Charlton Athletic Online

Barnsley 0 Charlton Athletic 0

Like many others, I chose to listen to this game via CAFCTV, so cannot comment too discerningly about finer aspects of the match. Suffice to say that a draw was a little disappointing, especially as Charlton finished much the stronger of the two sides.

Phil Parkinson chose, not surprisingly, to keep the same starting eleven that won against Plymouth the previous week, with Svetislav Todorov replacing the suspended Deon Burton on the bench.

The online commentary was not the best, but a quiet first half was only enlivened by shots from Mifsud for Barnsley and Mark Hudson for the Addciks - Hudson’s shot being well saved. The second half initially saw Barnsley become stronger, with a couple of efforts going wide or straight at Rob Elliott in the Charlton goal, but then for the last 15 or 20 minutes, it was pretty much all Charlton. In this period, Therry Racon, Nicky Bailey, Chris Dickson, and Tresor Kandol all saw plenty of the ball according to the commentator (though he was getting some players mixed up regularly…), and all had efforts saved by Muller, Barnsley’s German keeper.

It was rather strange that Parky chose not to make any substitutions (for the first time since he took over at The Valley), especially as he did have attacking options in the form of Todorov, Lloyd Sam and Jonjo Shelvey. However, as he rightly pointed out afterwards, all the midfield have scored for Charlton recently, and they do also fight in every match. Far too many times in the past we have seen un-necessary substitutions unbalance a team, so I have some understanding of what Parky was hoping to see as an outcome here.

This was also the first time Charlton had gained an away point for eight matches, so at least we have ended that barren run. It was also good news that no cautions were picked up at all, especially as one or two players are getting close to serving further suspensions...

Sadly, the single point won may not be enough in this long season, especially as other results did not seem to fall as expected. My own opinion is that other results should not be looked at too closely, as it is up to the Addicks to win games, win points, and get themselves into a position where other teams results do not really matter.

Usually, over a season, 50 points is considered to be enough to avoid relegation, but the consensus seems to be that this season slightly less may suffice. With that in mind, it is entirely feasible for Charlton to pick up another twenty-two points from the 39 still on offer (anything between six wins and four draws, to seven wins and a draw, to eight wins…), but in order to do this, the team will have to maximise the return from matches against the clubs that are nearer the bottom of the table than the top. If we do get to 48 points, we might stay up...

While today, the day after the event, this point won has no immediate bearing, come the middle of May, it could just be the one that keeps Charlton alive as a Championship club…

Labels: Barnsley, Charlton

Although a game up at Oakwell does not seem on paper to usually be one of high magnitude, Saturday’s fixture which sees Charlton take on Barnsley is of utmost importance. Not only are Barnsley still desperate for points to ensure that they do not get dragged into a relegation battle, but Charlton have even more need if they wish to save themselves from the dreaded drop this season. Bottom of the table for several months, a win in this match could see the Addicks rise off the base, to the heady heights of 23rd in this league, if other results go as expected.

Last weekend’s home victory must, we hope, have boosted the Charlton players and management, but it is a very long time since Charlton won back to back matches (Late 2007...). At least they do have a chance of doing so (as do Barnsley…after four previous consecutive defeats in 2009), and the team does now have a much more settled look about it, barring injuries and suspensions. In fact, Phil Parkinson has quite a few players from which to choose if he wished to switch things around, or shake things up, as unlikely as this may be.

In goal, the likelihood is that home-grown Rob Elliott will continue, with Darren Randolph on the bench. Nicky Weaver did make his reserve team comeback in midweek, but it is not thought that he will figure in first team plans unless injuries strike.

The defence will see no changes, with Graeme Murty likely to recover from a midweek slight calf strain to figure at right back, Kelly Youga on the left, and tall central defenders Mark Hudson and Darren Ward in the middle. Grant Basey will probably fill any defensive duties from the bench.

In attack, Deon Burton’s suspension means that Tresor Kandol and Chris Dickson should get the chance to develop their blossoming partnership that simply lacks goals. Burton’s bench place will be a straight choice between Svetislav Todorov (whom Parky hinted may be preferred…) and Stuart Fleetwood.

That leaves the midfield, where the probability is that the four incumbents – Nicky Bailey, Tom Soares (who has had his loan from Stoke extended by another month), Matt Spring, and Therry Racon - will retain their places, but where a large number of options remain. Parkinson can also chose to play or simply fill the bench with any of Jonjo Shelvey (in his last possible Charlton outing as a sixteen year old, and where he made his debut last season), Darren Ambrose, Lloyd Sam, Josh Wright, and Matt Holland.

I do think that Shelvey has been overly protected in recent matches, possibly to keep prying eyes away from him as he approaches his seventeenth birthday, and the offer(s) of professional contracts. Fans know that the club has offered Shelvey a lucrative initial pro-deal, but the rumours persist that he is being pursued by several Premiership clubs, and their financial might could be too much for Charlton to match. If it is, then Shelvey and his agent will need to consider where they should be playing football to best develop his undoubted talent; is it in the reserves in the north of England where Shelvey’s bald pate will be at its shiniest, or in a lower league with Charlton. My own wish, as with many other fans, is that he stays at The Valley, and moves on in a couple of years for a hefty fee if he improves as is thought (much as Lee Bowyer did…), but there are simply no guarantees.

There is also a remote possibility that Zheng Zhi, China’s captain, who has made just a couple of appearances for the Addicks so far this season, may feature at some point at Oakwell, although personally I think he will be kept back another week. The danger here is that he takes a bench place, but then gets thrown in early in the game due to injury for instance when he is not ready for much more than 45 minutes or so… With Racon, Bailey, and Spring all doing well recently, there is no real rush to bring ZiZi back this early anyway.

This is the team I expect Parky to send out in search of back-to-back wins –

Rob Elliott
Graeme Murty
Mark Hudson
Darren Ward
Kelly Youga
Tom Soares
Matt Spring
Therry Racon
Nicky Bailey
Tresor Kandol
Chris Dickson

Subs from Randolph, Weaver, Moutaouakil, Basey, Holland, Shelvey, Wright, Ambrose, Sam, Zhi, Todorov, Fleetwood.

Barnsley were very grateful for the midweek win, which took a bit of pressure off as it was their first since the turn of the year. They have pace up front in Michael Mifsud (on loan from Coventry) and ex-Addick Jamal Campbell-Ryce which will need containing, in much the same way that Plymouth had a couple of pacy players last week. They will know that a victory will pretty much allay any fears of going down, so should be up for the fight. They are also aware of how they demolished the Addicks in the first half at The Valley in October scoring three goals in a heady initial period without reply. That day saw Barnsley win away for the first time in a long time, and they will be hoping to complete a comfortable double. In my opinion, that was the lowest point of this Charlton season; a day that saw us wimper to defeat.

For Charlton, this is simply a must not lose game; I’m not of the opinion that a draw or a defeat will signal the end of this spell in the Championship, but as others have mentioned, games are running out. The necessity is for three points, and I hope that Parky has his squad very aware of what is required in this game and going forwards. Performances have improved vastly over recent weeks, especially at The Valley, but that hoodoo of eight consecutive away defeats now needs snapping.

Pedro45 hopes to see Charlton win again, but this game could go any which way really; the Addicks could win comfortably, they could battle it out for a goalless draw, or take part in a high-scoring thriller in search of glory, or they could fail miserably with away-day blues to the fore once more. Who knows? As I am want to give a forecast in each game, I’m going to hope and wish for a 2-0 victory, and a continued resurgence that will have the likes of Plymouth, Southampton, Norwich, and even Barnsley glancing over their shoulders…

My one-to-watch in this match is gong to be the flamboyant Chris Dickson. He hasn’t scored a league goal yet, but his recent performances have wowed the crowd (if not always Mark Kinsella…); all he is short of is a goal to kick-start things and then who knows what might happen with that sort of confidence blast! He has good skill, is quick, and can be more of a team player than one or two think; his partnership with Kandol is coming along nicely with every game, so I’m hoping this could be the breakthrough match he needs.

It’s not yet desperate for Charlton, but neither is the future bright and rosy; we think we have a squad of players that are too good to go down, but do we have a team that is capable of staying in this league? Tomorrow at Oakwell, we might get an answer of some sort…

Up the Addicks!

Labels: Barnsley, Charlton, Chris Dickson

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

So here we go – the real McCoy: Our day of Destiny. One more game, and it just has to come to pass. It’s is just Barnsley that stands between Alan Pardew, and the Redvolution. Chin up eh, Al?

Now don’t get me wrong, I would love Charlton to win this match, as I want them to win every single game that they play. But enough is enough, and I believe that this will be Alan Pardew’s last game in charge of the Addicks.

If Charlton do not secure a win, even a dodgy own-goal victory like the last time we won three points about a month ago, then the Board must do the right thing for Charlton.

Looking back over the years, the Board of Directors have always followed that principle; to do what is right for the club at that time – when it was time for Alan Curbishley to make a go of it on his own, Richard Murray stood up and told Steve Gritt the news; when Curbs said he wanted just one more season, our Chairman said that was not in the Club's interests, and an amicable parting of the ways came about; when Dowie and Reed made a pigs ear of our last Premiership season, they were quickly shown the door; when Zabeel offered to buy the Club, the Board said it was in the best interests of the club and made a recommendation, sadly which didn’t come to fruition.

A defeat, or even a draw, on Saturday, and the Board should do what is right for the Club, once more, and relieve Pards of his duties. They have absolutely no other choice. A win may postpone the inevitable for another week or two (after two more away games, which could be pointless), but the writing is definitely starting to appear on the pay-off cheque.

I know it will cost the club money, but no more so than that which is starting to be lost through falling gates, falling merchandise sales, and lack of season ticket uptake, all a result of the managers tinkering and failure to pick a team to do a job.

I know that we have to find a replacement, and quickly, but with managerial experience available from within the club (Parkinson and Gritt for instance), why that cannot suffice until a permanent replacement is found I do not know? It is my opinion that whoever is placed in charge can do no worse (and probably a whole lot better) than Pardew is currently. Anyway, it shouldn’t take too much to get a few other managers interested in awakening this sleeping giant? And there are plenty out there who are not currently drawing a wage in pounds, shillings and pence…or even Euros! And sometimes, yes sometimes, the caretaker manager comes up trumps and carries on permanently and does a very good job - a certain Mr Lawrence comes to mind...

So who is it that can save the managers door nameplate from being unscrewed this week? Well, Nicky Weaver is sure to be in goal – Weaves saved a penaltyn (left), and possibly Pardew’s ass on Tuesday night, even though he apparently took some stick at half-time for daring to let a goal in.

Then there is skipper Mark Hudson, he’ll be on the pitch and fighting to keep Barnsley (and ex-team-mate Jon Macken) at bay. I expect Yassin Moutaouakil to get another home start, even though he was substituted at Ipswich by Jose Semedo, who did well. I think Martin Crainie is almost certain to play alongside Hudson, especially as Linvoy Primus is carrying a slight injury.

Whether Pards trusts Kelly Youga, who played at Ipswich, or Grant Basey, who played last weekend against Burnley, at left back is a close call, though I think Basey is better suited to home games, and can cause plenty of problems for the opposition with his free kicks and corners.

The midfield will certainly contain Suffolk goalscorer Nicky Bailey, but who else plays is very open to option; alongside Bailey we could see either stalwart Matt Holland, or the youngster half his age – Jonjo Shelvey - fresh from England U-17 duty. Then again, we could see Semedo step in and play the holding role he did so well last season if Pardew wants to free up the rest of the midfield to attack, or even last weekends debutant, Josh Wright. Out wide, you can probably pick any two from three of Lloyd Sam, Hameur Bouazza, and Darren Ambrose.

As with the midfield, Pards is not short of choice when it comes to the forward line either. Luke Varney didn’t miss a chance on Tuesday, thankfully, but demons may be creeping into him, as it is a while since he last scored. Andy Gray could be back after family illness, but I wouldn’t count on that, while Svetislav Todorov is far less effective starting than coming on as a second half substitute. Then we have the enigmas that are Chris Dickson and Izale McLeod who could start, be on the bench, or be left out completely depending on Pards mood.

I’d like to say that this is what we like about Pards, the inconsistency of his rotation policy, but I cannot; it is ridiculous the way he tinkers with his team and fails miserably to get anything like the right blend on the pitch from the off.

This is the eleven I would pick if I were Pardew and I had one more match to save my job –

Labels: Alan Pardew, Barnsley, Charlton, Join The Redvolution

Back in Blighty, and it does seem I picked a good couple of weeks to be away – missing three Charlton games that merely confirmed everyone’s thoughts that we simply haven’t been good enough this season.

Now that Alan Pardew (left) has finally conceded that the play-offs are beyond the Addicks, he is looking to the future: Leroy Lita has been recalled by desperate Reading, and Lee Cook sent back to falling Fulham as he is no longer required. Sam Sodje is injured, and unlikely to play for Charlton again, which leaves just Greg Halford of the loan “stars” left to play in red.

Pards has also intimated that a couple of the much-vaunted youngsters will get the chance to make their debuts in the last couple of games, and I expect Scott Wagstaff to start at Barnsley, with JonJo Shelvey making an appearance from the bench in midfield (he may been replace Wagstaff?). Shelvey will become the youngest ever Charlton player if he plays in the first team this season, even though he looks considerably older than practically everyone else in the team!

With a number of injuries to the fore this week, that decision is easier, especially as Jerome Thomas, Lloyd Sam, and Zheng Zhi and all doubtful to start or complete the 90-minutes in Yorkshire.

This is the side that I think Pards may start with at Oakwell –

Nicky Weaver
Greg Halford
Ben Thatcher
Madjid Bougherra
Paddy McCarthy
Matt Holland
Jose Semedo
Darren Ambrose
Scott Wagstaff
Andy Gray
Luke Varney

Subs from Randolph, Elliott, Fortune, Youga, Zhi, Shelvey, Iwelumo.

The season really is finishing like a damp squib, with little more to play for than pride and a mid-table finishing spot. Most of the players will know if they are to stay at the club by now, or if they will be sold or dismissed as not good enough or too expensive (whispers say to expect a major summer clear-out…). However, with a couple of youngsters to gee them up, Charlton may actually force some sort of a result, especially if the relegation pressure starts to surface in the home team. Pedro45’s score prediction is a 1-1 draw, though I should probably go with another one-nil defeat. I really am hoping the new players who come in may provide a big boost to a flagging team.

My one-to-watch just has to be Scott Wagstaff; after a great reserve season, and as captain of the youth team, we need to find out if we have a ready made youngster who can step into the wide position that Jerome Thomas expensively fills. Touted as a good player, I really hope he can put in a solid hour and cement his place as one for next week, next season, and many more after that with a good performance.

Labels: Barnsley, Charlton, Scott Wagstaff

Charlton Athletic 1 Barnsley 1

After a hectic round of seven games in 22 days, this may have been one game too many for the Addicks. Having taken the lead with just eight minutes left on the clock, Charlton could not hang on to the lead, and let Barnsley snatch a last minute equaliser to share the points.

Zheng Zhi (left), who was immense in midfield all game, scored the Charlton goal, heading into the corner after Andy Reid's deep cross had been headed back into the middle by Chris Iwelumo.

Barnsley, who had seemed to have settled for a draw very early during the second half, immediately threw on extra forwards, and when a cross was not cleared, sub Kim Christensen crashed home the loose ball. The Tykes actually almost won the game deep into the five minutes of added time, but Charlton survived.

The other notable points from the game were that Andy Reid hit the bar, and had a tremendous influence throughout; ZiZi also hit the top of the bar with a header; Sam Sodje, on as a repacement for the ill Jon Fortune, had a header cleared off the line; and the wide right berth is still looking to be Lloyd Sam's once he is back from suspension, as neither Darren Ambrose, nor sub Jerome Thomas seemed to put in that strong a performance. Oh, and I thought the referee had a reasonable game too...

Overall, Alan Pardew will be happy to see Charlton sitting in second place in the table after ten games of the season; whereas this may mark the quarter point in a Premiership year, Charlton have several games to go before reaching that point in the Championship. It is a good marker for how well (or badly) each team is doing, and an unbeaten run of eight games is excellent form that should bode well for the long winter months ahead.

As we now enter another two week internation match break, here's a quick appraisal of how I think each member of the team is doing -

Nicky Weaver
Definitely the number one keeper at the club after initial doubts; has made good saves but not instilled great confidence when dealing with crosses. Communication with his defence can be fraught with danger, but that may not be his fault if they cannot understand his nothern English tones.

Danny Mills
Oh Danny Boy - where did you go all those years ago. A friend asked me if it was just like the old Danny, and I had to say yes! Powerful, direct, strong, experienced, and that superhuman ability to wind up both opposition fans and players without trying too hard! Great to have him back, and he is keeping a good French full back out of the team on merit.

Chris Powell
At 38, he thought he'd be doing other things, I'm sure. But he is still the best left back at the club. If his legs can keep him going - one game a week is fine, but two is a problem - then he could even be player of the season!

Jon Fortune
It took a while for Forch to get into the team, but now he is there, he looks solid, and able to cope without too much trouble at this level. Striking up a pretty good partnership with Magic...

Madjid Bougherra
Good to see our Algerian settling into the team on a regular basis. His skills compliment Fortune's solidness, and they go together well. He does make errors, but the crucial thing is not to make them when they will hurt the team.

Jose Semedo
An excellent buy, and a player who is playing well below his class. As a centre half, he may have struggled with the physical aspect of playing in this division, but in midfield, or at either full back (when called upon to play there in an emergency), he is excellent. I do think he has more to give, and wish that we could see him shoot every now and then when in a position to do so. This will come from confidence, and another early player of the season contender.

Zheng Zhi
A fantastic purchase by Pardew; this season, we are seeing ZiZi pay in his best position in central midfield, and he is great. Other teams are now starting to recognize how good he is and have started to kick lumps out of him; luckily, he hasn't got injured or reacted to this pummeling. he could end the season with more than ten midfield goals, and that may be enough to get back to the league where his countrymen will be able to watch him on TV each week.

Andy Reid
Keeping Reid was another Pardew coup; he manages the game from onfield, dictating where the ball goes, and at what pace. A slight criticism is that he does like to play the pinpoint ball through minute gaps most times, when an easier pass might retain possession and be a better option. The captain is a great little payer, and could be the one to hold the Championship trophy aloft if the season goes to plan.

Lloyd Sam
Homegrown Lloyd is starting to become the player that we hoped; fast, direct, an eye for goal - all those things that Dennis Rommedahl had, but with bottle too! And he didn't cost a penny!

Chris Iwelumo
Big Chris (left) might end up top scorer for Charlton this season. He is very good in the air, but mobile too. He's also unselfish, and is setting up goals for his onfield partners simply through his presence and vision. A key man to keep fit...

Luke Varney
A sluggish start caused by injury, Luke is now settling in to playing for the Addicks, and has two goals already. Quick, and willing to work hard, he gives Pardew options. A good buy, and we have yet to see the best of him.

Svetislav Todorov
Toddy banged in goals in three consecutive games, but niggling injuries have kept him out recently. A good sqaud player, he will see plenty of minutes as a sub, especially when we are chasing games or off-form.

Izale McLeod
Strangely, although Izzy has won four penalties so far this seaosn, he has yet to shine. The reason for that is that he has yet to score a goal, even contriving to mess up the one penalty he took! He is fast, direct, and gets into great positions, but is so keen that he snatches at chances, or takes the wrong option. A goal would make a great difference to him I'm sure, and it will come. He could have a great second half to the season, a la Martin Pringle about eight seasons back.

Paddy McCarthy
Not my cup of tea; slow, lumbering, not great in the air, and not too good at distribution. A definite weakness whenever he plays on the evidence so far. Hoefully the other three centre backs will stay fit...

Yassin Moutaouakil
I haven't seen him play live yet, so cannot really comment, but I do think he is a great improvement on Osei Sankofa as back-up right back!

Darren Ambrose
Darren has had a strange start to the season, one which started promisingly for him. He led the way with shots early in season, but now, after niggling injuries and the birth of his daughter meant he took time out of the squad, he looks back to his lightweight worst. We want the Darren who made goals for Dazza, and thumped in twenty five yarders against Manchester United, not someone who stands out on the wing unwilling to work.

Jerome Thomas
I remember Yorkshire (and then Sussex) bowler Paul Jarvis once saying that someone thought he was the best batsmen in Yorkshire. Sadly, that person was Paul Jarvis himself. JT is a bit like that; way too good for the Championship back in August it seems, but not anymore if he cannot even get in the Charlton team. He has strange mates too, who have led him astray... Part of the baby Bentley brigade, JT will have to buck up his ideas if he doesn't want to end up as a Big Time Charlie, or with Footballer, Part-Time on his CV.

The others - Therry Racon, Dean Sinclair (who has now gone out on loan), Darren Randolph, Ben Thatcher, Matt Holland, and Sam Sodje, haven't really played enough to give much thought to. They are all good players though, and may well get their chance in the second half of this long season.

One quick word about Pards - he's doing fine!

Ten games gone; 36 to go. Another 72 points will see us back in the Premiership!

Labels: Barnsley, Charlton, Zheng Zhi