Well that was a most acceptable way to while away a few hours, coupled with some draught Peckham Pale from the Brick Brewery.
A pretty dire first 20 minutes, which was characterised by a failure to put more than a couple of passes together, the concession of unnecessary corners and Ben Amos repeatedly hoofing the ball into touch. Thankfully, it got better after that, as we started to to move the ball more quickly and a lovely goal from Bonne seemed to deflate Swindon.
After a lively start to the second half, we found ourselves on the back foot but seemed to have ridden it out before an excellent piece of control and finish from Swindon’s substitute made it 1-1. They then predictably had a decent spell and Amos had to pull off a couple of decent saves.
The introduction of Gilbey (who looked very good) and Aneke gave us fresh impetus and a very good knock down by Chuks presented Charlie Barker with the opportunity to neatly head in his first ever goal. What a great moment for the lad. Swindon didn’t really threaten after that and Chuks put the icing on the cake by bullying his way past a defender and lashing the ball in at the near post. More of the same please, big man.
All very satisfactory. I thought that George Lapslie had a horse of a game at right back - tenacious out of possession and always available for his teammates, constantly creating space down the right. I think his versatility is going to be a big plus for us, although we desperately need a specialist right back.
As to individual performances, Charlie Barker looked very impressive and composed throughout (so please tell me that this lad has signed a professional contract...). He’s a bit of a unit and looks like he can physically cope at this level, even at 17, and it was a marvellous moment for him to score his first professional goal.
After early mishaps, Macauley Bonne’s hold up play was pretty good and his finish was excellent. I was convinced that his shot was going over the bar but it dipped at just the right moment.
Hopefully the win will inject a bit of much needed confidence into the players. Let’s hope that events off the field in the next week or so will enable us to beef up the squad and provide Lee Bowyer with the support that he needs and deserves.
Looks like Barker only missed seven U18 games last season
Doesnt even look like he was involved in the U23s at any point - Almost looks like a Rashford where we've stumbled across him, on this occasion it surely must be because his Age means that we're not going to be penalised by having another Senior figure that stops another player from signing
Looks like Barker only missed seven U18 games last season
Doesnt even look like he was involved in the U23s at any point - Almost looks like a Rashford where we've stumbled across him, on this occasion it surely must be because his Age means that we're not going to be penalised by having another Senior figure that stops another player from signing
Suck it EFL
Let's just hope of he can carry on with this form that we can get him tied down to a proper senior contract in the not too distant future rather than selling him for peanuts to the first interested party
I have to be honest, before the Wimbledon game, which I missed, I didn't even know who Charlie Barker was. He looks a diamond of a find to me. You have to hand it to our academy.
Was a guest of Lee Power in the directors box at Swindon when they played Donny one time. MY cousin is marrIed to Tim Sherwood and they are mates from their Norwich days.Think he is from Lewisham and did play for us I believe
Was a friend of his Uncle who unfortunately passed away, so can confirm that he is local to our part of london.
Knew his Dad Micky very well, part of the Lewisham Mod scene, well known character in pubs and clubs. Think he was originally out of Deptford.
My deceased mate was from Deptford , his name was Jim and would without a doubt be in the mod scene.
Be honest, who saw that coming? Not me. I was on the match thread for the first 5 mins and then went for a swim, fearing the worst. On the way home - that great feeling when Charlton win away. That does us all good, not just the team and the Lord Bow, but all of us, and Thomas too, he’s seen that he’s not buying a duff team. Dont tell me that doesnt make any difference to him. Victory is victory.
Night off from dossiers, except maybe one email to a certain Stoke City fan with good reason to detest Elliott. Then tomorrow, back in pursuit of the scumbags.
Thought Gilbey looked very good and will be exciting to watch as the season goes on. Also thought JFC seems to be getting better with some more games under his belt, think he’ll be a big player for us this year.
Obviously great for the confidence of Macca and Aneke too, think Chuks will have more of a chance to show us what he’s about this year.
Doughty played well, just hope he can find his shooting boots!
Feels like we’ve got a solid core of players at the moment, Bowyer just needs some support ASAP and I we’ll be alright.. fingers crossed.
We will be fine this year imo all we need is a few additions to give us some strength in depth which I'm sure we will get once Wednesday is out of the way. Maybe it's my rose tinted glasses but I honestly think we will challenge at the top this season 12 - 1 seems generous to me which is why I had a bet unusually. I bet those odds fall dramatically once the takeover happens
We will be fine this year imo all we need is a few additions to give us some strength in depth which I'm sure we will get once Wednesday is out of the way. Maybe it's my rose tinted glasses but I honestly think we will challenge at the top this season 12 - 1 seems generous to me which is why I had a bet unusually. I bet those odds fall dramatically once the takeover happens
Bowyer said he wanted 10 signings the other day, clearly he wants more than just some squad players to add depth. We should aim to do what we did in the summer of 11/12, sign players who could start in a promotion winning team and with the potential to play in the Championship.
If we get an injury crisis (as we usually do) this squad would really struggle to cope. We also shouldn't expect the younger players to be consistent or be ready to perform in big games - they should play because they deserve it, not because we have no other option.
Looks to me like we will have a tough few months and then hopefully come strong at the end with a playoff spot our target. Doable but only if TS gets this takeover done. What we currently have won’t get us top six.
Can’t believe Barker is 17. These kids nowadays are built different.
Before your time Gary but his stature reminds of Peter Reeves (England u18 Youth International) who also made his debut as a 17 year old and scored in an end of season victory over Norwich 2-1 on 18 May 1966 eventually forming a strong CB pairing with Paul Went.
Surely need to get Barker tied down to something, cant sign a pro contract until he's 18 (?) if he hasnt already
But you just know the moment ANY 17-year old players a senior game, let alone back to back games its going to result in the big clubs sending their scouts
Best bit of business sandgaard could do is keeping hold of Doughty.
This fella looks like he's going to the very top!
We'll roast teams with Doughty in the side next season
Swindon did it today and Bristol Rovers did it when we went up, teams will push up and blow a bit of caution to the win if they need to get something
Cant see there being many players faster that Alfie at this level, if he can learn to beat the 'keeper, they will regret it - Just seen his one v one again, absolutely ridiculous, Swindon player has about a 10-yard headstart on him!!!
Surely need to get Barker tied down to something, cant sign a pro contract until he's 18 (?) if he hasnt already
But you just know the moment ANY 17-year old players a senior game, let alone back to back games its going to result in the big clubs sending their scouts
Players can sign pro at 17 so hopefully we'll get him signed up soon, assuming we haven't already.
Looks to me like we will have a tough few months and then hopefully come strong at the end with a playoff spot our target. Doable but only if TS gets this takeover done. What we currently have won’t get us top six.
Let us hope we play Sunderland in the playoff final
Comments
Well that was a most acceptable way to while away a few hours, coupled with some draught Peckham Pale from the Brick Brewery.
A pretty dire first 20 minutes, which was characterised by a failure to put more than a couple of passes together, the concession of unnecessary corners and Ben Amos repeatedly hoofing the ball into touch. Thankfully, it got better after that, as we started to to move the ball more quickly and a lovely goal from Bonne seemed to deflate Swindon.
After a lively start to the second half, we found ourselves on the back foot but seemed to have ridden it out before an excellent piece of control and finish from Swindon’s substitute made it 1-1. They then predictably had a decent spell and Amos had to pull off a couple of decent saves.
The introduction of Gilbey (who looked very good) and Aneke gave us fresh impetus and a very good knock down by Chuks presented Charlie Barker with the opportunity to neatly head in his first ever goal. What a great moment for the lad. Swindon didn’t really threaten after that and Chuks put the icing on the cake by bullying his way past a defender and lashing the ball in at the near post. More of the same please, big man.
All very satisfactory. I thought that George Lapslie had a horse of a game at right back - tenacious out of possession and always available for his teammates, constantly creating space down the right. I think his versatility is going to be a big plus for us, although we desperately need a specialist right back.
As to individual performances, Charlie Barker looked very impressive and composed throughout (so please tell me that this lad has signed a professional contract...). He’s a bit of a unit and looks like he can physically cope at this level, even at 17, and it was a marvellous moment for him to score his first professional goal.
After early mishaps, Macauley Bonne’s hold up play was pretty good and his finish was excellent. I was convinced that his shot was going over the bar but it dipped at just the right moment.
Hopefully the win will inject a bit of much needed confidence into the players. Let’s hope that events off the field in the next week or so will enable us to beef up the squad and provide Lee Bowyer with the support that he needs and deserves.
Doesnt even look like he was involved in the U23s at any point - Almost looks like a Rashford where we've stumbled across him, on this occasion it surely must be because his Age means that we're not going to be penalised by having another Senior figure that stops another player from signing
Let's just hope of he can carry on with this form that we can get him tied down to a proper senior contract in the not too distant future rather than selling him for peanuts to the first interested party
Night off from dossiers, except maybe one email to a certain Stoke City fan with good reason to detest Elliott. Then tomorrow, back in pursuit of the scumbags.
https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/12064606/swindon-1-3-charlton
Obviously great for the confidence of Macca and Aneke too, think Chuks will have more of a chance to show us what he’s about this year.
Doughty played well, just hope he can find his shooting boots!
Feels like we’ve got a solid core of players at the moment, Bowyer just needs some support ASAP and I we’ll be alright.. fingers crossed.
All in all, happy days!
https://www.valleygold.org.uk/2019/11/28/academy-notes-charlie-barker/
If we get an injury crisis (as we usually do) this squad would really struggle to cope. We also shouldn't expect the younger players to be consistent or be ready to perform in big games - they should play because they deserve it, not because we have no other option.
But you just know the moment ANY 17-year old players a senior game, let alone back to back games its going to result in the big clubs sending their scouts
Swindon did it today and Bristol Rovers did it when we went up, teams will push up and blow a bit of caution to the win if they need to get something
Cant see there being many players faster that Alfie at this level, if he can learn to beat the 'keeper, they will regret it - Just seen his one v one again, absolutely ridiculous, Swindon player has about a 10-yard headstart on him!!!