To a very large extent, Matthews is the test case for me about the direction we will take over the summer. If there are budget constraints, it will be tempting for Jacko/TS to give him another short term contract. He’s not that bad when he can be arsed and he won’t break the bank. But to my mind he is the sort of mercenary try when it suits him sort of character who should be on the first bus outa here in a few weeks alongside Gunter, Watson, Souare, Innes and the rest of out of contract wasters that we should be sweeping out at the earliest opportunity (and that’s before we get to those under contract who we should be attempt to shift too!). But I can just feel it in my water that he’s going to hang about the place like a bad smell yet again. You just know…..
To a very large extent, Matthews is the test case for me about the direction we will take over the summer. If there are budget constraints, it will be tempting for Jacko/TS to give him another short term contract. He’s not that bad when he can be arsed and he won’t break the bank. But to my mind he is the sort of mercenary try when it suits him sort of character who should be on the first bus outa here in a few weeks alongside Gunter, Watson, Souare, Innes and the rest of out of contract wasters that we should be sweeping out at the earliest opportunity (and that’s before we get to those under contract who we should be attempt to shift too!). But I can just feel it in my water that he’s going to hang about the place like a bad smell yet again. You just know…..
He’s definitely one of a handful of what I would call test cases as you say. Him, Pearce, Purrington and whether we offer a deal to Lee are strong indicators of whether or not we’re going to back up this talk of Prem in 5 years with actions.
My assessment of him is that he's an OK full-back that doesn't really fit well as a wing-back. He can tackle and defend reasonably well, albeit with more and more mistakes that have come into his game this season. He was much more dependable as a full-back as part of a 4.
I suspect he'll be back on another 1 year deal and this should be on the basis he's going to be a squad player. I'd prefer a replacement, but I feel the likelihood is that we'll keep him, unless we can get a notable upgrade in on a free or something. Same applies to Purrington and probably Pearce. I just think that a massive clear-out is unlikely.
Honestly, I'll be spitting feathers if he stays. If we are going to reward half-arsing it, we'll get what we deserve.
The culture in the dressing room has to change and something tells me Matthews, with his highly questionable attitude over the past two seasons, is a part of that.
Earlier I said bin him. On reflection you won't get a lot better in L1 as cheap back up.
So, as with many of this squad, if he wants to accept low wages I would give him another year but purely in the basis we have a first choice (not injury prone). If you had say, Kane Wilson as first choice and Matthews back up that would be fine.
Obviously assumes Barker, Assimwe will not be able to step up yet.
I doubt Matthews would accept wages commensurate to stand by L1 RB however.
Earlier I said bin him. On reflection you won't get a lot better in L1 as cheap back up.
So, as with many of this squad, if he wants to accept low wages I would give him another year but purely in the basis we have a first choice (not injury prone). If you had say, Kane Wilson as first choice and Matthews back up that would be fine.
Obviously assumes Barker, Assimwe will not be able to step up yet.
I doubt Matthews would accept wages commensurate to stand by L1 RB however.
The problem for me with him and a few of the others out of contract is they can very quickly become starters and not back up. I get what you are saying but I think the problem we’ve faced quite a bit over this season is the likes of Pearce starting too many games.
I just think we need a clean break from all the fodder that has been hanging around for the last few years. And I include Pearce and Purrington in this. Pearce has been a great servant, but when he starts he’s fodder imo.
Suffers from Pratley syndrome. Darren was a better player when all he had to do was be positionally solid and break up play in the second tier rather than try to grab the game by the throat and make something happen in the third tier. Matthews is the same calibre of player.
He’s just not worth keeping for the sake of a clean start. He’d be alright as a cheap back-up if he was super cheap (sub 1k/week) and a back-up was all he was but as cabbles rightly says above there is a very real possibility he starts 20+ games if he’s here next season. Not what a promotion team needs.
Given the wage cap, I’d rather spend four grand a week on a top quality prospect and have a back-up of DJ/CBT or players from within the youth ranks rather than sign Matthews at two grand and have another bog average full back with the other two grand.
Suffers from Pratley syndrome. Darren was a better player when all he had to do was be positionally solid and break up play in the second tier rather than try to grab the game by the throat and make something happen in the third tier. Matthews is the same calibre of player.
He’s just not worth keeping for the sake of a clean start. He’d be alright as a cheap back-up if he was super cheap (sub 1k/week) and a back-up was all he was but as cabbles rightly says above there is a very real possibility he starts 20+ games if he’s here next season. Not what a promotion team needs.
Given the wage cap, I’d rather spend four grand a week on a top quality prospect and have a back-up of DJ/CBT or players from within the youth ranks rather than sign Matthews at two grand and have another bog average full back with the other two grand.
There isn't one... The squad cap remains though, which is a squad of 20-players
Seeing we've already got 11-players under Contract for next season
We can only bring in 10-players who'll be over 21-years of age
It firstly reduces the chances of Matthews and Inniss getting a deal by even more. But ironically partly ties in with Sandgaard's (mocked) comments about bringing in 2-5 players, and then utilising the loan market.
(Edit: Have changed the figures as briefly forgot that Goalkeepers dont count to the limit)
Sorry, squad cap. I think it point remains the same. Seems silly to have Matthews, CBT, DJ plus another to cover one position when we are so limited.
Matthews has occasionally played in the back three too but that is not enough reason to keep him. Would rather have a proper CB in the door for that purpose.
Suffers from Pratley syndrome. Darren was a better player when all he had to do was be positionally solid and break up play in the second tier rather than try to grab the game by the throat and make something happen in the third tier. Matthews is the same calibre of player.
He’s just not worth keeping for the sake of a clean start. He’d be alright as a cheap back-up if he was super cheap (sub 1k/week) and a back-up was all he was but as cabbles rightly says above there is a very real possibility he starts 20+ games if he’s here next season. Not what a promotion team needs.
Given the wage cap, I’d rather spend four grand a week on a top quality prospect and have a back-up of DJ/CBT or players from within the youth ranks rather than sign Matthews at two grand and have another bog average full back with the other two grand.
I know it’s not the point you are making , but Pratley tried hard in over 100 games in a few different positions. Mathews has had about 30 good games in 3 years - mostly in the championship
Hark at some of you lot trying to decide how much wage's to pay a player.
Someone even said that he'd offer Matthews "sub 1k a week wages" or something like that. That was generous of him .... if he's the one paying out the wages.
More seriously, we've seen an upturn in Matthew's form since he's been paired with Clare. Be warned that Jacko likes that partnership, because of it's flexibility to allow Clare to get forward and Matthews to drop back to RCB to cover him.
And we've seen that when actually motivated, Matthews can play through the gears. He's a tidy footballer, with good crossing ability and long throw, positionally sound and reads the game well enough - a bit hesitant when doubled up on and overloaded but capable of a clean last ditch tackle. You know, he's got all the tools of his trade.
I get that not every player wears his heart on his sleeve, instead playing effectively with calm and composure ..... but that's a world of difference to chugging along in 2nd gear. With Matthews we rarely see what we saw on Tuesday night with those determined lung busting runs and crossing. For crying out loud, why don't we?
He does come across as half-arsed a lot of the time. He needs to have a word with himself, because there's no room for 70%-ers in a side intending to build for a promotion push.
It could be job hunting time again, Mr Matthews. There's also going to be a few younger specialist wingbacks a lot hungrier than you applying.
Earlier I said bin him. On reflection you won't get a lot better in L1 as cheap back up.
So, as with many of this squad, if he wants to accept low wages I would give him another year but purely in the basis we have a first choice (not injury prone). If you had say, Kane Wilson as first choice and Matthews back up that would be fine.
Obviously assumes Barker, Assimwe will not be able to step up yet.
I doubt Matthews would accept wages commensurate to stand by L1 RB however.
The problem for me with him and a few of the others out of contract is they can very quickly become starters and not back up. I get what you are saying but I think the problem we’ve faced quite a bit over this season is the likes of Pearce starting too many games.
I just think we need a clean break from all the fodder that has been hanging around for the last few years. And I include Pearce and Purrington in this. Pearce has been a great servant, but when he starts he’s fodder imo.
Yeah but the reason Matthews, Purrington and Pearce have played so many is their direct competition has been, basically, Gunter, Souare and Inniss. That's the biggest problem.
It's also the same for Lee, Gilbey and a number of others who have played quite a lot.
I wonder where this he doesn't try idea comes from. If this is true then we should get rid of Jacko for playing him so regularly. Before the Wimbledon game people said he couldn't centre a ball. Yet he clearly can. It just needs our dozy forwards to get into a good position. He and Gunter have with Purrington been the most mucked about players we have this season. Play full back . Play Wing Back. Hang no third thoughts play CB. F
Tha accusation of not trying comes from him, and others, beong very good for Bowyer, then shit for Bowyer, then very good for Adkins, then shit for Adkins. Then funny enough when Jackson got the job, their "mate" the same thing happened.
Captain Fairweather and the pudding gang, there are 3 or 4 of them that have gone through the cycle 3 times now. Maybe it's just coincidence?
It is very hard to justify his performances for the most of this season as he has looked like he isnt really motivated. However he was one of our better players in the championship which makes his form since then even more strange. Maybe he has just had enough of Charlton and it's best for both parties if he moves on however those saying he is a shite player are very wrong imo.
I wonder where this he doesn't try idea comes from. If this is true then we should get rid of Jacko for playing him so regularly. Before the Wimbledon game people said he couldn't centre a ball. Yet he clearly can. It just needs our dozy forwards to get into a good position. He and Gunter have with Purrington been the most mucked about players we have this season. Play full back . Play Wing Back. Hang no third thoughts play CB. F
Tha accusation of not trying comes from him, and others, beong very good for Bowyer, then shit for Bowyer, then very good for Adkins, then shit for Adkins. Then funny enough when Jackson got the job, their "mate" the same thing happened.
Captain Fairweather and the pudding gang, there are 3 or 4 of them that have gone through the cycle 3 times now. Maybe it's just coincidence?
Of course this observation doesn't take into account, availability of others like all our forwards being missing this year or Adkin nit having several of the players he finished last season with at the start of this, often due to Covid or Injury or as with Millar and Aneke , moving on. Not to mention a poor recruitment preseason with players arriving into the season and a bit unfit ! Still, it is often easy to ignore the facts though isn't it.
Love this one. "Sorry, that goal was my fault again chaps. Why did I let the winger inside and give him a free shot again? Well, because our strikers are injured. And I suppose I'm also feeling a bit sad about Liam leaving."
Matthews is alright, same as Purrington. However, he's turned in some bloody awful performances this season. There was a moment against Lincoln where the ball was there to be won and he just waved his arms around expecting someone else to do his job for him! I do wonder in both cases whether the mistakes and half arsed performances are due to being constantly played out of position though. I think we should be looking to get someone better in.
Matthews is alright, same as Purrington. However, he's turned in some bloody awful performances this season. There was a moment against Lincoln where the ball was there to be won and he just waved his arms around expecting someone else to do his job for him! I do wonder in both cases whether the mistakes and half arsed performances are due to being constantly played out of position though. I think we should be looking to get someone better in.
I look on both with very different degrees of affection. But you are correct. Ability wise they are both alright but they won’t get us promoted (cue the “but Ben did”) comments. I’d just about keep Ben as a distant third choice back up but if we have real ambition they will both be heading out the door, Ben with sincere thanks for the memories and Matthews with a resounding “meh”.
I wonder where this he doesn't try idea comes from. If this is true then we should get rid of Jacko for playing him so regularly. Before the Wimbledon game people said he couldn't centre a ball. Yet he clearly can. It just needs our dozy forwards to get into a good position. He and Gunter have with Purrington been the most mucked about players we have this season. Play full back . Play Wing Back. Hang no third thoughts play CB. F
Tha accusation of not trying comes from him, and others, beong very good for Bowyer, then shit for Bowyer, then very good for Adkins, then shit for Adkins. Then funny enough when Jackson got the job, their "mate" the same thing happened.
Captain Fairweather and the pudding gang, there are 3 or 4 of them that have gone through the cycle 3 times now. Maybe it's just coincidence?
Of course this observation doesn't take into account, availability of others like all our forwards being missing this year or Adkin nit having several of the players he finished last season with at the start of this, often due to Covid or Injury or as with Millar and Aneke , moving on. Not to mention a poor recruitment preseason with players arriving into the season and a bit unfit ! Still, it is often easy to ignore the facts though isn't it.
I know this is going to blow your mind but two things, or even more, can be true at the same time.
None of what you said explains why Matthews, as the subject of this thread, got beat on the inside by his winger 3 games running because he didn't do his job. He has played in the Premier league and champions league, he doesn't need telling and it's no one else's fault is it?
I wonder where this he doesn't try idea comes from. If this is true then we should get rid of Jacko for playing him so regularly. Before the Wimbledon game people said he couldn't centre a ball. Yet he clearly can. It just needs our dozy forwards to get into a good position. He and Gunter have with Purrington been the most mucked about players we have this season. Play full back . Play Wing Back. Hang no third thoughts play CB. F
Tha accusation of not trying comes from him, and others, beong very good for Bowyer, then shit for Bowyer, then very good for Adkins, then shit for Adkins. Then funny enough when Jackson got the job, their "mate" the same thing happened.
Captain Fairweather and the pudding gang, there are 3 or 4 of them that have gone through the cycle 3 times now. Maybe it's just coincidence?
Of course this observation doesn't take into account, availability of others like all our forwards being missing this year or Adkin nit having several of the players he finished last season with at the start of this, often due to Covid or Injury or as with Millar and Aneke , moving on. Not to mention a poor recruitment preseason with players arriving into the season and a bit unfit ! Still, it is often easy to ignore the facts though isn't it.
Love this one. "Sorry, that goal was my fault again chaps. Why did I let the winger inside and give him a free shot again? Well, because our strikers are injured. And I suppose I'm also feeling a bit sad about Liam leaving."
Read your answer before replying, yours is much better.
Comments
I suspect he'll be back on another 1 year deal and this should be on the basis he's going to be a squad player. I'd prefer a replacement, but I feel the likelihood is that we'll keep him, unless we can get a notable upgrade in on a free or something. Same applies to Purrington and probably Pearce. I just think that a massive clear-out is unlikely.
The culture in the dressing room has to change and something tells me Matthews, with his highly questionable attitude over the past two seasons, is a part of that.
So, as with many of this squad, if he wants to accept low wages I would give him another year but purely in the basis we have a first choice (not injury prone). If you had say, Kane Wilson as first choice and Matthews back up that would be fine.
Obviously assumes Barker, Assimwe will not be able to step up yet.
I doubt Matthews would accept wages commensurate to stand by L1 RB however.
A few runs towards the end of the contract should not detract from that.
Given the wage cap, I’d rather spend four grand a week on a top quality prospect and have a back-up of DJ/CBT or players from within the youth ranks rather than sign Matthews at two grand and have another bog average full back with the other two grand.
Seeing we've already got 11-players under Contract for next season
MacGillivray | Dobson | Jaiyesimi | Stockley | Gilbey | Lavelle | Kirk | Fraser | Aneke | Blackett-Taylor | Clare
We can only bring in 10-players who'll be over 21-years of age
It firstly reduces the chances of Matthews and Inniss getting a deal by even more. But ironically partly ties in with Sandgaard's (mocked) comments about bringing in 2-5 players, and then utilising the loan market.
(Edit: Have changed the figures as briefly forgot that Goalkeepers dont count to the limit)
Matthews has occasionally played in the back three too but that is not enough reason to keep him. Would rather have a proper CB in the door for that purpose.
the championship
Good riddance to both of them. They come ranked as 2&3 of my most disliked Charlton players ever.
Kick them out the back door and they won't be missed. It would be difficult to find replacements who show less effort and commitment.
Someone even said that he'd offer Matthews "sub 1k a week wages" or something like that.
That was generous of him .... if he's the one paying out the wages.
Be warned that Jacko likes that partnership, because of it's flexibility to allow Clare to get forward and Matthews to drop back to RCB to cover him.
And we've seen that when actually motivated, Matthews can play through the gears.
He's a tidy footballer, with good crossing ability and long throw, positionally sound and reads the game well enough - a bit hesitant when doubled up on and overloaded but capable of a clean last ditch tackle. You know, he's got all the tools of his trade.
I get that not every player wears his heart on his sleeve, instead playing effectively with calm and composure ..... but that's a world of difference to chugging along in 2nd gear. With Matthews we rarely see what we saw on Tuesday night with those determined lung busting runs and crossing. For crying out loud, why don't we?
He does come across as half-arsed a lot of the time. He needs to have a word with himself, because there's no room for 70%-ers in a side intending to build for a promotion push.
It could be job hunting time again, Mr Matthews. There's also going to be a few younger specialist wingbacks a lot hungrier than you applying.
It's also the same for Lee, Gilbey and a number of others who have played quite a lot.
Captain Fairweather and the pudding gang, there are 3 or 4 of them that have gone through the cycle 3 times now. Maybe it's just coincidence?
None of what you said explains why Matthews, as the subject of this thread, got beat on the inside by his winger 3 games running because he didn't do his job. He has played in the Premier league and champions league, he doesn't need telling and it's no one else's fault is it?
@king addick with the tip