Firstly, let me say I'm always a "glass half full" person, but I do always inject a dose of reality.
I'm reading a lot of doom-mongering on here, but let's be frank, we've never been a club which has had millions in the bank to spend on players - the only time I ever remember us doing that, look where we ended up, thanks to signing "players" like Djimi Traore! Thank you Mr Dowie!
There are a lot of changes happening behind the scenes, but who's to say that will harm the club? So far all the on and off pitch changes that have been made seem to me to have improved things. There was an amazing buzz around the ground for most of last season, so it's a shame that the good feeling seems to be ebbing away.
I think some people have seen what Norwich and Southampton have done for the last 2 seasons but that's a freak if you ask me. It rarely ever happens. Look at the other clubs which were promoted from League 1 those seasons - Leeds, Millwall, Brighton and Peterborough. They've all been promoted and particularly in the cases of Millwall and Peterborough, they've not had loads to spend on new players and they have "survived" because even though it's a strong league, there are still some weaker teams.
Last season we brought in a load of new players and we brought in players who, Chris Powell thinks can make the transition to the Championship. He's always maintained that we wouldn't be spending loads this summer, so I don't know why people are disheartened that we aren't getting the cheque book out! We were told this would happen. I expect we're trying to sign players, but the cost of doing so is prohibitive and we're being sensible and not spending beyond our means, which I'm thankful for.
I think the squad is good enough to stay up and I for one would be happy with survival next season - anything more is a bonus as far as I'm concerned. I look at the league and think we'll do better than at least: Palace, Millwall, Barnsley, Bristol City, Derby, Ipswich and Peterborough. So, if we end up finishing in 17th or somewhere around there then I'll be quite happy!
All this said, I would like to see a couple of players coming in. I don't think that our strikers will score enough goals and I think we could benefit from some quality cover at centre back. Personally I think we're ok in the middle of the park and out wide.
I hope that anyone who hasn't yet done so, will buy their season ticket and will buy a ticket to Birmingham so that we can generate a great atmosphere at all games - we've seen how much better than expected we've done in the Olympics - that's down to the level of support and the atmosphere which is created - if we can do the same at The Valley and on away days next season, I think we'll exceed our expectations!
Rant over. If you've read this far, well done!
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I agree that we need a bit more depth in certain positions, but with a couple of good loan signings we could leave it until January to assess how much more competitive we need to be at this level.
Won't be at Birmingham, but will be at Forest - cant wait!!
Having concerns that the squad might not be strong enough, that you're a bit disappointed with the level and number of signings made so far, that you've concerned about the long term viability or ownership of the club, that's not doom mongering.
Personally speaking I expect us to be able to compete in this league. If that is unrealistic, then I am unrealistic.
I expected the squad to be strenghtened during the summer, and have been surprissed by the lack of signing's that I think that give a signal to fans and players that we expect to be competitive. I do not expect to be promoted, or relegated, and would assume that Chris probably shares that view, but I do not speak to him or have a secret source, so like 99 per cent on here have to have faith, although I feel that blind faith in a board I know little about, who actually own's us is unreasonable. Charlton to me are just not another football team, a lot more than that, and if the present owners do not realise that they have bought into the wrong club. The club has had a unique bond with it's supporters, I get the impression that the present board want to distance them selves from this position. Perhaps I am wrong,we shall see.........
I think our work ethic and team unity may be the strongest.
Even if we hadnt of signed a player and sold solly I would still expect us to compete in this league even now there is still only one position I would be desperate to improve
If that's burying head in sand so be it I call it a realistic position for a club of our size and fanbase in a tough economic climate
Why would you take 21st Len? Weve just pissed the league with 101 points and strengthened the squad
Thus far, this pre season, even wearing the rosiest of rose-tinted spectacles, has been under-whelming. It is clear that targets have been approached but for one reason or another, they haven't been signed. You don't need to take my word for it, SCP with all his classy and media savvy approach has on at least one occasion expressed his frustration at the lack of transfer activity.
I am not despondent. I think that we have players good enough at this level and possibly could succeed at a higher one. We do need to improve the spine of the team, in my opinion to really challenge. This is a hard division and maybe a harder one than when we left it.
We will soon find out what is in store. One thing I am certain about is that reports from pre-season games, good or bad are not a pointer to how we will fare. There are too many variables to base any prediction of the ensuing season. I remember how Green was hailed as the real difference during the last pre-season. He did make an impact but much less than players like Yann who weren't even signed at that stage.
So I ask for a bit of perspective when wrist slashing over poor performances individually and collectively in pre-season.
I will be suprised if we are near the relegation zone by the end of next season and in fact I will be furious as we had a long term ambition to be in the Premier League. I will also be suprised if we challenge for the playoffs and I think the club's ambiton to compete in the Championship and be a mid-table team, I will be more than happy with that.
Our squad is better than average for this division. Add a further ten per cent for team spirit and we will be fine. I look forward to getting some points on the board so the realises can start being less pessimistic.