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!