All I'm going to say is the cameo substitute appearance from Botaka reminded me of when Leon Clarke came on for 15 minutes or so as a sub in his first appearance and you could see straight away CP had bought a dud. Clarke was gone not long after.
I hope history doesn't repeat itself with this bloke.
Well yeah let's base judgments on 20 odd minutes after a few days at the club. I suppose it is the Charlton way.
They're judgements based on twenty minutes of play. How else do you judge someone other than what they did on the pitch, regardless of how long they were on it?
These are all correct as he was pretty poor. Hopefully he will improve and people will be able see what he can offer.
Not disagreeing that he was poor it was more the comment from Chris that we've got a gem of a signing. I'd rather judge someone on what they've done after more than just 20 minutes.
Well yeah let's base judgments on 20 odd minutes after a few days at the club. I suppose it is the Charlton way.
They're judgements based on twenty minutes of play. How else do you judge someone other than what they did on the pitch, regardless of how long they were on it?
These are all correct as he was pretty poor. Hopefully he will improve and people will be able see what he can offer.
Not disagreeing that he was poor it was more the comment from Chris that we've got a gem of a signing. I'd rather judge someone on what they've done after more than just 20 minutes.
It was only a tongue in cheek comment because so many people were saying how bad he was.
Gawd this division is poor. Had forgotten just how bad it is. No disrespect to Northampton but their defence looked leaky but we had no attacking intent. Tex and Bauer will stroll back in ahead of Konsa (young and raw, will be good but too inexperienced at the moment) and Pearce. The midfield is dreadful, Crofts and Foley are squad fillers at best, Jacko scored but still reckon he is one to bring off the bench and Holmes is a poor mans Lawrie Wilson who, for all his endeavour and effort gives the ball away all the time-hopefully he was just trying too hard against his old team. Migginis runs a lot and is quite strong, he is a natural mid range League One player but won't score a lot. Ajose ok, didn't get a lot of chances. The boy from Leeds was crap but hopefully that is just him settling. I went because it was free, it has not tempted me to renew.
On a positive note, Jacko scoring was a great moment and for 5 mins thereafter I had a reminder of good times at The Valley as we attacked and came close on a couple of occasions.
In the first half we huffed and puffed without really troubling Northampton but when we came out in the second half we just clicked. We were really good and nearly everything went through Solly and Holmes which makes it a strange why we took Holmes off. We were never quite the same without him.
All in all there was a lot to be optimistic about.
Good game.
Why? Have you knowledge someone is on their way to off duchatelet?
My first look at the new era Addicks today but have to start with an old era cliche - it was definitely a game of two halves.
First half - nervous, disjointed, lacking pace and energy, outplayed by a team knocking the ball around while we hit long, inaccurate diagonal balls.
Second half - much improved, played by far the better football, played higher up the pitch and with Ajose dropping deep to play one-twos looked much more dangerous. Could easily have got the winner and a win would not have flattered us - which is surprising given the first half inadequacies.
My take on the new signings:
Rudd - did not have much to do but calm and measured. Pearce - solid, unspectacular, at fault for the goal (not sure), reminds me a bit of Morro. Will improve. Crofts - better than I expected. A few errors but looked good coming forward as well as defensively. Unlucky not to score with a very good low shot. Foley - Looked like a right back playing out of position in midfield. Much too immobile. Holmes - excellent. Was disappointed when he was subbed. Uses both feet, runs at players, has heart. Would have improved us in the Championship. Ajose - quiet first half (no service) but when we played higher he dropped deeper and was key to some great link up play. Some good shots, on the turn, where his quick feet are very handy. Impressed. Magennis - a very willing runner but did not win many of the aerial challenges and did not display a sure first touch. Novak - not very long to judge but in a brief cameo suggested he would be the regular choice with Magennis as backup. Botaka - came on for Holmes but nowhere near the same quality. Being kind, he showed he had ambition.
And on the kids:
Konsa - started nervously and made a couple of errors. To his credit he stuck up for himself and grew into the game. Looked good in the 2nd half but without much pressure. Lookman - dangerous. Good dribbler who ran at the defence and caused them real panic. Finding it hard to believe that the regime won't cash in sooner rather than later.
And on the established players:
Solly - very god throughout. How Roland and Meire thought he wasn't good enough completely baffles me. Our new manager showed his appreciation several times. Jacko - can't play left midfield/wing any more but still popped up with the goal. Clearly loves the shirt and the fans, and it was good to see that fully reciprocated. They could play him with one leg and it would be fine by me. Fox - looks at home at this level. Stronger defensively but still too slow to get forward and add attacking threat.
The standard of football, overall, at this level is poor. We don't look like we are going to take the league by storm but I think we have enough to finish top half, especially if we sign another, stronger, more creative central midfielder.
Well yeah let's base judgments on 20 odd minutes after a few days at the club. I suppose it is the Charlton way.
They're judgements based on twenty minutes of play. How else do you judge someone other than what they did on the pitch, regardless of how long they were on it?
These are all correct as he was pretty poor. Hopefully he will improve and people will be able see what he can offer.
Not disagreeing that he was poor it was more the comment from Chris that we've got a gem of a signing. I'd rather judge someone on what they've done after more than just 20 minutes.
It was only a tongue in cheek comment because so many people were saying how bad he was.
Fair enough. I do think though a lot of people need to practice what they preach in terms of giving players a chance.
First half not good second half better Slade shouldn't have taken Holmes off unless injured. Snoop Dog was disappointing when he came on. Enjoyed the day though.
Yeah I like the look of him. Looks to take people on and even if it doesn't work the first time is willing to give it another go. Selfish as well which I guess will frustrate some but I think at times teams need a player like that.
Good team performance. Worked well as a unit. Plenty of team spirit. Slade got it wrong in making changes when the system was working and a second goal looked likely. Spine of the team very strong both physically and mentally. Ajose could be one hell of a player and I think the season is going to be a good one.
I will go along with the consensus .. good game .. funny substitutions .. team is developing nicely .. Ajose is looking to come good as are Holmes (very good) and Crofts (secure and steady in midfield) .. Jackson just will not lie down and be written off .. Solly his usual buzzy, industrious self .. all in all a good game that we were a trifle unfortunate not to win ..
2 criticisms .. Konsa is going to be a superstar, Pearce is steady .. BUT .. Slade has managed Revell at two different clubs and knows how dangerous he is in the air .. Neither Konsa nor Pearce are very tall as central defenders go .. Revell easily scored with his head and that acted like a kick in the bollocks to us and a shot in the arm to them .. JOHNSON should have started, he would have nullified Revell, who won a huge amount in the air .. Also .. Fox as an overlapping full back, he's tough, has a go and is improving .. BUT .. too slow down the left on the overlap to catch a cold .. what to do about that one ?
I enjoyed one of my rare visit to the valley on a scorcher of an afternoon ... well done to the players of both sides for playing a fast and committed game in very hot weather conditions
My free ticket put me near the front and middle of the East stand and I was surprised just how many were regular supporters. Met two new season ticket holders. They have supported Chelsea for years but are fed up with being ripped off for tickets and knew from a lot of friends what a great club we are. Oh well!
All seemed a bit strange and had the feeling of a first day at school; and that is how we played, with most not knowing anyone else. Solly, Fox and JJ obviously did know each other and it showed as their performances were a cut above.
I was glad that the scoreboard had the players names on it, and hopefully there will be a couple more players I will need to check on by the bank holiday game. Hopefully a quality midfielder or two.
Slightly more positive than before as I think we have a nucleus of a good first team.
Typical third tier match which didn't really answer too many questions.
I spoke to a couple of Northampton fans after the game and they reckon we will turn a few teams over and were glad to play us this early in the season. I guess that objective third party viewpoint should be interpreted as a positive.
For myself I feel none the wiser really after that and quite schizophrenic about it all. For instance I found myself veering from thinking of Magennis as Akpo in a kilt to feeling that he was a useful acquisition with his long throw, pace, power and general nuisance value. Likewise RICKYYYYYYYY Holmes engendered similar thoughts. There were times I cursed the fact that we had let Callum Harriott go to get that yet he showed enough signs for me to feel that he had something to offer. My inclination is to give him the benefit of the doubt and put some of the negatives down to trying too hard against his old club. My new friends from Northampton spoke in almost reverential tones as to his match winning qualities and the consensus amongst their fans is that they were sorry to lose him. Hence the stick he got during the game. They feared what he could do.
Conclusion is that the jury still out as to the prospects for the season as a whole. Maybe we will know more around 10 pm on Tuesday.
Oh, forgot the reception that Roger's name got when called. Walking up behind the stand I heard a big boo and said to my son "Johnson must be playing". Was he left out for his comments? If he was, they should say so. It would be an appropriate response from the club and Slade and would end the matter for me.
Holmes was booed and barracked continuously by the Northampton fans...but when he was substituted, they all stood and applauded him!
No. A cohort of Cobblers fans slagged him off to the annoyance of a lot of other Cobblers fans. When he left the pitch the fans that remembered his contribution to their promotion stood up to applaud him, partly to combat the impression left by the wankers that booed him.
But thank god addicks fans all agree with each other about the value of players.
Of course when we sell players we tend to be relegated and thus avoid seeing them play against us and avoid this situation.
Poor first half, need to see it again but at the time it also seemed a poor goal to concede. Far too many long balls, as expected the midfield wasn't good enough. Hoped we would make a change at half time and was disappointed that we didn't.
Second half a lot better but should have gone on to win the game. We had a lot of the ball and never really look like conceding for a second time. Defensively we weren't tested too much.
Konsa is promising, decent on the ball and seems to read the game well. May find it difficult against big strong strikers though in terms of winning headers and being physically strong enough to handle them. Think he's still 18 so has plenty of time to improve. Would love to hold on him for at least 2/3 seasons but under RD and KM I don't expect we will.
Pearce looks the typical solid CB, but not much to go on.
Fox was frustrating, poor crosses and playing a lot of long balls. Doesn't offer the pace and dribbling ability that we need when Jackson plays on the left (but I hope that stops after today).
I wasn't quite as impressed with Holmes as others. Positives he looks comfortable on the ball, not afraid to shoot with either foot, runs at players and wins free kicks. There were times when I expected/hoped he'd release the ball and he ended up running into trouble and lost it. Perhaps as some have said he was trying too hard against his old club.
Foley was clearly the more defensive of the CMs. Kept things simple, didn't do much wrong but offered nothing going forward. Could be a useful squad player but if we bring in a CM as Slade has talked about I can't see him being first choice.
Crofts I thought showed he could do well for us. Some (mainly across social media) seem to have already decided Crofts and Foley are too old, too slow and not good enough. Crofts got forward at times, wasn't afraid to put a tackle in and tried to create chances with some of his passes (although they didn't always come off). Nearly scored with a decent effort that went just wide. You don't play in good Norwich and Brighton teams in the Prem and Championship without being a good player. Wouldn't be surprised if opinions on him change as the season goes on.
Typical Jackson scoring right after the annual "legs have gone" thread pops up. Shouldn't need to be said but yes he still has something to offer on the playing side.
Ajose didn't get in the game at all in the first half. Barely touched the ball. Magennis was how he had been described, physical, hard working though not the most technical player. Should be a nuisance at the very least. We shouldn't just use him as a target for long balls to his head, he'll win his fair share but I doubt that's the way the get the best out of him. Has a long throw although m with him being the big striker we don't have too many to aim for.
Lookman did well when he came on. Like Holmes he ran into trouble at times, trying to do too much.
Botaka struggled, tried to take players on but it didn't come off, gave the ball away with a few poor passes. The concern for me is we won't bring in another wide option to go with Botaka, Holmes and Lookman. If two end up starting games and one is injured we won't an attacking wide player on the bench.
On the tactics I thought there was a switch at half time. Instead of Magennis dropping deep and Ajose pushing up they switched roles. Ajose probably has a better touch and close control - dropping deeper worked and it got him more involved in the game. He had a few decent efforts and should score goals if he gets the service in the box. He looked similar to BWP on YouTube and you could see that in his game today.
Magennis is a lot bigger and more powerful, pushing higher up gave the CBs more to worry about compared to Ajose in the first half. Slade must have also said something about all the long balls and lack of tempo/attacking intent as there was a clear improvement.
Potentially a good League One team there but I'm not sure there's enough for the automatic spots. And of course this time last year Makienok looked very usefu and there was more to come from Bergdich, Sarr and Ba. Kashi and Bauer looked quality, Ceballos was hyped up and we soon added to it with McAleny. At least with the recent additions we should be nowhere near another relegation battle.
What I don't think we have is a real stand out and reliable attacking player. Obviously we have Lookman but being the type of player he is, and his age, things won't always come off for him. After a good start in 2011/12 we signed Kermorgant and he changed us from a promotion challenger to title winners. Being optimistic I hope the midfielder Slade is after is capable of a similar impact. A good box to box, goalscoring central midfielder should make a huge difference.
Comments
Clarke was gone not long after.
I hope history doesn't repeat itself with this bloke.
We are based in Rothersthorpe Northampton and the yocals reckon he is mustard and will be the heartbeat of the side
What's the verdict based on games so far
I went because it was free, it has not tempted me to renew.
On a positive note, Jacko scoring was a great moment and for 5 mins thereafter I had a reminder of good times at The Valley as we attacked and came close on a couple of occasions.
First half - nervous, disjointed, lacking pace and energy, outplayed by a team knocking the ball around while we hit long, inaccurate diagonal balls.
Second half - much improved, played by far the better football, played higher up the pitch and with Ajose dropping deep to play one-twos looked much more dangerous. Could easily have got the winner and a win would not have flattered us - which is surprising given the first half inadequacies.
My take on the new signings:
Rudd - did not have much to do but calm and measured.
Pearce - solid, unspectacular, at fault for the goal (not sure), reminds me a bit of Morro. Will improve.
Crofts - better than I expected. A few errors but looked good coming forward as well as defensively. Unlucky not to score with a very good low shot.
Foley - Looked like a right back playing out of position in midfield. Much too immobile.
Holmes - excellent. Was disappointed when he was subbed. Uses both feet, runs at players, has heart. Would have improved us in the Championship.
Ajose - quiet first half (no service) but when we played higher he dropped deeper and was key to some great link up play. Some good shots, on the turn, where his quick feet are very handy. Impressed.
Magennis - a very willing runner but did not win many of the aerial challenges and did not display a sure first touch.
Novak - not very long to judge but in a brief cameo suggested he would be the regular choice with Magennis as backup.
Botaka - came on for Holmes but nowhere near the same quality. Being kind, he showed he had ambition.
And on the kids:
Konsa - started nervously and made a couple of errors. To his credit he stuck up for himself and grew into the game. Looked good in the 2nd half but without much pressure.
Lookman - dangerous. Good dribbler who ran at the defence and caused them real panic. Finding it hard to believe that the regime won't cash in sooner rather than later.
And on the established players:
Solly - very god throughout. How Roland and Meire thought he wasn't good enough completely baffles me. Our new manager showed his appreciation several times.
Jacko - can't play left midfield/wing any more but still popped up with the goal. Clearly loves the shirt and the fans, and it was good to see that fully reciprocated. They could play him with one leg and it would be fine by me.
Fox - looks at home at this level. Stronger defensively but still too slow to get forward and add attacking threat.
The standard of football, overall, at this level is poor. We don't look like we are going to take the league by storm but I think we have enough to finish top half, especially if we sign another, stronger, more creative central midfielder.
Slade shouldn't have taken Holmes off unless injured.
Snoop Dog was disappointing when he came on.
Enjoyed the day though.
2 criticisms .. Konsa is going to be a superstar, Pearce is steady .. BUT .. Slade has managed Revell at two different clubs and knows how dangerous he is in the air .. Neither Konsa nor Pearce are very tall as central defenders go .. Revell easily scored with his head and that acted like a kick in the bollocks to us and a shot in the arm to them .. JOHNSON should have started, he would have nullified Revell, who won a huge amount in the air .. Also .. Fox as an overlapping full back, he's tough, has a go and is improving .. BUT .. too slow down the left on the overlap to catch a cold .. what to do about that one ?
I enjoyed one of my rare visit to the valley on a scorcher of an afternoon ... well done to the players of both sides for playing a fast and committed game in very hot weather conditions
All seemed a bit strange and had the feeling of a first day at school; and that is how we played, with most not knowing anyone else. Solly, Fox and JJ obviously did know each other and it showed as their performances were a cut above.
I was glad that the scoreboard had the players names on it, and hopefully there will be a couple more players I will need to check on by the bank holiday game. Hopefully a quality midfielder or two.
Slightly more positive than before as I think we have a nucleus of a good first team.
I spoke to a couple of Northampton fans after the game and they reckon we will turn a few teams over and were glad to play us this early in the season. I guess that objective third party viewpoint should be interpreted as a positive.
For myself I feel none the wiser really after that and quite schizophrenic about it all. For instance I found myself veering from thinking of Magennis as Akpo in a kilt to feeling that he was a useful acquisition with his long throw, pace, power and general nuisance value. Likewise RICKYYYYYYYY Holmes engendered similar thoughts. There were times I cursed the fact that we had let Callum Harriott go to get that yet he showed enough signs for me to feel that he had something to offer. My inclination is to give him the benefit of the doubt and put some of the negatives down to trying too hard against his old club. My new friends from Northampton spoke in almost reverential tones as to his match winning qualities and the consensus amongst their fans is that they were sorry to lose him. Hence the stick he got during the game. They feared what he could do.
Conclusion is that the jury still out as to the prospects for the season as a whole. Maybe we will know more around 10 pm on Tuesday.
Magennis looks a worker and Ajose will deffo get goals
Negatives ( not allowed ) wtf was George Weahs cousins cousin doing , incredibly poor
It wasn’t the greatest game of football, but I sensed that the new boys had put in a shift. If they can try - so can I.
But thank god addicks fans all agree with each other about the value of players.
Of course when we sell players we tend to be relegated and thus avoid seeing them play against us and avoid this situation.
Especially delighted that Jackson scored.
Hoping that I can see that level of commitment next weekend at Walsall.
Second half a lot better but should have gone on to win the game. We had a lot of the ball and never really look like conceding for a second time. Defensively we weren't tested too much.
Konsa is promising, decent on the ball and seems to read the game well. May find it difficult against big strong strikers though in terms of winning headers and being physically strong enough to handle them. Think he's still 18 so has plenty of time to improve. Would love to hold on him for at least 2/3 seasons but under RD and KM I don't expect we will.
Pearce looks the typical solid CB, but not much to go on.
Fox was frustrating, poor crosses and playing a lot of long balls. Doesn't offer the pace and dribbling ability that we need when Jackson plays on the left (but I hope that stops after today).
I wasn't quite as impressed with Holmes as others. Positives he looks comfortable on the ball, not afraid to shoot with either foot, runs at players and wins free kicks. There were times when I expected/hoped he'd release the ball and he ended up running into trouble and lost it. Perhaps as some have said he was trying too hard against his old club.
Foley was clearly the more defensive of the CMs. Kept things simple, didn't do much wrong but offered nothing going forward. Could be a useful squad player but if we bring in a CM as Slade has talked about I can't see him being first choice.
Crofts I thought showed he could do well for us. Some (mainly across social media) seem to have already decided Crofts and Foley are too old, too slow and not good enough. Crofts got forward at times, wasn't afraid to put a tackle in and tried to create chances with some of his passes (although they didn't always come off). Nearly scored with a decent effort that went just wide. You don't play in good Norwich and Brighton teams in the Prem and Championship without being a good player. Wouldn't be surprised if opinions on him change as the season goes on.
Typical Jackson scoring right after the annual "legs have gone" thread pops up. Shouldn't need to be said but yes he still has something to offer on the playing side.
Ajose didn't get in the game at all in the first half. Barely touched the ball. Magennis was how he had been described, physical, hard working though not the most technical player. Should be a nuisance at the very least. We shouldn't just use him as a target for long balls to his head, he'll win his fair share but I doubt that's the way the get the best out of him. Has a long throw although m with him being the big striker we don't have too many to aim for.
Lookman did well when he came on. Like Holmes he ran into trouble at times, trying to do too much.
Botaka struggled, tried to take players on but it didn't come off, gave the ball away with a few poor passes. The concern for me is we won't bring in another wide option to go with Botaka, Holmes and Lookman. If two end up starting games and one is injured we won't an attacking wide player on the bench.
On the tactics I thought there was a switch at half time. Instead of Magennis dropping deep and Ajose pushing up they switched roles. Ajose probably has a better touch and close control - dropping deeper worked and it got him more involved in the game. He had a few decent efforts and should score goals if he gets the service in the box. He looked similar to BWP on YouTube and you could see that in his game today.
Magennis is a lot bigger and more powerful, pushing higher up gave the CBs more to worry about compared to Ajose in the first half. Slade must have also said something about all the long balls and lack of tempo/attacking intent as there was a clear improvement.
Potentially a good League One team there but I'm not sure there's enough for the automatic spots. And of course this time last year Makienok looked very usefu and there was more to come from Bergdich, Sarr and Ba. Kashi and Bauer looked quality, Ceballos was hyped up and we soon added to it with McAleny. At least with the recent additions we should be nowhere near another relegation battle.
What I don't think we have is a real stand out and reliable attacking player. Obviously we have Lookman but being the type of player he is, and his age, things won't always come off for him. After a good start in 2011/12 we signed Kermorgant and he changed us from a promotion challenger to title winners. Being optimistic I hope the midfielder Slade is after is capable of a similar impact. A good box to box, goalscoring central midfielder should make a huge difference.