King Kermorgant, Conqueror of Leicester

Wright-Phillips challenges De Laet

Championship football returned to the Valley in stunning fashion on Tuesday night. A very strong Leicester side struggled to get the better of an energetic and clinical Charlton.

The crowd was a little down on expectations, but the atmosphere more than made up for it, as everyone was treated to a cracking match. First half was end to end, with Leicester looking very dangerous, often cutting through the defences on the left hand side with Lloyd Dyer. Thankfully, they had Jermaine Beckford up front, who was following the example of David Mooney last week, acting as a huge danger to the crowd when he lined up a shot. Still, Leicester's probing was a cause for concern, as often it was last ditch blocks or a save from Hamer that denied them a goal. It felt as if we would certainly concede at some point in the match.

But on 18 minutes, Pritchard stole the ball and advanced forward. His run towards the edge of the box ended with a pass to Wright-Phillips, who saw space to turn and fire a shot low into the bottom corner, catching Kaspar Schmeichel off-guard and sending the fans wild. It was very similar to his goal against Sheffield Wednesday last season, and it showed that he was fired-up and ready to grab his chance at Championship level. You could probably link the signing of Ricardo Fuller to Bradley's superb performance last night. His energy, commitment and finishing served to prove any doubters wrong.

Jeers silenced

Leicester continued to threaten, Beckford in a slightly different sense when he sliced a shot that might have damaged the big screen given he skewed it so far wide. But it was on 32 minutes that the lead was doubled. A long Danny Hollands throw was flicked on, and it bounced in the box before that man Yann Kermorgant hammered it in from waist high. He was ecstatic, as was every Charlton fan in the ground. He turned towards the Leicester fans, who had so harshly victimised him for his penalty miss, placed his finger on his lips and ran towards them. It worked. A jubilant Kermorgant was embraced by the whole team. He'd been up for this game before Birmingham, and it was almost fate that he would score.

Up until that moment Kermorgant had not really been dominant in the air, with the two centre backs proving difficult customers. But as the game advanced, he fought and battled until it was he who would regularly winning contests in the air. His defensive presence was also vital in protecting the lead.

Leicester went in at half time probably unsure of how they were two down. Charlton had not been dominant, but it was the conversion rate in front of goal that really told. Beckford's shambolic night was ended as he was subbed for David Nugent, and Andy King also came on. 7 minutes into the second half and a long diagonal ball wasn't dealt with by Rhoys Wiggins, allowing clever play on the wing to release Nugent into the box. He cut the ball back to the on-rushing King who fired home at the near post. Suddenly the nerves kicked in, and the thought of defending for another 35 minutes was rather a frightening one.

Leicester had most of the play, as the Addicks failed to keep hold of the ball for any length of time, meaning it was an extremely stressful second half. I was forced to watch from between my fingers, such was the extent of the fear. This was most evident when Lloyd Dyer won the ball on the half way line and sprinted into the box, cut in on his left foot and was in a perfect position to shoot. Thankfully, he fired it straight at Hamer, as so many others had done in the half, and the clearance brought huge relief. That was Leicester's problem, that they did not stretch Hamer enough. Most shots were either at him or wide (including a Nugent shot that seemed destined for the far corner. I was just waiting for the net to bulge, it was horrifying.)

Charlton's defence fought on. Last-ditch blocks, flying tackles (some timed better than others) and a glorious 50 yard run down the right by Chris Solly, who beat about 3 players before eventually winning a throw-in. Never have I seen a crowd almost on their feet to cheer the winning of a throw, but the run was absolutely heroic, and released a huge amount of pressure at the back. Leicester however fought back and won a corner in the fourth and final minute of stoppage time. Despite it being only the second game of the season, Schmeichel came up for the corner. Levels of panic went through the roof as the ref decided Michael Morrison must go off as he had a blood injury. The ball came in, but a header won at the front post fell to another defender, who laced the ball up-field. The ref waited a few more seconds, and then blew his whistle. Charlton really had defied the odds to win. And look what it meant to Kermorgant.

The crowd in the second half was superb. It could easily have turned into that edgy, nervous atmosphere that was so often a feature of games in our previous Championship stint, but everyone was behind the team. Each wave of attack that was repelled cranked up the volume another notch. Chrissy Powell's Red Army reverberated around the stadium. Goal kicks were cheered, tackles were celebrated. The whole crowd was 100% behind the team, and the players rewarded them with a performance that gave absolutely everything. Michael Morrison was everywhere, a rock at the heart of the defence. Bradley Pritchard never gave up. Danny Hollands tracked back endlessly to make important tackles. Wiggins was superb. Wright-Phillips gave it his all until he was substituted, and the fans rose to applaud his best performance in a Charlton shirt to date. Hamer caught crosses and blocked shots all night, keeping the dream alive. The pace of the game was frantic, the intensity extreme. Among the promotion favourites, Leicester showed huge amounts of quality, an indication of just what has been missed at The Valley in recent years. But Powell's side held their own, and fought for the win magnificently. A hugely deserved victory, and the final whistle brought an out-pouring of joy.

Kermogant's name was sung as he walked off the pitch. Powell stayed behind to applaud the travelling Leicester fans, who he so endeared himself to during his stint as a player and a coach. He the turned toward the Covered End, and in return his name was sung loudly. Two tunnel jumps later, an ecstatic crowd made their way home. A great game, a brilliant result, and a will that will mean a great deal to King Kermorgant.

Oh, and amongst all that, we signed Ricardo Fuller. Not a bad day really.

Up The Addicks.

Follow me on twitter, @ramblingaddick

Things the Leyton Orient League Cup defeat has taught us.

(Much of this was already fairly clear, but has been clarified somewhat following tonight's thrilling encounter...)

1) Don't ever attend a League Cup match expecting a Charlton win. It won't happen, and if it does, it was a mere blip, a temporary shift from the norm. Lethargic, disjointed cup performances are a trademark of this club.

2) Underdogs always want it more. The body language of the players during penalties showed this more than anything. Orient cared, we didn't really.

Jordan Cook made a very promising start to his Addicks career
Photo © Keith Gillard

3) Of all the wide players Cook looks the most skilful, threatening and reliable. Green wasted a plethora of chances, Wagstaff flattered to deceive, his play rarely resulting in anything of substance. (The goal was deflected in, otherwise the keeper had it covered.) Cook's trickery and delicate touches often found him space, before passing to a threatening position for one of the other two to miss from. His long pass into Waggy's feet on the counter set up our goal. His late substitution might well indicate Powell's desire to start him on Saturday.

4) David Mooney is still laughably bad. Three chances fell to him in the first half, with his best effort equating to that of a soft backpass to the keeper. The crowd behind Hamer's goal were always alert in case the ball came their way, but they needn't have worried given his shots are as powerful as a Reliant Robin (only much less reliant.) Early in the second half he pulled out the most adventurous dive, and bought Orient a penalty. Thrilled with his work, Mooney decided he should be rewarded by taking the spot kick. Few envy the crossbar, which took a hammering from his attempt. A miss. Substituted on 60 minutes. His performance served as a reminder of what horrors haunted us in League One...

5) Smith needs somebody to play off him properly as he struggles big time when isolated.

No longer will the FA stand for abuse. Of water bottles.

6) Referees remain over-officious. More pressingly, they have been urged to ensure the safety of touchline water bottles this season. It is now an offence to harm them in any way. Well, clearly it must be, following the 4th official's demand that Chris Powell must be banished from the vicinity for causing undue harm to the poor things.

7) Orient players were clearly miffed at their omission from the GB Handball team competing at London 2012.

8) Kermorgant is still my favourite player. Nothing will ever change that.

9) We can be too keen to pump the ball long in search of a goal. The cute passing game of the early first half was replaced by aimless long passes, of which none resulted in much.

10) Kerkar isn't very good in the air at all. He seems to get lost when looking upwards, unable to judge the flight of the ball, or even jump. His defensive ability doesn't fill you with confidence either, but he's got an exceptional eye for a pass. An encouraging debut nonetheless.

11) The draw for the second round is tomorrow, and we won't be in it. Also, very few people seem concerned about this.

12) Chris Powell can kick as many water bottles as he likes and we will all still love him.

13) Never read too much into a Cup match that really seemed to be treated as a pre-season friendly predominantly for our second string. 

Bring on Birmingham. 

Champions venture into the Championship - Charlton Athletic Season Preview 2012/13

This time last year, I wrote in my debut blogging piece that there was 'cautious optimism' regarding the new season. I don't know if all 20 people that read it agreed, but any faith that fans invested was well and truly repaid by Powell and his new squad. 101 points, top of the league since mid-September, and a side able to grind out results in the big games, something countless squads previous had been completely unable to do. Its also interesting reading back at how poor at judging the quality of new arrivals I was. Taylor and Morrison "are not great aerially". "It is unlikely that such a new team will gel instantly". Despite poor predictions such as those, I am glad I wasn't as far off as a certain "expert" employed by Sky Sports, who thought we'd finish 18th. Nice one Mr Birtles.

No performance typified those new quality Powell had instilled in the squad - of resilience, a will to win, and confidence in the players themselves as well as their team-mates - than the victory at Oldham. Listening to that game nearly gave me a heart attack. Two reds thanks to Mr Kettle, an official so eager to give out cards that he single-handedly kept Clinton's afloat all these years, meant that it was a huge effort required to win the game. One goal from Kermorgant after half time was enough, but it was the stoic, relentless defending that saw us victorious. In previous years we wouldn't have held on, but this is no ordinary Charlton side. With Powell at the helm this we've seen a much-needed injection of quality, ability and most of all passion from the players, who are in it for the club and not the money.  is hugely refreshing, and hopefully a trend that will continue in future years.

Guess who scored in that game. Yes, Super Yann Kermorgant. 

The transfer activity of last summer has been replaced this year by murmurings of discontent. Money has once again become something of an issue, and many perceived issues have been discussed at great length: 'Tony Jimenez alienating every board member he speaks to, forcing resignations'; 'Cash-flow problems have prevented new additions'; 'Tax bills staring us in the face'; 'A fire-sale of players is needed to keep us afloat'. Of all those, there has still been precious little in the way of official word on any issue. All we know is this squad is light of new players, but the lack of departures combined with the extension of some key contracts are significant positives.

Before I really saw of any negative rumours, I had this to say in a preview I wrote for a Bristol City blog, The Exiled Robin:

How are you feeling about playing in the Championship, a few weeks following your promotion?

For a number of years the prospect of playing in the Championship was one dreaded by Charlton fans that had become accustomed to finishing mid-table in the Premier League. However, this season is one greeted with much excitement following the end of 3 torturous years in League One. It is a very tough division due to the intensity of the games, and the persistent threat of the larger clubs being caught off guard by small, spirited sides. We were certainly on the wrong end of a number of results during our stay. This season however is being greeted as a return of our Charlton, which has undergone a significant transformation over the last 18 months. Taken over on the eve of 2011, and Chris Powell soon installed as manager, ever since pre-season there has been a hugely positive vibe about the club, with fans finally having something to be proud of. The squad that's been built stands us in good stead to perform well this coming season and with a few additions I'm sure we can make a good fist of it in the Championship.

What does your club bring to a tight, competitive and entertaining division?

Immediately after the sacking of Phil Parkinson the long ball, hit-and-hope tactics were thrown out of the window. Chris Powell has encouraged a more patient, passing style that worked extremely well early in the season when teams played an open style themselves. However, this does not mean we are a one-dimensional side. The addition of Yann Kermorgant in mid-September brought a new threat to opposition defences. We developed an extremely useful ability of grinding out results with solid defending, as well as scoring a number of high quality goals. So what will we bring? A good defence, a passing style, a few cracking goals. And watch out for free-kicks around the box.

What style of football/formation do you play?

Standard 4-4-2 employed by Chris Powell. Some have said he's reliant on the ability of the players to win through as opposed to having the tactical edge. Though with different attacking options in the air and on the ground there is definitely not one way to play against us. Teams that started packing the midfield struggled to cope with the ball to Kermorgant, whereas others were passed of the pitch. It will be a strong test of the squad and any new additions as to whether this can be maintained at the Championship level.

Who are the star players we should all look out for?

Yann Kermorgant: Though not the tallest of strikers, he possesses a huge leap that will trouble the tallest of defenders. Only Brede Hangeland looked comfortable against him in our FA Cup fixture at Fulham. He not only performs well in the air but he is extremely gifted technically, shown on countless occasions. Dropping deep to offer a killer pass, releasing other players, or just using his brute strength and agility to out muscle defenders, he really is an adept all-round striker.

Rhoys Wiggins and Johnnie Jackson: Left-back and left midfield combination that works fantastically well. Wiggins has excellent pace and loves to get forward on the overlap. Jackson can also cover in behind in adept fashion. Rarely do the two not manage to hit a cross into the box.

Chris Solly at right back. Arsenal bought Carl Jenkinson, the other young up-and-coming full back, from us for £1million last summer. After the season just gone, it is evident Wenger picked the wrong one. We aren't complaining though.

And is there an up-and-coming future star in your midst?

Chris Solly won the Player of the Season vote after his first full year in the team. A lot were questioning how dependable he would be at right back at the beginning of the season, but with every game he's got better and better. Despite being a rather short bloke Solly is almost the perfect right back. Defensively excellent, skilled going forward, and an extremely industrious player means he has firmly become a fans' favourite at the tender age of 21. And according to our chant, he's better than John Terry, too.

Danny Haynes split opinions a little during his time at Ashton Gate, what do you make of him & is he likely to play a big part this season?

Haynes arrived in January but didn't really break into the first team until towards the end of the season. Despite that, he made a significant impact coming off the bench on a few occasions. He scored twice in our final two games of the season to cap off an excellent spell. His pace seems to be a huge asset, and his ball-striking has looked fearsome in the warm-ups. Powell used him as a third striker to come on towards the end of games, with defences troubled by having to deal with the extra speed. Its likely he'll be used in the same sort of role this season, as well as on the right wing. Kermorgant threading balls in behind defences for Haynes seems like an extremely dangerous eventuality for the opposition, as the combination of skill and speed will cause all sorts of trouble. But that depends on integration into the team over pre-season, and again, whether Powell prefers Bradley Wright-Phillips at this level or dips into the transfer market for another quality striker.

What are your views of your manager?

Chris Powell has almost achieved legendary status already. Three spells at the club made him a fans' favourite, and many were worried his perfect reputation would be tarnished by a stint as manager, as it could prove unsuccessful. A lot of the doubters made huge noises as 2010/11 petered out with just 2 wins in 11 games, and the club finishing a dismal 13th. However, many of us kept the faith - if Chris was allowed to overhaul the squad and bring his own players in, capable of playing his style of football then we'd be able to judge him on his achievements. I think following his first full season in charge, there aren't any who don't support him in his job. He really has turned himself into a hero, overseeing the rebirth of the club. When asked about the possiblity of tarnishing his reputation, he was he came back in order to enhance it. Promotion is the first step in what could prove to be an incredible journey. Its important fans don't get impatient or overly expectant, and ensure they aren't too quick to forget the phenomenal success Powell had in getting us out of League One.

….and of your owner/board/Chairman?

There is still a certain amount of confusion as to who actually owns the club. New Chairman Michael Slater (not the ex-Aussie opener...) has done a good job in giving Powell financial backing. It was announced that long-standing board member Peter Varney would be leaving his post at the end of this season, which has rightly been greeted with sadness as it sees a true Charlton fan leaving the hierarchy, and potentially opens up discussion as to the motives of the new owners and board, still all relatively unknown individuals. Despite that, so far the main decision Slater made was to sack Parkinson and appoint Powell. 18 months on, things haven't turned out too badly. It'll be interesting to see what goes on this summer in terms of transfer dealings - whether there is an ability to purchase thanks to board funding, or consolidation with a handful of good value signings. I suspect it will be the latter.

What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

The lack of movement in the transfer market thus far, combined with the plea from Chris Powell not to get our hopes up, means most will just be happy with a solid mid-table finish, or a season comparable to Brighton's. Its unhelpful that the two clubs we were relegated with into League One - Norwich and Southampton - both made it back-to-back promotions, leading some to suggest that it is 'fate' that we are the third club in three seasons to manage it. There is optimism that something like this could happen, with a squad well settled. Any signings made between now and September will dictate the extent of that optimism, but many would say a play-off push would be the most to ask for. The risk of relegation is always there, but there would be a lot of surprise if we found ourselves towards the base of the table. A year to consolidate would do us nicely.

Who will be your big rivals in this division?

It is the first time Charlton, Palace and Millwall have been in the same division for a while now, so the three-way battle between the three of us will be of great importance to a lot of the fans. I reckon the rivalry with Sheffield Wednesday, who's fans seem to do a good job making the club unpopular, will continue as they came up with us (well, behind us, but still.) A win in a couple of those fixtures would certainly go down very well here.

--

Since then we've seen a few new tactical ploys trialled by Powell, including playing with 3 central midfielders and one more attacking just behind the front two. The board rumours spiralled almost out of control. But I still stand by all of what I had to say. We have to have faith in the board, there's not much else we can do really. Despite the actions of Jimenez in increasing his share of ownership the board have done nothing that means we should issue a call to arms and prepare to revolt. Yes there is still uncertainty, but holding together all members of that core squad from last year, plus the additions of Cook, Wilson and Kerkar, all promising in different ways, means there is no cause for concern as yet. The 2-1 win at Fulham implies that a number of those players from last season have stepped up a level under the brilliant leadership of Powell.

Tomorrow's League Cup match is unlikely to feature many of the players from that friendly victory on Saturday. However, the weeks of anticipation for the start of our Championship return are almost at an end, and a chance to return to The Valley, that sacred place where such wondrous feats were achieved last season, is one that many cannot wait for.

Light on additions, but high on confidence, cohesion and understanding, this squad is more than capable of holding its own in the Championship. Early season form and any further signings might define which section of the table we are fighting in, but a year of consolidation in this league would do no harm at all. The thought of returning to League One is just too frightening.