It's late on this side of the Atlantic, so I'll wait until morning to hear what happened in Bromley. Please fill me in... I wish I could have been there... What an opportunity for supporters to hear direct from a man integral to the new management setup, particularly at this time of transition for the Club.
The Inspector published a good report, worth reading, especially to ease the concerns of the 'doom and gloom' merchants. From the impression the Inspector gives, Reed seems a thoroughly impressive figure, every bit worthy of his reputation.
I assume he spent the evening accounting for our rough start. Dowie seems to be getting a fair bit of abuse from some sections of the 'support', leaving some, even those indifferent to him, to wonder whether all of the sweet "talk" is not just "hype" and empty jargon. But I thought it funny none of those accusing fingers have been pointed at Reed (and to a lesser extent, Robson), a man who many self-proclaimed 'faithfuls' put their hopes on, at times virtually 'willing' him to return to the Club last season to displace Peacock and Day, if not Curbs too. Reed seems not to have suffered in the same way Dowie has. Am I overstating this? Is the abuse aimed at Dowie because he's ex-Palace and an unknown, but very public quantity (an outsider coming in) that has the potential to leave egg on our collective faces? Is Dowie an easy scapegoat?
Anyway, I feel confident that Dowie's eager talk and new methods balanced by Reeds experience and tactical guile are the way forward and will soon see us out of any immediate dangers. I also think that
Murray et al have laid the foundations for long-term growth with their managerial team appointment, and I'm confident it'll all work. Dowie the energetic figurehead, Reed the experience and Robson the student with a link to the academy (who'll perhaps be looking to be Dowie's replacement in 15 years time!).
For those there at the meeting, what impression did you get?
Are we looking onward and upward?
Did AFKA embarrass himself?
Is Reed a Charlton Life member?
I need to know!!!
Comments
Not too much definitive details to feed back. Reed is a very well versed and articulate speaker, and very interesting to listen to. Some of the replies were propbably a little too long-winded and generalised, but that's understandable.
Got the impression his current role is more weighted towards overseeing the organisational aspects of the footballing side, co-ordinating with prozone, the medical team, the fitness team etc. They regular split training so that he works with the defenders, robson the midfielders, dowie the strikers as an example.
It seems the players are not just being worked harder on every form, fitness, conditioning, technical etc. But also there is a lot more integration with the players and specific development working with individuals. Academy and reserve players are being mixed with the first team a lot more. Players are also taking more responsibility with thinking about the game a lot more. Get the impression the club could rival one of the big corporates with the amount of flip charts that seem to be used.
Talked a lot about the physcology aspects, and also the set up internationally. Worked for Northern Ireland when they beat England and went through what tactics they used in great detail.
In two hours, i think only 8 questions were asked which gives an indication in the amount of detail and thoroughness he was speaking.
AFKA did nothing to embarrass himself that I noticed. AFKA may have offered Les a free membership but I'm not sure. Biggest embarrasment goes to LargeAddick's Mum for leaving her purse behind. AFKA will be in touch Large.
Les stayed around and chatted to a group of Charlton lifers for about another 30 mins.
For me it just proved that I think I know about footballl and tactics but when you hear Les explain game plans and options I realise that I don't. Less explained how he set up the N Ireland team to beat England. It all made sense but I Watched that game and saw none of it. I just thought England were poor not noticing how players were closed down, others allowed to play etc etc.
Have I taken that quote out of context?
Now, if we can get some bloody points on the board......
Also the Senior Players Leadership Team and the enforcer of the in-house fines. For anyone who wasn't there guess who the four players are.
Seems to be a real structure for the youth and long term planning and thinking around bringing in good kids to compliment what we have coming thru to be the team of 3-4 years time. I know we all want points NOW but need to think about the future too.
People kept giving me money all evening - still not quite sure why, but cheers Henry.
Breezes in in a cream linen suit. All he needed is a cigar in one hand and a brandy in another.
I thought his yacht had been moored up at the River Cray !
:-)
That's 'New Labour' for you.
Lovejoy LOL but I though Sidney greenstreet
Here's a photo with Addickted on the left and me on the right.
http://www.fragilekitty.com/img/blog/sydneygreenstreet.jpg
http://www.heanet.ie/conferences/2003/presentations/Thursday/NorrisWilson_files/images/Image33.png