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.
Friday, 15 August 2008
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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