Charlton Athletic Online

Labels: Charlton, Southampton

Phil Parkinson (left) returns to The Valley for the first time this weekend as manager of Charlton, and he really does need a bit of a boost in terms of results. Tuesday’s first game in charge saw a great improvement in terms of tactics, and confidence, but ultimately no points were won. That needs to change, and fast!

Southampton are the next opponents, and they are not too far ahead of the Addicks in the league table, so it is possible that Charlton can expect some sort of return from this match, though expectation does not guarantee anything as we all well know.

Parky showed that he is his own man by making a few changes to the starting line up at Rangers, and playing them in his own preferred formation (4-4-2), and I guess we should expect more of the same in this match.

Nicky Weaver will benefit from having a manager who believes in him, and says as much, rather than one who did not, and will start in goal. Weaver has had a tough month or so, but did look solid and comfortable on Tuesday, and he had no chance with either goal conceded. The crowd do like him (being the cuddly old bear that he is…), so provided he gives his all, he’ll be fine.

The defence will also have a similar but not the same look to Tuesday I suspect; Hudson and Primus looked better, if not impregnable, in the middle, but Youga and Crainie are not the best distributors of the ball, and perhaps Parkinson will consider his options at full back? Certainly Yassin Moutaouakil gives plenty of attacking option if played at right back, though he is not as good defensively as Crainie. I must admit I would be tempted to play the Frenchman in home games due to his speed and ability to support, while keeping Crainie for the more defensive minded option at away venues. Kelly Youga had a reasonable game at Loftus Road, but it is likely he will be overlooked in favour of Jay McEveley who arrived today on loan from Derby. If this does happen, then Parky will have to make some sort of change, as he is only allowed five on-loan players in his 16-man squad; perhaps he could deal with this by playing Moots and leaving Crainie out? On paper, it does look like a straight choice between Moots and McEveley or Crainie and Kelly.

The 4-4-2 formation that Parkinson was rumoured to prefer was evident in his fist game in charge, and Charlton’s lack of recent substance in the middle of the park was filled by bringing in Therry Racon for his first game since August. Alongside Jose Semedo, the pair were very combative and made tackles and won plenty of possession against QPR. The problem was that they are a very similar pair, both in terms of playing style, ability, and looks, and sometimes they did get in each other’s way. That will improve as they play more together, and I do expect them to start again on Saturday. That leaves no place for Nicky Bailey, or Matt Holland, or either of the young guns (Wright and Shelvey), unless one fills a wider role. That option is unlikely as Hameur Bouazza is starting to show what he can do on a much more regular basis, and he is a threat in every game now. On the opposite, right, flank we now have Keith “Dizzy” Gillespie showing Lloyd Sam how a right-winger should play.

I first saw Gillespie (left) play when he was part of the Manchester United FA Youth Cup team in 1991; I saw the away leg they played against Millwall at the Den, which finished in a 2-2 draw (I think it was the semi final?). He was playing in the same team as Gary and Phil Neville, plus probably Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, plus many other of United’s young team of kids who would go on to “win nothing” over the coming years. The thing about Gillespie was that he seemed to be much bigger than the other lads, and he simply ran the whole show. I think he scored both United goals that night, even though Millwall went through to the final. Since then, he has gone on to have an excellent career in the Premiership, and at 33 years old now, is only starting to slow down a little. He showed on Tuesday that he can still contribute enormously, especially to a team lacking in confidence like the Addicks.

That leaves a forward line for Parky to chose that is likely to be Martyn Waghorn alongside Andy Gray. Both Gray and Waghorn worked effortlessly on Tuesday but had few chances between them. Waghorn’s best effort was well blocked when he looked likely to score, but his time will come. He did work hard and chase when not in possession, and tried to use the ball simply when he had it under control. I do think he is a little lightweight and naive at times, but he does have the skill and stamina that could allow him to become a very good player in the future. As for Gray, he simply ran and ran and chased until he had nothing left toward the end. He held the ball well, and linked with Bouazza and Gillespie at every opportunity. No chances came his way, but he is still confident enough to finish them when they do.

That cannot be said for Luke Varney, who has now made his way to Derby today for a prolonged loan period, and possible transfer in January (and likely to recoup a fair bit of his transfer fee from Crewe by all accounts...). Luke simply cannot score at the moment, and moreover, he knows it. A change is as good as a rest, and with him off the books, his salary can be put to better use.

I must admit I was a little astounded that we have signed Deon Burton on loan with a view to a permanent transfer from Sheffield Wednesday; we do have many other forward options, but Parky is insistent that Burton is cover for Gray, though I would have put them as completely different types of player (solid holding versus fast channel runner). With no other players having left on loan prior to todays loan-embargo date, I find this a strange move, although the cost is small apparently.

This is the team I think Parly will put out for his first home game in charge, bearing in mind only five loanees are allowed in the 16-man squad –

Nicky Weaver
Yassin Moutaouakil
Mark Hudson
Linvoy Primus
Jay McEveley
Jose Semedo
Therry Racon
Keith Gillespie
Hameur Bouazza
Martyn Waghorn
Andy Gray

Subs from Elliott, (Crainie), Fortune, Youga, Basey, Holland, Bailey, Shelvey, Wright, Todorov, Dickson, McLeod, (Burton).

The doubt to all the above was the nature of the game on Tuesday, as Rangers were tapping at ankles all game long; it is entirely possible that one or two Charlton players will not have recovered from the knocks they received in that match, but at least we do still have plenty of reserves to call upon if the need arises. I also feel that if we can only field five loanees in the squad, then they should be starting in the team, and not on the bench.

Southampton come to The Valley unbeaten in their last two games - a good win at Reading, and then a home draw versus Plymouth. Bradley Wright-Phillips scored both goals at the Madjeski, so will need to be watched, and the returning Jason Euell provides a threat that Charlton fans used to applaud every week. As with every team the Addicks play at present, they will see this as an opportunity to gain points, and get further away from the bottom of the table at Charlton’s expense.

I do think that provided the team show the improved effort and confidence that was on show on Tuesday, then something can be gained from this match. The crowd should be in better voice than of late, and will have to compete with a fair away following, so the atmosphere will be better. Provided the team does perform, Pedro45 is going to forecast a 2-1 home win; I think this is the first game where I have forecast a win for over two months, so hopefully I will be right! If the defence can be solid, cut out the schoolboy errors (play to the whistle!!!), and attack the ball like they did in West London in midweek, then that should be enough. If the midfielders battle and are determined, win ball and then give it to the more creative wide men, then that area should be won too. If the effort and ability to run all day is shown again by the front-men, then chances will come their way, and they are both good finishers, we know that they have the ability to get on the score sheet, and more than once in a match.

My one-to-watch in this match is not old hand Keith Gillespie, but the man on the opposite flank who is starting to perform well in every match – Hameur Bouazza. Fresh from goals at Birmingham and against Sheffield United, plus an assist at Rangers on Tuesday, we need a continuation of Hammer’s good form and excellent contribution on a regular basis from the Algerian. He has the skill, and pace, and experience to be way too good for most Championship teams, and hopefully this sort of form will be on show once more this week. As long as Hameur (left) makes the right choices – like not shooting from 45 yards when we have five others in attack ahead of him – then he is a danger to every opponent. I’m expecting him to be the key man in an Addicks victory this weekend.

It’s too early yet to worry too much about whether we are in the bottom three or just above them, but we do know that we are in a relegation battle, and that it will probably continue until the end games of the season. But we cannot make ourselves safe from League One this weekend, or next, nor will we be relegated if we don't win this match; it will be a much longer process. The team and fans need to recognise this, and take every point on offer, be it one or three. If a draw is all we can expect, then let us shut up shop to ensure we go home with something; every point will count come the first week of May, and every point dropped (including those courtesy of Luke Varney’s misses this season) will count against us. It is a long haul to get near fifty points, but I’m hoping for three points to get us under way this Saturday.

The struggle is hard and the struggle long, in any Redvolution, but at least we are moving forwards.

Come on you Reds!

Labels: Charlton, Hameur Bouazza, Southampton

Queens Park Rangers 2
Charlton Athletic 1

Well, Phil Parkinson’s brave new world started with a defeat, but I have to admit, I was extremely pleased to see the difference the new manager made after just a few days in charge.

The first thing I noticed at Loftus Road, apart from the smell, and the ridiculous situation where you had to walk half-way round the ground to get in, was that the players were on the field well over 45 minutes before kick off. There we saw the first impact of the new regime, with Mark Kinsella on the pitch leading the players through various warm-up routines. You could tell from the players attire that some were in, and some were out, but all looked in quite a happy mood which was a change and nice to see.

When the team was announced, Parky had dropped Moutaouakil, Holland, and Sam, while Nicky Bailey was also missing (presumed injured?). Back in came Crainie at right back, Therry Racon in a new look central midfield pairing with Jose Semedo, and Keith Gillespie; Dizzy had signed on loan late on Monday. The new look 4-4-2 formation also saw Martyn Waghorn make his full debut up front alongside Andy Gray.

Charlton started brightly, and seemed content to try to keep possession, often passing the ball around at the back, and drawing Rangers on in an effort to make space for the forwards. Semedo and Racon hustled and bustled, and won plenty of ball, but the creative element was a little lacking at times. Rangers did have one shot early on from the half-way line (it went wide…), so you can imagine the pre-game team-talk telling them the level of Nicky Weaver’s confidence at present!

Then Rangers scored from pretty much their first attack. A ball was played down the left wing, and all and sundry seemed to think that it was on its way out for a Charlton throw-in. All except the blue shirted winger who controlled it, got a wave on from the referee, and proceeded to get to the bye-line and cross for the unmarked Dexter Blackstock to knock home past Weaver. Just sixteen minutes gone, and Charlton behind to an awful goal once more. I don’t know if the ball did go out, but as the linesman had at least two players between him and the ball, he couldn’t or wouldn’t, and most definitely didn’t, flag for a throw; yet Addicks players just stopped. Schoolboy stuff really?

Thankfully, heads did not drop, and with Youga, Primus, Hudson, and Crainie all battling to win the ball before it got into danger areas, and with Racon and Semedo finally finding outlets for won ball in Bouazza and Gillespie, things were looking up. Gillespie (left) had the ball out wide right, and cut in past two defenders and into the penalty area; he could have shot with his left foot but crossed the ball to Bouazza on the opposite side of the area, who took it to the bye-line and thumped over a cross which Racon somehow knocked in and celebrated (top pic). It was a long way away, and the crowd were unsure for a while who had scored (Racon or Semedo), but it was just the lift the team and fans needed.

Now with some confidence, there was simply one team in it, and they were playing in red for a change! Corners were won; Gillespie and Bouazza took there men on, and the midfield was completely dominated, though sometimes the Frenchman and Portugeuser got in each others way. Sadly, the tough ankle tappers in hooped shirts couldn’t cough up any further chances to the Addicks, and the sides went in at half-time level.

Rangers changed things a little at half-time, and brought on Agyemang as an extra forward. That resulted in the opening minutes being more like a cup tie, as both sides attacked and counter-attacked in a very open game. It certainly warmed the fans a bit on a bitter night. Bouazza cut in and crossed for Waghorn, but his shot was blocked, then Primus scooped a shot onto the top of the net after a corner; even an improved Rangers were playing awfully.

Waghorn retired after an hour of honest endeavour, and was replaced by Luke Varney. A new manager, and a new chance for Luke to redeem himself, but sadly, very sadly, the same end product. A free kick wasn’t cleared properly and the ball came in to an unmarked Varney just eight yards out. As the ball dropped over his shoulder, the crowd, just feet away, could see the chance that this was. Just the keeper on the line to beat; no other player would be involved anywhere near; the linesman’s flag stayed down. Varney swivelled and volleyed as he had to but the ball ballooned high over the bar and into the electric scoreboard behind the goal. If Varney ever needed a confidence boost form a goal, he will not get a better chance…Luke stood, checked over with the linesman to see if (or more likely hope that) the flag was up, then stared at the dark sky, listening to the disappointment behind the goal.

Sadly, you knew that this may be the games turning point, though it wasn’t that Rangers went up the other end and scored straight away. Hudson had two chances from corners but failed to get enough purchase on the ball, and Primus had another shot, as did Racon. Charlton pressed forwards.

Then the inevitable; an innocuous cross from the right wing, and up leapt Dexter again to power a header into the top corner from about twelve yards out. Weaver had no chance again; it was good goal. A third goal almost came soon after (a header went wide) but Charlton did not buckle, and with sub Lloyd Sam (on for Crainie) working space to cross the ball, all was not lost. Sadly Andy Gray, who worked his socks off all night long and chased down everything that was anywhere near him, couldn’t get on the end of anything. Varney went AWOL after his miss, and now needs some time in the reserves before seeing another first team match in the near future.

Despite the urgings of the fans, Charlton just couldn’t get another clear chance, and the whistle finally went.

At least the team showed heart and endeavour, and also a different style and formation. One of the recent problems has been lack of possession, but last night I suspect that Charlton had the vast majority (maybe 60%?), and this is all down to how Parky set them up to play. Saturday will be a serious game though, and despite the better performance, the Addicks need a creative spark to go along with the more solid display. Kinsella will get the team warmed up again I’m sure, and his heart (amply displayed on his sleeve) was nice to see again after a few years, and will get a good response from Addicks fans at The Valley I’m sure.


Parkinson certainly stamped his mark on his first game in charge of the Addicks, but still couldn't get the right result. Even if he is not the longer term choice of the board to manage the club, I am confident he will do decent job and we certainly loook a bit better now than we did at this time last week.

Labels: Charlton, QPR

Phil Parkinson, manager of Charlton Athletic. Bet he loves that. No more second fiddle to Alan Pardew; it’s his team now! Phil gets to write the names on the team sheet; Phil gets to choose the tactics, and formation. Phil gets the plaudits when we win, and the stick when we lose. Phil (left) needs a hard hat, as it could be a tough baptism!

Away to QPR is one of those games that in some seasons is tough, and in others it’s one where the “old Charlton” would look to gain all three points. I think I may have seen Charlton win more times away in Shepherd’s Bush than I have at any other London football ground. But then again, I remember the 5-0 drubbings on plastic that we used to get in the eighties too!

The hope is that having a new manager will sweep away all the angst and rustiness that has pervaded the Addicks line up over recent months, but the reality may be a little different.

Rangers have a decent home record this season, though anyone who thought that the mega-rich owners would bank-roll the club super-fast into the Premiership is very mistaken (Mittal was on the radio on Sunday morning and said promotion is a three-year plan and that it has to be self-funding…). Sitting in mid-table, the club has just appointed a new manager – Portugal legend Paulo Sousa – though he started with a thumping 3-0 loss to Watford at the weekend. Hopefully, that sort of form will continue, and Charlton can get some sort of return from the match. It's probably a shame that Iain Dowie got sacked a few weeks ago, as that is two seasons running that he has been sacked prior to playing Charlton...

Parky’s first team sheet could, quite honestly, be anything. Not knowing if he had much input into who played each week, we don’t know if he preferred Youga to Basey, for instance, or thinks JonJo Shelvey should be starting every week? So based on what I (and most of you) will have witnessed on Saturday, this is the team I would pick if I were Parky to take on QPR at Loftus Road –

Nicky Weaver
Yassin Moutaouakil
Mark Hudson
Linvoy Primus
Kelly Youga
Nicky Bailey
Matt Holland
Jose Semedo
Keith Gillespie
Hameur Bouazza
Andy Gray

Labels: Charlton, Join The Redvolution, Phil Parkinson, QPR

Just as I posted Waggy’s letter home, I read the news – SAP has finally packed his bags and is leaving ASAP.

I’m not going to be nasty about the man, but I am glad he has left Charlton. For a couple of months now he has lost the plot and not been leading the Addicks in the way we would expect a man of his stature to do. Sure, he has had to work under budgetary constraints, but then so does every manager in football (even Mark Hughes!).

The simple facts are that he lost the dressing room, lost the fans, and lost all semblance of hope when he just wouldn’t stop tinkering with the team every week, and then came out with a host of excuses that blamed everyone and everything apart from himself.

Now the club moves on, and Phil Parkinson is in charge for the game on Tuesday night at Loftus Road, in a clash of two brand new managers.

I doubt we will see an immediate upturn in fortune (we never seem to get the new manager kick some other teams get…), but hopefully, we can now plan a longer term strategy (that isn’t based on only being two/three/four wins off a play off place…) and aim to retain our position in this division and get stronger next year.

The key question that the board will be asking over the next few days is whether Phil Parkinson is the man they want to lead that turnaround, or if some of the other names being bandied about are realistic options.

The King is Dead, Long Live the King!

Labels: Alan Pardew, Join The Redvolution

Charlton Athletic 2 Sheffield United 5

Dear Parents

Well, I made my Championship debut, but sadly I wasn’t able to get on the score sheet, and we had a rather bad loss too. I came on as a substitute early in the second half, just after Charlton had fallen 4-1 down, and when I finally got a touch of the ball a few minutes later, I did lay on a second Charlton goal for the player my team-mates call Hammer (left, scoring). Unfortunately, before I had had my first touch, some ginger player called Quinn had volleyed home the Blades fifth goal, so we really had an uphill struggle after that, and I’m not sure my team-mates ever thought that we might drag it back, even after I entered the field of play (Don’t tell them I said that though…).
The day had started quite brightly; that nice Mr Pardew (or “Boss” as we all call him) took me aside in the hotel, and told me that I would be playing, so I got quite excited, but then he added “but not from the start”. Oh well, I’m used to being one of Mr Keane’s substitutes regularly, so it isn’t much difference down in the smoke.

I took my place on the subs bench, and the Boss stood out front, arms crossed, surveying his teams’ start to the game. He just stands there like that all game – very strange…(Don’t tell him I said that though…). I was a bit surprised when my new team-mates fell behind, because it didn’t take long for the Sheffield players to start celebrating, although it was a bit of a weird goal – we had the ball, but when our French right back (Yass something-or-other) tried to cross it, the ball smacked into our right wingers face (Lloydy). Sheffield then broke out quickly, and when the ball was crossed in, our left winger Hammer tried to kick it but missed-cued, leaving an easy lay back and finish by that Big Blonde Beattie Bloke.

Being a Sunderland pro, I’m used to my team falling a goal behind (Don’t tell Mr Keane I said that though…), so I didn’t worry. Well, not much, not even when our keeper, who we call Weaves (because he weaves his magic off the pitch and not on it! Only kidding, but he does have the biggest car in the car park and he must have got that through trick or treating as he couldn’t have made a living from footie surely? (Don’t tell him I said that though…)) fluffed a clearance, and an ex-Charlton player showed why the manager (that nice Mr Pardew) hadn’t tried to sign him permanently last season by putting in a really poor effort and only hitting the bar from 45 yards when Weaves was trundling back from the wing…Mr Keane would have had a few words to say about that if he had been in charge I’m sure.

Sure enough, with just over a quarter of an hour gone, we equalised when our old centre half – Linvoy – thumped in a header (left). I’m sure the Sheffield Manager Mr Blackwell will wonder what happened to the marking from the free-kick, but at least it cheered up the home fans, for a while at least.

Then, in typical Mackems fashion, Charlton lost the momentum again, when some Welsh bloke called Speed who used to play for the other lot in black and white flicked home a free-kick to make it 2-1. Mr Pardew told me that he had spent quite some time working on set plays a few weeks earlier (as apparently it can be a problem for Charlton to defend at set pieces) so that was why we hadn’t bothered trying to defend them in training this week. Bet he wishes he had spent a few minutes in that area now! (Don’t tell him I said so though, as you know I hate defending…!)

Coming up to half time, as I sort-of warmed up on the sidelines, I was thinking that if the score stayed the same, I might only get a few minutes on the pitch late on, but sure enough, I shouldn’t have worried. Charlton conceded another silly goal when our keeper (Weaves) dropped the ball and their centre half scooped it home from the edge of the box.

At the break, and at 3-1 down, I wondered when Mr Pardew would let me loose, as I really did fancy my chances against two donkeys of centre backs (Don’t tell them I said that though…). But no, he said get warm, and be ready, so I just went through the motions watching our French left back (Kelleee) poke a cross into our own net before finally getting the call to go on. It was Kelleee who came off for me, he was a bit upset about being yanked, but as we passed I just said “C’est la vie” to him (I learnt that at school mum, it’s French speak for “That’s Life”), and I went up front with that nice Mr Gray (the one I told you had that trouble at home – shame eh?). Then they got the killer fifth goal; then I set up Hammer (there's me in the pic above beating the Chinese fella); but then nothing much else happened, even though I thought we could still get something and we did try hard and we showed lots of composure and commitment and effort but we didn’t get the breaks.

I have to say that the crowd were quite nice to me, though it was like being at a Mackems youth game; I’d say there were about 12 or 13 thousand in the ground, but the attendance figure announced was over 20,000. Maybe they count empty seats in this neck of the woods? They did keep singing most of the way through, but Mr Pardew might have been upset with some of the songs that they sung about him at the end of the game – he certainly didn’t look very happy at the finish of the match (Don’t tell him I said that though…).

Old Jim, the doorman, told me that when Charlton shipped five goals at home in the early 1970’s, a previous manager with an Italian name got sacked; and then he said that when Charlton shipped five goals at home in the eighties, another manager who hadn’t been in charge for long got sacked even though he had the European Footballer of the year on his books! Not sure I believe that bit though…

So I’m a bit worried that the nice Mr Pardew might be shown the door after this similar home reversal (Don’t tell him I said that though…); how that affects my chances of getting a few games I don’t know, but if that nice Mr Pardew does leave then I’ll still try my best and want to score in every game. I say bring on the Redvolution!

Well, that’s about all for now; we get a night off tonight so I’m going round to Kelleee’s bedsit to read some books with him, then tomorrow I’m going sightseeing in London town with the rest of the forwards (Luke, Dicko, and Izzy) who didn’t get a run out today. Luckily, I don’t think Weaves is coming otherwise we might get lost – he seems to be getting lost everywhere at the mo, even in his own penalty area! (Don’t tell him I said that though…).

Then on Monday we train for our match on Tuesday, over in the west end. Hope I get to start then?

Lots of Love, your loving son

Martyn

Labels: Charlton, Martyn Waghorn, Sheffield United

Seven games without a win – could Charlton finally end the run this weekend? It will be tough – Sheffield United sit in fifth place in the league at present, and they will be looking to bounce back after a home defeat last week (to Reading) that left them a little way behind the top three. You can guarantee that they will see anything other than a victory as dropped points, so Alan Pardew will have his work cut out getting Charlton ready.

Pardew has finally delved into the loan market, and brought in a player, but then again we were promised up to four by this weekend, so maybe we shouldn’t shout too loud…

Choices to make then, after finally getting a relatively settled team during the last two away games (just 12 players started in the two matches…), and it does seem that Martyn Waghorn, the striker who is here for a month from Sunderland, has to start, otherwise what is the point in him being at The Valley when we have so many others strikers available?

Starting at the back however, Nicky Weaver will hope that he is not made the victim, as others have this season, when mistakes in one match have cost them their place for several months! Weaves didn’t so much drop a clanger last weekend at St Andrews as push it up in the air for Kevin Phillips to head into the net. Then he pushed another ball straight back out to another blue shirt and the hard earned half-time lead had disappeared in just five minutes of goalkeeping mayhem. Personally, I can’t see (even) Pardew dropping our Nicky, unless he does the same thing this week and next, as he is a much better keeper than both Elliott and Randolph, our only other options (bar a loanee?).

Defensively, I expect the same players to start as at Plymouth and Birmingham, even though we conceded five goals in the two games. Moutaouakil, Hudson, Primus, and Youga are settling into playing with each other regularly, and any options we have do not really improve the overall defence, either going forwards or holding firm.

If we presume that Waghorn will play, and that is by no means certain, then the midfield five will be reduced by one this weekend. We will still play two wide players – almost certainly Lloyd Sam and Hameur Bouazza, but who will drop out from the middle? Well, it’s unlikely to be Nicky Bailey, as he has played much better now that he isn’t playing minder to Josh Wright and has his defensive duties strengthened by Jose Semedo. I would like to see our Portugeuser retained too, with Matt Holland dropping to the bench.

Up front, Andy Gray, without much training but with goals in consecutive games, is sure to start against one of his former clubs.

This is the team I expect to see run out to The Red, Red Robin –

Nicky Weaver

Labels: Charlton, Join The Redvolution, Mark Hudson, Sheffield United

Birmingham City 3 Charlton Athletic 2

Another Valiant battle lost, with all fingers pointing (literally) at Nicky Weaver’s slip ups – leading 2-1 into the second half, a weak cross looked oh-so-easy for Weaves to catch, but then his footing gave way, and all he could do was punch the ball weakly skywards, allowing Kevin Phillips an easy headed goal. Five minutes later, another shot was fumbled by our keeper, and Quedrue was on hand to knock in the rebound for a lead that Charlton never really threatened.

It is easy to call for fans (and bloggers) to support the team, which I do on every occasion, but exasperation with the managerial situation is being prolonged.

Of course we cannot blame Pardew (above) for Weaver’s two costly errors, or for Lloyd Sam hitting the post when he had much more of the goal to aim at (and which, if he had scored, would have given Charlton a 3-1 lead…), but part of the reason that the confidence is so low and mistakes are being made is the errors that the manager compounded earlier in the season by tinkering with the team and tactics.

Sacking Pardew following the Barnsley debacle may not have changed the points return from last two games, but results like those we have seen all this season cannot be allowed to continue, or we will all be watching Charlton play in one division lower next year! The only answer is a change at the helm, the Redvolution’s primary objective, and the sooner the better.

I logged into the new Charlton TV audio service for yesterdays game, and found it quite easy to use. I was unsure as to whether it was working originally, as I was simply hearing a Radio London broadcast going around the grounds; then it went quiet but for St Andrews background noise (including the pitch announcer giving it loads!), before finally a commentary started a minute or so before kick off. I understand others had trouble maintaining reception, but that was not my experience. Half time was a quiet affair, and my wife thought she had lost the service, but that was simply the commentator going off for a cup for tea or similar and leaving the mike open. As long as you didn’t mind him repeating the score line every time he had to give updates to other radio stations then you got a pretty good service I thought.

The match itself saw Pardew start with Sam instead of Varney, the only change from the previous week, but it didn’t take long for Birmingham to score, danger-man McFadden picking up a cleared corner on the edge of the penalty area and just as he had done so for Everton a couple of years back, firing home a great shot, this time past Weaver (left).

Charlton battled hard though, and a break out of defence eventually saw Bouazza control the ball on the edge of the area and volley home into the roof of the net. Five minutes later, Gray chased down a long ball over the top and shot across Taylor to give the Addicks the lead.

Both teams had further chances but Charlton hung on to go into half-time in front.

Sadly, the two Weaver mistakes put the Addicks straight onto the back foot soon after half time, and though Quarshie was sent off for a second booking with half an hour left, the extra man Charlton had was not allowed to pay off and the blue-noses hung on for all the spoils.

It is fair to say that Charlton have played much better in parts of the last two games than they had been for a month previously, but doing so for 20 or 30 minutes here and there (like we have against Bristol City, Plymouth, Birmingham, Burnley, Barnsley, Wolves, etc) are not enough to win matches in this division. The balance of the team is better, at last, now that Pardew has finally brought in Semedo to play the holding role in midfield, and other players who are either out of form (Varney, Ambrose) or too lightweight (Wright, Crainie) have been shifted out of the starting eleven, and that has helped too. But it is too little too late to make a significant impact on this league; hopefully, the one major change that still needs to be made (and soon) will have the right impact and the Addicks can start to move up the league once results improve.

Sadly, with two further tough games to look forward to, the required improvement may be some time yet in coming. By the time we get to the Southampton and Blackpool games, we may well be into double figures of matches since a win, and that run will just have to stop if we are not to remain in the relegation zone for much of the rest of the season.

I’m proud to be a Charlton fan, and I will always carry on supporting my club; I just wish we had a different manager, because the one we have currently isn’t good enough! The kids who support this club deserve better.

Labels: Birmingham, Charlton, Join The Redvolution

The next Charlton game in this oh-so-eventful season is away at one of the pre-season divisional favourites, Birmingham City. Not an easy game then, on paper, but actually, where Alan Pardew is concerned, he has nothing to lose going into the game. After a point last week at Plymouth that could have been three, the pressure seems to have been lifted off his shoulders somewhat, and backed by the fact that he and other club officials have been singing his virtue at every opportunity recently, it does look as if Pards is going to be given a chance to sort out the mess he has created. Whether he is capable, in the time Charlton can afford, or not, is open for debate, but it is probably safe to say that the Redvolution will not be taking place after this weekends match; win, lose, or draw.

The manager obviously won over a few hearts and minds at the recent supporters club meeting, where he answered questions succinctly. However, it is tough when you are a fan of a football club to ask one of your heroes (and yes, anyone employed by Charlton is my hero, even Rick!) a tough question like – when are you going to let someone else have a go at cleaning up the mess you have made. The one question from the floor that got anywhere near the mark – Are you going to resign? – was always going to be followed with a categoric denial, and a call to arms. With ample media training at the disposal of all football related staff these days, Pards would probably have answered these questions in a way that made him sound confident, in control, and with purpose, thereby hiding all the very elements where he has fallen foul over recent months.

Labels: Birmingham, Charlton, Join The Redvolution, Nicky Bailey

Labels: Charlton, Join The Redvolution, Plymouth

Now where have we heard that heading said before? Was it a few weeks back when Alan Pardew vowed to give some youngsters a game? Or was it a couple of weeks later when he said we needed experienced heads on the pitch in these grim times?

Maybe it was last January, just prior to when he got Cook, Sinclair, and Halford in on loan, or maybe it was when he waved the loan players all goodbye at various times not long afterwards.

If Pards did say those words, at any stage, never could they be more true than now: Change is needed at The Valley, but rather than on the pitch, it is the manager who should be changed. Alan Pardew, you should leave the club.

Now I know that Pards is meeting with one section of the supporters club tonight (provided he doesn’t get late advice from the solicitors that it would be better not to attend, as happened during the Zabeel on-off deal weeks with Chappell and Murray), and it would not surprise me one iota to hear from that meeting that he had issued a rallying cry; but where else can he go, but to offer upward hope? The club is in such dire straits on the pitch that Pardew will get a huge verbal abuse tonight. He will have to sit there and hope that whoever chairs the meeting offers him some protection, but I do hope that the fans majority view – which is that he should leave Charlton, and evident on at least two website polls this week – is allowed to be put across for him to answer directly.

Pardew will no doubt be prepared, and maybe if he made as much effort in preparing his team for a game each week, we wouldn’t be in such a low league position!

I cannot support any theory that Pards is just three games away from being a hero (provided we win them all…); quite frankly, we will be lucky to win three games in the remainder of 2008 based on what we have seen recently on the field of play.

No, it is time for him to go, and if he will not resign (and I would not if I were him by the way…), then the Board must act accordingly and do the right thing.

I ought to point out that I have nothing against the man personally, and I do hope that the meeting this evening is conducted properly and he is given the chance to speak – even if it is just to give fans the chance to hear him and listen to any explanation of why things are so bad.

It is my stated opinion, and has been for some weeks now, that he is not the man who should be in charge of picking the team at The Valley, and the Club and the manager are better off going their separate ways.

However, it does look likely that Pardew will still be in charge this weekend, and as such, I want to preview the game as best I can.

Pardew’s wish for any proposed loan signings have so far failed to materialised; whether this is due to negotiations taking longer than envisaged or if the Board are not willing to release the funds that would be necessary is unclear. What is sure is that Darren Powell – who played for the reserves in midweek - is not the answer, or even the question!

So Pardew merely has that enormous squad that he has had all season from which to choose. If only he had a loan signing or two, at least it would make picking the team easier as they would have to play.

The likelihood is that just one of the current loan signings – Martin Crainie - will get a start this Saturday at Plymouth, although after Pards blamed last weeks defeat on the loss of Linvoy Primus through injury, our old, ex-player, on loan, may get a look in if he has recovered.

The other certainties, as named by Pardew a couple of weeks ago are Nicky Weaver in goal, plus Mark Hudson, and Nicky Bailey.

So the rest of the team that Pards will need to choose from are:

Right Back – Yassin Moutaouakil or Jose Semedo; well, Yassin has done OK but without making any big splashes since he got back in the side, maybe that is him simply concentrating on cutting out any defensive errors? I’d stick with this Frenchman.

Left Back – Straight choice between Kelly Youga, Grant Basey or Semedo; I’d pick the Frenchman again, as he is a better defender which is what we need away from home. Some of Basey’s defensive play last week was awful, though he does offer more going forwards than Youga. Close one…

Right Wing and Left Wing – Lloyd Sam, Luke Varney, Hameur Bouazza, and Darren Ambrose are all playing for just two positions. Of course, the formation will go some way to deciding where Ambie plays, but I suspect that the 4-2-3-1 may get another start, and as such, Varney and Bouazza will get the nod out wide.

Central Midfield – If Pardew does go for this formation, then Ambrose will slot in behind the front man, and behind him, we can expect to see Matt Holland get the chance ahead of Josh Wright. Josh hasn’t done much wrong (although he is very raw) but Pards intimated last week that he needs more experience, and that can just mean Holland in midfield. Semedo would be good, but that experiment (which worked) last season seems to have been completely dropped…and JonJo Shelvey seems to be behind Wright in the current pecking order as far as Pards is concerned, though I’m not sure why?

Striker – If only we had one eh?!? Well, if Varney plays out wide, then it will be Andy Gray up front again, if his personal issues are resolved enough for him to travel, or we could be looking at another trial where we play Dickson, McLeod, or Todorov (who had a nice rest last weekend!). Mind you, if Toddy gets a go then I think Varney will be pushed up, with Ambie out wide, and Toddy in the hole. Pardee has lots of choicy!

This is the team I think he might start with –

Nicky Weaver

Yassin Moutaouakil
Mark Hudson
Martin Crainie
Kelly Youga
Matt Holland
Nicky Bailey
Darren Ambrose
Hameur Bouazza
Luke Varney
Andy Gray

Subs from – Elliott, Primus, Semedo, Basey, Wright, Shelvey, Sam, Dickson, McLeod, Todorov.

Sadly, as the T-shirts aren’t ready yet, Pedro45 will not be making the long trip to Devon this weekend, but as I predict a score forecast of another defeat – this time 2-0 – then I won’t be sorry. Even with the best Addicks side possible taking the field of play, without firm leadership, I cannot see any upturn in results. The sooner Pardew leaves, the sooner we can start to think positively about winning a game or two!

While Plymouth had a decent season last year before falling away toward the end (that seems familiar!), they were thought to have a weaker squad this season. That seemed to be evident from early results, but recently they have picked up, and did win five out of seven games. They then lost last weekend so will be hoping to bounce back. Without Ebanks-Blake; without Halmosi, they shouldn’t be feared, but then again, Charlton are petrified of anybody these days it seems.

My one-to-watch this week is going to be Mark Hudson; Gawd knows what he is thinking after joing a few months back. We need his leadership on the pitch as we are not getting enough off it. Oh, and maybe he can point out to Varney where the goal is?

I want Charlton to win, but I know that will only delay the inevitable for another ten days or so. With no Charlton fan expecting any points from the Plymouth or Birmingham games, I would rather lose if it meant confirming Pardew’s fate. If the Board will not make that judgement call soon, then I hope that we can at least get the odd-point here and there, because when a new manager takes over (and we will need one at some point this winter), he will need everything that we have in the pot if we are to survive relegation this season.

The Redvolution is now – it is change we need!

Up the Addicks!

Labels: Charlton, Join The Redvolution, Plymouth

Two new blogs have surfaced this week, and both are new and willing members of the Pardew Out! Redvolution sweeping the Charlton blogosphere.

Labels: Join The Redvolution

Charlton Athletic 1 Barnsley 3

I have lacked any motivation to write up a report on yesterdays game, it was that depressing, but having read most of the other Charlton blogs this morning, here’s what they are saying -

Charlton were a shambles.
New York Addick

…the team lacked passion, motivation, direction and leadership both on the field and off.
From the Hill to The Valley

The players should be good enough, and at present Pardew is not good enough.
Deepest Darkest

Labels: Barnsley, Charlton, Join The Redvolution