.

I know that Boro didnt play their best team today but the victory does demonstrate that we could yet go through to the semi finals of the FA cup. An FA cup final is just two games away - lets hope we can do it at last.

2006-02-26T12:18:00.000Z

Snore draw !

So two games two draws ! The Newcastle game was in truth not a bad result against a team at home which should be doing so much better. The battle of the midfield was not awful but the change to 4-5-1 did make it very congested in the middle and a tight game. I thought we edged it just on play and could have nicked a goal. But in the end a point was something.

The Villa game was something else. I regard this result as two points dropped since we could and should have beaten this team. But from the moment the game started the play and the players looked leaden. In fairness both sides looked tired. Players were content not to challenge for 50 50 balls and certainly - with a few exceptions- not to chase apparent lost causes.

Perhaps the travelling to Newcastle had taken its toll mid week. But whatever our players looked tired and sluggish. The ball did ping about quite usefully in the first half with some neat football being played but breaks and counter attacks just did not come quick enough. When the breaks came the ball ended up trapped in a corner with playes slow to get into or near the box.

It looked like a draw from quite early on. We had a few scares as did the villans. Its a shame that the best opportunities fell to Young and Kish - who with a bit more composure on the ball could have scored. My feeling was that our side is better than Villa. But a number of players were not at their best today : Hughes, Holland, Spector and even Bent. Ambrose is going to be quite a player with his mazy runs always looking dangerous until he arrived at the box not quite sure what to do or who to pass to.

Our midfield lacked ideas and the introduction of Bothroyd, Euell and El K did not sharpen it up at all whereas Luke Moore's presence for Villa gave them more edge and danger.

So its another draw. Im not frustrated or worried - but disappointed that we did not collect more than 2 points from these last two games.

Still like everyone - including the players and management I feel - its still the Cup that has grabbed my attention. Was down at the ticket office on Sturday at 10.30 to buy my tickets !!!

2006-02-20T20:52:00.000Z

A cup run at last !

After Saturday's performance against Brentford and the cup home draw against Middlesborough I am not the only fan wondering if this could be our year.

Brentford proved to be an easy fixture - certainly easier than Leyton Orient. The early goal from Bent knocked the stuffing out of them and encouraged our team. Yet again the much maligned Kishishev was the provider of the goal. And as an aside wasnt it pleasing to see how poorly Davids and Murphy played at White Hart Lane at the weekend ! Kishishev was again tireless in the midfield and had an excellent game - as did Bryan Hughes. His goal was brilliantly taken following an excellent pass from Bartlett who had been on the pitch only a minute or so.

Chris Powell though seemed to struggle with the pace of the younger attackers but his class carried him through. Their goal was a disappointment but did not take the gloss off an all round excellent performance.

This year has been a good year for cup football with the best game of the season having been played at Stamford Bridge in the carling cup. We won't dwell on the home game that followed !

But our home form has suddenly improved since Christmas so to be given a home draw against Middlesborough who have struggled badly really does give us a chance of the semi finals at least.

My daughter asked me before the match as she watched the black and white replay of our cup final " Dad, were you there?". She was surprised to learn that it took place before I was born !!!! So perhaps our time has come - the victory against Chelsea proved that they can be beaten. Our win against Liverpool showed they can be beaten. On our day any team can be defeated. Yes its true to say I am excited !!!!

2006-02-14T10:01:00.000Z

Bold 4 -3- 3

In our disappointment at not coming away with any points at City on Sunday little has been made of the bold tactical move by Curbs.

The triple substitution ( second time this season) was accompanied by a change of formation to 4-3-3 in a bid to come away with at least a share of the points. And it very nearly paid off !

However Jason Euell was a disappointment even though he received a resounding chorus from the away fans as he came onto the pitch. Jerome Thomas had a difficult match and either ran into cul de sacs or into poor positions to get in a good cross.

It was left to two players in red to make the killer passes - El K and Kishishev. El K's through ball for Darren Bent was magnificent - the type he thrives on and the resulting goal a trademark finish for the first equal highest English scorer in this year's Premiership.

The disappointment was our inability to close out the game for a period after and settle down a bit. To concede a goal so quickly shows a defensive frailty to our side which has cost us dearly. Two away goals ought to have given us all three points or at least a point. To get neither was sloppy in my view.

The second goal came from a slick passing move of one touch football that we saw at the beginning of the season ending with a sublime ( yes lets repeat that sublime) cross from the much maligned Kishishev. This move ended with a great goal from the other Bent surely a great buy in the transfer window. I didnt think his work rate was as good as in the Liverpool game but then he worked so hard it must have depleted his energy levels.

The stats were interesting. 50% possession, and virtually the same number of shots on target. The area which I think showed the lack of penetrating width to our play was that we had just one corner out of the game compared to their 11 ! Oh for a Sinclair muscling his way up the field ! Lets hope Romm has now recovered from that broken rib - the over optimistic prognosis was not shared by any of us who have broken ribs recently. They bloody well hurt - and mine kept me out of the gym for a couple of weeks.

But this football was not that of our Christmas slump. It showed what we already know that there is a fine line between winning and losing at this level. It was great to see both Bents on the scoresheet. It was great to see Curbs make a decisive, reasonably early and bold triple substitution and this time in the premiership.

The Liverpool game was an excellent result. Our workrate was phenomenal and our win deserved in spite of the apparent comments on the radio that the result flattered us.

I still feel that we can end the season on a high note. The difficulty in previous seasons has been our slowing down of effort and workrate in the last 12 games. To compete with premiership sides with more money ( or debt) and more people through the turnstiles one of our edges in every game has been the determination and work rate. I think that this season can end on a high note - but first a little game against Brentford to negotiate on Saturday!

Finally I want to congratulate in advance the authors and producers of a new fanzine going on sale on Saturday. Over the last year or so I have emailed a few of those fellow bloggers here to discover if there was any interest in a new fanzine. The concensus seemed to be that the internet had put paid to them ! Well I do hope the new fanzine is a resounding success. I love them. Good luck - may it keep going for years !!!!

2006-02-01T19:36:00.000Z

Transfer window at Charlton

So Danny Murphy is gone. Will it make any difference ? I don't think so. At the beginning of this season when Charlton got off to a flyer Danny played an important part in that. His distribution and passing was superb. But I agree with those who have commented that to an extent our early success was based on the through ball to Darren Bent to run on. It worked well but it was also pretty obvious for opposing teams to work on dealing with. Neutralise Danny Murphy - dont give him time on the ball and he will get frustrated. That is exactly how he ended up being sent off for the petulant display over the free kick awarded against Charlton.

But I know I'm not the only one who looked at Danny's demeanour most of the time. I thought it was just his general demeanour. We all know someone like that - the miserable sod who rarely has a positive comment to make about anything. He had signed for a "small club" and could never quite believe that he had. He never looked to me like he wanted to be out on the park at the valley.

On song ( and I dont think that was ever for a full 90 minutes) his distribution and movement in the middle of the field was excellent. He could spot a good move, a good pass and then make it.

His corners COULD be superb. His free kicks COULD be equally superb. But and this is a big but he played many games when that contribution was for far less than 90 minutes. His corners were just as likely to be dreadful. His free kicks wasted. His distribution terrible. And we havent mentioned his tackling - which was more light weight than Matty Holland.

Curbs was quite right Murphy could only be played in a 5 man midfield. The shape of the team had to be like that to accommodate him. The turning point was the speculation about an England recall. This speculation was on the back of a fantastic start to the season for the club. When Murphy was overlooked he clearly went into a major sulk. He clearly felt that the only reason he hadnt been picked was because of the club he was playing for.

Of course there was an element of truth in that. But it is not the whole story. In the modern game the truly great midfielder has to have an all round game. One that involves commitment for 90 minutes. That involves tracking back, running, getting stuck in and tackling. All these attributes are ones that Danny in my view lacks to a degree.

Now though Murphy's comments about Spurs, the club and his desire read like so much tosh. Its such a shame that weve already faced Spurs at home since I would like to see how Murphy reacted to having the crowd on his back for the entire game. Thats assuming he gets to play in a squad packed with midfield players of reasonable vintage and quality.

As for Tuesday night I thought we were unlucky that one of a number of opportunities did not result in a goal. But Albion did work hard at closing down and defending. The game got played very narrowly - it reminded me at one stage of my 7 year olds football team with every player in one quarter of the pitch. It cried out for width and flair. They came to close out our play and succeeded.

Where Curbs showed great courage at making a triple substitution he reverted to conservative making very cautious substitutions very late in the game. Much too late I felt to affect the game in the way that those against Orient did. It was better football on both sides than that played by Bolton in my view but it was not pretty, exciting or productive.

We could have won the game but Darren Bent was unlucky I think with his chances. I feel for Smertin since if he can just score one I feel others will follow. But it was a clean sheet at least and now to Spurs at the weekend and then our rearranged match with Liverpool. Two difficult games I feel. The two points yesterday would have been very useful.

I do think there is a degree of lack of understanding amongst some of our fans. We cannot afford the inflated wages that the "stars" demand. If we tried to pay them we would end up like Leeds. We cannot afford the transfer fees demanded of some players. There is no Russian billionaire or millionaire backing the club. The only way up for us is slowly gradually and cautiously in every way. Im proud of being a Charlton supporter. Proud of our pricing structure for tickets. Proud of our new ground. Proud of the supporters director election. Its a well run club and only players who want to play for us should stay. So Danny - bye. Don't you just know it will end in tears!!

2006-01-29T07:59:00.000Z

3 Substitutions with 27 mins left to go!

The most amazing aspect of Saturdays game against Leyton Orient was the triple substitution with 27 minutes left on the clock ! Its normally an agony watching Curbs clutching his piece of paper deep in conversation with Mervyn about a substitution. To make three at once was truly inspired!. And with half an hour of the game left to play too.

Where Kish had not put a foot wrong in the game against Chelsea he was poor with passes going wildly astray. Hughes and Bartlett made little impact on the game. But how the field came to life when Bothroyd, Smertin and Thomas appeared. Thomas must have been terrifying to the Orient defence with his speed and trickery. Suddenly the game looked winnable and for the last 30 minutes the game took place in their half as they bravely held on.

For some reason I never felt that we would lose although we were very lucky not to have gone off at half time a goal or two down. For the last ten minutes of the first half - having taken our foot off the pedal - our goal was attacked with vigour and purpose. But for the woodwork we would have been even stevens at half time at least.

It took their goal for the game to change and for our substitutes to make their impact. Bothroyd's last gasp free kick was a great goal if a bit lucky! Earlier we had at least one penalty shout turned away by Alan Whiley - the O's were riding their luck at that moment in my opinion.

I know we could have lost that game. At one all just one mistake, one flukey shot or one moment of inspiration could have seen us tumble out of the cup. But we didnt and now we wait for Monday for the cup draw. With Arsenal out of the cup - whats the chances we get Chelski ( assuming they can fight their way past Everton in the replay!) ?

2006-01-26T14:20:00.000Z

Deano and Euell off

It seems that the Euell ( will he go or stay saga) is coming to a head and his transfer to Birmingham will be completed very soon.

I would not be at all surprised if the actual amounts paid are not revealed publicly. The market is very strange at the moment. Some players ( Ashton being the prime example) are being well over valued by their clubs. And unless the player is being made a "rags to riches offer" ( haha!) like Scotty and Chelsea then clubs can hold out for the windfall they have dreamed for.

Many other transfers are being carried out for relatively modest sums like Deano and Euell. The big clubs aside there is precious little money available for big signings. For clubs like Charlton it is the recurring wage bill that causes problems. I cannot see that our club can afford to pay wages to the likes of JJ, Euell, Lisbie and Jeffers when their appearances are very rare. ( Thankfully).

Reducing our squad size but keeping enough options to have cover in all departments is something as fans we must welcome since it enhances the security of the club. Equally from a man management point of view it reduces the pressures on the manager if it takes away a group unhappy they are not playing regularly.

As a goalie Deano was brilliant. His saves on occasion breathtaking and like every fan I was able to join in the chant of Deano with true gusto. But last season I began to find myself more and more critical of Deano- both from a ball distribution point of view and positioning on crosses into the box.

Far too often a hoof up the pitch resulted in the ball immediately coming back into the danger area. The alternative kick, pass or throw to a defender to keep possession and work the ball up the pitch never seemed by Deano to be an option. His performances this season to be honest were poor but then Andersen also played a few poor matches too !!

We are still being linked to Robert Green but my only fear would be keeping all 3 of Green, Myrhe and Andersen happy at the valley.

Jason Euell was a favourite after a poor start up front his conversion to attacking midfielder was a revelation. In that Lampard/Gerrard fashion he was able to power up the pitch to the danger area and whack the ball in. On form he was fantastic. His first touch was poor as people never failed to remark and his passing sometimes dire. His tackle equally worrying from time to time as he scythed down a player. But for sheer determination, drive and passion and the fact that he knew where the back of the net was he couldnt be faulted. Double figures from the midfield said it all.

I couldnt help thinking that his personal tragedy and then later the move of Parker meant that he was never the same player again. A Euell without conviction and drive was I am afraid a sad sight. Curbs had no choice but to leave him out - bringing on a lengthy whinge.

Deano to Portsmouth - I wish them both good luck. Euell to Birmingham - hope it works out Jase. Green to Charlton - jury is out on whether this works out. JJ, Lisbie and Jeffers out - I do hope so. In my view they are now unnecssary baggage.

So Midfield who's it going to be if not Bowyer??

Lets wait and see.

2006-01-22T15:45:00.000Z

Two games at Stamford Bridge - brilliant
Chelski 1 Charlton 1

So twice this season we have been to Stamford Bridge and the special one has sat on the bench looking glummer and glummer. What a result ! What a different Charlton that was playing today than we have seen the last two months. Particularly in the second half the passing was fluent quick and precise.

With just a bit more luck Ambrose could have given us all 3 points. How I cheered when Carvalho was sent off ! And Marcus Bent opening his account on his first game - he must be delighted. A dream start.

Defensively we looked excellent today. And to all those who knock Kishishev I didn't see a single mistake. Every pass was completed. Ambrose deserved his Sky man of the match award for that performance it was excellent football.

Yet again "little" Charlton managed to humble the giants of English football. No one else has beaten them or held them to a draw at home. We have done it twice this season !!

Myrhe did make a mistake for the first goal and I'm sure he is disappointed but overall his performance was outstanding. His distribution and command of his area was excellent.

Our back line played great football with Chris Powell again outstanding. The midfield worked tirelessly as did Darren Bent. The ethos of all working and defending went through the team from front to back.

In my view that performance was as good as our earlier one at Stamford Bridge in October. In many ways it mirrored it. Going a goal behind. Getting the equaliser then defending brilliantly to get the draw. Why oh why couldnt we have a penalty shoot out today !!!!

Hopefully this means that the team has turned the corner again. But its back to reality with an FA cup tie against Orient followed quickly by West Brom at home.

Just like the beginning of the season I can't wait to read the papers verdicts on todays performance and the next games can't come quick enough !!!

Transfer speculation seems to have gone quiet - apart from various clubs vying for Jay Bothroyd. Anyone for JJ or Lisbie? Hopefully Birmingham's win will mean the pursestrings loosened to enable the Euell deal to be concluded. And does Murphy's absence mean that his move to Newcastle is on the cards ? I really dont know - all I hope is that if he does decide to go Newcastle continue their spiral of poor performances whilst we push on upwards.

2006-01-21T09:36:00.000Z

All change at the Valley

I have to admit that in the run up to xmas it was really tough to get excited about football. Just picking up the sports pages was agony to read yet another depressing article about Charlton's continued slump.

We have now won 4 games - with Birmingham at home the most convincing. Their wastefulness in front of goal reminded me of past campaigns pre Bent but after Mendonca and Hunt. A frustration in front of goal when you just knew that the keeper would make that save. Not so with young Darren Bent.

But - and heres the gloomy charlton fan coming out in me now- if he carries on playing like this for the rest of the season he will go over the 20 mark for the year. He will be a prime target for any number of teams across Europe. Already there has been speculation about Sampdoria wanting him for £7 million. Will his head be turned ? Not by Sampdoria I feel...but a host of other teams. Almost certainly - and our excitement about the coming season will be tempered by the realisation that our best striker for years will be off. That's it. I will say no more on the subject - but it will happen.

In the meantime our game against Birmingham was Ok - but not utterly convincing. It wasnt the football we played at the start of the season. But I didnt feel the same apprehension at the back that I felt at either the West Ham or Sunderland games. Watching was not such agony even when we defended deep it wasnt really a worry.

Myrhe has been fantastic in goal and like many others his acknowledgement of the North stand and attitude speaks volumes. In goal he has been excellent thus far . I hope he stays there now.

The transfer speculation continues. Jason Euell's online diary (Icon) makes it very clear we will not see him again in a Charlton shirt. But then thats hardly a surprise. Deano to Portsmouth looks a possibility now since hes upset that hes not playing first team football at what he sees as the peak of his performance.

Danny Murphy - will he stay or not. Its hard to tell but I hope he stays. But his place - like that of Claus Jensen- will depend on a combative midfielder with the ability to both break up play and boss the midfield. Danny can create and is very aware. Just compare Danny at his best to Holland or Kish. Where they struggle to think what to do with the ball Danny at his best has already worked it out. But thats Danny at his best - and regrettably we dont always get that.

The Chelsea game is one that I will regret not going to. Our Carling cup night was the best game Ive enjoyed being at for years and years. But at £48 a pop - with two of my kids pressing to come - I really couldnt justify that to myself let alone the other half . So SKY has it for Sunday.

I doubt on recent performances ( and that includes the 4 recent victories) that we can defeat Chelsea - there is too much there. But if Burton Albion can hold Manchester United by dogged hard work and team play maybe, just maybe, we can come away with our heads held high and a point.

I hope that Curbs is able to offload JJ and Lisbie now - and that Jeffers goes too although I just cant see who will now take a chance on him. A variety of managers have failed to bring the best out in him which is a shame for him and football. Im disappointed Curbs couldnt do it but there we go eh. It seems that he will remain on our books till the summer when he will be released.

Speculation about the back line seems to have gone quiet. Of those mentioned the player I would most like to see back in a red shirt is J Lloyd Samuel. I think hes an excellent player - still young and just what we need at the back much as I like Chrissy Powell's sense and stability.

The ballot for fans director has split this household. My eldest tells me that Vince gets his vote. As for me the political animal Ben Hayes gets my vote. Its great though that our club has such an election much to the amazement of all my friends who support other clubs.

2006-01-13T19:11:00.000Z

Transfers and Birmingham

Speculation is rife about transfers but the strongest involve Euell to Birmingham and Murphy to Newcastle. How do I feel about these moves ? The simple truth is I wont care if we beat Birmingham !!! Back in the top half of the table and some semblance of recovery after a terrible patch of games.

Jason Euell arrived as our record buy. Up front he was a disappointment but once he found his position in an attacking midfield role he had two brilliant seasons. However he faded and everyone seems to have forgotten the last few times he played for us he showed no interest or commitment. At his best he is a player in the Gerrard/ Lampard mould. At his worst he is lazy and uninterested. He wont play for us again though a fact I came to terms with about 8 or 9 months ago.

As for Danny Murphy his recruitment did signal that we were serious about moving onwards and upwards. Playing well he bossed the midfield and his distribution was inspired. His dead balls were sublime and we all were delighted at our gain and Liverpool's loss.

The problem is that he has never been consistent. In too many games he was non existent and his passes went askew. Even then though he was still able to deliver the killer through ball to Darren Bent. I guess I thought his grumpy face was just a reflection of his character. Not everyone can have that schoolboy look of delight ( like Di Canio!) when they play football. But it seems now that the grumpy face really was because he just didnt want to be at the valley and thought he should have been elsewhere whether that was at Liverpool or in the england squad.

The press reports about the discussions with Newcastle are very detailed. So detailed they cannot be ignored. Danny it appears is off.

I find the speculations and comments from fans frustrating because so many are unrealistic and ill informed. We do not have the money to meet the wage demands of the big players ( even if they wanted to come to the valley !). The last thing we want is to end up Leeds virtually bankrupt and then at best open to the playboy billionaires looking for a club to buy. I love the fact that we dont have a big billionaire owner. I love the fact that our club was built on the support of its fans and that we elect a fan to the board.

I accept that January in particular is a difficult month. Unless a player moves another really cannot move. It would be crazy to sell Euell, Bartlett, Lisbie, JJ and Deano without knowing that we had alternatives lined up and on their way.

The real problem is that £5 million in the hands of Chelsea is worth more than £5 million in our hands. That was our problem with the sale of Scotty - £10 million did not mean that we had any chance of buying a £10 million player to replace him.

I guess the only exception is Sam Allardyce's strategy of buying ageing stars for free and using the money to pay their wage demands. On the whole has has done brilliantly well with his squad.

So to Saturday - in spite of Emile Heskey's revival - we need to beat Birmingham. It is a winnable game for us and I will be gutted if I leave on saturday with any other result than a win for us.

2006-01-07T18:47:00.000Z

flaming 'eck a victory

well the banana skin was avoided with the 4 - 2 win over wednesday. It was good to see Romm on the score sheet but yet again our defensive frailties were a matter of concern to everyone. At 3- 2 it was probably game on for the underdogs and our nervousness at set pieces could have been our undoing.

So a better result than Everton, Birmingham, Spurs, Man Utd, Middlesborough, Fulham, West Brom and very nearly Liverpool. All things being considered it was a good result for us and the draw gives an opportunity for us to get into the next round. Perhaps as they say a good cup run will do something for our season - like rescue it !!!

We are all undecided about Romm but he did show on Saturday that he can produce. Rommedahl running at pace straight at defenders must unnerve them and he showed that. He doesnt just have pace he is also very skilful on the ball - his close ball control is on usually very good. Just on occasion have we watched him run across the pitch having lost the ball many yards previously !! He is an enigma - but one Id rather have on the pitch than off it.

So we have managed victories against Sunderland, West Ham and now Sheffiled Wednesday. The last couple of weeks has been an improvement. But its still not the football we played at the beginning of the season or at that fantastic night at Stamford Bridge. The team can do it but perhaps just perhaps the frailties and nerves that have crept in will be banished.

Much depends on this transfer window and the look of the team after it has ended. I fear though that as usual our hopes and expectations will be dashed. The players we dream about just not signing up leaving us with JJ, Lisbie and Frannie as our forward options. And in defence - well no -one at all ! Not to mention a shaky midfield. I do hope that Danny is not off as some predict.

Jason Euell is clearly off and wont be seen again in a red shirt perhaps after a couple of run outs for the reserves.

I do hope that common sense prevails for the cup tie at the valley and prices are kept nice and low to fill the ground.

2006-01-06T20:20:00.000Z

Lower league banana skin

Saturday's match has the feel of the annual cup banana skin. Wednesday are a pale shadow of the team they once were - sounds familiar eh ? We have this way of playing at the level of the team we are playing. So that night at Stamford Bridge in the league cup the team played out of their skins and matched the prima donnas in all areas. There is the very real danger this year that our inability to raise our game against inferior opposition will be our undoing again . I think so good was our victory againsy Chelsea I really had booked my hotel for Cardiff - yet again for us to be ludicrously thrown out of the competition in that extraodinary defeat at the valley.

Since then the wheels really have fallen off the bus. The wins against Sunderland and West Ham really were not convincing - welcome as they were.

The defeat by Leicester a year ago was a real blow. So it is with some trepidation that I look forward to our fixture this weekend.

However transfer talk seems wild this year - I can't recall a January window like it. Press speculation has Murphy, Rommedahl, Euell, Deano, Lisbie, JJ and now Darren Bent on their way out. Bent's £7million transfer to Sampdoria being the latest and most unwelcome speculation.

And we are linked to Bowyer, Bent, Niemi and various others. To those who winge that we should be playing Euell I would just say do any of you remember his last outing in a charlton shirt. To say he wasnt interested would be to exagerate - he couldnt give a stuff. We cannot have people playing ( however good they may once have been) who do not want to be there.

I feel like Curbs - I cant work out what has gone wrong in the team since the beginning of November. We have played 4 5 1, 4 4 2, 4 3 3 and tried various combinations of players. None of it appears to have worked. They seem unable to defend or keep possession. I wrote early in the season that I felt it was going to be long and hard and so it is proving to be.

Good luck to our lads on saturday !!! A good victory before the home game against Birmingham would make us all feel better and calm nerves both on and off the pitch.

2005-12-27T13:19:00.000Z

Six out of ten

Is my assessment of our Boxing Day performance. Better but a lot more to do yet. However I still feel disappointed because Arsenal this year were for the taking. A draw or a win was possible.

However this was a better performance all round. Mhyre was excellent in goal. He stood up excellently to Lundberg and how he didnt concede the goal was beyond me. When Arsenal did get going their passing and movement was excellent.

Sorondo and Fortune did everything asked of them in the back and HH looked better in his left back position.

Whilst Holland and Hughes were OK ( and I think Hughes had the edge over Holland) they were not good enough to hold the ball or create. Danny's petulance to get the sending off was silly and he should know better even though the ref gave all the big decisions to the Arsenal. We had two very good penalty shouts in my view which were not given.

All round a better performance - if we can push on from there then I will be pleased and relieved in equal measure. So its three MASSIVE matches coming up. Win them and we are back on track. Lose them all then I do believe we are in serious trouble.

I shall be glued to the radio Wednesday night and gutted if we dont beat Newcastle.

2005-12-25T20:09:00.000Z

Boxing day - Arsenal- a sure 3 points

just not sure that we will get them ! Its an intriguing one to be honest this year since Arsenal have hardly been purring. And as for us....well the least said the better ! Watching us slide down the table after January has become too easy a sport - but watching us manage this feat so early on is just painful. Even my West Ham friends have taken to sending me consoling text messages after each match. The only saving grace is that Aston Villa supporting brother in law is hardly in a position to gloat.

Im just hoping that whoever is picked to play tomorrow really wants to be there and wants to work with his team mates. Fingers crossed is about all I can say.

So I see we are linked with Cameron Jerome from Cardiff. Ive seen him play for Cardiff and England u21s and he was excellent for both. Hes young , hungry and talented. I tipped him earlier in the season so its good to see him linked with a move to us in January.

Lee Bowyer ! To be very honest I have always been in two minds about him. Sure he can play football and theres nothing like your own returning home since I enjoyed watching him play when we were in the first division. But. But I really dont like the way he has performed outside of football - but now Im so desparate I will welcome him back if he does return as predicted.

Gardner - lets hope hes not crocked since we've had bad luck with other players in the past carrying injuries. Remember Gary Rowett ? All this talk of goalies coming to the valley makes me feel that either Deano or Andersen are off in January. Somehow I think its Deano. Bye mate we enjoyed you playing ! And bye also finally to Mark Fish - my daughter is upset since she has always loved him most - and she just hasnt been able to find a suitable replacement in her affections !

So its an early start tomorrow - I'll settle for a draw. Won't you?

2005-12-18T19:19:00.000Z

Christmas cheer !

Thankfully I gave the works christmas do a miss on Friday. Doing my best bah humbug approach at work whilst at home getting ready for the kids to go crazy ! But whats this I read today- talking of humbug - in the sunday paper : Curbs has a transfer target for January. Remember this name - Boaz Myhill. He is the "brilliant young" Hull City goalkeeper. If there is any truth in this it could only be because there is seen to be a need for 3 goalkeepers. So Deano off in the transfer window is the only conclusion I can draw from this !

If this happens then I will wish him well and whilst Stefan proved both that he can do an excellent job and make mistakes I do not believe that the squad would be weakened or lighter.

Building a team spirit - means more than going out together for the works dinner. I know all about that since I avoid these occasions and there are many people in "my team" who I would gladly see move on. Its a good thing we dont play football and that "team working " with my colleagues is not critical in determining my performance.

I have been sceptical at work of the game based training initiatives and the occasional "jollies" but I fear that they do little or nothing to resolve the underlying problems between colleagues. I recall last year Curbs took the team away to some comfortable hotel in the sun. Maybe a slightly more expensive version of what the rest of us put up with at work but essentially the same thing. Funnily enough it made little or no difference.

I have 2 solutions for this season. 1. Curbs must stick to what he regards as his first team and play them regularly. 2. Those players need to do more of what they did a couple of weeks ago ie meet together and decide for themselves that they are going to work together as a team.

The second of these is certainly the most difficult to achieve since there is no recipe for this. It requires individual decisions to lead to a collective spirit. Remember the Greek team that won Euro 2004 - they had few if any real stars. Few exceptional players. But they played and worked for each other. Trouble is all we can do is will this change, this insight for our team. We as fans cannot do it for them.

Since this will probably be my last post before our boxing day meet with Arsenal my seven year old had his own insight tonight . Dad, he said, Arsenal were beaten by Chelsea today and a few weeks ago we beat Chelsea when we knocked them out of the cup. So that means that Charlton will beat Arsenal. Heres to that thought. But on a serious note Arsenal are only FOUR points above us. Newcastle THREE points ahead with us having a game in hand.

So whilst its true that our team is struggling the fact is that Arsenal, Middlesborough and Villa management and fans have cause to be considerably more worried than anyone at Charlton. We know our team can do better - we have seen it this season. So lets hope that my seven year old has got it right !

2005-12-17T22:11:00.000Z

Team spirit missing

In terms of quality players we are better off than we have been for some years. Perhaps not in that very special way but certainly we have good skilful players in most areas of the pitch.

But to lose 3 goals to Wigan is simply pitiful. What the hell is going to happen when Arsenal and West Ham come to the valley. I dread to think. On this form we face our worst season of recent years.

What is the problem? In my view it is the size of the squad. We have too many players of similar ability competing for all parts of the park. And I'm sorry to say Curbs has been reading the wrong management books. Its not motivational to be left out of the team when you know you've played well. And it does nothing for team spirit to have players up against each other. Its a team game.

I know we need a bigger squad of more than 11 players. But I do think Mourinho has it right - 24 players is tops. You need your best 11 players and then back up for them. Keep that 11 together get them working as a team for the team. It is sorry to say it but we dont have a team. We have some good players but not a team. And the sad conclusion from this is that we have a failing of management. Individual errors are more likely to occur when there is not understanding between players.

And today we had loads of those. Particularly at the back - but in the midfield too. Bit hard to criticise Bent when he's playing the lone striker and he's scored more goals than most of our strikers have managed in an entire season. But our midfield are as important as the back. They are all letting us down right now.

Trouble is - and this is the real worry - building team spirit and getting understanding takes more than a few sessions on the training ground. The whole team needs building from the bottom up. We havent got the time to do that right now we can only hope that the penny drops with the right players and they manage to turn this around for themselves.

Can they manage it ? I have no idea !

2005-12-16T10:27:00.000Z

So whats it to be this weekend?

Last weekend's victory at the valley was long overdue. But still unconvincing if truth were told. Yes we got the win, a clean sheet, two goals and three points. But. And I understand Curbs tactics. But, why oh why are we incapable of defending without having 11 men behind the wall half way up our own half. The last 30 minutes last weekend were shear torture. We stood back and let them have a go at us. We were incapable of holding on to the ball for any length of time.

I fully understand Curbs defensive substitutions. I understand his wanting to curb our gung ho attacking play (! there was some believe me after the second goal) but why does our defensive play mean that we stand off the oppositions players and defend SO BLOODY DEEP. Such defensive play inevitably means that any mistake, and the best players can make them, could lead to a goal.

I am certain on the training ground this is an area of our play we have gone over and over but as a fan it is so frustrating.

Yet we got the win. Can we end the run ?

Trouble is in Wigan we have a team a bit like ourselves in the early days of our premiership return. Hard work, great team ethos, inspirational management and a bit of luck gave Wigan a great start to the season. They are now finding that grinding out the results week after week is more of a challenge.

Thier run of recent games has been similar to ours. They must be up for this game. All week they must have been saying we can win this game. They can of course.

However I think we will nick it again. I really do believe that we can get that second game in a row victory we so badly need. We have some really good players when they are on form. Last week Danny Murphy had a great game in my view. Smertin had some play similar to his start this season.

Jerome Thomas gives teams such a headache. His trickery, his speed and his ability on the ball all baffle defenders. I hope he is able to step up his game again this weekend.

As for goalies Deano did have a good game last week. Some fantastic saves. But - and more to the point- his distribution was much improved. It wasnt just a hopeful punt up the pitch. The club are right we have 3 excellent goalies and its not that position that worries me.

Powell is better than Spector. Perry more dependable than El K ( even though we all love him to bits). Bothroyd better than JJ or Lisbie.

But finally - I am crossing my fingers that Frankie Valley hasn't got one of the free tickets to the game. Do us a favour Frankie - please mate. Come to the Arsenal match by all means but give the team a chance on Saturday !

2005-12-05T12:40:00.000Z

Did JJ kick the ball once?

Like many others my heart sank when I saw Deano, JJ and Spector on the pitch at the start. I knew that Kish was suspended so it was going to be Hughes or Holland. I had my doubts about either player carrying through that harrying, holding, terrorising role. Does Matt Holland ever tackle anyone. Does he ever get stuck in. He was at his anonymous best yesterday.

So I saw 8 goals against us in less than a week. Had only just recovered from the Cup match and full of optimism.

Lets start with the conclusion first.

Curbs has too big a squad. With too many players of similar levels and ability. The ones left out are understandably whingeing and want to get back in the team. On paper there is little to choose between many of them.

BUT and heres the but, Curbs own imitation of 'the tinker man' has created the very real problem of a lack of understanding between players in every position. The hesitancy. The indecisions. The mistakes. Teams must be relishing the chance to play us at the moment. Suddenly we are a target for Sunderland. They must be getting ready for the game now. Thinking they have a chance - and on this form they do. We could be 3 nil up and give the game away in 15 minutes if Blackburn and Man City are anything to go by.

Its not formation in my view. We went 442 on Sunday and it achieved very little.

I was sat close to Spector in the first half. He was having a torrid time from Sinclair. I really do not rate Spcetor at all. I can see why Fergie has loaned him out. On this performance he wont want him back either.

Start of the season Powell was performing admirably. Sure he would struggle with the fastest players - but he would have dealt with Sinclair in my view. Spector was run ragged and skinned so many times. IT was truly embarassing.

I love Deano to bits. Last few years at the valley he has got to have been one of the best players on the pitch. But he now lacks confidence and ability. It is time to say that he did us proud. He was a great goalie - not brilliant - but sometimes inspired and always brave. A real fans favourite. But 8 goals in 5 days. And at least two ( perhaps 3) down to him. Punts up the pitch with the ball soon back. His distribution of the ball is awful. Deano of old would not have got in that mess with Perry on his back pass for Cole's goal on Sunday. And as for Matt Holland. His performance lacked bite, lacked desire, lacked awareness. But JJ must get a special award. He was poor against Blackburn. He wandered around the pitch aimlessly. Getting the odd touch but nothing threatening. But Sunday. I dont recall him kicking the ball. He must have I am sure. But i really dont remember a single occasion. You cannot say that for Romm. Sometimes his playing is frustrating ( Romm that is) but he does use the ball. He does attack. He does chase. Harry. But JJ - that really was so bad I truly hope never to see him play at the valley again.

So who does that leave ?

Well Andersen no 1, Myrhhe no2
HH, Young , Perry and Powell at the back are our best.
Jerome, Romm, Smertin, Murphy , Kish and Ambrose in the middle of the park ( creative subbing required) and Bent upfront with Bothroyd as back up or to change shape if necessary.

That is currently our best squad. Curbs, you know this makes sense - put some youngsters on the bench, Sam, Sankofa, Fortune (!).

Sunderland is truly a MUST win game. But I shall be travelling to the valley with great trepidation!!!!

2005-11-26T19:43:00.000Z

Valley of fears !

Our next three matches will prove crucial to our season with the Christmas period coming up. Today's defeat is revealing for a number of things. Second half we matched up to Villa's 4 - 4- 2 but still failed to make any impact on their goal. For all our frustrations with him Rommedahl does offer a genuine attacking wing force. Murphy when on form is creative and directs the game well. Matt Holland is clearly off the pace and off his game.

Already the speculation has started about the transfer window. Various forums speculate that Murphy is off to Newcastle in January ( cant see that one to be honest - but who knows !), that Ashton is on his way to us in January and Euell will be finally off ( that one has to be true !).

But whoever comes and goes the fact is the next 3 games are very important. All winnable and at home. A chance to turn this little slump around after the cracking start we have had to the season. Blackburn can be beaten. We can go through to the next round of the Carling cup and having beaten Chelsea surely we deserve at least a crack at this cup. The other two games are more than winnable. Lets finally get these points back on the board.

And as for the tactics unlike many I have never had a problem with 4 5 1 - I think a lot of tosh continues to be written about it . Sure it is very defensive to pack the midfield. But equally it is very attacking to change to a 4 3 3 to carry a game to the opposition. At its best it is defending and counter attacking football at its best.

Finally - life long fan and Villa park season ticket holder my brother in law just couldnt help but tetxt me during the game with his observations. And then the inevitable call as the stadium emptied. John - just a word. We are still above you in the table ! Lets hope those words dont become too prophetic in a negative way.

So to the Valley on Wednesday night. A cold and quiet evening by all accounts ( with ticket sales well down) lets get behind the team ( as the villans did today) and onto a decent cup run.

2005-11-21T22:32:00.000Z

Rooney magic !

Well what a disappointment. Actually the stats werent too bad both in respect of possession and shots. It didnt feel like last years game. Whilst our first half was poor we hadnt been played out of the game. To go in one nil down was no hardship. And so it proved when we came out fired up for the second half. Our equaliser was great - so well taken. A great shot. The whole valley thought we could do something.

But Rooney ( and there seemed about 5 of him on the pitch) only waited about 5 minutes to rampage down the whole field taking on and beating four of our players. His chip to Van Nistleroy was sumptious, and his swivel and shot were brilliant. Some fans blamed Powell but im not sure there was much he did wrong !!

Their third goal was silly and should have been better defended. Why he was given so much time on the ball is beyond me.

So another defeat. Our run down the table continues. My Aston Villa supporting borther in law is very keen for me to come to Villa Park so he can gloat. I wont go

But we will win !!!

2005-11-18T21:17:00.000Z

No Roy Keane !!

And no Gary Neville. But have we never beaten them! What a depressing thought! Those of us who sat through last year's lamentable performance are preparing for the worst. But as we know they can be beaten. Just that after international breaks we always seem all over the place. But I have a feeling this year will be different. I think Andresen will be swapped..and of course Spector cant play.

Most importantly Smertin should be back. We need him desparately. Im resigned to defeat. But in my heart I think this game is winnable. I think we will win it - another shock defeat for a big club!

I live in Basildon, and Southend friends nearby are really worried that we will snaffle Freddy Eastwood in the transfer window. There is loads of sepculation about him. He seems like a good young player better than whatisname from Swansea but id still prefer Cameron Jerome if we are buying a striker. !!!!!

2005-11-10T20:45:00.000Z

Transfer window !

Its that time of the year to start thinking of the next transfer window. ( Nothing to do with the international break meaning that we have no real football to keep us happy !)

I've seen the write ups on the Cardiff striker Jerome ( now joint championship top scorer). But last night I caught sight of the Cardiff Sheffield Wednesday game. This lad looks like a really good prospect.

A defence splitting pass and Jerome pounced on the ball running straight at the goal with two defenders on the chase. He calmly slotted the ball into the net beating the goalie. Sound familiar !!! This boy would make a fantastic foil for Darren Bent in a 4-4-2 or a brilliant sub for him. Sign him Curbs - before one of our rivals takes him on. This is a boy with a future. And he can head a ball too as he showed in the same game.

The truth is that for a team like Charlton good players are going to come from the lower leagues or discarded by the "top" clubs . Even though our very own Jerome Thomas is now ruled out of the U21 match because of a hamstring injury I shall be watching it to see how our own Darren Bent performs and also to see if this Jerome gets a chance to show what he is capable of.

2005-11-06T19:08:00.000Z

Rovers bring us down to earth

To confound many Rovers played football yesterday. And we took our regular punishment that comes a few times a season. Last year several times too many as I recall.

Again the line between success and failure was a fine one with a few missed chances at various moments in the game. When we were 2-1 down it seemed like we could get back in the game.

There were various poor performances yesterday and although several have picked out Spector, in my view Herman had a bad day causing all kinds of problems at the back. Defensively it was a shocker against a team that does contain some good players. We may all retain lingering disdain for Tugay, think Bellamy is a big headed g** and Dickov did nothing in previous years to endear himself to the Charlton faithful at home matches. But these are all players that can play football the proper way as they showed on Saturday.

The main worry now is that we dont seem to pick ourselves up from international breaks. And just a day ago it seemed as if this was a good time to be playing Man ure - then they go and do it dont they. Beat Chelski for the 3rd time ( first us, then Real Betis now Man u). What is strange having spent so much of my life hating Man U and everything that money, wealth and power brings is that there I was willing them on today to beat Chelski. Yes I will admit it I even wanted Man U to win today. I will wash my mouth out with soap now...but...the flip side is that they go into the break with a buzz and desire suddenly reinvigorated. Oh dear - our next home match is.....Man U.

In terms of the table we dont need to be too worried to be honest....even though we dropped places again....courtesy of ..man u. It is very congested indeed with 5 points separating the teams from 3rd to 13th. Its going to be easy to move up and down in that pack of teams and we have a game in hand over many. Still played 11, got 19 points is not bad at all. I'll settle for that achievement over the season if we finished with 65 points!!!!

Smertin was sorely missed in the midfield and whilst Tugay did completely unsettle Danny Murphy I do think that would have been more difficult if Danny had been playing off Smertin as he has been. Its not just that we badly need another striker ( not to replace Bent..but to supplement him !!) its that we can't afford not to play a high tempo game and defensive sloppyness will punish us as it has.

Whilst I want us to do well..I am realistic about the available funds and the limits on the wage bill....to be honest im still buzzing from the drama at stamford bridge and the joy of the penalty shoot out !!

2005-11-04T20:07:00.000Z

So its the Rovers !

This season is proving to be truly interesting. Arsenal and Manchester United both stuttering and being beaten by smaller teams. Charlton then Wigan at 2nd in the league for a while. A bunching of teams in the pack behind Chelski with little in the way of points to separate them.

Evidence of declining numbers but only on the basis of unrealistic pricing for matches. A lot of tosh written about formations and the current "fashion" for 4-5-1 amongst teams like our own producing boring football. I agree it is when meeting teams who play like Bolton but when playing teams that want to play football (i.e. pass, move the ball around on the ground swiftly, players that make runs, crosses into the box, and run into spaces moving rapidly on the counter attack) then it is not in the slightest boring. Our so called boring 4-5-1 has actually changed shape into 4 -3-3 on many occasion making exciting vibrant passing football. With jerome/ambrose on one wing and Romm on the other I have thoroughly enjoyed our football this season.

I agree with those that are arguing the line between success and defeat is actually very small. The incidents that change a match's fortunes are so significant. Chelsea have been the masters of this. If they can nick 2 or sometimes 3 goals in a period of 10 minutes the game is killed off to all intents and purposes. An opposition goal or misses from us can change the game. Sometimes luck comes to bear with balls hitting bars or fizzing in front of the goal. But usually its just plain mathematics - create enough chances and convert a few of them . Create few chances and fail to convert them into goals is what most likely produces the defeat or the draw.

To anyone who has ever played any sport or competitive activity to a high level it is clear that the difference between being succesful and not is actually not very great but it is highly significant.

So to those who argue that the reasons for a "poor " home season thus far is the subdued crowds, the lack of singing from the North stand or the use of 4-5-1 are in my view all wrong. Just examine the home games. Chelski did beat us ( not humiliate of smash us like last season) but they beat us with 2 wonderful goals. Fulham came at us - using our own tactic of work extra hard, closing down everything, winning the ball as much as possible - we failed to convert our early chances. They scored and we played well to get the draw. They do have some very good players in their team too.

The game against Spurs was a master class in the chance. We had an excellent game, the crowd were in good form , and at 2-0 up looked to be coasting to victory. The turning point was their opening goal and then an all out assault on our goal. We did give the game away when it was ours but Spurs managed with a bit of a luck and good fortune to put their chances away. Bolton - enough written boring and difficult to play against. We struggled without Bent and it was frustrating to see Bothroyd get his feet muddled in front of goal. We willed him to compose himself and slot the goals away. He struggled and we just couldn't quite find that goal.

So to Rovers at last. Our team will clearly include Bent up front now apparently recovered from his heavy cold. I hope that the Smertin, Murphy, Kish partnership continues but perhaps swapping Kish for Holland at half time when Kish is beginning to tire and dawdle on the ball. Ive been impressed this season with Curbs willingness to make early substituitons this season at least giving the new players 30 minutes on the ball. It was so so frustrating last year to know that players should have been subbed and then to watch Curbs in deep debate with Merv at the 75th minute agonising over the substitution. With players just not having enough time to make any difference to the game. I've been impressed so far this season with the decisiveness of the changes ( although disappointed as ever with seeing players like JJ coming on who you just know will not produce the goods bless him!)

Ambrose to start and Thomas to bring on later to terrorise the opponents. Romm to start as well. In defence I think I would stick with the Chrissy, HH, Perry and Young defence with El K on the bench. And Stephan in goal without a shadow of doubt. Perry has had a fantastic start to this season. His clearances and tackles have been so well timed and so well executed. He isnt big but he is a fantastic defender.

Rovers are physical but they are not Bolton. Whilst we can expect agression from Bellamy, Savage and Todd I know we can beat them with good quick passing football. I cant go to the match so I'll be listening intently. Its been stated its a "must win" game. I guess in the adrenalin stakes and the psychological warfare its a "must win" to keep up our excellent start to the season. A defeat wouldnt really be terrible....but I would be gutted I know if we did. I am just hoping Bent is raring to go and that Murphy is on song.

2005-10-30T01:36:00.000Z

What a bore !

As predicted we lost to Bolton whose style of football is so boring. Sometime in the middle of the match, or perhaps it was the beginning or the end...to be honest Id lost the will to live, the ball bounced in the air from head and foot for what seemed a lifetime. If this is football I wouldnt bother.

Id spent the morning with my youngest boy watching his under 8's team train - their passing was better and their finishing !

This was truly a bore - I cant even say i'm really disappointed with the result. However it does mean that we fall to 5th although whether we stay there depends upon Middlesborough defeating man u which it seems as I write they are on the way to achieving. ( 3 nil as I write) - finishing 4-1 to Boro means that we are 5th.

So what happened today ?

Well first the team did look lethargic - there is no doubt that the heroics against Chelski took it out on everyone. The whole team looked off the pace today and although Smertin didn't play on Wednesday he seemed to have caught the same bug as the rest.

Whilst Romm can be puzzling he does truly have pace...but not today.

Not for the first time I thought that our failure to convert our opportunities in the first half changed the whole character of the match. Romm had a good chance as did Ambrose - both missed. Bothroyd got the ball stuck under his feet in front of goal - admittedly the penalty box was packed but better control and he may have scored. We struggled with no Bent with an illness we are told.

When they went in at half time there was a feeling that we wouldnt score. Confirmation of that came on the hour mark when JJ replaced Romm. If Romm was having an off day JJ looked completely lost and ineffective. Its sad to say but I think hes playing in the wrong league nowadays.

Nolan's goal came from a deflected ball well saved by Andersen.

It was not a pretty match, and in my view little football was played that justified premiership status for either side.

Bolton really have proved our bogey team but clubs must be queuing up to play at the Valley at the moment. Just one win in 5 matches is a huge disappointment for the fans. Im so pleased that I went to Stamford Bridge on wednesday and saw just what Charlton are capable of.

Still we are now in 5th but only 3 points separate us and Wigan in 2nd place. Surely there will be many changes as the season progresses.

Man of the match for Charlton ? - for the second time running I cant give one but this time because I dont think any player justified it.

So its back to earth for Charlton fans.......

2005-10-28T21:20:00.000Z

Get your free Charlton Chelsea programme

On Wednesday night we were promised free programmes since they were not available on the night ! It is clear that their sense of fair play knows no bounds.

This is how we get our free programme - thats great !!! And the front page of their web site announces the result on Wednesday as a draw !! As it does in the match results page. I suppose I should be grateful they havent claimed it as a victory for themselves.......dont they make you sick eh

2005-10-28T18:27:00.000Z

Battle of the two english managers

If we have a bogey team it has to be Bolton. We don't have a brilliant record against them for reasons I am not sure about. But if Bolton were looking for a good time to visit the Valley I dont think they could have chosen a worse time. Coming on the back of two brilliant away wins - one of them as we know against the current premiership champions.

Sam Allardyce has built a team of foreign players who are playing a variety of football which has its attributes but it "aint pretty " as they say ! We have though shown us ourselves vulnerable to the set plays - Terry's header on wednesday a good example of our fragility sometimes.

The performances on wednesday though have really given Curbs a headache for selection. Starting at the back I can't see Andersen being shifted from goal after his performance thus far. In defence Luke Young's place is sown up, as is Herman's ! I think Chrissy Powell will hold his left back position. As for the 2nd centre back I guess its between Chris Perry and El K. Both have their attributes not the least being Perry's performances this season where he has been truly magnificent.

El K played into wednesdays game and until he left with what looked severe cramp he was rock solid in defence particularly in the air ( at least after his loss of Terry for their first goal).

My feeling is that Perry will slot back with El K on the bench. Either way I will have no arguments with the selection.

In the midfield Danny will start with Smertin back after his break. Romm and Ambrose I think have slightly the edge for the wings leaving the argument about whether it is Kish, Hughes or Holland to start. If I were Curbs I think I would start with Holland and bring on Kish after 60 mins have gone. But hey what do I know ?!

At front it will of course be Bent. Bloody hell its not even the end of October and we have a striker nearly into double figures.

Will we win this game ? I think we will !!!

2005-10-27T09:50:00.000Z

Sha la la la lalala

What a night ! What support ! What players !

Man of the match for Charlton was an impossible call. Every one played excellently and Curbs's substitutions were brilliant.

We showed it can be done - and playing football as well. Crisp slick fast passing - and that was just Charlton. I would have regretted this for ever if I hadnt been there last night. The first defeat at Stamford Bridge since February 2004. Mourinho was magnificent as ever magnanimous to his opposition: " We didnt lose the game " he claimed afterwards. Doh ! What game was he at - clearly not the one 39,000 home supporters watched in disbelief !!

Rommedahl perhaps was not at his best - even after the switch of wings at the half hour mark he struggled to make an impact. Thomas managed to scare the life out of Geremi who was forced to resort to fouling him on more than one occasion. Booked once in truth he should have been sent off for persistent fouling.

Terry was "lucky" to stay on the pitch and how Drogba and Essien lasted the whole game is beyond me. Not for the first time a referee at a "big club" like Chelsea bottled it when it came to those big decisions. The ref did us no favours last night - our victory was truly ours.

John Terry's trademark header to score shortly before half time was disappointing since better marking ought to have denied him the opportunity. There was little chance for Andersen to do much about it. But Bent's equaliser just minutes later was fantastic. Yes the defender Huth made a mess up of his defensive duties but Bent still had everything to do and he stood up magnificently.

In contrast Gudjohnsen missed his chance when one on one with Andersen. If there was a man of the match for Charlton it had to be Andersen. Some excellent saves but even better ball distribution with the long throws up the wings.

Matty Holland had a very good game as did Bryan Hughes. Bothroyd looked dangerous and for a time when we played 442 it suddenly looked like we could score again. But I can understand why after a short time Curbs reverted back to 451 to strengthen the midfield defense.

I groaned inwardly when Murphy was replaced by Kish - but Murphy had noticeably tired and Kish was up to the task I have to admit. There were opportunities for both sides in particular Bothroyd's well struck attempt brought a fantastic save from Cudicini.

The whole team performed - I just hope that they have something left in the tank for the game at the valley against Bolton on Saturday.

I was exhausted - the players must be totally knackered. And incredibly we played 5 or 10 minutes of extra time with just ten players on the pitch as El K wasnt able to return. Even with 10 players we held them off.

Not since the play off finals have we endured a penalty shoot out of this kind of drama ! Andersen saved one and very nearly saved at least one more but our players proved they had it in them unfazed by Stamford Bridge putting away their kicks clinically. It felt like we had won the cup - perhaps we will yet !!!

2005-10-25T10:01:00.000Z

Charlton at Chelski - minus the Siberian

I can't wait for Wednesday's match against the millionaires. The prospect that we could win against a second string ( ha ha) side rests strong. With 3000 away fans and a full house it should be excellent - a true london derby.

My only fear is notice being taken of the articles written about Chelsea's draw with Everton at the weekend. In todays Guardian James Beattie gives us the benefit of his advanced tactical advice "You have to tear at them from the start" he said ! The article advanced the argument that the champions found it difficult to deal with football at its most physical and based on high balls into Ferguson and Beattie to terrify the defence.

Whilst like many others I was delighted to see Chelski drop some points I do hope that we stick to the decent football we have played this season . I don't miss the old first ( second) division football with balls lumped up the pitch into big set english forwards ( like Jay Bothryod perhaps !?). I want us to play the millionaires with the kind of football we have enjoyed this season. Slick fast passing, speed and guile on the width and a strong creative midfield.

For the first time since we lost Parker to the allure of ludicrous money we have played again as a team in the midfield. The Murphy, Smertin, Kishishev trio have worked excellently together. But on wednesday we will be without our Siberian exile Alexei Smertin. I think that leaves Curbs with a real problem. Matty Holland is in my view too lightweight lacking the bite of Smertin. El K has played in the midfield but his over physical approach has in the last 12 months already found him with a red card and a yellow last week within seconds of coming on the pitch. Ambrose is excellent down the centre and is well suited to that forward pressing role. I'm not sure that his talents lie in that position which Smertin has carved himself in the middle of the park working behind and with Danny Murphy.

This is the sort of technical conundrum which Curbs will no doubt be pondering as we wait for the match.

I feel that Spector will start again in the left back position in which he played a reasonable role in the game on Saturday at Fratton Park.

The very fact that it is even possible to speculate about a Charlton victory based on second position in the premiership is truly amazing. We have a 100% away record this season lets hope it can be maintained on Wednesday night.

2005-10-22T19:22:00.000Z

Charlton go 2nd again!

My prediction that Ambrose and Spector would replace Crissy and Jerome proved correct although I guessed incorrectly that Ambrose would come off the bench.

Portsmouth definitely "played a Charlton" in the first half, pressing, closing down and trying to win every ball. The tactic worked with Danny Murphy struggling to find space in the centre of the park. But as we went in at half time I didnt feel that we would lose the game. Our play was good...passing much improved on Monday. If they could just work a bit harder and increase the speed of the game then we were in with a shout.

The second half saw a much improved Charlton performance - and to be fair a Portsmouth side who took the foot off the pedal. Danny Murphy suddenly had the space to think and move. Indeed throughout the game it was rare that I groaned at a pass going astray in contrast to Monday's performance.

His pass to Ambrose was fantastic and the finishing as good. That goal on the hour mark rejuvenated Charlton and knocked the stuffing out of Pompey. It really is a sign of quality in the team that a further gear can be engaged - our passing was slick and assured. Danny's through ball for Romm was excellent but the goal even better at quite a tight angle.

From then on they didnt really look like getting back into the game. So its back to second place.

And finally a word about Andersen. His goal keeping was excellent. At least one truly superb save. But what impresses me most is his distribution of the ball. Like every other Charlton supporter Ive loved watching Deano in the goal. Some of his saves have been sublime. BUT and this is a BIG BUT...his ball distribution is poor. More often that not just a hoof up the pitch. ( Or into the touch !) Andersen does very few of those. He looks quickly to release a player with a quick throw.

This year's team really is a significant improvement. Its exciting times to be a Charlton supporter. Chelsea on Wednesday..bring it on I say!!!!!!

2005-10-21T20:48:00.000Z

Economics again !

There has been a lot of piffle written about declining numbers at Premiership football this season. Its all down to boring 4 5 1 apparently. I dont think so ! Since football is now unfortunately a high street commodity why should it be immune to the slowdown in consumer spending. High street retailers are facing a hard time this year why should football be immune ?

The fact is that football is an expensive pastime nowadays. I am proud of our prices at Charlton - regularly comparing prices with friends and colleagues at work who are usually amazed at our season ticket prices. But I cant really claim it is cheap for myself and my two kids to come to Charlton because it does eat up loads of money. Trust me..it does !

I nearly choked on my coffee the other day when I read the advert on the web site selling a meal in Legends before the Fulham match - "fantastic value" at £29.95 in the carvery ! I dont know where you eat out from time to time with your family but I dont spend that money per head.

So travelling away is a luxury which can't on the whole be afforded especially if your kids expect to come as well. Ticket prices and travel costs just mean that most of us cant afford it. The £20 to come to Chelski next week though ( and a tenner for kids) coupled with low travel costs made this a realistic venture for our household. I bought my tickets the day they went on sale expecting them to sell out in a couple of days. They didnt - but now have. It should be a cracking atmosphere with 3000 Charlton fans and a full house as surprise surprise the home seating has sold out too. The economics are right this time.

For tomorrows match it means paying the premium for Premiership Plus - £8. Hardly a snip but worth it ( I hope).

Ive been reading the previews of the match and with a few exceptions their players this season are an unknown quantity - unlike their fans. The Pompey fans have been without exception the best to visit the Valley in recent years. Spirited, noisy and passionate. Another cracking game - but surely 3 points for us whatever Lawro has predicted !!

I think the starting line up will see just one change with Spector replacing Chrissy Powell. The only question being whether Spector will play left back or move in the centre with HH moving out again. I suspect HH will remain in the centre. Changes on the bench for sure with a place for Ambrose who will replace Jerome if he doesn't fire on all cylinders on Saturday.

2005-10-17T22:43:00.000Z

Back to reality as we draw to Fulham

A hugely disappointing evening after a poor performance. Yes Danny Murphy did work hard, he scored a good goal and for some reason he won man of the match but his passing and performance was poor by his standards. Particularly in the first half too often Danny gave the ball away attempting the killer through ball to Darren Bent when the simpler option would be better.

Too many players seemed to be slipping and sliding on the grass tonight although it was hard to see why.

Regrettably it was one of those nights when too many players were way off their best. Chrissy Powell - a favourite in my household- was not at his best. He struggled to cope with the guile and pace of the Fulham attackers and was left too many times dawdling on the ball.

I commented at half time to my son that we would regret those missed chances. Romms ball off the post having been the closest of a number of first half chances.

The whole valley seemed nervous everytime Claus had a free kick - we expected him to punish us but thankfully he didnt. Danny's corners were mainly poor , particularly so those towards the end of the game. With the biggest players on the pitch in HH, Bothroyd and El K the corners cried out for the ball to be delivered well. Two low deliveries and one cut back to be met by a poor shot from Romm were the net result.

It was not a sparkling performance from the players and more to the point from the team. Romm's runs were across the pitch or backwards. Thomas failed to beat his markers. Darren Bent had few opportunities but with those he had he failed to connect.

Unlike in the Spurs game I didn't feel cheated since a victory just looked unlikely with so many players underperforming.

Lets hope that it galvanises the players in training this week to turn up at Portsmouth to chalk up that win. Expectation levels are high this year - but so they should be after a crackling start and a strengthened squad.

I guess its back to earth when in my heart I wanted to see us back there in 2nd place looking down on the rest. Its going to be a long season............

2005-10-14T19:28:00.000Z

Big Clubs and Small clubs

Sven is so frustrating and represents so much that is wrong with football today. Money ( hence the big clubs) rules above all else. Because a player comes from a big club they are picked irrespective of their value or contribution.

On any objective assessment Darren Bent would be on the pitch in preference to Crouch. He is after 2 months joint top scorer in the premiership - equal to Ruud van nistleroy. So top English scorer. For yet another game Darren gets to warm the bench as we see Crouch and Smith join the game. And Jenas ffs....Danny Murphy is the in form midfield English player this season. Not even in the squad. The swede doesnt want to upset Man U, Liverpool and Tottenham - even though Charlton tops them in the league, Darren is top scorer and Danny top midfield player.

Yes England qualified - with at times lacklustre and boring football. The squad needs some players hungry to prove something for themselves and their country. Will he learn this lesson before next May - I have my doubts.

Its Fulham on Monday - a game we ought to win. I saw on netaddicks a Fulham poster summing up Claus Jensen brilliantly. He is skilful and on his day a fantastically tricky player. Creative and on the dead ball a real artist. BUT he is such a lightweight in the midfield. Often he is lazy and disinterested. A frustrating player - when he left I was disappointed but not entirely bothered. Of course the tea leaves tell me that he will score against us on Monday night !!

This is a game we should/must win. Some big choices for Curbs...does he replace Andersen...I hope not to be honest much as ive enjoyed Kiely's games. Does he put HH back in the middle to replace El K...or drop Chrissy Powell? Ambrose does he start ? My guess is that he will stick with Thomas and Romm. Ambrose on the bench to replace one of them. Bothroyd as our striker cover on the back of excellent performances against lower league opposition in Hartlepool and Exeter.

Night matches generally have a good atmosphere BUT I have a day in Southampton...travelling there by train...then back home time to change..collect my son...and straight into the car for the 45 minute journey to the valley. Oh yes...its money responsible for that change too to fit the Sky timetable........

2005-10-08T17:29:00.000Z

Biased ! Me!

The best player on the pitch was Luke Young. He showed skills that have been developing so well for Charlton in the last couple of years. He attacked with aplomb. He defended superbly...and given another day could even have scored a goal.

But I do worry about Sven's judgement. Crouch was awful. How is it possible to pick him on his record this season ? The choice must surely have been Judas or Benty. Bent is top scorer in the Premiership - on top of his game. His pace would have terrified the Austrians.

Carragher at left back I do understand. But Owen substituted was bonkers. Still we have Poland on Wednesday perhaps the criticisms of the performance will wake up the swede. Bent up front it has to be- with Owen.

2005-10-01T21:22:00.000Z

How did we lose?

Good god...as we took the half time break I had no idea whether we would win. We were playing well though and my heart said that we would leave with all 3 points. I wondered about our missed chances though but it had been an excellent start.

Bent's second goal was fantastic. He seemed to take an age...giving time to be closed down but his placement was accurate and clinical. 2-0 ! I looked at my watch, one before half time, one shortly after - a distinct improvement. This must be another fabulous victory.

Their first goal was bizarre. A free kick from miles away drifted over everyone...the ball trickled into the corner off King with Anderson seemingly rooted to the spot along with everyone else.

Kish who had an excellent first half...ran out of steam and began his usual dawdling on the ball and errant passing.

The second goal came from Mido - at a very tight angle. To be honest our defence was poor but wasnt sure at the time who was to blame . But I couldnt help feeling that Deano would have done better in closing him down at that angle.

As for the third...i enjoy Robbie Keane's goals....they are super. But good god how in hell was he given all that space in the first place.

Suddenly we were a goal down. Bartlett just didnt cut the mustard when he got on the pitch. He did remind me why we drifted away last season.

Danny Murphy didn't have his best game today....and whilst Smertin was excellent again Danny was not the playmaker he has been. His awareness and passing was limited. He suffered from Davids clumsy fouls and the refs failure to deal with them.

Overall the positive is that Bent scored two more...fantastic. The negative is that there are worrying signs of fragility in the team that I thought in my naivety had been addressed. Like the rest of our supporters I left frustrated and disappointed..how the hell did that happen ? Still we remain second for the moment !!!

2005-09-30T17:16:00.000Z

Spurs : bring them on !

This is arguably our biggest game of the season so far. Under Jol Spurs have begun to look a better side - collecting young players at various levels and attempting to develop them into a decent side. However they are a fantastically under achieving side with more managers in the last 15 years than any of us can remember. Its the sort of question to expect in the pub quiz : how many managers has Spurs had since 1995 ? 5, 10, 15 more ? It seems like more but I believe its the higher of these figures. An astonishing "achievement" by anyone's reckoning. This season they had money to spend and have brought in players like Edgar Davids to the team. Their wage bill must be enormous - take note Peter Varney, ours is a shadow of the Spurs !

Is our team a shadow of theirs ? Clearly not although they have enjoyed ( Grimsby aside) a good start to the season as well.

It should be a cracking atmosphere again with the Jimmy Seed stand full of Spurs fans and a few more no doubt secreted around the ground. Mind you their fans will not rival those of teams like Portsmouth for example whose away support last season was brilliant.

I see Lawro has predicted a Charlton victory - but has questioned whether we can last the course. That's "nice " of him isnt it !

Edgar Davids (I hope) is past his prime and will find the pace of our game just too much.

Defoe is a talented player ( it hurts to write this) but I do feel he is one of those players , perhaps like Jeffers, who think they are rather better than they actually are. I will be one of those booing every time he has the ball - but apprehensive that he will be able to turn Kishishev and find space for a shot on goal. His last England performances have not impressed me and I'm hoping that he also will be stifled by the sheer work rate and desire of our current squad of players.

I like Robbie Keane and was disappointed that we failed to sign him during the summer in spite of speculation that said he was on the way to the Valley. Mind you given the choice between him and Bent I would go for the younger player that we see working his socks off and still in front of Van Nistleroy as top scorer in the league.

As last time I would be surprised if Curbs made significant changes to the team that runs out onto the pitch at the start although he may change things around on the bench. It must be frustrating for players like El K ( and now Deano) who had such a good season last year that they are now struggling to get back onto the pitch. When there was talk of Deano going to man U in the summer I was slightly sad as you are but not really bothered since I thought Anderson had the makings of being an excellent goalie. He has proved that in this season. Sure he makes the occasional duff kick - as did Deano- but overall his performances have been in my view excellent. I slightly worry about this continental style of punching balls away as instead of catching them but on the whole it has been effective.

As a team we have not defended too deep - unlike last season- and Smertin has been the player we have needed since Scottie's departure in search of the gold shilling.

Can we win this match ? Yes. Will we win this match? Yes. ( I hope and pray - good atheist that I am ) !

2005-09-24T19:00:00.000Z

Four minutes of extra time !

When the fourth official displayed four minutes to go it was hard to take. Charlton's goal had been under siege for most of the second half. As they will no doubt say this was a game of two halves. In the first Charlton played slick possession creative football. Two goals up - and one of those a penalty (!) There could have been more - which at least would have made the second half rather different than it was. Not more penalties but more goals although the novelty of the penalty when we managed an entire season without one is a pleasant one. The second half saw a rejuvenated WBA and a strangely subdued Charlton. How the hell did we manage to hold on tou our lead? !

As I predicted Curbs is nothing more than predictable ! If it aint broke dont fix it I suggested was Curbs approach so the season's winning team including Smertin was put back to use. It was on the bench that changes were made - with Bothroyd, Spector and El K available.

Phew what a game. The premiership boring I dont think so. This was all action stuff. But what were Baggies fans doing leaving before half time - and then at the end as they pressed and pressed on our goal. Then the announcement FOUR minutes of extra time - good grief. This was a truly exciting time - as both WBA and ourselves could have scored. Then we recorded our fifth win this season. These are truly heady times for Charlton fans.

We remain in second place - and with a game in hand as well. If this carries on much longer I will have to abandon that Charlton pessimism - hoping that we will win but knowing we are likely to lose.

As for the cup run sought by Curbs we now face Chelsea at the west london beach. Will Mourhino's arrogance give us a lifeline in this match ? I have no idea yet. Will I attend ? I dont know - it will depend on the pricing policy. Chelsea prices then I'm afraid I won't be there .

But for now its Tottenham next weekend. This will be an interesting game. Is Jols an inspired manager and has he put together a good young team ? Many of their own fans have their doubts. Hopefully we can prove them right !!!!

2005-09-23T18:10:00.000Z

So its the Baggies on Saturday !

The official site is I think getting a little too carried away with our season's start in its article on Saturday's match. Yes our start to the season has been the best I can remember. Yes we seem to have depth in the squad. Yes we have a goal scorer at last.

But...and here's the but...can we last the season ? The jury is out but for one I am just enjoying telling everyone that we "are second" to Chelsea with a game in hand !

I don't feel the same way about the Baggies as I do Birmingham who I hate. Nevertheless I remember only too well last season's match at the valley. First I was gobsmacked to be rung and told that I had won a competition for myself and three friends to enjoy the full works of restaurant, champagne and free drink and food in one of the Valley's West stand suites. Then padded seats in the West stand. Wow how the rich live I thought. This beats fighting for a burger in the lower North. I remember sitting in the stand looking over at the North stand - the singing and noise ringing out. It was strangely quiet around me amongst the corporate fans. But hey I can put up with this I thought ! And I get to meet man of the match too.

Our performance was tragically poor. We met a team who had suddenly realised that unless they fought they would be relegated. But it was El K's terrible tackle ( and justified dismissal) that relegated our team to a bit part. Not that I am blaming El K I cant remember a single player on our team who deserved to be on the pitch. It was pathetic. I guess this has always been the sad thing about supporting Charlton - we turn up with expectations and leave sadly deflated.

In my view the key is team spirit in Charlton. We have skillful players ( Danny Murphy on his day, Jerome T and his tricks) but it is hard work, a team spirit and excellent organisation which has carried us through to where we are now. If the work rate dips, the spirits are low and the tactics up the spout then we are truly humbled. Last season we had a few of those days. I wont depress us all charting them but the match agaisnt WBA at the Valley was one of them. So we must beat them.

I am not going to the match but will no doubt be glued to the radio or trying to get some satellite feed off the internet to follow the play. Can we win this match ? No doubt. What changes will Curbs make for the game. In my view Lloyd Sam did enough to justify at least a place on the bench - he will challenge the enigma that is Romm.

In the back four is the biggest dilemma. Will Spector replace Perry. Will Sorondo push HH to the left to displace Chrissy ? I have no idea what Curbs will do. On past experience he will tinker but not totally experiment. The only time I recall that in previous seasons was when we took a hammering.

There is a lot of truth wrapped up in the old saying "if it aint broke dont fix it" ! However Spector looks like a good quick attacking defender. Sorondo seemed a bit slow to my eyes - perhaps his fitness needs working on. Chrissy is a great solid player - but he is getting a little slow for the Premiership. I thought El K had recovered and had a workout a couple of weeks ago in the Reserves. But no news on him and his fitness. He was our talisman last season and at Christmas time our top scorer. I have missed his sheer size and personality on the park.

My prediction - a win for us. I will be very disappointed with anything less. But for those of you with beliefs in talismans and fortune - I have not entered any competitions associated with this match. I will not be in posh seats being corporately entertained this year. So if it was my fault last year we lost at home to the Baggies dont blame me this year - it won't be down to me !!

2005-09-21T05:53:00.000Z

Hartlepool minnows make us work

Did I say banana skin! There was a worrying moment in the first 5 minutes when Hartlepool were through on goal. Luckily one on one their player panicked and pulled the ball away from the goal.

The first half was a worry in that typical Charlton fashion against lower side opposition. The ball was squandered too frequently and opportunities not taken. When the scored towards the end of the half it was not surprising. Lloyd Sam had a better evening than Jerome Thomas. His power and pace terrified them and it was a clear penalty. When JJ stepped up I groaned as did those around me. Bur credit to him he put it away well.

The second half saw an improved Charlton. Smertin's substitution after a foul was a sensible precaution for Saturday but Danny Murphy showed his class on the pitch. He ran the midfield from then on. Thomas's cross was a lovely ball and Bent's header superb. But the surprise package was Jay Bothroyd. This lad is big ! The sort of old fashioned english centre forward and he caused all kinds of problems.

His yellow card was deserved but I think he was just trying too hard to impress on his first outing for the club. His goal from a free kick was superb. Credit to Danny Murphy who allowed him this opportunity from the kick. He wallopped it - there was no doubt it went in !

So over all my impressions. A subdued crowd of about 10,000. That strange cup atmosphere somewhere between that at friendlies and those in the permiership. The new players : Spector showed he is a good player some driving forays forward. Sorondo improved as the game went on - but I'm not completely convinced yet. Bothroyd may prove a good acquisition - he knows where the goal is !

Mattie H proved that it has been wise to leave him out of the squad thus far. HH struggled in what was not one of his better games.

Was I pleased I rushed to the ground after work grabbing chips for tea as I went in - Yes. It was enjoyable and we go into the next round....the draw on Saturday...I'll be watching.

2005-09-17T19:41:00.000Z

So we lost! A good first half performance. A good work rate and players closed down quickly. Kish struggled today and Murphy was not at his best - both missing Smertin's excellent work in the midfield.

Kish was frustrating - dawdling on the ball just doesnt work but particularly with a Chelsea team tutored by a manager who is a respecter of hard work. He lost the ball just too often. It was disappointing although not surprising that he should opt for just the one change bringing in Hughes to replace Smertin. Regrettably he wasnt that well suited to the task and our midfield today struggled to match let alone impose.

Even neutrals wanted us to do something today - bring these Chelski bloated millionaires to task. We didnt manage it. But.....

Chelsea were not that good..excepting that 10 minute period. They were not the Arsenal of that year in which they were unbeaten. I remember that year..fluid movement..speed...and wondrous goals. They played us off the park. I guess Chelsea are not that team..but Charlton has moved on too. How much we have improved is not yet sure....the jury is out !!!

Curbs has been a fantastic manager. Organising a cut rate team into first class players. If I have one criticism it is that the very conservatism that has served Charlton so well also may hold us back. Sometimes a risk is needed - playing Hughes was the conservative option when perhaps something bolder was needed.

But hey - its west brom next weekend and the Hartlepool banana skin in the week.

2005-09-16T19:57:00.000Z

It sure beats those winter evenings watching Carl Leaburn and mates. I have to rub my eyes to make sure I'm awake. So the little team take on the multi millionaires in a top of the table clash. I can't believe it either. But we will need all of that new found team spirit, work ethic and skill to beat these prima donnas.

I' m sure none of us will forget the euphoria of that fabulous boxing day victory against Chelsea. Followed by the drawn out saga of the sale of Parker. Can we repeat it ? The victory - not the player sale I hope. I think we can . Somehow I turn up at the valley week after week, hoping for a victory, expecting much less. On this occasion with the team playing so well and full of confidence I just think it might be possible.

I can't wait. Roll on Saturday. What do I want ? A win for Charlton of course. What do I expect ? Perhaps a draw. Would that do ? Of course it bloody well would !!