Charlton 0-2 Derby: Victory Eludes Spirited Addicks

15th December 2008: Under the stewardship of caretaker manager Phil Parkinson, it looked like the Addicks might secure a vital three points to give hope of survival. 2-1 up in the 4th minute of stoppage time, Derby had a throw which bounced away from one defender, was flicked on by another and bobbled its way straight to an unmarked Nathan Ellington in the box, who fired home an equaliser. The only feeling I can remember is one of utter dejection. Whilst yesterday's game was slightly different, it resulted in a similar low following the full-time whistle. 

Saturday's game was always going to be a tough one. Derby arrived on the back of five straight victories, following a revival in fortunes brought about by the appointment of Steve McLaren. Charlton had failed to win in three, with a broader trend of 4 goals in 5 games suggesting reason for concern. Defeat was not a surprise, therefore, but the match left an unexpected feeling of misery and dejection - the pattern of the match again followed a similar trend to those of recent weeks, as the Addicks were competitive and full of energy, but again fell agonisingly short.

A shift in tactics saw Powell give another chance to Danny Green on the right-wing in place of the industrious Simon Church, whilst Pritchard returned centrally in the absence of Johnnie Jackson. It meant a 4-5-1 formation with Kermorgant on his own up front, and whilst the defensive approach is never completely welcome at home, it was understandable given Derby's strong recent form.

McLaren's impact on Derby was clear to see from the outset. Short goal kicks were taken to give the ball to the centre back, who worked with the full back to try and move the ball forward, shifting play to the other flank if the route was blocked. Charlton didn't press relentlessly, but they did their job sufficiently to force some long balls forward. The home side stole the ball in midfield and played it forward to Kermorgant on occasion, with the Frenchman distributing the ball to the wider areas.

Chances came. Morrison found himself in space 25 yards out, and whilst his powerful shot was on target, it was comfortably caught by Grant in goal. Stewart's cross found its way to Stephens in the area but his volleyed effort went over, with the timing made more difficult by the blustery wind. Green curled a free-kick towards the far post, and it ended up heading for the top corner, only to be tipped over the bar. Kermorgant was forced to improvise, given the absence of a strike partner, but Pritchard's advanced role meant he could collect a number of the knock-downs. Stewart was quiet, but Stephens and Green were positive, whilst Jordan Cousins was covering a lot of ground in an excellent defensive display.

Derby threatened too, but the game remained even. Chris Martin had a shot from outside the box delfected on its way wide, and Alnwick caught a header following the corner. Some neat play worked the ball forward outisde the area, where a clumsy Dervite intervention conceded a free-kick. Jamie Ward struck his effort towards Alnwick's left post, but as the keeper dived across, the shot flicked the head of Wiggins, deflecting it to the right of the keeper and into the back of the net. It was a sucker punch following positive Addicks play. Another example of luck deserting the Addicks.

Charlton didn't respond to the goal well, and Bryson found space among a number of red shirts who didn't close him down, striking his shot across goal towards the top corner. Alnwick was forced into a two-handed save high to his left to keep the score at 0-1 going into the break. A late half-chance fell to Kermorgant, 35 yards from goal following a headed clearance by the keeper, but he couldn't manage to reach the goal with his chipped effort and it was headed clear.

The response after half-time was much better, and almost immediately rewarded. Wilson broke down the right and crossed for Stephens, who couldn't connect cleanly and his shot bounced wide. Kermorgant had a chance to shoot through a clutch of players, but it bobbled towards goal, and Morrison failed to control on the turn to keep the chance alive.

Derby were attempting to control the game, taking time out whenever they could and making subtle fouls to kill any momentum the Addicks could build. The home side struggled to break down the well organised Rams but it wasn't down to a lack of effort. Dale Stephens was throwing himself about in midfield, riskily but bravely jumping into tackles in an attempt to win the ball. Cousins continued to mop up defensively alongside him. Green couldn't get into the game - a familiar tale - and was replaced by Simon Church, with Pritchard being hauled off to unfair sarcastic cheers, to be replaced by Callum Harriott.

Powell changed the formation to a rather lopsided one, with Harriott employed as an attacking midfielder just behind the strikers, whilst Stewart continued to play left wing. Initially, chances were hard to come by, but as Derby sat deeper and deeper, Charlton began to create. The best of them fell to Morrison, who found himself at the back post leaping to get on the end of an exquisite chipped cross from Kermorgant. His header went narrowly, agonisingly wide. A big miss.

Stewart threatened sporadically, whilst Harriott twisted and turned but couldn't beat enough players to get a clear shot on goal. The Addicks' attempts to score were summed up when Kermorgant struck a shot from a cross, which was blocked by Harriott standing just a couple of yards in front of him.

Charlton could have had a penalty if it weren't for weak, feeble refereeing. Kermorgant was marked from a corner by two players, both with arms around his chest. In attempting to free himself, the Frenchman went to ground, but was inexplicably penalised for an infringement, despite having been contained by the arms of the opponents. The decision was especially galling when Morrison was later deemed to have fouled Martin (who was backing into him) for putting his arms around his chest. It typified the inconsistent performance of the referee, and once again the Addicks didn't get the decisions. Kermorgant didn't get a decision all game, until late on when the referee finally gave him a free-kick. His sarcastic applause of the ref was thoroughly warranted, such was his incompetence, but out came the yellow card. Another jobsworth.

Derby continued to grind, wasting time and using their physicality to impose their defensive strength. The ref only waved his arm occasionally to encourage quicker play. They had to cope with spells of good pressure, but only one chance caused any great alarm. Kermorgant flicked on for Church, bursting through into the box alongside a defender, but his rushed effort from the angle was well saved. It was a tough chance.

In a late gamble, Powell hauled off Wilson and sent Sordell on up front, though all he managed was one overhit pass when a counter-attack beckoned. The gap at right-back allowed substitute Connor Sammon into space following a poor clearance, and he slid a through ball to Bryson who chipped Alnwick and put the game to bed. It was a sickening late blow but all too predictable given the recent run of luck endured by the Addicks.

All the passion and anger directed at the referee and the frustration at Charlton's lack of an equaliser was replaced solely by a feeling of deep resignation. The Valley fell flat. For all the fight they had showed, once again the Addicks had fallen short, and though the result had been predictable all week, the nature of the game meant that there was a lot of hurt.

--

There weren't really any players who could be singled out as having poor games, but I am increasingly inclined to think that we are better off with Richard Wood at the back instead of Dervite. He looked a bit clumsy in defence today, and whilst he is assured on the ball, the organisation and conviction brought by Wood is something we really need at the minute. Wiggins didn't quite hit the heights of his performance at Yeovil last week, whilst Green again struggled to come up with that well executed cross.

Cousins and Stephens again played well, the former in particular impressing thanks to his defensive exploits. We aren't being outplayed in midfield, but that is largely as a consequence of fielding an extra player centrally so as not to be overrun. That in turn is having an impact on our goal-scoring ability. Kermorgant did his best in isolated circumstances, but he was missing a player ahead of him who he could link with and create chances for. When someone clicks with him, it'll be a hugely profitable partnership, but it is something still eluding us. Stewart was kept quiet, but he is always a threat when cutting inside off the left, and can make ground to put in crosses as well.

Derby were strong, and you can see why they have been winning games. It is a confidence thing. Powell can only instill a certain amount of that in his sides, but the rest is down to results, which continue to evade Charlton. That tiny absence of conviction when critical moments arise is what is costing us at the minute. With the resources available we don't have a large array of tactical options open to us, and Powell is trying to make the most of what he has available. Its not easy, hence the struggles, but criticism of effort and desire is definitely a long way wide of the mark. Faith in these players is needed, as we are unlikely to be able to bring many others in. These are the players who will have save this club from relegation. Full backing them is crucial if we want to avoid a repeat of the last time we were relegated, and ended up sinking without trace.

Powell tried a new system against a side which needed to be contained, and it was largely successful. The only breaches to the defence were caused by a deflected free-kick and an absent right-back late on when chasing an equaliser. The players once again played well, but the failure to seize upon those crucial moments in the match is what is frustrating at the moment. Had Morrison's headed chance found the net, it could well have acted as a catalyst enabling Charlton to go on and win the game. Instead, it went wide, and further chances could not be taken either. Whilst the absence of goals is one of the major reasons we find ourselves struggling, again you got the impression that fortune was not on our side. Our league position cannot be blamed simply on bad luck, but fortune has definitely not helped recently. Decisions are more often than not going against us. More decisive performances are needed on the pitch, but also you sometimes need that rub of the green to help you out.

A few words on the relegation battle, and reactions after defeat: Again there has been widespread criticism of the performance, brought about largely thanks to the result. Powell's suggestion that the players gave it their all has been met with scepticism by a number of fans, but this feeling is simply born out of a frustration at the result. When times are tough, there is obviously anger at the situation, but many choose to channel this in completely the wrong way by vehemently criticising the players and the manager, when ultimately they put up a good fight. It indicates that many fans feel that Charlton have an obligation to them to win games, and that failure to do so justifies any form of criticism. Whilst everyone has a right to complain, in the aftermath of a defeat it is rarely constructive in nature, and the direct attacks on players and individuals is more likely to have negative consequences than positive ones. The existence of social media means that instead of calming down over a pint, or in the car on the way home, the immediate feeling of frustration is encapsulated in a series of tweets, often directly attacking the club's players. The atmosphere between fans of differing views can become poisonous, and particularly so given that many take a perverse pleasure in moaning after defeat. The dissenters are a vocal minority, but one that can clearly have an impact on player morale.

The critical, negative reaction comes from an inability to be objective about things, and view the wider situation that the club, players and manager are in. The game frustrated, but it didn't tell us anything we didn't already know about the situation that Charlton Athletic Football Club is in. The squad is weaker than it was last year thanks to the dire financial situation, and we have a co-chairman who is gambling with the contract situation which is creating a huge amount of uncertainty off the field. You cannot suggest that this doesn't impact on the playing staff in any way. Whilst commitment is visibly there, contractual uncertainty breeds doubt, which is not something that helps keep a group strong and resolute. Powell has no money for additions, thus must make the most of what he has available. What he has achieved so far is remarkable, and thankfully the majority realise this.

Powell is undoubtedly the man we want in charge, as his fighting spirit and resolve has often been embodied by Charlton in some of the more unlikely victories during his tenure. We must stick together and keep the faith, as the season ahead will be full of difficult times. Supporting a football club is not a one way street - the players need us to back them. Their effort is there. All that is lacking is that little bit of quality, and that little bit of luck.

Objectivity after defeat is difficult. I had to avoid social media last night due to the outpouring of emotion following the result, as I knew it would further increase the pain. We all feel the pain of defeat, but we need to accept that times are tough. I have always been one to have faith in the people I support, and I see no reason why these players, and this manager, cannot turn the current run of form around. It will be hard, but it can be done.

Keep the faith.

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. 

Charlton 2-1 Reading

Carling Cup Round 1, 7:45pm, The Valley.
Attendance 6,668


Pre-match
Tonight was my first chance to see the new Charlton side play a competitive game. The game was initially called off due to 'civil unrest', and was rearranged at the same time as the second round games.

It was a drizzly evening, cold enough to require jeans and a jumper. Depressing for mid-August, really. The traditional pre-match walk over the level-crossing, past the rather sparsely populated pub, and round the corner into Harvey Gardens, at which point the stadium appears. A very reasonable ticket price for the game means I am only required to hand over £10 for entrance. Through the turnstiles and up to the East stand. Into the ground itself, affording me a sight of the Charlton side warming-up. It took a few minutes to put names to faces, and then work out their positions. Powell chose a 4-4-2 with Hamer in goal, a back 4 of Francis, Mambo, Doherty and Evina, Midfield of Green, Pritchard, Hughes (captain) and Bover, with Jason Euell and Paul Benson up top. 11 changes from the side that has played all 3 league games so far. Reading also made changes, but still had quality players such as Tabb, Harte, Church, Manset, McAnuff and Howard. I was not feeling to optimistic about our chances, and duly predicted a 3-2 defeat, with Benson and Green to score for the Addicks. Some of that was right...

The atmosphere built as some fairly decent music was played before kick-off, until the teams finally emerged to the ritual applause, in time with the Red Red Robin song that has become a traditional curtain raiser. After the usual 5 minute faff, the game finally kicked off.

Paul Benson scored first.
Happiness around (most of) the ground.

The game
The first half was extremely lively. End to end football with good build-up play provided the entertainment. Early chances fell to Manset for Reading, and Benson for Charlton, both efforts the wrong side of the post. Charlton then had a great chance to open the scoring. A great passing move, which was to become a familiar sight for the rest of the game, saw Pritchard find Benson, who set up Danny Green inside the area. His shot seemed destined for the bottom left corner, but his right footed shot curled wide. A good chance missed.

Following a goal-line clearance from Francis at one end, Tabb nearly gifted Charlton a goal at the other, as his poor header allowed Euell a run at goal. The shot was disappointing, but well saved nevertheless. Chances continued to be created, with 8 in the first 10 minutes of the game. Charlton again broke, with Green putting Bover through from halfway, but his shot was blocked by the retreating defence. Reading then went close when a cross was met by Church, forcing a good stop from Hamer. 25 minutes in, and finally the deadlock was broken. Danny Green had the ball on the right hand side of the area, and his cross was headed across the face of goal by Euell. From where I was sat, it was difficult to tell what Benson had done, but the ball hit the back of the net. Benson was really pleased to score, as he is trying his utmost to get into the starting eleven in the league. His performance should have pleased Chris Powell, as he knows he has a quality striker in reserve.

Hamer saves from Church

Soon after the goal, Pritchard had a shot cleared off the line, acrobatically by Cummings, almost defying the laws of physics to reach the ball. Pritchard was understandably amazed that his neat chip of the keeper had not doubled the lead. Another chance went begging when a mis-hit shot from Bover went across the face of goal, and Francis missed his kick, having been in a great position to score. Just before half time, Brian Howard took a shot from outside the box, forcing an excellent save from Hamer, who got his fingertips to a ball destined for the top corner. Charlton went in at half time a goal ahead. We all knew the game had more goals in it.

The second half begun with an extremely disappointing injury to Paul Benson. He won a header and then must have either landed badly or been trodden on, because he went off to receive treatment for a hand injury. It turns out that he had a possible dislocated finger, and had to go off. Powell put Wagstaff on, to play off lone striker Euell. Church again went close for Reading, and as a punishment for his misdirected header, he clattered into the advertising hoardings.

The Next 10 minutes proved to be one of the most scintillating passages of play I have seen for years at the Valley. Charlton launched four or five sublime counter attacks, with wonderful quick passing. Pritchard, Green and Wagstaff were involved, Bover and Evina too down the left. Wagstaff had a shot saved when he worked his way into the corner of the area. Bover also had a shot deflected for a corner. From these two corners, Danny Green whipped in two dangerous balls to the front post. The first was cleared by a defender, but keeper McCarthy had to scramble to his post, and ended up lying in the back of the net. The second corner crashed off the post, again forcing McCarthy to tangle himself up inside his own goal. Green also had a long-range shot well saved. Charlton finally capitalised on their dominant spell, as a great cross from Simon Francis was met by Jason Euell, whose header down went through the keeper's legs and into the back of the net. 2-0. Much happiness. Euell's first goal for the club since scoring against Norwich back in 2004 (though obviously, he has not had much of a chance to score since then).

Sean Morrison scores following an error from namesake
Michael, seen sprawled on the floor above...

The visitors pulled one back in the 73rd minute, the same time as Scunthorpe had scored on Saturday, and worry was etched into the faces of us Charlton fans. A corner was not delt with very well, and the loose ball was not cleared by recent substitute Michael Morrison. His failed clearance Reading debutant Sean Morrison to poke the ball into the back of the net, through a crowd of players. Charlton had begun to tire, and the rest of the game was more about hanging on to the lead instead of pressing for further goals. It was at this stage when the referee decided he wanted to make the game closer, and attract more attention to himself. He started making bizarre and inconsistent decisions, handing Reading a couple of ffree kicks in dangerous positions despite minimal contact. One player was booked for complaining to the ref, and a fan behind summed up the mood, crying "Did he call you a w*nker ref? Let him off, he's right!" (See below for further lines from this entertaining fan). Manset had a header cleared off the line by Scott Wagstaff, following another corner. Reading created few clear-cut chances, and it was Charlton who came closest to scoring in the final few minutes. Ruben Bover's mazy run into the box resulted in a shot that hit the crossbar. This proved to be the final action as the whistle blew. Charlton were deserved winners.

Charlton 2-1 Reading (Benson, Euell; Morrison)

Aftermath

Chris Powell celebrates with
Alex Dyer.

The players were appreciative of the crowd again following the final whistle. The feeling was mutual, as the players disappeared down the tunnel to much applause. I think it was Powell who was last off (he has a habit of this, which is most pleasing), as he did one of his traditional tunnel 'jumps' where he re-emerges. I left the ground noting that significant defeats had been experienced by Premier League sides, especially Norwich. These ties had taken place in round 2, which we had just earned our place in. Preston at home lies in wait, a more winnable game than tonight's fixture was. Unfortunately, the BBC website decided to make it sound like Charlton were lucky to win. No mention of the higher number of shots on target Charlton had then...

Man of the Match
The player that stood out for me were Pritchard. He was heavily involved every time Charlton went forward, with skilful passes as well as important challenges when tracking back. He looks really lively and a great signing from the non-League. Benson also had a very good game, but his contribution was unfortunately cut short due to his injury. Hamer in goal was also very solid, as were the two full-backs Francis and Evina. Euell grew into the game as it progressed, and Danny Green looks like a class act on the right wing. But Pritchard was the man who stood out. He will be knocking on the door for the team that starts against Bury on Saturday.

Considered Opinion
Chris Powell: "Some people were a bit worried about me making wholesale changes, but I've said all along it's about the squad this year. After the start we've had in the league, the players that are on the fringes were looking and thinking 'will I ever get my chance? Tonight they got it, and they absolutely took it."
Bryan McDermott: "Credit to Charlton, I thought they played really well. But I look after Reading and the shape of our side.
@ReadingFC: Full time whistle goes at the Valley stadium. Charlton Athletic 2-1 Reading! The Addicks deserved the win.
@johnnie_jackson: No one told me Brazil were playing at The Valley tonight!

Fan of the Match (content warning - foul language)
A hugely entertaining evening thanks to an angry fan sat behind me in the East Stand. His anger combined with a funny voice meant that after a couple of outbursts many fans were in fits of laughter. First of all, following a marginal handball appeal, he shouted "Its not f*cking basketball ref!" Later on in the game, following a couple of lines that escape me, his anger at the ref boiled over: "Are you watching this game ref?" seemed sufficient, but then a wonderful pause gave way to "you tosser!" I noticed an older couple struggling to contain themselves following this masterfully constructed outburst. Finally, as seen above, following a booking for dissent, he shouted "Did he call you a w*nker ref? Let him off, he's right!" Superb.

Ref rating: 3/10 for Dean Whitestone.
A poor performance from the ref. Very inconsistent, poor knowledge of the advantage rule, as well as a late attempt to draw maximum attention to himself. He tried to give Reading a good chance to level the scores by awarding them free-kicks outside the box following innocuous, or even made-up fouls. To be fair to him, there have been many worse performances by referees at the Valley. Thankfully this had little bearing on the final result.

Match Rating: 9/10
My ratings keep rising. It was a super game with end to end passing football, goals, angry fans, poor referee, desired outcome. Usually I wouldn't expect to see a better game this season, but with the squad Powell has assembled  and the quality of the football played, you would be foolish not to expect more.

CAFC Preview: Cautious Optimism

So here we go. Charlton kick off their season against Bournemouth tomorrow (unless of course AFCB win the toss, but no matter). 15 new faces have arrived on the playing staff so far, and I doubt that will be the final total. Chris Powell inherited a squad unsuited to his style of football, and the poor run last season, culminating in a 13th position finish, was partially due to a poor squad, and also due to a manager not willing to play the style of football the squad preferred (hoofball, basically). Despite being dissatisfied with the results, I was encouraged by the football we began to play, and I finished the season thinking that Powell would be the right man to lead us forward, as long as he could do good work in the transfer market.

And what good work he has done!

A sight many Charlton fans will be hoping to see
 (though with a red shirt on)

Of all the new players signed, I have to say that Danny Green looks to me to be the most exciting. He has an ability to whip a good ball into the area from most positions on the right hand flank. He works hard, cuts infield every now and then and generally looks very skilful. Dale Stephens looks like a very good deep-lying playmaker, with a good range of passing. Him and Danny Hollands, a hard-working player whose work on the pitch slips under the radar, will form a superb midfield partnership. With captain Jackson on the left, I am very pleased with what we've got in midfield, especially given that Mikel Alonso - an unknown quantity at present, but has played at a much higher level - as well as Ruben Bover-Izquierdo - an exciting young Spaniard with great skill and creativity - will occupy the bench.

The strike-force looks one player light. Paul Hayes will play behind Bradley Wright-Phillips, as he has a good record of providing the main striker with goalscoring chances. However I look forward to the games Paul Benson plays. I have to say a lot of Charlton fans are not convinced by him, but I like his high work-rate, and he is a good finisher in the box. Danny Green supplied many of the crosses for Benson to score for Dagenham and Redbridge, which is why I look forward to seeing this combination at the Valley. I still think a target man style player is required, but as Jason Euell and Grzegorz Rasiak are on trial, I would not mind at all if they both signed.

The defensive aspect is a little less assured. The two centre backs signed - Matt Taylor from Exeter and Michael Morrison from Sheffield Wednesday - arrive with mixed reviews having not been first choices at their previous clubs. From what has been said they are not great aerially, which could prove a problem against a number of sides that choose not to play the was Mr Powell does. Rhoys Wiggins is a promising addition at left-back, but his performance in the friendly matches suggest his greatest strengths are attacking as opposed to defending. We'll see. Andy Hughes has been signed from Scunthorpe, whose fans did not make happy noises regarding his ability. A right-back that can play on the left or anywhere across midfield, he has been tagged as a player who puts in 100% effort but is limited technically. Will he fit in with the Charlton style of play? From what I've heard of his time at Leeds, where he is somewhat of a hero, I really hope he does well for us, as I'd really like to like him as a player. He is someone who loves the fans, so he can't be that bad, surely!

The goalkeeper situation has taken a strange twist in the past week. Ben Hamer was signed from Reading unexpectedly last weekend, and immediately handed the number 1 jersey. This seems logical, as reviews of his loan spells at Exeter reveal he is a very talented keeper, and someone who I'm sure will be successful at the club. However, he replaced Rob Elliot as numero uno, who decided that his second choice was 44. Many theories have been devised, particularly on the Charlton Life message board (a great fans forum, by the way). His failure to agree a new contract has been said to have caused Powell to sign Hamer, and many think that now he will be off. John Sullivan, the other keeper, must be feeling rather bemused at the whole situation, having signed earlier in the summer on a free transfer.

Predictions are always difficult. A vast array of different things can happen in a football season. However, the signings made by Powell have given every fan a sense of cautious optimism regarding the new season. 3 years in League One is enough to drive any fan with aspirations of Premier League football mad. Patience has not been exhibited often at the Valley in recent seasons, but I feel it needs to be this year. It is unlikely that such a new team will gel instantly, and many have not predicted a victory in the opening game. But I do think that the team should be capable of automatic promotion, so that is what I will go for. I may as well...