I know it's fifteen years later, but I wouldn't say we were particularly well prepared for the Premier League in 97/98. We endured a relegation but came back stronger with a much improved squad and ran away with the Championship (then Division One) and that led to seven quite successful years of top flight football.
Agree with this, but the worry for me would be more about Powell's position - I don't know whether our current board would have the same patience that Curbishley was afforded.
And that's not a specific doom and gloom style view of our board per se, as I don't think there's many around these days who wont panic and pull the trigger when they see the premiership slipping away.
65 points shouldn't be enough for the play offs so no complaints. Maybe we needed a few reffing decisions to go our way rather than against us over the season - 2 draws transformed into 2 wins would have been enough. The team seems to be full of promise though. Pritchard is such a massive plus for me. We could a player who makes the differnce next year. First halftoday was a bit like a friendly, but you always had the sense we were much better than them. Second half, we won it without having to go up the gears - sublime first. Real shame Waggy didn't get the goal he deserved.Keep Solly and bring in a midfielder and striker- that's all that is required for me. One season wiser will be the difference.
- 2 draws transformed into 2 wins would have been enough.
There will be a lot of what ifs about this season, this being one of them. What if we hadn't of conceded those two late goals against Birmingham?
Having said this, in my opinion there should be no need for what ifs, this has been a fantastic season with some of the most memorable games all jumbled together into one season: Cardiff, Watford, Barnsley, the late winners against Leeds and Wolves ... brilliant!
There were a fair few people that were nervous about relegation only a matter of weeks ago, testament to the character of the squad that they have turned it around and the fact that people are even mentioning what we could have done to get into the play-offs shows the transformation.
I am so proud to support Charlton at the moment. We have a club legend in charge that loves the club and he also seems to be the envy of all other clubs in the football league, he is loved by everybody in football. Then there is the squad that he has assembled; never have I felt so close to a squad, it makes us feel like such a special club when the fans are so close the players. The love shown from the fans to Kermorgant, Pritchard, Hughes, Jackson, Solly and co is astounding. In essence SCP has brought genuine, hard-working and generally nice people to play for our club, they're also bloody talented, you can't ask more than that.
Thank you CAFC for a great season, I've enjoyed every second.
If I supported another club, I'd genuinely fear us next season. Board are the only ones who can cock this up now. I suspect they won't, they must realise how close we are.
If we can keep Solly, Hamer, Wiggins, Morrison & Dervite we have a strong back 5 next season. With Pritchard, Jacko and Harriett in midfield we are looking ok, Gower would be worth a contract IMO. Yann & Obika could do a job together.
Just need 2/3 extra pieces of class and to get some luck next season and who knows...
Re todays game, first half was typical end of season nothingness, second half came alive and Powell almost made me cry at the end! Only moan is I would have liked to see 2/3 youngsters given a chance (in addition to Pope)
Kermo confirmed today that he is a class above - Premiership, without doubt. Certainly a game of two halves. Solly's cross under pressure for Yann's second was simply sublime and very similar to Ribery cross for Muller goal vs Barca the other night - yes, it was that good a cross! Wilson was pants today, other than that, Charlton Athletic FC were the business. If we can mantain the momentum next season and continue to get the support of investors then CP can be the next Alan Curbishley - his mentor, or one of them. Really, really enjoyed today. Stand up if you love Chris Powell!
Obika looks a good all-round player to me. Good movement, good control, heads, finishes, knows where to be in the penalty area, has pace and sees a pass. Him and Kermorgant looked a good fit but I don't think Spurs will let him go....he might have done enough to catch their eye for next season.
As for the game.....good to see some concerted pressure in the 2nd half and the quality of all four goals was top notch. Fair play to Morrison....he made a boo-boo but then didn't put a foot wrong. Good character that lad.
PS: If we could get the pitch sorted for next season, Gower would be a joy to watch. He's such a good passer and exactly the sort of player we've lacked in a lot of the home games.
- 2 draws transformed into 2 wins would have been enough.
I am so proud to support Charlton at the moment. We have a club legend in charge that loves the club and he also seems to be the envy of all other clubs in the football league, he is loved by everybody in football. Then there is the squad that he has assembled; never have I felt so close to a squad, it makes us feel like such a special club when the fans are so close the players. The love shown from the fans to Kermorgant, Pritchard, Hughes, Jackson, Solly and co is astounding. In essence SCP has brought genuine, hard-working and generally nice people to play for our club, they're also bloody talented, you can't ask more than that.
Thank you CAFC for a great season, I've enjoyed every second.
- 2 draws transformed into 2 wins would have been enough.
There will be a lot of what ifs about this season, this being one of them. What if we hadn't of conceded those two late goals against Birmingham?
Having said this, in my opinion there should be no need for what ifs, this has been a fantastic season with some of the most memorable games all jumbled together into one season: Cardiff, Watford, Barnsley, the late winners against Leeds and Wolves ... brilliant!
There were a fair few people that were nervous about relegation only a matter of weeks ago, testament to the character of the squad that they have turned it around and the fact that people are even mentioning what we could have done to get into the play-offs shows the transformation.
I am so proud to support Charlton at the moment. We have a club legend in charge that loves the club and he also seems to be the envy of all other clubs in the football league, he is loved by everybody in football. Then there is the squad that he has assembled; never have I felt so close to a squad, it makes us feel like such a special club when the fans are so close the players. The love shown from the fans to Kermorgant, Pritchard, Hughes, Jackson, Solly and co is astounding. In essence SCP has brought genuine, hard-working and generally nice people to play for our club, they're also bloody talented, you can't ask more than that.
Thank you CAFC for a great season, I've enjoyed every second.
COYR!
Think you summed it up only a handful of games ago we looked in real bother.Great to finish so strongly which brings real hope for next season.We really will need to strenthgen the squad to challenge as I think it will be tougher next season,but we have the right man in charge and a lot will have been learned from a real rollercoaster ride with teams being relegated with 54 points.Gota feel a bit for Peboro.
The perfect end to a great season that started off slowly went into a slump and ended with a BANG. If we carry recent form into next season we will be back in the Premier the season after next. Well done you Addicks !!!!
The pitch looked good... the club will be shedding a hefty part of the wage bill by end June...we have finished unbeaten in eight! So maybe the challenge for the board will be fending off bids for top players and management?! And perhaps chase one or two players from the relegated clubs if they can add to what we have. Remember Dean Kiely and Clive Mendonca anyone? As per Trust News, if clubs break spending limits next season they will be locked out of the January 2015 transfer window. Mr Slater has added to this by sharing the news that clubs will not be allowed to re-sign existing players as well if they overspend. There are clearly some clubs who are massively overspending and will have to let players go... so a massive downward pressure on player wages and a good time to strengthen? Or perhaps CAFC will rely on the talent coming through from the U18s? If that is the case, will we be patient enough? A good manager like Chris Powell needs pressure and not an open chequebook - this time last year we were linked with Baldock ... would he have made a difference or are we better off trusting the current squad who, let's face it, are looking unstoppable right now!
Where we finished this year is a reflection of our home form. Where we finish next year will be a reflection of our away form, because that is the truest measure of this team. To achieve what they did on their travels they have needed organisation, commitment, talent and loyalty, combined with the best possible management throughout the whole club from the youth team upwards.
Charlton can only prosper - iIf the core of the group can be kept intact, infused with a steady stream of talent from the development squad and the journeymen-turned-supermen of which SCP seems to have a private supply, next season will be another vintage one.
Would rather we tried to keep the finances on track and the club in business than make any big signings. We'll just have to continue being shrewd in the transfer market. If we keep most of our key players I'll be happy.
Excellent second half ( apart from the incredibly cheap and irritating goal we conceded ) and Yann was immense. Very good performances also from Solly, Gower, Obika and Pritchard.
It was great to sign off on an optimistic note - not just yesterday, but over the last four home games and the last eight matches unbeaten. Where personal circumstances permit it, I hope that this will help sway waverers into renewing their season tickets and encourage others to take the plunge. After such a fine effort against the odds ( finishing 9th, as against a position of 18th in the budget table ), the club deserve our support and no one more so than Chris Powell.
As per Trust News, if clubs break spending limits next season they will be locked out of the January 2015 transfer window. Mr Slater has added to this by sharing the news that clubs will not be allowed to re-sign existing players as well if they overspend.
These new rules are going to have a significant impact on the Championship, and on us, going forward. Clubs breaking the FFP rules will not be fined paltry amounts of cash that rich owners would just stump up without a thought. No, they are instead going to be blocked from signing new players & from re-signing contracts with existing players. It is going to be very interesting to see how this all plays out over the next couple of seasons. This is potentially a very important step in forcing clubs with huge debts to get their houses in order.
As per Trust News, if clubs break spending limits next season they will be locked out of the January 2015 transfer window. Mr Slater has added to this by sharing the news that clubs will not be allowed to re-sign existing players as well if they overspend.
These new rules are going to have a significant impact on the Championship, and on us, going forward. Clubs breaking the FFP rules will not be fined paltry amounts of cash that rich owners would just stump up without a thought. No, they are instead going to be blocked from signing new players & from re-signing contracts with existing players. It is going to be very interesting to see how this all plays out over the next couple of seasons. This is potentially a very important step in forcing clubs with huge debts to get their houses in order.
Or in some cases put them out of business. A club struggling against relegation ie Wolves would have its hands tied and not be able to make a business decision to spend in the hope of avoiding the drop. Although football finances are a mad house I just wonder if this was the best way of going about things. Not sure how many current or prospective owners would want to effectively not be able to run their own businesses. As said it will be fascinating to watch.
It will be fascinating to watch with the first act starts in the next window and with player retention - watch who CAFC and other Championship clubs let go and remember that Academy expenditure is exempt. I don't think the limits affect Charlton directly next season but they go lower each year ... so contract renewals and new signings going into 2014/15 have to be thought about carefully. It is all explained in Trust News which will soon be on line for members
How is this FFP going to work? I mean, surely if a club like, say, Ipswich were in danger of not complying then Marcus Evans would simply up the price his company pays for the shirt sponsorship and hey presto - more income.
What a great way to end the season. Four cracking goals and a dominant display, admittedly against demoralised opposition. Yann was simply superb and if that chip had gone in rather than hit the bar, I'd have dished out my first ever 10 in the player ratings. Obika offers more in the way of mobility than Fuller and he also has an eye for goal - he was just where he needed to be to score that header and that to me is encouraging. In the last three home games he has found himself perfectly positioined in the box to accept chances and he has taken them with the minimum of fuss. Keep. Gower is tidy, reads the game well and can pick out a pass. He gets the ball moving quicker than Stephens and brings people in to the game. I'd like to see him stay. Pritch, Jacko, Dervite, Solly all excellent. Harriott great in patches, just feel he takes the wrong option at times, but he has time on his side and will be a top player. Ninth is an excellent achievement. Congratulations to CP and all the players.
great second half - kermo superb, jj quality, pritch everywhere - cp doing what he does - leading and inspiring both players and fans - next year's gonna be good = lets just hope the boardroom can get sorted and don't hold us back.
Comments
And that's not a specific doom and gloom style view of our board per se, as I don't think there's many around these days who wont panic and pull the trigger when they see the premiership slipping away.
not read it yet , was it because of the Supporters Trust thingy with it ?
Having said this, in my opinion there should be no need for what ifs, this has been a fantastic season with some of the most memorable games all jumbled together into one season: Cardiff, Watford, Barnsley, the late winners against Leeds and Wolves ... brilliant!
There were a fair few people that were nervous about relegation only a matter of weeks ago, testament to the character of the squad that they have turned it around and the fact that people are even mentioning what we could have done to get into the play-offs shows the transformation.
I am so proud to support Charlton at the moment. We have a club legend in charge that loves the club and he also seems to be the envy of all other clubs in the football league, he is loved by everybody in football. Then there is the squad that he has assembled; never have I felt so close to a squad, it makes us feel like such a special club when the fans are so close the players. The love shown from the fans to Kermorgant, Pritchard, Hughes, Jackson, Solly and co is astounding. In essence SCP has brought genuine, hard-working and generally nice people to play for our club, they're also bloody talented, you can't ask more than that.
Thank you CAFC for a great season, I've enjoyed every second.
COYR!
With Pritchard, Jacko and Harriett in midfield we are looking ok, Gower would be worth a contract IMO.
Yann & Obika could do a job together.
Just need 2/3 extra pieces of class and to get some luck next season and who knows...
Re todays game, first half was typical end of season nothingness, second half came alive and Powell almost made me cry at the end! Only moan is I would have liked to see 2/3 youngsters given a chance (in addition to Pope)
Certainly a game of two halves.
Solly's cross under pressure for Yann's second was simply sublime and very similar to Ribery cross for Muller goal vs Barca the other night - yes, it was that good a cross!
Wilson was pants today, other than that, Charlton Athletic FC were the business.
If we can mantain the momentum next season and continue to get the support of investors then CP can be the next Alan Curbishley - his mentor, or one of them.
Really, really enjoyed today.
Stand up if you love Chris Powell!
As for the game.....good to see some concerted pressure in the 2nd half and the quality of all four goals was top notch. Fair play to Morrison....he made a boo-boo but then didn't put a foot wrong. Good character that lad.
PS: If we could get the pitch sorted for next season, Gower would be a joy to watch. He's such a good passer and exactly the sort of player we've lacked in a lot of the home games.
So maybe the challenge for the board will be fending off bids for top players and management?! And perhaps chase one or two players from the relegated clubs if they can add to what we have. Remember Dean Kiely and Clive Mendonca anyone?
As per Trust News, if clubs break spending limits next season they will be locked out of the January 2015 transfer window. Mr Slater has added to this by sharing the news that clubs will not be allowed to re-sign existing players as well if they overspend. There are clearly some clubs who are massively overspending and will have to let players go... so a massive downward pressure on player wages and a good time to strengthen? Or perhaps CAFC will rely on the talent coming through from the U18s?
If that is the case, will we be patient enough?
A good manager like Chris Powell needs pressure and not an open chequebook - this time last year we were linked with Baldock ... would he have made a difference or are we better off trusting the current squad who, let's face it, are looking unstoppable right now!
Charlton can only prosper - iIf the core of the group can be kept intact, infused with a steady stream of talent from the development squad and the journeymen-turned-supermen of which SCP seems to have a private supply, next season will be another vintage one.
If we keep most of our key players I'll be happy.
It was great to sign off on an optimistic note - not just yesterday, but over the last four home games and the last eight matches unbeaten. Where personal circumstances permit it, I hope that this will help sway waverers into renewing their season tickets and encourage others to take the plunge. After such a fine effort against the odds ( finishing 9th, as against a position of 18th in the budget table ), the club deserve our support and no one more so than Chris Powell.
Four cracking goals and a dominant display, admittedly against demoralised opposition.
Yann was simply superb and if that chip had gone in rather than hit the bar, I'd have dished out my first ever 10 in the player ratings.
Obika offers more in the way of mobility than Fuller and he also has an eye for goal - he was just where he needed to be to score that header and that to me is encouraging. In the last three home games he has found himself perfectly positioined in the box to accept chances and he has taken them with the minimum of fuss. Keep.
Gower is tidy, reads the game well and can pick out a pass. He gets the ball moving quicker than Stephens and brings people in to the game. I'd like to see him stay.
Pritch, Jacko, Dervite, Solly all excellent. Harriott great in patches, just feel he takes the wrong option at times, but he has time on his side and will be a top player.
Ninth is an excellent achievement.
Congratulations to CP and all the players.