Had forgotten Pratley and Reeves. Makes 12 midfielders and only Pratley (whom I expect to retire) whom I could not see playing L1 or better next season. Real strength (if fit).
That's why I was surprised we signed Williams when CM is not an issue in the slightest, although we do have a lot of injuries there at present.
I would prefer to replace Marshall with another winger who can make things happen. I know Bowyer likes the diamond but as we found out under Robinson you need to be flexible too. Marshall is ok but not League 1 promotion winning IMO. We are not getting the best out of Fosu in this formation either.
Williams replaces Ward (and gives us another option at CM) and it was an opportunity too good to turn down. Signed permanently so doesn’t take a loan slot, and if fit should be playing Championship football.
They are different players though. Ward could play out wide or upfront too, and could chip in with a few goals. I just think we do need to take some pressure off Grant and Taylor. Ajose isn't playing well, Igor will barely play and Fosu isn't playing well. We could do with a winger or striker definitely. As yesterday proved, we were on top and couldn't put the ball in the net. Would be lovely to have someone other then Grant and Taylor capable of doing that.
Had forgotten Pratley and Reeves. Makes 12 midfielders and only Pratley (whom I expect to retire) whom I could not see playing L1 or better next season. Real strength (if fit).
That's why I was surprised we signed Williams when CM is not an issue in the slightest, although we do have a lot of injuries there at present.
I would prefer to replace Marshall with another winger who can make things happen. I know Bowyer likes the diamond but as we found out under Robinson you need to be flexible too. Marshall is ok but not League 1 promotion winning IMO. We are not getting the best out of Fosu in this formation either.
Williams replaces Ward (and gives us another option at CM) and it was an opportunity too good to turn down. Signed permanently so doesn’t take a loan slot, and if fit should be playing Championship football.
They are different players though. Ward could play out wide or upfront too, and could chip in with a few goals. I just think we do need to take some pressure off Grant and Taylor. Ajose isn't playing well, Igor will barely play and Fosu isn't playing well. We could do with a winger or striker definitely. As yesterday proved, we were on top and couldn't put the ball in the net. Would be lovely to have someone other then Grant and Taylor capable of doing that.
Are they really that different? Both small and more about technique and intelligence than pace and power.
Ward's never been much of a goalscorer, Bowyer never used him up front from what I can remember. Williams could potentially play out wide in a more playmaking type role, he can run with the ball and pick a pass.
Agree a better third choice striker would be very useful, but it won't be easy to find one. They've got to be affordable yet proven and available. I think we'll need the takeover to go through to be able to strengthen in that area.
One excellent driving run which hints he could restore some of the dynamism to the midfield that we’ve lacked since Aribo got injured. Looked a bit rusty too though, but hints that he is basically a better Reeves, as others have said. Have zero faith he’ll finally stay fit here of all places, but will be a strong contender for a starting place even when everyone is fit.
One excellent driving run which hints he could restore some of the dynamism to the midfield that we’ve lacked since Aribo got injured. Looked a bit rusty too though, but hints that he is basically a better Reeves, as others have said. Have zero faith he’ll finally stay fit here of all places, but will be a strong contender for a starting place even when everyone is fit.
He really only needs to stay fit until we can get Aribo back on the pitch and maybe Cullen too - accepting that Cullen plays a different role.
If Williams can play 10 games between now and the end of the season then that may well be all we need out of him.
Would be nice if it’s more though. Bielek, Cullen, Aribo, Williams and Fosu would be quite the quintet to choose from. Reeves, Clarke, Morgan and Lapslie in the wings too. A very strong squad of midfielders at this level.
Had forgotten Pratley and Reeves. Makes 12 midfielders and only Pratley (whom I expect to retire) whom I could not see playing L1 or better next season. Real strength (if fit).
That's why I was surprised we signed Williams when CM is not an issue in the slightest, although we do have a lot of injuries there at present.
I would prefer to replace Marshall with another winger who can make things happen. I know Bowyer likes the diamond but as we found out under Robinson you need to be flexible too. Marshall is ok but not League 1 promotion winning IMO. We are not getting the best out of Fosu in this formation either.
Williams replaces Ward (and gives us another option at CM) and it was an opportunity too good to turn down. Signed permanently so doesn’t take a loan slot, and if fit should be playing Championship football.
They are different players though. Ward could play out wide or upfront too, and could chip in with a few goals. I just think we do need to take some pressure off Grant and Taylor. Ajose isn't playing well, Igor will barely play and Fosu isn't playing well. We could do with a winger or striker definitely. As yesterday proved, we were on top and couldn't put the ball in the net. Would be lovely to have someone other then Grant and Taylor capable of doing that.
Are they really that different? Both small and more about technique and intelligence than pace and power.
Ward's never been much of a goalscorer, Bowyer never used him up front from what I can remember. Williams could potentially play out wide in a more playmaking type role, he can run with the ball and pick a pass.
Agree a better third choice striker would be very useful, but it won't be easy to find one. They've got to be affordable yet proven and available. I think we'll need the takeover to go through to be able to strengthen in that area.
To be fair, thinking about it they probably aren’t miles apart. Ward perhaps adapted his game slightly because of his age. Certainly more attacking then Williams though. Never a goal scorer but capable of chipping in. I think Williams has less professional goals then Stevenson!
Only striker I can really think of is Aneke, think he would be a good versatile signing.
Had forgotten Pratley and Reeves. Makes 12 midfielders and only Pratley (whom I expect to retire) whom I could not see playing L1 or better next season. Real strength (if fit).
That's why I was surprised we signed Williams when CM is not an issue in the slightest, although we do have a lot of injuries there at present.
I would prefer to replace Marshall with another winger who can make things happen. I know Bowyer likes the diamond but as we found out under Robinson you need to be flexible too. Marshall is ok but not League 1 promotion winning IMO. We are not getting the best out of Fosu in this formation either.
Williams replaces Ward (and gives us another option at CM) and it was an opportunity too good to turn down. Signed permanently so doesn’t take a loan slot, and if fit should be playing Championship football.
They are different players though. Ward could play out wide or upfront too, and could chip in with a few goals. I just think we do need to take some pressure off Grant and Taylor. Ajose isn't playing well, Igor will barely play and Fosu isn't playing well. We could do with a winger or striker definitely. As yesterday proved, we were on top and couldn't put the ball in the net. Would be lovely to have someone other then Grant and Taylor capable of doing that.
Are they really that different? Both small and more about technique and intelligence than pace and power.
Ward's never been much of a goalscorer, Bowyer never used him up front from what I can remember. Williams could potentially play out wide in a more playmaking type role, he can run with the ball and pick a pass.
Agree a better third choice striker would be very useful, but it won't be easy to find one. They've got to be affordable yet proven and available. I think we'll need the takeover to go through to be able to strengthen in that area.
To be fair, thinking about it they probably aren’t miles apart. Ward perhaps adapted his game slightly because of his age. Certainly more attacking then Williams though. Never a goal scorer but capable of chipping in. I think Williams has less professional goals then Stevenson!
Only striker I can really think of is Aneke, think he would be a good versatile signing.
One question with Aneke... Is he out of contract in the summer?
If the answer is no then there isnt a hope in hell we'll sign him unless the takeover happens - Is their second top scorer this season (11-goals) and with MK Dons in second place I cant imagine them letting him go without a substantial fee
Jonny had spent 17 years at Crystal Palace before his transfer to Charlton and he said he had been overwhelmed with the responses since his departure. He said: “It got to a point where I knew if I wasn’t going to play, I had to move on for the good of my career. It was a hard decision. It’s been an emotional couple of days to be honest, with all the messages and memories from fans and friends that I’ve made over the last 17 years, so it was an emotional few days.
I have to admit, being a bit isolated, and not bothering much with FAPL nowadays, I knew nothing about him. So I was very surprised when the Covered End started singing his name so soon when he came on against Sunderland. It really seemed to me that he heard it and it lifted him because from that point on, he took the game by the scruff of the neck. After reading this, I reckon that wasn't just my imagination.
Nice interview that. When clubs get into the Premier League, it does become harder for younger players to establish themselves, the latter half of our PL stay was badly timed for the likes of Michael Turner for example
Nice interview that. When clubs get into the Premier League, it does become harder for younger players to establish themselves, the latter half of our PL stay was badly timed for the likes of Michael Turner for example
Long term planning goes out the window are 3 years in the premier league, and becomes about short term success.
Lloyd Sam is the only young player I can remember getting an opportunity after 04/05 season with us.
I have to admit, being a bit isolated, and not bothering much with FAPL nowadays, I knew nothing about him. So I was very surprised when the Covered End started singing his name so soon when he came on against Sunderland. It really seemed to me that he heard it and it lifted him because from that point on, he took the game by the scruff of the neck. After reading this, I reckon that wasn't just my imagination.
Probably linked to Bow saying "I hope the fans can show him some love" before his debut.
Loved him geeing up the crowd at the end even if the Stanley cry babies expected us all to walk off quietly after that dramatic winner . He’s clearly enjoying himself being in South East London playing footy for the first time !
Comments
Ward's never been much of a goalscorer, Bowyer never used him up front from what I can remember. Williams could potentially play out wide in a more playmaking type role, he can run with the ball and pick a pass.
Agree a better third choice striker would be very useful, but it won't be easy to find one. They've got to be affordable yet proven and available. I think we'll need the takeover to go through to be able to strengthen in that area.
If Williams can play 10 games between now and the end of the season then that may well be all we need out of him.
Only striker I can really think of is Aneke, think he would be a good versatile signing.
If the answer is no then there isnt a hope in hell we'll sign him unless the takeover happens - Is their second top scorer this season (11-goals) and with MK Dons in second place I cant imagine them letting him go without a substantial fee
“I think I needed it, I’ve only really had positive messages from everyone. Everyone is delighted that I’ve got a fresh start and the boys have taken to me really well in the last couple of days and I’m looking forward to playing as many games as I can in Charlton shirt until the end of the season and see what happens.”
https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/view/5c3320d8dc1bf/williams-i-couldnt-have-asked-for-a-better-reception-off-the-fans-i-feel-at-home-already
https://t.co/TztC1u1UbX
Very nice interview this.
I have to admit, being a bit isolated, and not bothering much with FAPL nowadays, I knew nothing about him. So I was very surprised when the Covered End started singing his name so soon when he came on against Sunderland. It really seemed to me that he heard it and it lifted him because from that point on, he took the game by the scruff of the neck. After reading this, I reckon that wasn't just my imagination.
Lloyd Sam is the only young player I can remember getting an opportunity after 04/05 season with us.
He’s clearly enjoying himself being in South East London playing footy for the first time !
He’s very technically gifted but his chance creation numbers relative to that ability is very very poor.
Our last five games have produced one goal scored from open play (plus Karlan’s penalty).