Holmes seems to divide opinion, from absolute dog shit to great game and one of a three who done any good,
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've only heard positive things about Holmes. I thought he was class today and was the sole reason we got a point. His energy, running at people just got everyone going.
I've only seen this guy today and at Welling but he easily looks championship standard.
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.
Powell didn't want Clarke in the first place, but Jimenez did.
The first half we were so lacklustre it was pitiful and the atmosphere was like a behind closed doors friendly. Thought Slade should have changed it up at half time with a couple of subs. As it happened he sent them out with real energy and purpose in the second half and we got the Cobblers on the back foot and raised the crowd from it's slumber. Good move for the goal and dare I say that Jackson in that position is the one man you felt confident would score it. When Slade did finally make the subs we were enjoying our best spell and I think if anything it disrupted our flow. I felt for a spell that we would go on to win, but the game fizzled out again towards the last 15 or so. Lively debut from Magennis, thought he put in a good shift. Fox/Jackson on the left doesn't work, so obvious to us, what are the coaches thinking? Hope that was just nerves from Botaka. Jeez.
One last thing, why was Revell giving it large to Slade? Not very classy.
That's better! In the second half we played with energy and verve, advancing quickly with steel and fire. In the first half we were tentative and ponderous, merely an extension of the lethargy that relegated us last year and looked grim again in the pre-season friendlies. As fans, we all know the vital importance of stamping our authority and pressing opponents - and at long last for 45 minutes this afternoon we carved chances and shot at goal.
Far, far better. Magennis wins balls in the air - a refreshing sight - and Holmes is a cracker, popping up on the right wing one minute and darting to the left in the next. His instinct is to get forward at speed: this urgency is exhilarating. Having read Lifers' reports of Ajose at Bury and Cheltenham, I wondered how he managed 25 goals last year.
There were some brilliant flashes from Ajose today. In the second half, a swivel and shot from a crowd of players that shaved the post emulated Bradley Wright-Phillips. A sniper's bullet from nowhere. Yet, at five-feet-nine he needs precise passes to his feet - and we must learn how to deliver them. Two of our many failings: a free-kick that hit the one-man wall (from Holmes), and a muffed daisy-cutter corner from Lookman in the last minute that had the whole Valley chewing our blankets in frustration.
What a waste! Soon after he came on as sub, Lookman dribbled past defenders with superb close control - and ended up in a Tony Watt-type dead-end because he couldn't push the killer pass. Two minutes later, he did the same again. Shots were shanked and skied throughout the game. There was a ghastly reminder of our somnolent worst when Botake was set free on a late counter-attack: he sprinted forward on the left, crossed the half-way line with the ball still at his feet, and was caught by the Northampton defenders hacking back. Our players - Botake's fellow men - were 30 yards away!
We should hunt in packs, be visceral and aggressive. Our players might learn from the close force and power of their own fans' protests. Duchatelet and Meire will go soon enough. Meanwhile, after years of lily-livered pussyfooting, for 45 minutes today our players scented blood and brought the Covered End to their feet.
The first half was a repeat of the Bury game but the second half was a big improvement.
Jackson seems to be both the problem and solution to the team. His first half was so awful it got me thinking back to the retirement thread earlier in the week where he offered absolutely nothing, no outlet on the left wing, was chasing shadows and at fault for the first goal. But then come the 2nd half and playing in the middle the man does what he does best and that's stick the ball in the back of the net you just knew he would score when through at goal. I don't know what the solution is with Jackson he can't be played on the wing, can't be played as a centre mid in a 4 man midfield without some real legs alongside him which we don't have anymore so i'm afraid the best I can think for JJ is to play as an impact sub even coming on up front for 15-20 mins if we need a goal.
Thought Holmes had another very good game, our most creative player and we need to get him on the ball as much as possible at the moment, so important he stays fit.
Magennis looked threatening up front and put himself about more than many other recent CAFC strikers.
A few of them need a few more games to gel but if we can get a box to box CM and a creative CM both in even if one of them has to be a loan deal until Kashi or Diarra are back then we should have the makings of a top six squad.
It's just a shame August has turned out to be our main pre season month instead of July while we drop needless points in the meantime. The 2011/12 team would be sitting on 6 points by now.
I think the signs from this game are that we'll settle into this league and have a decent-ish season, upper-mid table I'd guess. The quality is definitely there at this level but understandably it hasn't quite clicked yet.
This love affair with Jackson is laughable and absurd. He captained a team that failed miserably last year – couldn't defend, couldn't score – and relegated us fans to bumble around with Rochdale and Fleetwood.
As captain, Jackson was incapable of doing what 15,000 fans implored – ignore our crappy managers, and get the players together to beat our opponents. The facts are bare: in a season of 46 games we scored 40 goals. Dutifully, when relegation was sealed at Bolton, Jackson publicly owned up: “It's our fault. It's the players' fault.”
Damn right. Those hopeless games under Fraeye, for example: why didn't Jackson think of an alternative and fire up the players: “Fuck the manager. We'll play this way.” Meanwhile, we – the fans – suffered another season of appalling spineless failure.
There's a confusion about what players say and what they do. When Henderson was frustrated after losing at Huddersfield last year, voice cracking with despair about Duchatelet, he might have stopped to think. He himself had just shipped five goals – to add to the regular three at The Valley when he couldn't command his own six-yard box, let alone inspire our defenders. Henderson conceded three against Burton Albion last week – and another three at Brighton on Friday.
Jackson played badly again yesterday. He thought about jumping for a 50-50 ball and couldn't quite get off the ground. In the first half, unchallenged, he sent a 70-yard hoof diagonally from defence to attack that landed in a vast no-man's-land. Our midfield is pathetically weak, has been since the Prem. Utterly flaccid. Simply devoid of physical strength and mental ability.
In the second half yesterday we got forward quicker, used our instincts, feared no-one at all – and actually scored. That's what every other football team does.
Damn right. Those hopeless games under Fraeye, for example: why didn't Jackson think of an alternative and fire up the players: “Fuck the manager. We'll play this way.” Meanwhile, we – the fans – suffered another season of appalling spineless failure.
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.
Although he's since scored goals for Scunthorpe, Coventry and Bury in this division.
This love affair with Jackson is laughable and absurd. He captained a team that failed miserably last year – couldn't defend, couldn't score – and relegated us fans to bumble around with Rochdale and Fleetwood.
As captain, Jackson was incapable of doing what 15,000 fans implored – ignore our crappy managers, and get the players together to beat our opponents. The facts are bare: in a season of 46 games we scored 40 goals. Dutifully, when relegation was sealed at Bolton, Jackson publicly owned up: “It's our fault. It's the players' fault.”
Damn right. Those hopeless games under Fraeye, for example: why didn't Jackson think of an alternative and fire up the players: “Fuck the manager. We'll play this way.” Meanwhile, we – the fans – suffered another season of appalling spineless failure.
There's a confusion about what players say and what they do. When Henderson was frustrated after losing at Huddersfield last year, voice cracking with despair about Duchatelet, he might have stopped to think. He himself had just shipped five goals – to add to the regular three at The Valley when he couldn't command his own six-yard box, let alone inspire our defenders. Henderson conceded three against Burton Albion last week – and another three at Brighton on Friday.
Jackson played badly again yesterday. He thought about jumping for a 50-50 ball and couldn't quite get off the ground. In the first half, unchallenged, he sent a 70-yard hoof diagonally from defence to attack that landed in a vast no-man's-land. Our midfield is pathetically weak, has been since the Prem. Utterly flaccid. Simply devoid of physical strength and mental ability.
In the second half yesterday we got forward quicker, used our instincts, feared no-one at all – and actually scored. That's what every other football team does.
One last thing, why was Revell giving it large to Slade? Not very classy.
Near the end one of there defenders put the ball out for a corner. Revell came running at him shouting, gesticulating, proper giving it. Great for team harmony etc, muppet
Well viewfinder, I think Jackson totally undermining the manager, irrespective of how bad, and telling them how to play would be the height of unprofessionallism.
First half I started thinking of that big list of projects the missus has given me and how I could have been earning some brownie points.
Second half I was seriously considering giving up a sunny Tuesday evening to watch the Shrewsbury game. With a few players back and once they've finished pre-season, could be a decent side but squad too thin to challenge for promotion.
And that is not good enough. Anything short of promotion this season is failure.
This love affair with Jackson is laughable and absurd. He captained a team that failed miserably last year – couldn't defend, couldn't score – and relegated us fans to bumble around with Rochdale and Fleetwood.
As captain, Jackson was incapable of doing what 15,000 fans implored – ignore our crappy managers, and get the players together to beat our opponents. The facts are bare: in a season of 46 games we scored 40 goals. Dutifully, when relegation was sealed at Bolton, Jackson publicly owned up: “It's our fault. It's the players' fault.”
Damn right. Those hopeless games under Fraeye, for example: why didn't Jackson think of an alternative and fire up the players: “Fuck the manager. We'll play this way.” Meanwhile, we – the fans – suffered another season of appalling spineless failure.
There's a confusion about what players say and what they do. When Henderson was frustrated after losing at Huddersfield last year, voice cracking with despair about Duchatelet, he might have stopped to think. He himself had just shipped five goals – to add to the regular three at The Valley when he couldn't command his own six-yard box, let alone inspire our defenders. Henderson conceded three against Burton Albion last week – and another three at Brighton on Friday.
Jackson played badly again yesterday. He thought about jumping for a 50-50 ball and couldn't quite get off the ground. In the first half, unchallenged, he sent a 70-yard hoof diagonally from defence to attack that landed in a vast no-man's-land. Our midfield is pathetically weak, has been since the Prem. Utterly flaccid. Simply devoid of physical strength and mental ability.
In the second half yesterday we got forward quicker, used our instincts, feared no-one at all – and actually scored. That's what every other football team does.
First half I started thinking of that big list of projects the missus has given me and how I could have been earning some brownie points.
Second half I was seriously considering giving up a sunny Tuesday evening to watch the Shrewsbury game.
With a few players back and once they've finished pre-season, could be a decent side but squad too thin to challenge for promotion.
Although the amount of injuries we've had in the last few years shouldn't be considered normal. Got to do better when it comes to getting players fit, preventing injuries and recovering quicker. It's something that we did well when we were last in this league.
See the pro-club SE7 Valiants continues to push the party line after the Northampton game.
"A great afternoon in an atmosphere that was much more enjoyable than all that "stand up if you want to see past the person who just stood up in front of you because someone told him to" nonsense."
"Interesting to see that all those CARD people who told fans not to renew or go to The Valley were present at the game today in their usual seats. Hypocrites."
I guess this is all part of the club's new approach to communications?!
First half was so slow and uninspiring. Second half was better, though not great. Konsa looks promising but not quite ready. Fox was fox. Foley, jackson and crofts will get us nowhere playing together. Crofts better of the 3 and had reasonable second half. Holmes seems our only real danger and they knew it. A jose unlucky with turn and shot and nice pass for jackos goal otherwise quiet. Magennis showed bit of strength and pace with ok debut, like ajose not much to feed on. Solly best player on the pitch. Botaka looked like he hadn't played for a long time... A very long time. Overall with that team looks like we will struggle to break teams down and can't see us winning enough games to make top 6.
Johnnie Jackson goals are frantastic and always timely. From Cardiff to Norwich to QPR the goals always bring special moments to matches. The goal yesterday against Northampton is another important goal to add to the collection.
Fantastic character but playing Jackson at left midfield is not the answer. It has not been the answer for many seasons. This position needs addressing as Lookman will not play every game, and will be variable. Addressing this position will also help Fox at left back not to be overrun. Johnnie Jackson on the pitch is a good thing but needs the right role / position.
At least Charlton are off the mark. Its going to be a long & difficult season to endure if the centre midfield (& left midfield) is not sorted out with some creativity, pace & drive.
First half so bad and very forgettable. Second much better. Also better when Jackson went more central.
Noticed Sue Parkes sitting next to KM, not sure who I feel more sorry for.
I found it interesting that KM has also moved back to her normal seat in the Directors box. She's come out from underneath the overhanging west upper back out into the open.
See the pro-club SE7 Valiants continues to push the party line after the Northampton game.
"A great afternoon in an atmosphere that was much more enjoyable than all that "stand up if you want to see past the person who just stood up in front of you because someone told him to" nonsense."
"Interesting to see that all those CARD people who told fans not to renew or go to The Valley were present at the game today in their usual seats. Hypocrites."
I guess this is all part of the club's new approach to communications?!
First time I'd heard of it yesterday so had a look, Jesus, not all but most were the head up their arse, brown nosed type. Unbelievable nonsense about our rosy future & that ridiculous sue parkes woman putting down anyone with a different opinion with the news that without that kind douche bag chap there wouldn't be a club to support etc etc etc. Can't imagine why any sensible person would want to be part of that nonsense.
Also a pleasure to meet some more lifers yesterday! And I got a hug from Fanny!
Enjoyed the protest outside the shop and was glad to see that placard that I put on the signpost was still up after the game. Pleasure to spend a while chatting with some of the Northampton fans who were kind enough to join us for the protest.
Will say I'm disappointed in the number of new Charlton shirts I saw and the number of people who brought programs etc. Seems crazy to me that people still don't get it, but each to their own.
What got me the most was recognising someone who is very openly anti Roland on all social media and seeing him buying his program and merchandise from the club shop. This is someone who has regularly said 'not a penny more' on twitter. Unique!
I wasn't there yesterday and don't know why the bloke had an argument with a steward, but what I did notice last season was a flaw in our entry system. The problem is that it uses turnstiles rather than open close gates. This means that somebody can go through, the next person can have his or her ticket accepted, and the first person can still move the turnstile a bit and the person going through has been registered as entering when they haven't. The simple solution I would imagine has to be in the software - delaying by a couple of seconds the time in which the next card is approved! Might solve future problems. Of course the club could take their usual line and assume the system works perfectly!
Having widened the pitch, I have noticed how many good away sides use that width to their advantage. On Saturday we completely failed todo so until we brought Lookman on, and then his class was obvious. He is our player at the moment, and should have played 90 minutes, Roland's greed hurting us again.
Curbs on 5 live after the game when asked about the gap between supporters and the club says that the club and supporters need to be united to move together. When asked how that is going to happen, said that the only way is for the owner to sell the club !
The ABC PR gaffe has really tipped things against Duchatelet & Meire as regards the media and football opinion in general.
This love affair with Jackson is laughable and absurd. He captained a team that failed miserably last year – couldn't defend, couldn't score – and relegated us fans to bumble around with Rochdale and Fleetwood.
As captain, Jackson was incapable of doing what 15,000 fans implored – ignore our crappy managers, and get the players together to beat our opponents. The facts are bare: in a season of 46 games we scored 40 goals. Dutifully, when relegation was sealed at Bolton, Jackson publicly owned up: “It's our fault. It's the players' fault.”
Damn right. Those hopeless games under Fraeye, for example: why didn't Jackson think of an alternative and fire up the players: “Fuck the manager. We'll play this way.” Meanwhile, we – the fans – suffered another season of appalling spineless failure.
There's a confusion about what players say and what they do. When Henderson was frustrated after losing at Huddersfield last year, voice cracking with despair about Duchatelet, he might have stopped to think. He himself had just shipped five goals – to add to the regular three at The Valley when he couldn't command his own six-yard box, let alone inspire our defenders. Henderson conceded three against Burton Albion last week – and another three at Brighton on Friday.
Jackson played badly again yesterday. He thought about jumping for a 50-50 ball and couldn't quite get off the ground. In the first half, unchallenged, he sent a 70-yard hoof diagonally from defence to attack that landed in a vast no-man's-land. Our midfield is pathetically weak, has been since the Prem. Utterly flaccid. Simply devoid of physical strength and mental ability.
In the second half yesterday we got forward quicker, used our instincts, feared no-one at all – and actually scored. That's what every other football team does.
We might beat Shrewsbury on Tuesday.
People talk some shit on here at times but that is right up there ^^^
Comments
I've only seen this guy today and at Welling but he easily looks championship standard.
As it happened he sent them out with real energy and purpose in the second half and we got the Cobblers on the back foot and raised the crowd from it's slumber.
Good move for the goal and dare I say that Jackson in that position is the one man you felt confident would score it.
When Slade did finally make the subs we were enjoying our best spell and I think if anything it disrupted our flow.
I felt for a spell that we would go on to win, but the game fizzled out again towards the last 15 or so.
Lively debut from Magennis, thought he put in a good shift.
Fox/Jackson on the left doesn't work, so obvious to us, what are the coaches thinking?
Hope that was just nerves from Botaka. Jeez.
One last thing, why was Revell giving it large to Slade? Not very classy.
Far, far better. Magennis wins balls in the air - a refreshing sight - and Holmes is a cracker, popping up on the right wing one minute and darting to the left in the next. His instinct is to get forward at speed: this urgency is exhilarating. Having read Lifers' reports of Ajose at Bury and Cheltenham, I wondered how he managed 25 goals last year.
There were some brilliant flashes from Ajose today. In the second half, a swivel and shot from a crowd of players that shaved the post emulated Bradley Wright-Phillips. A sniper's bullet from nowhere. Yet, at five-feet-nine he needs precise passes to his feet - and we must learn how to deliver them. Two of our many failings: a free-kick that hit the one-man wall (from Holmes), and a muffed daisy-cutter corner from Lookman in the last minute that had the whole Valley chewing our blankets in frustration.
What a waste! Soon after he came on as sub, Lookman dribbled past defenders with superb close control - and ended up in a Tony Watt-type dead-end because he couldn't push the killer pass. Two minutes later, he did the same again. Shots were shanked and skied throughout the game. There was a ghastly reminder of our somnolent worst when Botake was set free on a late counter-attack: he sprinted forward on the left, crossed the half-way line with the ball still at his feet, and was caught by the Northampton defenders hacking back. Our players - Botake's fellow men - were 30 yards away!
We should hunt in packs, be visceral and aggressive. Our players might learn from the close force and power of their own fans' protests. Duchatelet and Meire will go soon enough. Meanwhile, after years of lily-livered pussyfooting, for 45 minutes today our players scented blood and brought the Covered End to their feet.
Jackson seems to be both the problem and solution to the team. His first half was so awful it got me thinking back to the retirement thread earlier in the week where he offered absolutely nothing, no outlet on the left wing, was chasing shadows and at fault for the first goal. But then come the 2nd half and playing in the middle the man does what he does best and that's stick the ball in the back of the net you just knew he would score when through at goal. I don't know what the solution is with Jackson he can't be played on the wing, can't be played as a centre mid in a 4 man midfield without some real legs alongside him which we don't have anymore so i'm afraid the best I can think for JJ is to play as an impact sub even coming on up front for 15-20 mins if we need a goal.
Thought Holmes had another very good game, our most creative player and we need to get him on the ball as much as possible at the moment, so important he stays fit.
Magennis looked threatening up front and put himself about more than many other recent CAFC strikers.
A few of them need a few more games to gel but if we can get a box to box CM and a creative CM both in even if one of them has to be a loan deal until Kashi or Diarra are back then we should have the makings of a top six squad.
It's just a shame August has turned out to be our main pre season month instead of July while we drop needless points in the meantime. The 2011/12 team would be sitting on 6 points by now.
As captain, Jackson was incapable of doing what 15,000 fans implored – ignore our crappy managers, and get the players together to beat our opponents. The facts are bare: in a season of 46 games we scored 40 goals. Dutifully, when relegation was sealed at Bolton, Jackson publicly owned up: “It's our fault. It's the players' fault.”
Damn right. Those hopeless games under Fraeye, for example: why didn't Jackson think of an alternative and fire up the players: “Fuck the manager. We'll play this way.” Meanwhile, we – the fans – suffered another season of appalling spineless failure.
There's a confusion about what players say and what they do. When Henderson was frustrated after losing at Huddersfield last year, voice cracking with despair about Duchatelet, he might have stopped to think. He himself had just shipped five goals – to add to the regular three at The Valley when he couldn't command his own six-yard box, let alone inspire our defenders. Henderson conceded three against Burton Albion last week – and another three at Brighton on Friday.
Jackson played badly again yesterday. He thought about jumping for a 50-50 ball and couldn't quite get off the ground. In the first half, unchallenged, he sent a 70-yard hoof diagonally from defence to attack that landed in a vast no-man's-land. Our midfield is pathetically weak, has been since the Prem. Utterly flaccid. Simply devoid of physical strength and mental ability.
In the second half yesterday we got forward quicker, used our instincts, feared no-one at all – and actually scored. That's what every other football team does.
We might beat Shrewsbury on Tuesday.
Second half I was seriously considering giving up a sunny Tuesday evening to watch the Shrewsbury game.
With a few players back and once they've finished pre-season, could be a decent side but squad too thin to challenge for promotion.
"A great afternoon in an atmosphere that was much more enjoyable than all that "stand up if you want to see past the person who just stood up in front of you because someone told him to" nonsense."
"Interesting to see that all those CARD people who told fans not to renew or go to The Valley were present at the game today in their usual seats. Hypocrites."
I guess this is all part of the club's new approach to communications?!
Second half was better, though not great.
Konsa looks promising but not quite ready.
Fox was fox.
Foley, jackson and crofts will get us nowhere playing together. Crofts better of the 3 and had reasonable second half.
Holmes seems our only real danger and they knew it.
A jose unlucky with turn and shot and nice pass for jackos goal otherwise quiet.
Magennis showed bit of strength and pace with ok debut, like ajose not much to feed on.
Solly best player on the pitch.
Botaka looked like he hadn't played for a long time... A very long time.
Overall with that team looks like we will struggle to break teams down and can't see us winning enough games to make top 6.
Fantastic character but playing Jackson at left midfield is not the answer. It has not been the answer for many seasons. This position needs addressing as Lookman will not play every game, and will be variable. Addressing this position will also help Fox at left back not to be overrun. Johnnie Jackson on the pitch is a good thing but needs the right role / position.
At least Charlton are off the mark. Its going to be a long & difficult season to endure if the centre midfield (& left midfield) is not sorted out with some creativity, pace & drive.
Can't imagine why any sensible person would want to be part of that nonsense.
Enjoyed the protest outside the shop and was glad to see that placard that I put on the signpost was still up after the game. Pleasure to spend a while chatting with some of the Northampton fans who were kind enough to join us for the protest.
Will say I'm disappointed in the number of new Charlton shirts I saw and the number of people who brought programs etc. Seems crazy to me that people still don't get it, but each to their own.
What got me the most was recognising someone who is very openly anti Roland on all social media and seeing him buying his program and merchandise from the club shop. This is someone who has regularly said 'not a penny more' on twitter. Unique!
The ABC PR gaffe has really tipped things against Duchatelet & Meire as regards the media and football opinion in general.
Done.