Charlton Athletic Online

Charlton Athletic 0 Norwich City 1

At about 6pm on Saturday, not long after I got home from the game, my father-in-law telephoned me. He is a long-time Norwich supporter, having been born and brought up on the Suffolk-Norfolk border, but very much a Canary. He was away in his caravanette for the weekend, far from radio or TV coverage, and wanted to know what the score was. I told him it was 1-0 to Norwich and that meant that they were promoted. A slight laugh and chuckle, and then an “Oh well, I’m sure Charlton will go up too. Was it a good game?” I said it was rather one-sided, which brought another chuckle and then told him we had murdered ‘em. He didn’t believe me, but that is the truth.

You can look at the statistics, where Charlton had over two-thirds of possession and lots more shots (on and off target), corners, and fouls for, but the only stat that matters when we look in the history books is the goals for column, and we lost that.

Sometimes you just have to accept that a team comes along and mugs you; without their two best players (Holt and Hoolahan), Norwich did set up for a smash-and-grab afternoon, and it all worked out perfectly for them. An offside goal chalked off already, Nelson headed in for the visitors from a long, deep, corner, and despite the best efforts of Nicky Bailey, Charlton just could not score during that first half.

With Akpo Sodje winning balls in the air, it was disappointing to se him withdrawn due to injury, but at least we were able to witness the return of Deon Burton after a month out. Burton came closest in the second half to notching an equalizer, but once more he was thwarted by lanky on-loan ‘keeper Forster.

Too often though, Forster was able to count his blessings as Charlton players snatched at shots and saw the ball bobble along the ground to him, when firmer contact and timing could have seen the net bulge. With the visitors wasting time from early in the second period, you knew that they wouldn't venture forward too often, and that proved the case. Despite five minutes injury time, Charlton just couldn't score, and a fifth 1-0 scoreline on the trot ensued.

I didn't hang around for the Canary celebrations, as this win guarantees them Championship football next season (unless they fall into administration).

Charlton played pretty well throughout, but didn’t have the confidence or cutting edge that Norwich had, despite all the possession. The performance does still suggest an upward curve, and with the results of the other teams chasing that second spot also poor, all is not yet decided though a play-off place is almost guaranteed now.

It should also be noted that the crowd played a full part in the game, willing on the side at every opportunity, and maybe it helped that recent fall-guys Dave Mooney (who wasn’t even a sub) and Miguel Llera didn’t make it onto the pitch.

Now with just three games to go, if that second spot is to be reached, they all need to be won; even then, it may not be enough, so I’d better get those play-off dates in my diary and hope it doesn’t clash with other duties.

Labels: Charlton, Norwich

There was a bounce in most people’s step at they all left The Valley on Tuesday night; for once, Charlton had produced the goods and a battling performance that won all three points and, more importantly, kept up their dream of automatic promotion. The onus now is to continue that good vibe and beat the current league leaders Norwich in the next home game on Saturday.

Of course, this will not be easy, but sometimes in football when you have momentum and are on a roll, wins come a lot easier than on other days. That may just be what Phil Parkinson’s team have generated at the prime time of the season, and he will certainly be hoping so. Another win would not only all but guarantee at least a play-off place, but would put some real pressure on the other teams vying for that second automatic promotion spot running into the last three games.

Not only was it great to see the passion and commitment return to both individual players and team on Tuesday evening, but the positivity to come out of the club since then has been good too. From goalscorer Nicky Forster right back down to goalkeeper Darren Randolph, via Christain Dailly and Nicky Bailey, all have been focussed on the task ahead, and not settling back on the current being good enough. It was good news to hear that the excellent Gary Borrowdale has been retained until the end of the season, after his initial month loan from QPR came to an end. This will hit Richard Murray in the pocket, but Borrowdale has got better and better since he arrived, and had a storming, solid, game against Colchester. Recent absentees Rob Elliot and Deon Burton have both declared themselves fit once more, and while both may have to bide their time in getting back into the first team, there participation in training and from the bench just increases the squad depth and strength. And the fans are up for it too, judging by the Charlton Life forum comments and the blogs – as one we can do this! We just have to keep the faith.

So how will Parky keep the team trundling forwards like a slow steamroller? He certainly has a few choices and decisions to make since Tuesday’s game, not least with those players returning to the squad.

In goal, Darren Randolph has done very well since coming into the team, with just one goal conceded in four and a half games. With back up Tony Warner surprised not to get picked, and now Elliot fit again, Parky needs to make a call, but surely that cannot mean that Randolph will be a fall guy again? He does make the odd error, usually the result of loss of concentration (such as dropping a harmless ball in the 95th minute on Tuesday!), we all know and accept that, but he has also marshalled his defence in possibly a better manner than Elliot before him. His early save that denied Kevin Lisbie (with the rebound being ruled offside) was terrific, and to concede then would have made the game a very different one. If we do see Randolph continue, then Parky has to decide if Elliot should take his place on the bench, or be kept back, and that decision could also influence Randolph’s performance. I would leave Darren in place, and retain Warner as substitute. Randolph knows he is being picked ahead of Warner but to include Elliot on the bench may suggest that any mistake might see him hauled off, and that is pressure that is not needed.

The defence currently has a huge amount of experience; whilst not as old as some others, the full backs have both been around for quite some years, and they both look quite comfortable at this level when fit. Frazer Richardson did have some problems in that respect and up until the last few weeks, was still a long way short of his best. Now we are seeing him back on his top game, which is where he was at the start of the season, and he is key to both attacking and defensive play along the right wing. If he gives Lloyd Sam options, and gets in the opposition eye, it allows Sam to use his skill to work positions for crosses. Borrowdale meanwhile has got better and better with each game, and it really does seem strange to me that this is a player yet to score a league goal! He has got forward well, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him strike the net over the coming weeks, provided he keeps a cool head.

Between the full backs, Christian Dailly had another outstanding game against Colchester, using his experience (and a major threat to do damage to Platt) to keep things under some sort of control. Sam Sodje meanwhile may have seen his run in the team come to an end as his recurring knee problem may have taken a turn for the worse; if Sodje is out injured, then Miguel Llera will most likely be called into to play alongside Dailly. More cultured, but slower and less combative, Llera has had some very good and some very poor games this season when called upon. He also has bags of experience, so we could still be fine, even if Sodje is out for more than just the one game.

The midfield conundrum of where to play Nicky Bailey is still far from decided; the skipper did well in central midfield after he replaced Therry Racon there on Tuesday, but with the ball being hoofed over Racon’s head all night (in both directions), this was never going to be a game of skill to suit the Frenchman. Jose Semedo’s place is assured after another mammoth display, so Bailey will have to slot in either on the left once more (meaning no place for Kyel Reid again) or in place of Racon. Lloyd Sam will start on the right wing, and hope to continue the form he showed on Tuesday and not the form he showed last Saturday.

The midfield does pre-suppose that Parky goes with two up-front again, though that is by no means certain. Nicky Forster is guaranteed a start after his second match winner since joining the club last month, but if he has Akpo Sodje next to him, or ex-Norwich player Dave Mooney, or returnee Deon Burton, or if Jonjo Shelvey or Bailey play just behind him, is open for debate. Forster did look better with someone alongside in my opinion, so I hope that continues, but I wouldn’t be surprised in the least to see Parky bring in Shelvey, or bring back Burton.

This is the side I think Parky will pick to try to beat the league leaders –

Darren Randolph
Frazer Richardson
Miguel Llera
Christian Dailly
Gary Borrowdale
Jose Semedo
Therry Racon
Nicky Bailey
Lloyd Sam
Akpo Sodje
Nicky Forster

Subs from – Warner, Elliot, Solly, Fry, Mambo, Spring, Shelvey, Wagstaff, Reid, Mooney, Burton, McKenzie, Tuna.

Norwich are going through a bit of a sticky patch themselves; sticky that is when compared to how they have generally performed this season, but still pretty good when compared to most other teams in this league. A home draw - courtesy of a last minute equaliser - and then an away loss (despite hitting the bar in the last minute) have suggested a wobble as they near the finishing line. It would take something on the Jim Peters level (one for the old ones there...) for them to lose this division now, let alone fail to go up automatically. Without suspended top scorer Holt, and possibly without their best player Hoolahan through injury, they are a much lesser team and do not have to be feared quite so much. They are still dangerous though, and with 20-goal striker Martin to step in, cannot be taken lightly. They are a tight team though, without too many other stars, and their style will be almost the opposite of Colchester, with the onus on getting the ball down and passing to feet or into channels the norm. They are though, on this run, as beatable as they have been at any other time this season, so that’s good for the Addicks. However, depending on the result in Yorkshire tonight, they could be playing knowing that a win will take them up on the day.

Pedro45 would love another victory, even if it has to be by a single goal once more, but I’m not sure that will happen at the weekend – I am therefore going to predict a 1-1 draw that will keep both sides reasonably happy I think. The game will be quite open, and if Charlton can get ahead early on, as they will want to, then it will be intriguing to see if they can hold on. Let’s hope…

My one-to-watch in this match is going to be Darren Randolph. If he is given the nod to continue then he must take his chance and not make any silly mistakes that cost the team. He has it all to play for, as his contract ends in June, and another good display will keep both Elliot and Warner out of the team for longer. If he can do that until season ends, who knows where he will start next season – possibly still between the sticks for the Addicks!

I do think that this is a tough game, but it is not the be-all and end-all if Charlton lose. It will mean the end of any possibly runners-up spot dreams, but the play-offs would still be alive. Charlton cannot afford to be all gung-ho, but if the scores are level toward the end, going for the win will take Parky’s reputation up a notch or two, even if we then lose. The game is there to be won before then though, so let’s all get behind the whole team once more, and try to cheer them on to another victory.

Come on you Reds!

Labels: Charlton, Darren Randolph, Norwich

Norwich City 2 Charlton Athletic 2

I suppose I should have known when my wife got out the Delia Smith cookery book this morning; having her cover photo face adorn the kitchen side all afternoon was to be a bad omen!

Charlton were unchanged for the eighth game this season, a remarkable fact, while Norwich had injury worries.

Deon Burton (seen celebrating, left) scored the first goal on 19 minutes with a low diving header high into net from Jonjo Shelvey’s corner; it was Burton’s 5th strike of the season, and his best so far.

Both teams attacked at will, and there were some hairy moments from both sides defensively. Burton continued to show very good hold up play and was always dangerous, while Holt had a good chance to equalise for the home team.

Five minutes before half time, a great break out started with Jose Semedo feeding Nicky Bailey on the left by the half way line. Bailey then quickly switched the ball out to the right where Lloyd Sam controlled well. Sam took the ball on to the bye-line and at the second attempt got his cross in superbly where Shelvey headed home from close range (left).

One-time Charlton target Wes Hoolohan then lashed home a minute before half time to bring Norwich back into the match, with Bailey lucky not to be booked as the half ended. The home crowd booed off the referee, though Norwich had committed more fouls in the half, and had received a yellow card of their own.

Early in the second half Jose Semedo did receive a booking, which appeased the home crowd a little, and the game remained entertaining, with both teams attacking at will. Miguel Llera then became the second Charlton player to see yellow, his fourth of the season – one more, and he will have to serve a suspension.

Norwich put plenty of pressure of the Addicks defence, with Hoolohan a constant thorn. Charlton struggled to get out of their own half and when they did they seemed to present the ball back to the home side way too easily. The Charlton goal was living a charmed life, as Norwich missed chance after chance.

Kelly Youga and Shelvey had shots after a quick break, but from the corner Norwich broke and forced a corner of their own. Sam made way for Scott Wagstaff, and Shelvey came off for Izale McLeod with twenty minutes left in an attempt to regain control of the game.

Charlton got the benefit of several tight offside decisions as the game quietened down with fifteen minutes left, but it was still all one way traffic. It was a real test of Charlton’s resolve as Norwich swarmed forward, and one which they have not been subject to previously apart, maybe, for the last few minutes in the first game against Wycombe.

Rob Elliot made a brilliant save to deny Smith after Hoolohan set up yet another chance with ten minutes left. Then McLeod broke free and had a chance to make the game safe for Charlton but put his shot wide.

McLeod was booked in the four minutes injury time, and then Elliot made a bad mistake, missing his punch from a looped cross and presented Norwich with the latest of equalisers – Grant Holt benefiting.

With just a minute left, only one team would have a chance to win the game and that would be the home team, who missed a final chance as time ran out.

Although disappointing to be knocked off the top of the table by the late equaliser, this was, in the end, a point won rather than two dropped. The uncertainty in the defence brought about by the heavy pressure put on the team was a severe test, and I doubt Charlton would have survived with a point in many other recent seasons given the intensity of the Norwich attacks. Christian Dailly deserves praise for the way he put his body in the firing line to stop several attacks.

The result does show that Charlton are a team to be reckoned with, and well capable of going to the best of the other League One clubs and winning points. Norwich will be looking to climb the table as the season progresses, and on this form will be firm favourites to win a play off place at least.

The league table is now stretched, with seven teams breaking clear; I do think it likely that the teams in the mix at the end of the season will be those in the top six now, plus Norwich and maybe one other club to contest the final play off places. Before the season started, many Charlton fans would be happy to know that they will have a chance of promotion come next May.

Away from Carrow Road, there were goals for ex-Addicks Darren Bent, Kevin Lisbie (2), Darren Ambrose, Charlie MacDonald, and also two for on-loan at Bristol Rovers Chris Dickson.

Labels: Charlton, Norwich

Charlton Athletic 4 Norwich City 2 

The last game of the season, and a relaxed Charlton easily put paid to any lingering hopes that Norwich may survive in the Championship, knocking in four relatively easy goals.  The unchanged Addicks simply passed their way through the Norwich midfield, and created chance after chance.

Lloyd Sam beat his marker and floated over a lovely cross for Nicky Bailey to head home the first goal after just nine minutes (top pic), and soon it was 2-0. This time, Deon Burton knocked home the rebound after Therry Racon’s shot had been parried by the ‘keeper. Racon had taken a  pass from Sam, and then been allowed to turn inside the box thanks to Sam’s intelligent run which drew men away from Racon. Two goal leads are not enough for Charlton these days, so after half an hour, Charlton scored a third. Again it was Burton who had the last touch, this time poking in Bailey’s driven cross (below pic). Norwich were abject, and even though they were briefly buoyed by news from Home Park with the scores level, but as soon as Charlton took control they looked a well beaten side.

Too their credit, they did make a tactical switch, taking off one of their poorest defender and bringing on another forward, but the ex-Dartford youngster McDonald made little overall difference (so any Dartford fans prevented from buying tickets to the game didn’t miss much!).

Just before half-time, Norwich did score from a corner headed back from the far post and flicked home by Lee. If there was to be an improbable comeback, it had started off at the right time.  Sadly for the Canaries, Burton quickly completed his hat-trick early in the second half, turning home after excellent play on the right once more by Sam. With news that Barnsley were winning, the gallows humour came to the fore, but it took until ten minutes from time for the yellow clad supporters to truly accept their fate.  By then, they had scored another goal – direct from a free kick by Clingan – and also forced Rob Elliott into a couple of good saves. 

Zheng Zhi came off to a standing ovation; not because he had a good game here but due to his being the best player at the club, and this almost certain to be his last appearance. Sam also made way, with youngsters Scott Wagstaff and Tamer Tuna coming on, and the last ten minutes were very open. The industrious Jonjo Shelvey hit the bar, and Wagstaff had a couple of breaks where he may have done better with more experience; Tuna also came close to opening his Addicks account.

The best of the youngsters on show though was Chris Solly; Solly had been introduced just after Charlton took the lead, after Darren Ward was taken out and injured at a free kick. Ward’s last Charlton action was to wave goodbye from a stretcher, and with Kelly Youga moving to centre back, you did worry that Charlton may not have enough height at the back to cope. Thankfully, Solly put in an excellent debut performance, and prevented many crosses coming in, which took some pressure off the makeshift centre of defence. Equally adept, and prefers, the right back slot, maybe this is one position where Charlton do not need to seek a summer replacement?

The players all did a kind of lap-of-honour at the end, acknowledging the applause from all three home stands; some players were obviously waving goodbye, as they will be off to pastures new in the summer. It was a strange end to a season. After the way the midfield played in such a relaxed and authoritative mood, you would have expected Charlton to be mid-table at least; the fact that we are bottom of the league, with only 39 points highlights the mess the club got itself into last Autumn.

It is difficult to look forward with so many question marks hanging over the playing staff and management, but I hope that decisions over who is to lead our League One campaign and which players are necessary (both from within the existing staff and outside…) is made quickly. With player contracts ending in four weeks time, many who are available and set to be on offer for no transfer fee will be up for grabs on a first come, first served basis.  Charlton need to make sure that they get a good chance of poaching some of the better, cheaper, options, and that means deciding who is to be manager in the next week.

After-game Bartram’s banter suggested that Parkinson may or may not be back at the training ground in July; without a long list of who else is available, conversation revolved around the Redvolution that might see Paulo Di Canio offered a lead coaching role. The long term view that Zola will end up at Chelsea, and that Di Canio could replace him at Upton Park in a couple of years is still feasible. I’m sure if he did a decent job at The Valley we would not mind him switching if such an offer was made.

Until these dreams come true, we might have to make do with what we have; I just hope it’s the right choice.

That’s the end of Pedro45’s previews, reviews, and comment for another season. I’ll blog throughoutthe next few months  when there is something worthy of my comments, so until then, enjoy the summer, and make sure you renew your season ticket at the earliest possibility!

Up the Addicks!

Labels: Charlton, Norwich

And so, the end is near, and now we face, the final curtain. Thank god too.  This really has been a terrible season overall for Charlton, but hopefully, the one remaining game can be a victorious one?

Norwich come to SE7 knowing that only a win at The Valley (and a loss for Barnsley at Plymouth) will see them retain their Championship status; anything less, or a Tykes draw or win, will see the Addicks facing the Canaries home and away in the league again next season.

For Charlton, the last home game is also going to be the last time we see some of our squad in an Addicks shirt. The three players who are on loan are unlikely to return on permanent deals (even though Darren Ward is being shown the door by promoted Wolves…), especially as money is going to be tight over the summer. I suppose that the club would probably like to buy Tresor Kandol too, but this, and any possible move for Ward, will depend on what funds come into the club as contracted players exit.

Suffice to say that with eleven players out of contract, many of these will simply not be affordable (or wanted), and in some cases they will need to be replaced, but by less costly options. It’s pretty well public knowledge that Matt Holland, Zheng Zhi, Darren Randolph and Jon Fortune are out of contract; I’m sure the club will make some sort of offer to all four, and maybe to a couple of the youngsters (Yussuff and Wright) whose contracts are up too, but it remains to be seen if they or any of them accept, or if they go elsewhere where the money on the table is better, or the league of a higher standard.

Others like Darren Ambrose, Aswad Thomas, Harry Arter, Nicky Weaver, and Svetislav Todorov are much less likely to be offered a new deal of any kind to remain at The Valley, but bearing in mind all of these players are unlikely to feature on Sunday, we have seen the last of them bar their after match parade around the ground with their kids!

Phil Parkinson himself could be picking the team for the last time too, especially if supporters opinions count for anything. Personally, I think he has done a reasonable job bearing in mind the mess that Pardew left the club in, but that has not been reflected in results, and this is ultimately (according to Richard Murray) what he will be judged on. I know that he will probably cost the club money to be let go, but the Board really do have to weigh this up against the damage done if his summer exertions fail to produce the expected bounce back immediately the new season starts in August. Without jumping on any Parky Out bandwagon, I feel that he may well be in charge of his last game at The Valley on Sunday, and that he will be replaced, along with Kinsella and Chappell, by a new management and coaching team.

Parky's final eleven (at least for this season) will have him thinking too, as one or two stalwarts in the usual sixteen man squad are now injured. Lloyd Sam sounds very doubtful, and with Ambrose also out, one significant change will have to be made on the right wing. Parky is labouring the point that he will only play youngsters if he thinks they are ready, but his hand may be slightly forced at this juncture.

From my perspective, filling Sam’s boots is going to be a straight choice between Tamer Tuna, Scott Wagstaff, and Matt Spring. With Tuna, the switch to 4-4-2 (with Jonjo Shelvey dropping back into right midfield) is relatively easy to accommodate, as is a retention of 4-5-1 with the inexperienced Wagstaff as a straight replacement for Sam. Playing the much more likely option of Spring, with maybe a juggling of who plays where in the five-man midfield, is to me more likely though, especially as Spring has been pushing for a starting berth for some time anyway. If he plays, Spring would slot into middle, with ZiZi moving wider to play in the free role with Shelvey.

The only other major choice Parky has to make is who plays up front – Deon Burton or Kandol. Burton is incumbent, but Kandol has more threat…

This is the team I would expect Parky to pick –

Rob Elliott

Darren Butterfield

Kelly Youga

Darren Ward

Mark Hudson

Therry Racon

Zheng Zhi

Nicky Bailey

Matt Spring

Jonjo Shelvey

Tresor Kandol

Subs from Randolph, Weaver, Solly, Wagstaff, Burton, Tuna, Todorov.

Norwich simply have to go for all three points following their loss to Reading on Monday night. They too have some injury worries, but will be hoping that former Dartford striker Cody McDonald shows that he is one that the Addicks missed on their doorstep when he was available in January. The support that the Canaries bring will no doubt be passionate and loud, until a negative score comes through from Home Park anyhow. If Charlton (or Barnsley) can quieten the visiting fans early on, then that will make the whole afternoon a lot more comfortable for home fans.

Pedro45 will end this season with a neutral score prediction; I’m plumping for a 1-1 draw. I think that Barnsley will gain at least a point, so Norwich’s efforts will tail off and allow Charlton something later on in the game. Certain players in red shirts will be keen to do their best in their last games for the Addicks, and I figure that this should be enough to confirm the result is not a loss.

I looked back through my picks as ones-to-watch over the season, and it’s interesting to note that I have picked no fewer than 19 players, plus one of our managers as the person we should be keeping an eye on. I’m not enough of an anorak to work out how many goals each of my picks scored (though I know that Racon twice, Bailey and ZiZi all scored after I picked them recently…), and that wouldn’t really be fair when picking defenders or keepers anyway. Sometimes my picks played well, and sometimes they had a ‘mare (Dickson versus Doncaster was one...), but I hope I showed who might be key, and if they played well we may have had a winning result.

My ones-to-watch in 2008/9 season were –

Nicky Bailey x 5

Mark Hudson  x5

Zheng Zhi x 3 (plus today)

Therry Racon x 3

Jonjo Shelvey x 3

Chris Dickson x 3

Jonathan Fortune x 2

Nicky Weaver x 2

Hameur Bouazza x 2

Luke Varney x 2

Rob Elliott

Matt Holland

Andy Gray

Martyn Waghorn

Deon Burton

Martin Crainie

Kelly Youga

Linvoy Primus

Yassin Moutaoakil

Plus Alan Pardew 3 times

It’s also interesting that did not once pick Lloyd Sam, Jose Semedo, or Grant Basey as the key man!

My final one-to-watch is going to be my favourite current Charlton player, and someone who I do not expect to see wear a Charlton shirt again after Sunday – Zheng Zhi. In the two years and a bit that we have had ZiZi on our staff, he has been a shining example to all the youngsters, and most of the pro’s, of how a professional footballer should behave. We can all say how things may have been different if ZiZi hadn’t been injured for the majority of the season, but ultimately, my belief is that we would not have been relegated if he had played over 30 games for us this year. I’m expecting a big game from our China-man, and hoping he signs off with the missing home goal he hasn’t scored this year. I could have gone for Bailey, or Racon, or even Shelvey, all of whom may be plying their trade for Charlton for the final time, but it's ZiZi who is my favourite!

Ultimately, Charlton now look ahead to next season whether they win, lose, or draw on Sunday; it would be great to finish the season as we did last year, with a thumping win and a goal (or two) from a departing hero. The Redvolution never quite came to fruition in 2008, but maybe it will in 2009?

Come on you Reds!

Labels: Charlton, Norwich, Zheng Zhi

Norwich City 0 Charlton Athletic 1

In some ways, Charlton's season so far could be argued to mirror the weather I'm having on this holiday(!): Bright sunny mornings initially (home wins over Swansea and Reading in August) followed by rainy afternoons (defeats away at Preston etc). Then some prolonged rain, with the odd sunny period (Pardew's last ten games) and then from Sunday, 54 hours of constant heavy rain which replicates our 18-game winless streak during which time Phil Parkinson took over as manager.

To say I was happy that we beat Norwich would be an understatement, but surprisingly, here on the day of the game, it didn't rain on Wednesday - a sign of better times? Let's hope so. Darren Ambrose scored the winning goal as early as the sixth minute, so wonders never cease!

In a strange way, if you had seen the team that Parky picked beforehand, you would probably have felt that he had already conceded the game, and merely wanted to protect certain players from injury and yellow cards. In came home-grown youngsters Darren Randolph, Josh Wright, Scott Wagstaff, and Rashid Yussoff was on the bench along with the even younger Jonjo Shelvey (given a rest...). The fact that this team, with up to 12 players who could be called home-grown in the squad of 18, held on, not only shows how poor Norwich were (a negative view, with Roeder since being sacked), but how well they actually did (the positive aspect).

Actually, since then we have have some sunshine even (a couple of hours on Thursday afternoon) and when we woke this morning, it was positively tremendous weather, with clear blue skies and very little in the way of cloud even out to sea.

Now I'm not expecting everything with the Addicks to be hunky dory from here to season end, but maybe, just maybe, we have turned the corner and brighter prospects are in store? Sure, it did rain a little this afternoon (it normally does in the afternoon's here...), but that has even stopped and it is brightening up a bit as I type.

I cannot see Parky sticking with the same starting eleven at Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow - the first of consecutive trips to the city, as we now meet United in the 4th round of the cup next weekend - even though NYA has intimated that to not do so would be an injustice to the youngsters that finally made Charlton a winning team again. More likely is that Rob Elliott will be restored in goal, Graeme Murty will come in at right back (for Moutaouakil), Matty Spring will play in midfield (for Wright), and Jonjo will be restored to the starting side (for Wagstaff). It may still be 4-5-1, but the options are better with these players starting I feel - Ambrose and Shelvey can alternate between playing in the gap and wide left (or right).

The hope, and let's face it we are clinging to any faint hope we have at present, is that we can follow up the cup win with another in the league, and get that 17-game without a league win monkey off our back in the same week too. Wednesday are no great shakes - they scored twice in a minute (including arguably a wonder goal) at The Valley some months back, but then had to cling on luckily for the win. I'm not really sure what their form is like, or how they have been faring at home recently, but if we play well, then the fact that they, and their fans, will be expecting an easy win against the league's rock bottom team could work in our favour. I also presume that the cold weather has relented enough to allow the game to proceed?

If we can start to put in more consistent displays between now and May, then at least the sunset we have been hoping to see (any sort actually, as there has been too much cloud on the horizon every day so far to make even the merest hope of seeing the sun as it sets impossible!), could be a good one.

The Norwich result has given the club - players, management, and fans - a lift;
what we now need to see is more of the same, and sunnier times ahead.

Labels: Charlton, Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday

Charlton Athletic 0 Nottingham Forest 2

It seems that the one home league game I missed through being on holiday this year was another defeat, another nail in our coffin, and one that extends Charlton's winless run to a record breaking 17 league games.

Reports say we had 55% of possession; 22 shots to 4; 12 corners to just one for the away team; but we still contrived to get stuffed. My friend simply texted the fact that we were "shocking". Luckily, I hadn't bothered staying up till way past midnight in order to see if CAFC TV would work in this part of the world, and a quick look at his text when it arrived was sufficient to get me snoring once more.

I didn't plan to do much blogging while away on this trip, but the weather is, well, wet, and there are just so many games of Scrabble you can play before getting a tad bored. Anyway, the other day I did get some decent photos of the Orang-Utans (literal translation - man of the Forest), so I guess they will be celebrating; I must remember not to wear my Charlton shorts next time I go up to see them in case they start taking the mickey!

The team don't have much time to reflect on them being record-breakers, as they take on Norwich in an FA Cup replay on Tuesday night. It should mean a return for Nicky Bailey in midfield, but will Jonjo Shelvey be saved for Wednesday nights FA Youth Cup game or plunged into further first team action? I doubt he will play in both... As Jose Semedo went off on Saturday after just ten minutes after getting clattered, he is possibly doubtful, and I do not know if Matty Spring is cup-tied? That could leave only Bailey and Holland as suitable midfield options, unless Josh Wright is given another first-team chance? Whatever the decision, midfield options on the seven-man bench may look limited...

If only the confidence was there to bring about the overdue win, then the cup game is another that could be the catalyst of change. Norwich, in two recent games against the Addicks, have shown that they are not much better than Charlton, but then, how much better than us do you need to be these days to claim a victory?

In yet another confidence sapping episode (but one from which Parky will be able to take a lot of positives I'm sure...), Pedro45 predicts a 1-1 draw, with Charlton getting beaten on penalties in much the same way as last season.

I never really expected to be either in the cup or off the bottom of the league table when I returned to home shores in a couple of weeks, and that is almost certain to be the case; what would be nice though is to have a team that can save the club from relegation (or at least show that they are willing to fight to stay in this league) by the time we play our next Tuesday night home game in late January...

Come on Parky - sort them out

Labels: Charlton, Norwich, Nottingham Forest

Just a quick preview as such of forthcoming matches as I'm now out of the country for a couple of weeks...

The first of Phil Parkinson's new batch of loan signings arrived today I see - whether you like the idea of bringing in loan players or not, Charlton have little option what with no (real) money available and few clubs willing to sell for a reasonable price...welcome Reading right back Graeme Murty. This move is confirmation that Yassin Moutaouakil really doesn't figure in Parky's longer term plans, and I suspect that willl irk plenty of fans, especially as Moots had a decent game in the cup at the weekend.

Other new signings will follow soon it seems, though whether any arrive in time for Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest is unclear.

The Forest game really is a massive one for the club, and can justifiably be called a six-pointer... A win for the Addicks will drag the visitors back into relegation danger while anything else looks like it could signal the end of hope in getting out of this mess, especially with tougher games to follow.

I'll miss the game (and with an 8-hour time difference and dodgy hotel internet connection probably won't get to listen in either...), but it sounds like those that couldn't play in the cup will be back for the league game; Mark Hudson, Andy Gray, Murty, and Martyn Waghorn could all get starting places. That still leaves the squad in need of filling in for the Norwich cup replay, though with Jonjo Shelvey being aimed at the FA Youth Cup game that week, I doubt he will feature at Carrow Road.

My time abroad has so far seen plenty of blood (two nosebleeds and a cut finger!) and sweat (it is hot and humid here), but no tears; I'm hoping that after the next two games the fans, players and management have no cause to cry at all.

Up the Addicks!

Labels: Charlton, FA Cup, Norwich, Nottingham Forest

Charlton Athletic 1 Norwich City 1

I suppose when one considers all the rubbish served up over recent months, it would be easy to concentrate on the negative points to come out of todays FA Cup 3rd round tie, but I will try to pick out some of the good things too. That’s not to say that there were signs that all is miraculously right with the Addicks, as that is most certainly not the case, but at least those positive indications of an upturn in form seen in the Derby and QPR games were somewhat still evident.

Phil Parkinson started the game with a new line up, mainly because of injuries. Although Rob Elliott was fit enough to start in goal, it was interesting that Darren Randolph – now released from his abortive loan spell at Hereford – was preferred as bench back-up over Nicky Weaver. Drinkers on Bartram’s suspect that this may be a sign that Nicky is on his way out of the club, and I tend to agree that it does look this way, as the club will do well to realise a transfer fee for him and be rid of his “Premiership” wages at the same time.

In defence, with Crainie having returned to Pompey, it was great that Parky chose to play Yassin Moutaouakil. He may not think he can rely on him, but Moots does offer an attacking option through his pace that Crainie never could. Mark Hudson was either not fit or not wanting to pick up that booking that will see him miss the league six-pointer next Saturday, and in a surprise choice when the match started, it was Matt Holland who replaced him and lined up alongside Jonathan Fortune in central defence. Grant Basey played at left back as expected, with on-loan McEveley not allowed to play in the cup.

The midfield also had a fresh ring to it, with Jose Semedo and Nicky Bailey being joined by Jonjo Shelvey, while Lloyd Sam played on the right and pushed up along with Hameur Bouazza at every opportunity. That left Deon Burton to play as a lone-striker ahead of the injured Andy Gray.

The game started quite slowly, but as Charlton settled, Holland looked relatively comfortable in his new role at the back, and Shelvey got involved at every opportunity. The tactic seemed to be to try to play the ball to Burton, and have him either flick on or lay back so that the wingers could be brought into play. Shelvey got forward well in a way that belies his age and shows exactly what the team has been missing.

The first goal came after twenty minutes, with a sweeping Charlton move courtesy of Fortune’s fifty yard pass out to Bouazza on the left wing. After confronting the full back, Hameur crossed for Shelvey to fire in left footed from 16 yards into the bottom left hand corner (top pic). It was such a simple goal, but one so rarely executed these day by Charlton.

Norwich had hardly had a shot by then (mind you, neither had the home team…), and their three thousand-odd fans began chanting for a sub at that early stage and also calling for the manager to sort things out.

Even though the referee gave little Charlton’s way, and the linesman was being very picky with his flag (amazing how some flag for everything and others for almost nothing!), the home side survived relatively easily up till half-time, and the rarity of a lead at the break.

Two Norwich substitutes greeted the start of the second half, but Charlton stayed in shape, and still looked capable of winning, and possibly extending their lead; Sam shot over and Bouazza also had a rare sight of goal, as did Burton. But that second goal just would not come and slowly the edginess and lack of belief started to creep into the play and home support. Some fans, especially with supporters sitting in unusual seats as they are not restricted by league season tickets, vented their anger at Sam, Bailey and Basey in particular, though none were having bad games. Sure, they get tackled sometimes, or misplace a pass, or make the wrong choice, as others in the team do too, but we are what we are nowadays, and these supporters should applaud those who give as best they can…And this was while we were winning!

The Canaries supporters finally got their wish and Arsenal reject Lupoli came on up front, and soon, he was wheeling away in delight. Although they hadn’t troubled Elliott much, Norwich had seen much more of the ball and a passing move from the right wing to inside left position involving several players where Charlton always seemed to be chasing and not quite getting to the player in control ended with Lupoli able to turn and fire home past Elliott. I’m not sure if it was deserved, but all the bad habits immediately showed in Charlton players, and sadly, the management too.

First, Burton was withdrawn and, amazingly, it was left-back Kelly Youga who came on for him. I’m sure the intention was to put Chris Dickson on at the same time, but as that replacement (for the excellent but tiring Shelvey) was delayed for a few minutes, the intent shown seemed to say that a replay was all Charlton hoped for, and this was very disappointing.

Neither team came that close to winning it to be fair, even if both sets of fans in the 12,000 crowd urged their own teams to do so. The replay will be during the week after next I guess. Hopefully the management will have instilled some sense of belief in winning into the team (and maybe themselves?) by then, as that was possibly all that stopped Charlton from definitely being in the fourth round today.

The undoubted plus point from the game was Jonjo Shelvey’s performance, and his first senior goal for Charlton. After this game, it will be tough for Parky to leave him out, and playing in the hole behind the centre forward, he looked a constant threat with his probing passes and lung-busting effort. It is what most fans have wanted to see this year, even if he is still only sixteen years old. Richard Murray intimated last summer that he would play between twenty and thirty games this season in the first team, and to do so he will need to start most every game between now and May; hopefully his enthusiasm and belief will rub off on others.

With McEveley and Hudson to return to bolster the defence, Gray to provide more cutting edge to attack, and up to four new signings promised this month, it is not all doom and gloom at The Valley, provided that one of the signings is a psychiatrist who can convince the players that they can win every now and then!

We certainly need a rejuvenation to bring this season back to life…

Labels: Charlton, Norwich

Labels: Andy Gray, Charlton, Norwich

Norwich City 1 Charlton Athletic 0

Not much Xmas cheer after this result, which leaves Charlton precariously placed equal bottom of the table. I listened to the game via Charlton TV, but have yet to see the goal.

It seems that the first half was similar to that witnessed at Blackpool – good possession and resilient in defence, but efforts on goal being well saved – and then the second half was pretty similar too. At least the early capitulation there didn’t happen at Carrow Road, and it took an hour for the winning goal to be knocked home by ex-Addick Leroy Lita. Apart from a couple of straight at the keeper efforts from Bouazza (left), nothing of note troubled the Norwich defence in the second period.

So we pass Xmas on a run of 14 games without a win – desperate times. Phil Parkinson has two more games coming up this weekend; Friday’s Boxing Day derby with QPR and then a tough away game at Alan Pardew’s executioners Sheffield United. It would be nice to think that Charlton could earn some league points in either game but the feeling is so very negative at the moment.

You can’t blame Parky for yesterday picking the same squad that did quite well in the Derby home match, so a lot of the blame for the performance has to rest with the players. From the commentary, Gray, Basey, and Sam seemed seldom to be mentioned, while others like Bouazza, Bailey, and Semedo apparently only ever gave the ball away. Hudson was solid but I suspect that the commentator liked him as he twice confirmed that he had just made his first mistake of the afternoon – first giving away a poor pass, then the goal, as he was marking Lita when he scored. At least the two-minute transmission delay seemes to have vanished...

OK, so Santa didn’t come early for Addicks fans, and we have to hope that Boxing Day brings one of those positive results that will go down in folklore – like 5-0 versus Manchester City in the late eighties or 4-2 versus Chelsea five years ago to the day.

Giving up hope is not an option; we are half the season plus one game through, and many more minutes need to be played before the fate or otherwise will be confirmed. It doesn’t look good at present, but then this time of year is all about presents.

I’ve had a crappy 2008, and I cannot wait until 2009…

Labels: Charlton, Norwich

The last game before Xmas and for Charlton, if not a critical match, it is a critical time. Off the bottom of the league merely on goal difference, the run of 13 games without a win needs to come to an end fairly soon, or those teams sitting just outside the relegation area will seem a long way away, points wise.

Will the victory, which was as close as you can get on Monday, finally arrive in Norfolk tomorrow? Well, I suppose there is a good chance, but then again, we thought that we might see Addicks wins against Blackpool, Coventry and Derby, and all we got was one measly point from those three games.

On the plus side, the form shown against Derby was much better. True, you cannot actually get much worse than the way Charlton played in the Coventry game (even though an Arsenal-supporting friend who went said he thought we were unlucky…), but it was the leap from being utterly useless, to having some style, passion and much effort which pleased, even if the final result - courtesy of that 95th minute equaliser - did not. The only thing now is to get the minds right so that games that are there to be won can be on the pitch; and that role falls squarely on the managers shoulders.

Now that the revolving door has closed on the potential option of having Sam Allardyce running the club, I suppose the next crop of names will include a certain Paul Ince who will, no doubt, be desperate to get back into football management quickly. While Sunderland are manager-less, I guess we will always be looking at sloppy seconds, if we are going to be looking for a new manager outside of the club at all. And that decision will depend on how Phil Parkinson does over the next two weeks, when his, and Charlton’s season destiny could be shaped.

If Parky does get that illusive win (or even two!), then he is in with a very good chance of keeping the reins at the club until season end and maybe beyond. But the inevitable pressure is that he does need a win, after five efforts have left him still wanting.

The team that he sends out to try to get that at Carrow Road against Norwich is likely to be pretty similar to that which started on Monday night. Parky has tried out most of the squad during his short tenure, and he must stick by those that give their all in the Addicks shirt. As Rob Elliott (left) did little wrong, and we now know that Weaver’s hip injury sustained up at Blackpool has not healed fully, the local lad is likely to get to keep the gloves on this week too. It was my first chance to see Elliott play on Monday, as I missed the away Plymouth game last year and the August home Yeovil cup game in which he played. He is bigger than he looks when warning up, and has a big hoof of a punt on him, which did create a few problems for the Derby defence. On blustery days – and tomorrow may be one of those I hear? – his kicking and overall distribution could be beneficial. Weaver will no doubt sit on the bench until Elliott fails, or until his hip is better and his experience is preferred.

The defence did quite well on Monday, even though some of the many crosses into the box were not dealt with properly. Martin Crainie had a decent, busy, game, and he has little competition with Yassin Moutaouakil out of favour, while Grant Basey was preferred over Kelly Youga at left back. Grant may offer more going forwards but Youga is the better defender (albeit liable to lapses in concentration…), but I doubt Parky will switch them in this match. In the middle, Mark Hudson and Jonathan Fortune will carry on the better work they have done since being reunited, and hope for a welcome clean sheet?

The midfield four are also likely to be unchanged – Lloyd Sam was most people’s choice as man of the match on Monday, so he should get the nod ahead of Keith Gillespie, while Hameur Bouazza was not long ago the player of the month, even if his missed chances are starting to cost the team dearly (much as Varney’s did earlier in the season!). I expect them both to play again. Holding fort in the middle will be Jose Semedo, and Nicky Bailey. Semedo does all the dirty work in central midfield, and his job is to get the ball and give it to someone who can make better use of it than he can. He is low in confidence, but works hard. My worry about him is he sometimes gets drawn toward the ball too easily, when others are closer to covering, and allows the play to bypass him. If he can control that urge, and hold his position in the middle more often, he will be more influential. Bailey hit rock bottom confidence-wise in the Coventry game, but Parkinson has shown faith in him by keeping him in the team. Not wanting to be caught in possession, Bailey seemed to whack the ball forwards first time at every opportunity on Monday, and that in a funny way might help him in the long term. If he does a similar job on Saturday, the forwards will have the chance to run down the ball and relief pressure, which can only be a good thing with our defence!

The forwards doing the chasing are likely to be Andy Gray again and, if he has recovered from the apparent dead-leg he got in the first ten minutes on Monday, Martyn Waghorn. Waggy has signed on for an extra month at The Valley, which is excellent news; fresh from his first senior goal, and first non-defeat, he will be keen to stay in the team now that the too-many loanees problem seems resolved.

This is the side I expect Parky to pick to ruffle the Canary feathers –

Rob Elliott
Martin Crainie
Jonathan Fortune
Mark Hudson
Grant Basey
Lloyd Sam
Jose Semedo
Nicky Bailey
Hameur Bouazza
Andy Gray
Martyn Waghorn

Subs from Weaver, Moutaouakil, (Primus), Youga, Holland, Wright, Shelvey, (Gillespie), Dickson, Todorov, (Burton), McLeod.

Norwich are having an indifferent season, splattered with inconsistent results. The arrival of ex-Addick Leroy Lita on loan from Reading coincided with a glut of goals but they seem to have dried up recently as he has left and other loan or trial players have arrived. Ten million pound man Carl Cort (the player that Bobby Robson allegedly signed for Newcastle in mistake when he wanted Jason Euell!) may play some part in the match, having recently arrived on trial, provided his knees don’t give way again.

Pedro45 is going to stick with his recent predictions of 1-1 draws, as that is showing a continuation of the better form from the Addicks. It may not be pretty, and it may not be kind, but we need to grab anything we can in the next few games.

My one-to-watch in this match, having picked players who didn’t take part in the last two games(!) is going to be Martyn Waghorn (left) ; I’m sure he will be keen not to become this correspondent’s hat-trick on non-participants, and hopefully he can do what Clive Mendonca and Andy Hunt both did at Carrow Road some years back and get the right sort of hat-trick! Waggy showed he has a good football brain this week, and his link up play with Andy Gray was good, with the promise of being even better than that. Consecutive games are a good way of improving their relationship on the field, and I’m sure that the next goal in his career is not that far away.

In finishing, I’d just like to wish all readers of this blog a wonderful Xmas that brings them all that they want. A special Hi to fellow Addickted Pete, Sophie, Lennon, Malcolm, Spongey, John and his kids, Laura, Alan, Glynn, all the other bloggers, and everyone of the Blackburn 12! Now if we all stick together and wish hard, maybe Santa will bring Charlton three points?

Up the Addicks!

Labels: Charlton, Martyn Waghorn, Norwich

Charlton Athletic 1 Hull City 1
Norwich City 1 Charlton Athletic 1

Having been away for Chirstmas, I missed posting anything about the Hull home game on Saturday. I'm not sure I could have written anything sensible about the game immediatley afterwards; suffice to say it was a very poor game.

The "highlights" were, firstly, Madjid Bougherra's equaliser, which was a long way from my seat and scored from a crowded penalty area where I have no idea what happened except that Magic was announced as the person who stabbed the ball high into the net; and secondly, Danny Mills sending off.

Today, Charlton picked up their second draw of the week, away at Norwich, and again saw a defender sent off - this time Sam Sodje. Charlton's goal was scored by Zheng Zhi (above), but the ten men couldn't hang on and honours ended even. I was travelling home in the car at the time of the match, and luckily Radio five kept me abreast with developments, and the point was welcome if not fully deserved.

Bearing in mind the current injury crisis, plus the suspensions, a couple of points from these two games is no bad thing, and it does keep Charlton in fifth place in the league, and hopefully safe from relegation by the end of January.

The other good points to come out are ZiZi playing through his calf injury, which threatened to keep him out of both matches; The Magic Mans (left) first goal for the club on Saturday, and his reasonable (it seems) performance at right back today; Nicky Weaver making important saves at last, which have won points in both games; McCarthy coming back into the team and looking a better player than he did in August; and skipper Matt Holland leading in exemplary fashion.

The bad points are obviously having to play around 90 minutes in the two games with only ten men on the pitch; not a good thing when half the team are carrying injuries, and the rest look quite simply tired! Pardew needs to ensure that discipline starts in the changing room, and not just when the ref bandies cards about! Chris Iwelumo has valiantly limped through most of both games though he came off at half time today. Hopefully, he can make another appearance at Leicester on Saturday. The bad continues with the other injuries; Ambrose was missing today physically, and he might as well have been on Saturday too for all the work he put in; Varney was ill on Saturday but played 90 minutes today, mainly out wide right; Sam missed the second half on Saturday but came back as a sub today; Racon was a sub too, having recovered enough to be named. We still need others to come back - Basey, Moutaouakil, Reid, Thatcher, and Gibbs - if we are to mount any sort of challenge at the top of the league.

Also without much good in them must be the refereeing performances; nobody is questioning the two sending off, but overall, the level of the men in black is fairly poor, and bordering on farcical at times. One wonders what the refs in the two lower leagues are like?

And then we get to the plain ugly...

I haven't yet seen Sodje's two footed lunge from today which led to his red card (left), but it did seem like a pretty dumb thing to do. Thankfully, Jon Fortune is available again after his suspension at the weekend, so it shouldn't hurt the team too much. I remember reading something by a prominent player who said that they used to get sent off on purpose around this time of year so that they didn't have to worry about being away from family at Christmas; with Fortune and Mills not having to travel today, I hope Pards made sure they were required to do double doses of training!

By far the ugliest thing though, was Danny Mills "performance" against Hull on Saturday. Dis-Misses Mills should be ashamed of himself, but although he says sorry on his website, that really doesn't come close to appeasment.

Mills played for Hull last year on loan, and there is obviously "history" with some of the players. Maybe they didn't like him, or maybe he doesn't like them. Whatever. On Saturday, he became involved with Caleb Folan early on, shouting out in agony well before any elbow came near him. Bryan Hughes outrageous kick just before half time wasn't deserved, but Mills milked it by staying down as if shot, then lashing out when a Hull player tried to "help" him to his feet. Eventually, another second half altercation led to his booking, and then he finally got himself sent off. I didn't see anyting wrong with the Hull players challenge on Mills which left him in a crumpled heap, and when it was obvious the ref didn't either, Mills was soon on his feet and walking in the referee's direction. I don't know what he said, but the referee had been lenient with him all afternoon, until Mills over-stepped the mark. Red card; carry on walking Mrs Mills!

Mills had "announced" before the game on his own website, that he throught that this would be his last home game in a Charlton shirt. Apparently the money men couldn't agree anything, so he would not be staying after his loan ended on 31st December. I doubt Manchester City wanted much in the way of a transfer fee (maybe £500,000?), so it seems it was down to signing on fee and wages. With the club in no way guaranteed to go back up to the Premiership, his current salary of, I guess, around £20 - 25,000 a week was not feasible, even though I'm sure he was offered decent terms (maybe £15k?).

Sadly, the everlasting memory of Mills in a Charlton shirt will be that of a man who was a decent player, but one who got sent off when he stopped winding up the opposition players and crowd, and started on the officials. In a few choice words, he undid all the good that he had brought in over the last twenty games or so. How can Alan Pardew go back with a better offer now? See ya Danny Boy! I guess the next time he plays at The Valley, we will be the ones boo-ing him...

Half way through the four game Christmas league programme, and we are unbeaten. A result on Saturday plus a win against bottom club Colchester next week will look good, and when we think of the apparent problems we have (which, reading the message boards are - a poor defence, lots of injuries, and no decent strikers...), maybe it's not so bad after all.

Labels: Charlton, Danny Mills, Hull City, Madjid Bougherra, Norwich, Sam Sodje, Zheng Zhi

Labels: Andy Reid, Charlton, Lloyd Sam, Norwich