The first 11 looks good, especially with Kashi in it, but we still look troublingly thin in terms of depth. Still, a season where Crofts doesn't need to start and Konsa and KAG can be brought through slowly is a good sign
Robinson has been able to sign some players to fit his preferred formation and with a full pre-season to prepare there's no more excuses. Last Saturday seemed very positive and I'm predicting we start the season with three points. 2-1 to the rip-roaring Addicks
I consulted the tea leaves and if I am not mistaken they say a draw. I will be back with the score as soon as I have felt the bumps on a strangers head!
I consulted the tea leaves and if I am not mistaken they say a draw. I will be back with the score as soon as I have felt the bumps on a strangers head!
Good first 11, but (although not signed yet). Reeves and another goalkeeper on bench with Phillips out on loan. Let us all be hopeful for at least the first game, so, 4-0
Oh bugger, it's back already, like a recurring genital infection. Can't say I'm remotely excited, but it seems I'm in the minority as a huge 60% of voters in this week's poll think we'll finish in the top 6 at least. Absolute madness!
Here's a few stats about our performance at the start of the season in the 24 complete seasons that we've played since we returned to The Valley.
First day of the season record overall - W9 L11 D4 Record in home games on the first day of the season - W8 L3 D1 Record in our first home league game of the season (whether it fell on opening day or the week after) - W15 L5 D4
The first curtain raiser back at The Valley was on 14 August 1993 against Birmingham City, a match that we won 1-0 thanks to a header from new signing Phil Chapple, whilst this one was almost certainly our most impressive opening day performance - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/887457.stm. "Charlton fired a warning to the Premier League...." - imagine that, Katrien.
Anyway, we're statistically quite good in the first home match of the season, and Bristol Rovers were so terrible last season that they let us score 9 goals against them, and the Pirates haven't beaten us at The Valley since 1958, so all the evidence points to a convincing home win, although it's worth remembering that the loathsome scouse talking machine has already overseen the loss of lengthy unbeaten records against MK Dons, Peterborough, Oxford, Northampton and Bury in his first 6 months.
Nevertheless, I reckon we'll get off to a good start: 4-0 victory, the optimists get completely carried away and Karl is even more convinced of his own genius and provides an unwatchably smug post match interview.
Mark my words though, our season will start to unravel in October.
Well here's a turn up for the books, I'm going to the game!! Last time I went to the opening game of the season we were promoted!! I've read all there is to on every forum about peoples feelings about our current close season...so its time for me to go and look for myself, apart from the fact I don't know when i'll be able to go again this season, and I like to get along to at least one game a year. Having said all that and trying to keep last weeks win (v's Ipswich) against the Norwich defeat, I'm going for a 2-1 victory, I'm looking forward to seeing this new side compete, lets hope my optimism isn't disappointed.
After the Ipswich game, both fans and players will be on a high. Smashing a Championship team 6-1 in the final PSF is a decent result. We will also go into the match knowing that we beat Brizzle Rovers 5-1 twice last season so ya'no - the lads have the mental edge.
We win comfortably but just in case things go awry how many games did it take Sheffield Utd to get their shit together , so we can still point to that fact if we struggle at the start of the season
Comments
Here's a few stats about our performance at the start of the season in the 24 complete seasons that we've played since we returned to The Valley.
First day of the season record overall - W9 L11 D4
Record in home games on the first day of the season - W8 L3 D1
Record in our first home league game of the season (whether it fell on opening day or the week after) - W15 L5 D4
The first curtain raiser back at The Valley was on 14 August 1993 against Birmingham City, a match that we won 1-0 thanks to a header from new signing Phil Chapple, whilst this one was almost certainly our most impressive opening day performance - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/887457.stm. "Charlton fired a warning to the Premier League...." - imagine that, Katrien.
Anyway, we're statistically quite good in the first home match of the season, and Bristol Rovers were so terrible last season that they let us score 9 goals against them, and the Pirates haven't beaten us at The Valley since 1958, so all the evidence points to a convincing home win, although it's worth remembering that the loathsome scouse talking machine has already overseen the loss of lengthy unbeaten records against MK Dons, Peterborough, Oxford, Northampton and Bury in his first 6 months.
Nevertheless, I reckon we'll get off to a good start: 4-0 victory, the optimists get completely carried away and Karl is even more convinced of his own genius and provides an unwatchably smug post match interview.
Mark my words though, our season will start to unravel in October.
Having said all that and trying to keep last weeks win (v's Ipswich) against the Norwich defeat, I'm going for a 2-1 victory, I'm looking forward to seeing this new side compete, lets hope my optimism isn't disappointed.
I wont be there, and crowd wise, I reckon 8k max.
As things stand I feel enthusiastic about our chances of promotion even if the ownership is still an issue.
First game of the season can be a lottery but on the basis of our form, squad and potential new additions I'll go for a 2-0 win.
In fact, we could have a rather good August.
The concern lies later when the lack of solid backup may hurt us.
However, for now, I am going to enjoy it.
COYR
3-0 and top after 1 game
COYR
But this is Charlton - 1-0 loss. Back to reality.
3-0.
Top of the league and that's where we will stay.
Head says 4-1, heart says 7 nil.
COYA