Of course, we would all prefer not to but, if it is a relegation battle we are facing, I thought it might be a good idea to find ways to enjoy it. It seems to me that it is perfectly possible if the following conditions are fulfilled:
1. Expectations
This is the main thing. When CAFC were promoted to the PL in 1998 nobody had expectations of anything else but a battle for survival. Therefore, regular defeats were expected and every point gained was celebrated. Pringle and Mendonca snatching last minute equalisers against Newcastle and Leicester were relished like victories. After our finish to last season maybe some of us had delusions of a play-off place this year, but the lack of summer activity and the loss of Fuller should have dampened our expectations sufficiently.
2. That it goes down to the wire
Being cast adrift with relegation all but mathematically secured by mid March is completely depressing. But, if there is a chance of survival right up to the final games, that is a different matter. That 4-3 win at Aston Villa in May 1999 is one of my all-time favourite games not just for the drama on the day but also for the fact that it was against the odds and it kept the hope going for another week. With Yeovil and Barnsley around I would hope that we wouldn't be sunk without trace before the clocks go forward.
3. The team are battlers
If it is possible, whatever the result, to come away from games feeling that at least the team never gave up, then that is a major bonus. On the whole I would say that we have this with the current squad. Yes, there are doubts about Sordell's commitment and the team were spineless against Millwall, but most of the time we can applaud the endeavour of every player even if we wish they were more skillful. Guys like Pritch, Wilson and Church come to mind and I'm confident that the whole squad would never throw in the towel (so far only one defeat by more than 1 goal).
4. There is visible hope for the future
Even if the team are struggling it is always possible to enjoy the performances of young players who should be the future of the club. They may not be good or strong enough to turn the tide, but you can see the promise. I think that, in Cousins, Harriot and Pigott we have sufficient young potential and who knows who else might break through as the season goes on ? Anything is better than a series of loan players going through the motions.
5. There is a feeling that we are all in it together
I guess this is the problem. I have no doubts on the pitch and certainly no doubts in the manager's dugout. The empathy Charlton supporters have for their manager is unlikely to be matched anywhere else in the league.
But, of course, there is very little feeling of solidarity above that. TJ and MS are honest about the motives for their involvement, and their lack of match day interest hardly helps build any sense of togetherness against adversity. Also, the contract situation must weaken the resolve of even the most dedicated player.
Maybe we'll embark now on one of those unbeaten runs we had last year and in a few weeks we'll be in mid table and thoughts of a relegation battle will seem absurd. Somehow, however, I don't think so.
So my suggestion is to adjust your expectations, roll up your sleeves, get on the edge of your seat and enjoy it.
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Comments
I feel a relegation battle can have two main reactions from a club. It either galvanises everybody, fans, players, staff and the like to battle for each other. This means we show our support and the players battle after lost causes. (Cardiff and bolton at home last season springs to mind).
Or it ends with a toxic atmosphere where the players lose interest and the fans give out a shed load of stick, wolves from last season maybe.
I pray it's the former. I feel it will be as well, because we are CAFC and we care and we have a squad that cares and a manager that cares. When fans see that then they can forgive mistakes.
Granted we turned into the afore mentioned wolves type club when we got relegated from the championship, but that was a blip for our club where everything was going wrong from the hangover of the Curbs departure and the appointment of a ... well a bell end!
We're gonna get through this season. We'll hit plenty of lows but they will make the highs that much sweeter. Just be happy that we've got our charlton back! A charlton with Chris Powell at the helm.
The young players have been signed on long term contracts - it is their club now but it is tough for them to be facing this kind of pressure in their first full season. So let's be clear we are at the wrong end of the table with perhaps a 35-40% chance of relegation. But we are in the right division compared to five years ago and we should be able to stay here.
More later...