Charlton Athletic Online

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

I went to see ABC at the Royal Albert Hall last night, and their performance of The Lexicon of Love album, with full (BBC Symphony) Orchestra was wonderful. This Saturday though, I doubt that such feelings will be on offer at The Valley, as Birmingham City bring their promotion chasing band-wagon to SE7.

Nothing less than three points will do for the Blue-noses, and their style of play offers less to the beautiful game than others who play more expansively. We can expect to see a combative type of play from the Blues, with Cameron Jerome bullying our central defence; with ex-Addict Lee Bowyer and Lee Carsley snarling and hassling our midfield; and with an uncompromising defence that includes the giant Tunisian Radhi Jaidi. No, there won’t be much love flying around with this lot in town. The danger man though may be an old Charlton nemesis – Kevin Phillips, who always seems to score against us…

Charlton do actually go in search of their first back-to-back wins for many a Valentine’s moon; last Saturday’s midfield inspired win at Southampton was most welcome, and I’m sure manager Phil Parkinson will be looking for much the same once more. The only bad thing to come out of that match was a number of bookings (four) plus Parky himself being sent off (top pic), which has led to an FA charge for him to answer. Of course, the two-goals conceded will bouy the opposition, if they need any help that is?

Althouugh, That Was Then But This Is Now, Parky is likely to send out much the same squad to try for a result in this game, and after explaining once again to the media that he has a preference for a five-man midfield due to the options at his disposal, I fully expect to see exactly the same starting eleven as that which played at St Mary’s.

The only changes may come on the bench, where Tamer Tuna has been added to the squad, although I think this will just be a good experience for him and it is unlikely that he will be given a seat in preference to either Svetislav Todorov, Deon Burton, or Chris Dickson. I’m sure that Parky will be hoping that his best players can get something in this match, and if they do, that the forward roll continues on Monday at Coventry. That is much more likely time to see changes to the squad and bench, as players who picked up injuries in this match fail to recover. Hopefully, no injury will be as bad - or look as worse - as that which Carsley inflicted on ex-Addick Chris Iwelumo on Monday, as Birmingham closed the gap on leaders Wolves, but I do expect City to give Charlton far less space in midfield than Southampton did last week, and where and when Charlton do have possession, we can expect swift firm tackles and plenty of SOS messages.

This is the team I expect Parkinson to name –

Rob Elliott
Danny Butterfield
Darren Ward
Mark Hudson
Kelly Youga
Therry Racon
Zheng Zhi
Nicky Bailey
Lloyd Sam
Jonjo Shelvey
Tresor Kandol

Subs from Randolph, Weaver, Moutaouakil, Solly, Holland, Basey, Spring, Arter, Ambrose, Wagstaff, Todorov, Dickson, Tuna, Burton.

Pedro45 does fear that Tears Are Not Enough for Charlton to get anything in this match, and predicts a 1-0 defeat; I just feel that the Blues may want it slightly more at this stage of the season. Of course, if the confidence gained last week continues, and if Shelvey, Racon, Bailey and ZiZi continue to dominate in central midfield, then we do have a slight chance. My concern is that our defence is not capable of holding what Birmingham can throw at us, whether that Poison Arrow comes from Jerome, or Phillips, or even another ex-Addick Hameur Bouazza; it does seem a long time again that he was actually playing on the left wing for Charlton, and the terms of his departure just a few months ago in January will mean he will not be expecting a warm welcome back to The Valley by Addicks fans.

My one-to-watch in this game is going to be Zheng Zhi; while others spent last week celebrating their goals, ZiZi (left) had his excellent second half shot saved, and was subbed with twenty minutes left to leave him goal-less in this match, even though he was playing well. I expect him to bounce back in this game, and show a potential Premiership side that he is their equal, in the hope that other top clubs are watching and will come with The Look of Love and a new contract offer that shows him How to Be a Millionaire.

Labels: Birmingham, Charlton, Zheng Zhi

Pretty much everybody has now accepted the inevitable, and agreed that Charlton will in fact be relegated at the end of this season to League One. Even eight wins from the remaining eight matches may not be enough, and to think that we will get more victories from those games than we have all season put together is just, well, stupid.

So we can relax a little, and try to entertain, play good football, and feel free of pressure? Possibly, but maybe not. It doesn’t always work like that. The result of the game at The Valley against Preston may not matter that much for the Addicks, in the context of a whole season, but it could matter in terms of keeping the fans onside for the dying few weeks until the mathematical possibility of relegation is confirmed. It's no good going out to attack and then conceding a bucketful of goals - losing 4-2 won't make the fans happy!

Phil Parkinson does have his part to play too, as he will need to pick a team that brings hope to the party; not the hope that we might stay up (even if we do win), but hope that we have something to look forward to for next year, and hope that our sojourn into the third tier may be brief and end in promotion.

And Parky does have some picking to do, as he has a couple of injuries to contend with too…

The first injury concern is to goalkeeper Rob Elliott, who has a back problem. Some might say that is due to the number of balls he has had to pick up out of the back of the net, but that might be a trifle unkind. If Elliott does fail a fitness test, Parky has the choice between the experienced Nicky Weaver, who is now fit again after a hip injury and a couple of reserve matches, or Darren Randolph, so long the fancied deputy; I think Randolph might get a game should Elliott be out.

Also of concern is the back injury to right back Danny Butterfield. Butterfield has hardly set The Valley alight since arriving on loan, but he is always preferred to Yassin Moutaouakil by Parky. The supporters will be pleased if Moots gets a game, as he does bring a positive aspect to the tactics, even if his defending isn’t always solid looking. Parky’s only other option would be to play Matt Holland at right back, and I must admit I wouldn’t be surprised at this outcome, even if it is ultimately not the right call.

At left back, Kelly Youga also has an injury, this time a tight hamstring. It is more clear-cut that if Youga cannot play, then able deputy Grant Basey will step into the breach.

The centre of defence looks fit for once, and Parky will choose between recalling Darren Ward to play alongside Mark Hudson, or leaving Holland in situe. I suspect that the on-loan Wolves defender will play.

In midfield and attack, much depends on what sort of formation Parky wants to send out at the start of the game. Last week, his implication was that the five-man midfield was his best attacking option, which doesn’t do or say much for his confidence in any of the second strikers at the club (Chris Dickson, Svetislav Todorov, Deon Burton…), but to play that formation from the start at home does seem a little conservative. Of course, the midfield has scored goals almost all season, with Nicky Bailey leading the way with ten. Zheng Zhi, now back in the team and at full fitness scored last weekend, and Matt Spring, Tom Soares, and Therry Racon have also all scored fairly recently. So has Jonjo Shelvey, and the seventeen year old has been held back from an England Under 17 squad so he can feature in this match. With that in mind, we may see Shelvey start rather than feature from the bench, as giving him just a few minutes (as he has had coming on recently) would serve little purpose. This is also Soares last game in his second loan month, and you have to question whether there is any point in paying his salary for another month bearing in mind the clubs league position and finances. Soares has said he wants to stay, but that’s because he is getting a game each week which he may not back at Stoke…

It is pretty certain that Tresor Kandol will start up front, whether as that lone striker, or with a partner.

This is the side I think Parkinson may start with, presuming all three injury doubts miss out –

Darren Randolph
Matt Holland
Darren Ward
Mark Hudson
Grant Basey
Lloyd Sam
Therry Racon
Matt Spring
Nicky Bailey
Zheng Zhi
Tresor Kandol

Subs from Weaver, Moutaouakil, Clark, Soares, Shelvey, Wright, Ambrose, Todorov, Dickson, Burton.

Preston come to London still harbouring thoughts of making the play-offs; they have been there or thereabouts almost all season, without actually looking like they will be involved. Other clubs – Cardiff, Sheffield United, Ipswich, Burnley, Bristol City and Swansea – have all been in the mix too, and are more thought about when it comes to the end of season lottery of who will lose to Reading at Wembley, but Preston have points in the bag (60) and could yet make it ahead of others more fancied. There position is testament to their home record (14 wins – the most in the division), but away from home they have generally struggled, winning just three times. If Preston had Ipswich or Bristol City’s away record to go with their home form, they would be looking at automatic promotion! They are a team without star names, but are quite capable of grinding out results; they will be hoping that away win number four comes this weekend.

Pedro45’s score forecast has a familiar ring about it – a 2-1 defeat; it probably boils down to who wants the points more and I deeply suspect that the northerners will be that party. I hope not – it would be nice to finish the season in some sort of form and to see a continuation of the battling play that was prevalent in the last two tough away games.

My one-to-watch is going to be Zheng Zhi again. I have had a bit of a knack of seeing my choice score this year, so I’m hoping ZiZi can make it so two weeks running. His return to fitness has be very quick considering how long he was out, and I for one thought he may make a few substitute appearances (rather than just the one) before he broke back into the starting eleven. I’m glad he’s back, as I do believe he is a very good player, and way too good for this league. A few more games of his skill, effort, and knack for goals will leave a wry smile on my face come May, and he can then go and ply his trade for someone else with our best wishes.

I also hope the fans are on board again for this match - there has been plenty of blame floating around over recent times, and while all parties are guilty, an acceptance of where we are and an outlook looking forwards, rather than backwards might help. The support has been pretty good considering, so hopefully it will continue once more.

Come on you Reds!

Labels: Charlton, Preston, Zheng Zhi

It's always tough when it's top versus bottom, and tomorrows game where Charlton travel to Molyneux to play league leaders Wolves will be no different I suspect. The point the Addicks picked up at Reading in midweek was a good one, and under normal circumstances, you would hope that similar form could see a repeat, but sadly, single points aren't much good to the London side at present, so far adrift at the bottom are we.

Labels: Charlton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Zheng Zhi

I suppose that two wins and a close loss can be considered a good start to the new season, but if that three game run becomes two wins and two losses after Saturday’s game at Preston, then Charlton would seem to be looking for another mid-table season in the Championship.

Labels: Charlton, Luke Varney, Preston, Zheng Zhi

Labels: Bristol City, Charlton, Zheng Zhi

A couple of divisions I guess?

Watford visit the Valley on Saturday in a must-win home game for Charlton. Although in the context of a whole season, one game does not matter too much, this one match is crucial because a loss will put Charlton ten points behind their top-of-the-table opponents, and therefore, realistically, unable to overhaul them before the end of the season. A win, however, would put Charlton right back in the automatic promotion mix, and set up the final fourteen games of a very inconsistent season.

The glumness that pervaded the clubs fans after the midweek draw at Hillsborough – Charlton’s first goalless draw of the season - must be dismissed, and Addicks fans must turn up for this match as they did the last home game. That, quite simply, means being noisy, supportive, loud, and passionate. We did it for the last London derby, and although it is arguable if Watford is in London, we must do the same again. Luke Varney admitted before last Friday’s game that the crowd noise was a key factor in the performance, and a repeat, with a full contingent of home fans expected, is paramount.

So who will Alan Pardew be wanting to select for this vital game? Well, he does not seem to have a full squad to choose from, as a few minor injuries are starting to creep into the squad.

In goal, we can expect to see Nicky Weaver keep his place, especially after Darren Randolph joined Bury on a month’s loan late last week. Weaver has been on top form recently, and made three very good saves in Yorkshire on Tuesday to keep a clean sheet. Let’s hope he can do so again.

The defence had to change in the match against Wednesday, as Madjid Bougherra succumbed to a foot injury from the previous game. He was replaced by the formidable Jon Fortune, and big Jon, if selected, will be key here in using his height to win the battle against the towering Henderson. Alongside side him, we can expect to see Greg Halford continue at right back after two reasonable games, his first for the club. Paddy McCarthy will play in the centre where he is becoming rock-like with massive performances in every game. Paddy has always given 100%, even when he was making error-strewn appearances early in the season, but now he has cut out the mistakes, he has a good chance of featuring in the player of the season awards. Kelly Youga will no doubt continue at left back, with his 5-booking suspension not taking effect until next week. He should be fresh enough after leaving the pitch before half time on Tuesday night.

In midfield, Matt Holland and Zheng Zhi continue to plough on in the central positions. They both run miles in every match, and you cannot fault either for effort. Holland was unlucky to hit the post on Tuesday, and ZiZi missed a chance late on too; both will be hoping for better finishing and I do fancy our Chinaman to score in this match. Out wide, the two places will be taken by a couple from the four wing men that Pards has to chose from. Lloyd Sam and Darren Ambrose are incumbent, but neither has been setting games alight over recent matches. That could give a chance to one or both of Jerome Thomas, apparently now back in training after injury and illness, and/or Lee Cook, also now fit, who could feature against his former club.

Of the forwards, only Luke Varney has been playing what could be described as well. Two goals in his last home game and a disallowed goal from midweek should be enough to keep him in the team, even if Pardew wants a larger overall presence in the side to combat Watford’s long ball game. That decision may influence who starts alongside Varney, though with Andy Gray and Chris Iwelumo both goalless for over two months, it is a close call. Gray hasn’t really done much wrong, but could do with a goal to boost his confidence, while Iwelumo is in much the same boat. Gray is more mobile while big Chris is better in the air – tough call this for Pards…

This is the side I think Alan Pardew will pick –

Nicky Weaver
Greg Halford
Jonathan Fortune
Paddy McCarthy
Kelly Youga
Zheng Zhi
Matt Holland
Darren Ambrose
Jerome Thomas
Andy Gray
Luke Varney

Subs from – Elliott, Moutaouakil, Sodje, Bougherra, Powell, Basey, Racon, Semedo, Sam, Cook, Iwelumo, McLeod.

Watford themselves have the best away record in division, with ten wins so far; they will be looking for legs eleven, and the chance to remove a big rival for a promotion place. If they can get rid of Charlton, then realistically, they can discount any other teams below them too, and that means they will be confident of finishing in the top four places in the league. Although Charlton had the better of the game a month ago at Vicarage Road, the Hornets will be boosted by the return from international duty of ex-Addick Danny Shittu (oh no, not another ex-player to score against us?), and by their other two recent defensive signings. They will also have O’Toole available after his midweek sending off was rescinded.

My one to watch in this key match will come from the heart of the team. The defence will need to play very well, and the attack will need to create and score goals, but the engine room is where this game could be won on the pitch. Zheng Zhi is due a big game, and I believe that he might just have it here. The skipper, alongside him, has done huge amounts of running, but Zizi is the classiest player in the squad, if not the division. In recent times, the couple of days rest he has had since his last game will seem like a between-season break, such has been the frequency of games he has played over the last few months. I’m banking on him having a stormer, and being the man to really fire up the Red Army.

Pedro45 is not going to sit on the fence this week – in my head, I think it will be a (1-1) draw, but this is one match that I will rule with my heart, and I’m going to predict a 1-0 win. Anything other than a victory is unthinkable to Addicks fans, so let me start the rallying call that should crescendo as the players take to the field. We can win. We must win. We will win.

Now go out and do it!

Come on you reds!

Labels: Charlton, Watford, Zheng Zhi

Transfer activity seems to have picked up this week, the first since the monthly board meeting where it seems Alan Pardew had a budget for new players approved. According to reports, seven-figure bids have been turned down for Andy Gray of Burnley, and Michael Tonge of Sheffield United, and it remains to be seen if further improved bids will be lodged.

With finances tight (at least until we sell someone), one area that Charlton have yet to fully exploit this season has been the loan option. Last year, we saw Zheng Zhi and Alexander Song come to The Valley, and play important parts in the teams improved display in the post-Les Reed era.

This season, we have added Sam Sodje on a season-long loan from Reading, and Danny Mills joined the club from Manchester City up until Xmas. Under the rules, that still leaves Charlton with the option of taking up to three more Premiership players this season, and fans hope one of those will be a proven goalscorer.

The problem is that many of the Premier league clubs will not want to give up a player who could help them, so if we pursue this area, we either need to look at youngsters who have yet to make it, or maybe someone who is older, but hasn’t yet had the chance. And even then, it will only be the bigger clubs who carry the larger squads that we will be able to try to succeed.

One such player could be Zheng Zhi's Chinese team-mate Dong Fangzhuo, currently languishing in the Manchester United reserves, and unlikely to get any first team playing time in the foreseeable future.

Dong Fangzhuo joined United in January 2004, he finally made his senior Reds debut in May 2007 against Chelsea. He had spent two years on loan at Royal Antwerp until he was eligible to play in England and in his first season in Belgium, he was the league's top scorer with 17 goals, and in fact scored 35 goals in 61 games during his time at Antwerp.

Dong has been something of a revelation in the reserve games he has played for the Old Trafford team this season, but their fixtures over the Xmas period have been almost non-existent, so current form is tough to comment on. What is certain, is that he has little chance of breaking into the first team when players like Rooney, Ronaldo, Saha, Tevez, etc are all ahead of him in the pecking order.

With Dong joining ZiZi at 10 Downing Street this week (pic), perhaps Pards asked Gordon Brown to broker a deal that would see Dong play the final months of the season alongside his China team-mate? If United could be pursuaded to compensate some of his salary (which is probably too high for Charlton to pay by themselves), then this could be a good little earner for Charlton.

I do believe that the club has yet to fully exploit the Chinese market for watching their heroes in action (exploit isn’t really a “Charlton” word is it?), but if both Zheng and Dong could be pushed into action for the same team, not only would additional ticket sales almost certainly recompense the outlay on Dong, but shirt sales could increase, online hits would definitely jump massively, and further Asian TV rights might be available to negotiate?

Is it worth a try?

Labels: Charlton, Dong Fangzhuo, Zheng Zhi

Labels: Blackpool, Charlton, Zheng Zhi

Labels: Charlton, WBA, Zheng Zhi

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

Preston North End 0 Charlton Athletic 2

It all came right in the end, for both Charlton and me as the 53-year wait for a win at Deepdale was laid to rest by goals late in each half.

At half time, with Charlton having just taken the lead through Zheng Zhi's magnificent left foot strike from the edge of the area, remarks were passed in the gents loo about how the Addicks don't do much until that additional time board goes up.

The second half was much the same, with Luke Varney making sure of the points deep into the stoppage time at the end of the match.

My trip up to Lancashire had been unremarkable, except my connecting train from Preston to Blackpool was cancelled; no problem, another turned up fifteen minutes later. The hotel was fine, but the room cold and you could hear the wind howling all night.

Saturday morning was cloudy, wet, and very windy.


Waves were crashing over the sea wall, and giving the piers a terrible pounding.

The Tower was closed due to the high winds, and the Pleasure Beach couldn't run the huge big dipper for the same reason; Blackpool was pretty much closed! I was genuinely worried that the evening game in Preston may be cancelled too!

I caught the train across and jumped a cab to the ground, arriving around 4.45. I picked up my ticket refund voucher (well done again Ben!) which went quite smoothly, and inside, found about 500 other Addicks had made the trip.

Pards picked an unchanged side unsurprisingly.

The game itself has been covered in other blogs and most Addicks were either there or saw it on TV.

I thought Jerome Thomas had a great game, and caused huge problems for Preston all night. Even in the second half, when Preston doubled up on him, he created space for others. Nicky Weaver made one fantastic save (I'd love to see that on tele...is it on YouTube anyone?), and a couple of other good ones. Mills and Basey did OK, especially with a lot of long crosses going to the back post. Fortune and Sodje also looked solid.

In midfield, Reid had good moments and bad; Semedo was good in what he does best, and Lloyd Sam held the ball brilliantly when necessary and was unlucky with his shooting opportunities.

I thought ZiZi had a quiet (or even poor) game prior to the goal, but his class shone through in the second half when he played slightly deeper. It was a class goal too...

Big Chris tried hard all game, and the subs also had varying cameos; it was good to see Holland back (even if he was a little off the pace initially) and Varney's confidence should be boosted by the goal.

A fine win in the end, and well worth the long walk back to the station, and even longer train ride home today. I'll just have to leave the trip up the Tower and flying round on the Big Dipper until we play at Bloomfield Road in February.

Labels: Charlton, Preston, Zheng Zhi

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