It's all getting a bit repetitive, doing a preview.
The horror run will end today, gallant performance from the Addicks etc etc- so am going to keep this one short and sweet.
Parky will line them up as follows:
Eliot, Crainie, Hudosn, Fortune, Mc Eveley, Gillespie, Semedo, Shelvey, Bouazza, Gray, Waghorn.
Prediction: Charlton (Gray 6', Hudson 55') 2-2 QPR (Blackstock 16', 77')
Att: 21,111
COYA!!!
Thursday, 25 December 2008
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Pardew, Parkinson and Blackpool
It's been a long month since I was last on here, both on and off the pitch.
We still have yet to end this wretched run, which now stands at 10 winless games. Ugh!
The main news obviously coming from the club has been the departure of Alan Pardew. There is little I can add that hasn't already been said on other blogs, except that on a personal level I really wanted AP to succeed at the Valley. I guess looking back now that Fulham game almost a couple of years back- when we all felt he was to be our saviour- was a sign of things to come. He nearly kept us up, but since then, and most alarmingly since the sale of Andy Reid on transfer deadline day last season, our record is this in all competitions:
PLAYED: 38
WON: 8
DRAWN: 10
LOST: 20
ALARMING STUFF... 34 points from 38 games is certain relegation material I'm sure you'd agree and the reason why the change had to be made, which brings me rather nicely onto the caretaker manager.
Now, I have nothing against Phil Parkinson, and it is obvious that he is getting a lot more out of the players than the now departed Mr Pardew. However, I remain convinced that we need an outsider, someone with no CAFC connections WHATSOEVER to get ourselves out of this mess. And in my view a tough disciplinarian like Billy Davies is the answer- he knows the division, is seemingly up for the job if what we read in the papers is true and has a proven track record...
As for this weekend, Gawd knows- one thing is for sure, it can't be any worse than last season's 5-3 humiliation can it? CAN IT????
This is the team I would pick....
Weaver- Cranie, Hudson, Fortune, Mc Eveley- Bouazza, Bailey, Semedo, Gillespie- Burton, Dickson.
NLA predicts: Blackpool (Burgess 33') 1-1 Charlton (Burton 76')
Att: 8,679
And by the way, I don't think the Seasiders are donkeys, I just like the pic.
To those braving the weather and going in that ramshackle stand, I salute you. Oh and along with a stick of Blackpool Rock, please bring back three points!
Thursday, 13 November 2008
And then there was one...
During our Premiership years, we were fortunate enough to boast five ex-Ipswich players amongst our ranks, and I don't include that midfield general Tom Skippings in that...
Herman Hreidarsson, Darren Ambrose, Marcus Bent, Darren Bent and Matt Holland all plied their trade for the Addicks, now just Matt Holland remains following the departure of Darren Ambrose, ironically back to those aforementioned Tractor Boys this week. Let's hope Marmite Man's (you either love him or you loathe him) transfer to Suffolk is made permanent in January.
Anyway, on the field things are looking up at long last following that much-needed confident display at Plymouth. One performance does not a season make but am feeling cautiously optimistic as we head to St Andrews and the seemingly under-performing Blues this Saturday. Full preview to follow later.
Herman Hreidarsson, Darren Ambrose, Marcus Bent, Darren Bent and Matt Holland all plied their trade for the Addicks, now just Matt Holland remains following the departure of Darren Ambrose, ironically back to those aforementioned Tractor Boys this week. Let's hope Marmite Man's (you either love him or you loathe him) transfer to Suffolk is made permanent in January.
Anyway, on the field things are looking up at long last following that much-needed confident display at Plymouth. One performance does not a season make but am feeling cautiously optimistic as we head to St Andrews and the seemingly under-performing Blues this Saturday. Full preview to follow later.
Friday, 24 October 2008
Burnley (h), The Valley, 25/10/2008
Apologies for being off-line for a while, but the whole Zabeel episode has left a sour taste- at least now the players can now put the whole saga out of their minds, as I feel it was affecting them.
Anyway, before I even think about tomorrow's tough encounter, I would like to request a call to arms to back the boys like never before, because trust me they need our support. So, if we go a goal down please no booing, just 100% unwavering backing because it makes a huge difference.
Heaven knows what side Pards will select tomorrow. He's promised more changes and let me make it clear that I do not see the point in sacking him. We can't afford it, and I think a united front is what this club needs. Burnley will make it tough. They beat us twice last year, and are flying at the moment, but on our day we have proved we can match anyone in this division.
This is the team I would pick.
Weaver, Moutaouakil, Hudson, Primus, Basey, Sam, Holland, Bailey, Varney, Mc Leod, Gray.
I feel Gray cannot be dropped for this game, and while he is far from lethal, Mc Leod can cause havoc. Fingers crossed!
NLA predicts: Charlton 2 (Hudson 12', Varney 68') Burnley 1 (Paterson 77')
Att: 20,882
Anyway, before I even think about tomorrow's tough encounter, I would like to request a call to arms to back the boys like never before, because trust me they need our support. So, if we go a goal down please no booing, just 100% unwavering backing because it makes a huge difference.
Heaven knows what side Pards will select tomorrow. He's promised more changes and let me make it clear that I do not see the point in sacking him. We can't afford it, and I think a united front is what this club needs. Burnley will make it tough. They beat us twice last year, and are flying at the moment, but on our day we have proved we can match anyone in this division.
This is the team I would pick.
Weaver, Moutaouakil, Hudson, Primus, Basey, Sam, Holland, Bailey, Varney, Mc Leod, Gray.
I feel Gray cannot be dropped for this game, and while he is far from lethal, Mc Leod can cause havoc. Fingers crossed!
NLA predicts: Charlton 2 (Hudson 12', Varney 68') Burnley 1 (Paterson 77')
Att: 20,882
Friday, 19 September 2008
Nottingham Forest (a), The City Ground, 20/09/08
"I have a feeling that we will see a gritty Charlton performance to put the season back on track and a welcome clean sheet!"
When it comes to predictions, that was a pretty good one the other night from North London Addick! Despite being under the cosh for long spells, the boys dug in to collect a priceless three points, to get the season very much back on track.
But on Saturday, we face another tricky away fixture- and for the first time this season- against a club that is totally out of form. Three straight league defeats have plunged Forest into the relegation zone, and in that time they've conceded 9 goals.
So is this a good time to be playing them? They will be viewing this as a "must win" game, and I've a feeling Pards may want to make a couple of changes for what will be our 3rd game in 7 days. This is the line up I expect him to name.....
Weaver, Crainie, Hudson, Fortune, Basey, Sam, Bailey, Semedo, Bouazza, Varney, Gray.
SUBS: Eliot, Mouatouakil, Holland, Dickson, Ambrose.
With Pards stating at his weekly press conference that Zheng will not be fit until next week, I see Semedo being given the opportunity in midfield, allowing Bailey licence to attack, and Holland to be given a breather.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1 (Earnshaw 72') Charlton 1 (Gray 26') Att: 22,019
It will be a tough game, but I see Charlton having enough about them to earn a share of the spoils.
When it comes to predictions, that was a pretty good one the other night from North London Addick! Despite being under the cosh for long spells, the boys dug in to collect a priceless three points, to get the season very much back on track.
But on Saturday, we face another tricky away fixture- and for the first time this season- against a club that is totally out of form. Three straight league defeats have plunged Forest into the relegation zone, and in that time they've conceded 9 goals.
So is this a good time to be playing them? They will be viewing this as a "must win" game, and I've a feeling Pards may want to make a couple of changes for what will be our 3rd game in 7 days. This is the line up I expect him to name.....
Weaver, Crainie, Hudson, Fortune, Basey, Sam, Bailey, Semedo, Bouazza, Varney, Gray.
SUBS: Eliot, Mouatouakil, Holland, Dickson, Ambrose.
With Pards stating at his weekly press conference that Zheng will not be fit until next week, I see Semedo being given the opportunity in midfield, allowing Bailey licence to attack, and Holland to be given a breather.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1 (Earnshaw 72') Charlton 1 (Gray 26') Att: 22,019
It will be a tough game, but I see Charlton having enough about them to earn a share of the spoils.
Monday, 15 September 2008
Doncaster Rovers (a) 16/09/08
Well, it all started so well didn't it? Ahead through what will surely win goal of the season from Nicky Bailey, Wolves slowly but surely took control and in the end- despite being aided by a controversial penalty decision- ran out worthy winners.
So, we're now 16th- doesn't sound great does it? And we must arrest this alarming slide- which reads three defeats in four games. And take it from me, tomorrow's game will be far from easy. Just as we met Preston and Wolves when they were in form, the same is true of Tuesday night's opponents. Despite losing at Birmingham, the considered opinion is that they played one of the promotion favourites off the park away from home.
Yes, I know they were playing 10 men for a lot of the game, but they are a team to be respected.
As regards team news, with Zheng likely to be missing through a slight groin injury and Svetoslav Todorov and Linvoy Primus not quite fit, this is the team I expect Pards to send out....
Weaver
Cranie Hudson Fortune Basey
Sam Shelvey Bailey Bouazza
Varney Gray
Subs: Eliot, Holland, Dickson, Ambrose, Primus.
I think the Shelvey/Bailey midfield partnership is called for in what could well be a physical battle, especially as Holland cannot be expected to play 3 games a week anymore and I think Basey must play given Youga's hothead reputation. In what will be a relatively small but vociferous crowd. I can't think many Addicks will make the trip but if you do, I salute you!
Prediction: Doncaster 0 Charlton 2 (Varney 18', Gray (pen) 78')
I have a feeling that we will see a gritty Charlton performance to put the season back on track and a welcome clean sheet!
So, we're now 16th- doesn't sound great does it? And we must arrest this alarming slide- which reads three defeats in four games. And take it from me, tomorrow's game will be far from easy. Just as we met Preston and Wolves when they were in form, the same is true of Tuesday night's opponents. Despite losing at Birmingham, the considered opinion is that they played one of the promotion favourites off the park away from home.
Yes, I know they were playing 10 men for a lot of the game, but they are a team to be respected.
As regards team news, with Zheng likely to be missing through a slight groin injury and Svetoslav Todorov and Linvoy Primus not quite fit, this is the team I expect Pards to send out....
Weaver
Cranie Hudson Fortune Basey
Sam Shelvey Bailey Bouazza
Varney Gray
Subs: Eliot, Holland, Dickson, Ambrose, Primus.
I think the Shelvey/Bailey midfield partnership is called for in what could well be a physical battle, especially as Holland cannot be expected to play 3 games a week anymore and I think Basey must play given Youga's hothead reputation. In what will be a relatively small but vociferous crowd. I can't think many Addicks will make the trip but if you do, I salute you!
Prediction: Doncaster 0 Charlton 2 (Varney 18', Gray (pen) 78')
I have a feeling that we will see a gritty Charlton performance to put the season back on track and a welcome clean sheet!
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Wolverhampton Wanderers (h), The Valley, 13/09/08
It seems a long time ago that Charlton put in that stunning performance against Reading...
And let's hope our leader is smiling again come 5pm on Friday because we are in for what will without question be our toughest examination so far. Make no mistake, Wolves are flying. With wide men Jarvis and Kightly providing fantastic service top Ebanks-Blake and Charlton boy Iwelumo up front, they carry a massive threat going forwards.
But it's not all doom and gloom. If you factor in the fact that Iwelumo will definitely score- BECAUSE ALL OUR FORMER PLAYERS SEEM TO AGAINST US- then we have the quality to give them quite a game. Because when teams come to attack us- a la Reading a few weeks back- we tend to be at our best. And if we can get great vocal backing from the crowd, which should be the biggest of the season, given that Wolves have sold their entire allocation, we can inflict a first league defeat this season on our in form opponents.
And another reason to be optimistic: Mick Mc Carthy has just been named August Manager of the Month.
NLA predicts: Charlton 3 (Varney 12, Gray (pen) 57, Zheng 81)
Wolves 2 (Iwelumo 25, Kightly 77) Att: 23,109
Friday, 5 September 2008
Pardew or Curbishley?
This article appeared in the Daily Star this morning...
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/49832/Pardew-in-frame-for-return-to-West-Ham/
Now without wishing to be too disrespectful to the aforementioned publication, they really ought to realise that Darren Bent never played for West Ham, but that is for another day.
So would you relish the return of Curbs in place of Pards. Let's take a look at the merits of the two gentlemen....
ALAN CURBISHLEY
Nobody can question the job Alan C did for the club. Two promotions, seven successive Premiership seasons, FA cup quarter finals- he is without doubt the most successful manager Charlton ever had.
But could he do it all again? They say never go back- and if he did return and didn't succeed- would all his good work be undone? Does he have the hunger to rebuild this club again? Only he knows the answer to that one.
ALAN PARDEW
After narrowly failing to save the Addicks from relegation, last season was without doubt a huge disappointment. But there are signs this season that he has finally got the squad playing the way we all want, and there is no reason for him to lose his job- he surely has to be given one more chance this season.
Added to which, could the board really afford to fire him?
My own personal opinion is that Pards would be crazy to go back to West Ham.
Interfering owners, bad previous with them and unrealistic expectations from the supporters. In my opinion, it's a poisoned chalice second only to the only other current managerial vacancy in the Premier League!
However, the Hammers would offer a financial package well in excess of what Charlton could offer. So will Pards repeat what happened at Reading, and is Curbs tempted by a return, despite saying he was only interested in a top flight position.
The next few months should be interesting.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/49832/Pardew-in-frame-for-return-to-West-Ham/
Now without wishing to be too disrespectful to the aforementioned publication, they really ought to realise that Darren Bent never played for West Ham, but that is for another day.
So would you relish the return of Curbs in place of Pards. Let's take a look at the merits of the two gentlemen....
ALAN CURBISHLEY
Nobody can question the job Alan C did for the club. Two promotions, seven successive Premiership seasons, FA cup quarter finals- he is without doubt the most successful manager Charlton ever had.
But could he do it all again? They say never go back- and if he did return and didn't succeed- would all his good work be undone? Does he have the hunger to rebuild this club again? Only he knows the answer to that one.
ALAN PARDEW
After narrowly failing to save the Addicks from relegation, last season was without doubt a huge disappointment. But there are signs this season that he has finally got the squad playing the way we all want, and there is no reason for him to lose his job- he surely has to be given one more chance this season.
Added to which, could the board really afford to fire him?
My own personal opinion is that Pards would be crazy to go back to West Ham.
Interfering owners, bad previous with them and unrealistic expectations from the supporters. In my opinion, it's a poisoned chalice second only to the only other current managerial vacancy in the Premier League!
However, the Hammers would offer a financial package well in excess of what Charlton could offer. So will Pards repeat what happened at Reading, and is Curbs tempted by a return, despite saying he was only interested in a top flight position.
The next few months should be interesting.
Friday, 15 August 2008
Watford (a), Vicarage Road, 16/08/08
After Tuesday night's debacle, it's back to the Championship as the Addicks make the shortish trip to Vicarage Road. And for me, this is a pivotal game in our season.
Up against a side that has suffered very poor results at home since the turn of the year, the Addicks- bolstered by the midweek arrival of Nicky Bailey- have the ideal opportunity to finally beat the Hornets, after four straight draws between the clubs over the past two seasons.
And what's more, Watford's new style of football should suit the visitors. Gone are the direct tactics that Aidy Boothroyd has employed over recent seasons, something that should play into Charlton's hands.
Whether that will happen is another matter entirely. With the Addicks yet to score from open play against Swansea or Yeovil, the Addicks remain unconvincing.
This is the side I expect Pards to send out at Vicarage Road:
Weaver, Mouatouakil, Hudson, Fortune, Youga, Sam, Holland, Bailey, Bouazza, Varney, Gray. Subs: Elliot, Semedo, Wagstaff, Dickson, Shelvey.
Prediction: Too tight to call- yet another draw between these sides: Watford (Smith 25')1-1 Charlton (Bouazza 72')
One to watch: Hameur Bouazza will have everything to prove against his former employers.
Up against a side that has suffered very poor results at home since the turn of the year, the Addicks- bolstered by the midweek arrival of Nicky Bailey- have the ideal opportunity to finally beat the Hornets, after four straight draws between the clubs over the past two seasons.
And what's more, Watford's new style of football should suit the visitors. Gone are the direct tactics that Aidy Boothroyd has employed over recent seasons, something that should play into Charlton's hands.
Whether that will happen is another matter entirely. With the Addicks yet to score from open play against Swansea or Yeovil, the Addicks remain unconvincing.
This is the side I expect Pards to send out at Vicarage Road:
Weaver, Mouatouakil, Hudson, Fortune, Youga, Sam, Holland, Bailey, Bouazza, Varney, Gray. Subs: Elliot, Semedo, Wagstaff, Dickson, Shelvey.
Prediction: Too tight to call- yet another draw between these sides: Watford (Smith 25')1-1 Charlton (Bouazza 72')
One to watch: Hameur Bouazza will have everything to prove against his former employers.
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
Charlton 0-1 Yeovil
Oh. My. God.......
Like many others, I didn't go last night- wedding anniversary incorporating a trip to the theatre and all that. AND THANK GOD I DIDN'T!!!
It sounded like a typical night for us in the Carling Cup- the opposition has one shot which obviously goes in, we huff, puff, amd then huff a bit more without ever looking like getting back into it.
Anyway, I'm not bothered even slightly if Hudson and Fortune are back at the weekend and we keep up our 100% record in the Championship at Watford.
And my mood has been improved considerably today with the capture of Nicky Bailey from Southend. Young, hungry and with a great engine, he could be the player we have needed since Spotty "I'm not really a mercenary" Parker joined the Russian Circus in SW6. (Do I still sound bitter after all these years?)
Anyway, here's hoping Pards throws him in on Saturday and we bag another three points...
Like many others, I didn't go last night- wedding anniversary incorporating a trip to the theatre and all that. AND THANK GOD I DIDN'T!!!
It sounded like a typical night for us in the Carling Cup- the opposition has one shot which obviously goes in, we huff, puff, amd then huff a bit more without ever looking like getting back into it.
Anyway, I'm not bothered even slightly if Hudson and Fortune are back at the weekend and we keep up our 100% record in the Championship at Watford.
And my mood has been improved considerably today with the capture of Nicky Bailey from Southend. Young, hungry and with a great engine, he could be the player we have needed since Spotty "I'm not really a mercenary" Parker joined the Russian Circus in SW6. (Do I still sound bitter after all these years?)
Anyway, here's hoping Pards throws him in on Saturday and we bag another three points...
Monday, 11 August 2008
Rock Hudson
The headline says it all....
Charlton saw off their Welsh opponents thanks in no small part to a man of the match display from the new skipper at both ends of the field. Commanding in the air, his perfectly timed header gave the Addicks the dream start. And in true Charlton style, we were left hanging on (at least it felt like it) until Andy Gray made the points safe late on. And that was a goal I take all the credit for. I have taken my 5 year old daughter to 4 games at the Valley over the past 12 months (Burnley, Southampton, Coventry and Swansea) and look who has scored in each one....
POSITIVES
Hudson obviously was the big story. To think we swapped him for Paddy and got £500k is looking like deal of the summer. Jon Fortune had one of his best games for quite some time alongside the new captain, and if he can replicate this form over the next 9 months, it could be a big season for him.
NEGATIVES
The midfield still looks worringly weak, but with the possible arrival of Nicky Bailey from Southend (of whom I have heard only good things) I have every reason to feel positive.
PERFORMANCE
6/10. Up against a motivated if slightly powder puff Swansea side, we can do better but it's only the 1st game and it could be a lot worse- we could be Derby!
Yeovil preview to follow overnight- up the Addicks!
Charlton saw off their Welsh opponents thanks in no small part to a man of the match display from the new skipper at both ends of the field. Commanding in the air, his perfectly timed header gave the Addicks the dream start. And in true Charlton style, we were left hanging on (at least it felt like it) until Andy Gray made the points safe late on. And that was a goal I take all the credit for. I have taken my 5 year old daughter to 4 games at the Valley over the past 12 months (Burnley, Southampton, Coventry and Swansea) and look who has scored in each one....
POSITIVES
Hudson obviously was the big story. To think we swapped him for Paddy and got £500k is looking like deal of the summer. Jon Fortune had one of his best games for quite some time alongside the new captain, and if he can replicate this form over the next 9 months, it could be a big season for him.
NEGATIVES
The midfield still looks worringly weak, but with the possible arrival of Nicky Bailey from Southend (of whom I have heard only good things) I have every reason to feel positive.
PERFORMANCE
6/10. Up against a motivated if slightly powder puff Swansea side, we can do better but it's only the 1st game and it could be a lot worse- we could be Derby!
Yeovil preview to follow overnight- up the Addicks!
Thursday, 7 August 2008
Swansea City (h), The Valley, 09/08/08
Well, here it is- the first game of what we hope will be a successful season. And my first official blog. What can I say that I haven't read in countless Charlton blogs already?
Believe it or not, I'm actually feeling positive. We have a small squad and I'm hoping that the youngsters passion will give the whole place a feel-good factor as the season goes on. Sure, we will have bad days, but if the players can get the fans really fired up- as in 97/98 and 99/00- then I believe we have a chance.
And with new signings in the pipeline according to the manager today, by the time August is out we should be looking stronger all over the pitch- at least that's the plan.
So what to make of Swansea? They've got big support coming, they'll be full of confidence after winning the League 1 title, and will be a tricky first opponent. It'll be very similar to the Scunthorpe game some 12 months back, and perhaps a good indicator of what kind of season we're in for. I hope we've learned our lessons.
Prediction: Charlton 2 (Varney, Hudson) Swansea 1 (Scotland)
Believe it or not, I'm actually feeling positive. We have a small squad and I'm hoping that the youngsters passion will give the whole place a feel-good factor as the season goes on. Sure, we will have bad days, but if the players can get the fans really fired up- as in 97/98 and 99/00- then I believe we have a chance.
And with new signings in the pipeline according to the manager today, by the time August is out we should be looking stronger all over the pitch- at least that's the plan.
So what to make of Swansea? They've got big support coming, they'll be full of confidence after winning the League 1 title, and will be a tricky first opponent. It'll be very similar to the Scunthorpe game some 12 months back, and perhaps a good indicator of what kind of season we're in for. I hope we've learned our lessons.
Prediction: Charlton 2 (Varney, Hudson) Swansea 1 (Scotland)
Hello and welcome
Hello visitor,
Welcome to my blog- and despite my location I am as passionate an Addick as they come.
I've been watching Charlton since 1980 at a variety of grounds- and have seen plenty of drama along the way.
Follow my rantings and ravings throughout the season with me, I'm sure they'll be plenty to discuss as the Addicks hopefully make more of an impression on the Championship.
Look forward to hearing from you throughout the season.
NLA
Welcome to my blog- and despite my location I am as passionate an Addick as they come.
I've been watching Charlton since 1980 at a variety of grounds- and have seen plenty of drama along the way.
Follow my rantings and ravings throughout the season with me, I'm sure they'll be plenty to discuss as the Addicks hopefully make more of an impression on the Championship.
Look forward to hearing from you throughout the season.
NLA
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