Thought we were pretty terrible, but same old issues really. Hardly created anything and got punished for our cock-ups. It happens I suppose.
Can’t believe the way Oxford play compared to when we had Robbo, thought Brannigan for them was a great player.
Hopefully Kirk gets settled and can come in a make a difference in the upcoming games. I like Washington and it was a great penalty, but we were crying out for a spark especially with Jaiyesemi having a bad day at the office.
I’m praying we can get the 4/5 quality players we need before the end of the window.. otherwise it’s gonna be a frustrating season.
Hypothetical but just wondering what the previous manager, who knows about playing midfield, would have made of those midfielders yesterday.
Morgan is the only one to come out of that with a shred of credit, simply for effort. All 3 watched as Oxford’s midfield run past them into our box and score. Shockingly bad.
As some have said, the messages don’t tally. Build slowly or ‘blow through the league’? I imagine Sandgaard is really after players with sell-on potential, rather than retaining them long term.
Results wise the first three games have been disappointing. I'd have expected 4 points and 2nd round of cup as an honest realistic expectation. I see our signings as up and coming players with potential and growth expected. Lets hope gone are the days of 30 plus end of career loanees who are just looking for that additional years salary. The thing that gives me hope is seeing Ipswich's first 3 results.
we lost due to two defensive mistakes, the keeper pushing the ball into the path of an Oxford attacker left alone with not a defender in sight for the first, and the failure by a central defender to clear the ball for the second .. so it's not just the midfield and attack that need to be sharper, but the defence as well, and I REALLY thought that our defence would be the strong part of our set up this season. Both full backs looked especially very vulnerable It almost certainly won't happen BUT if the owner and manager are as committed as they claim to a policy of playing youth team players, they should make a start with Elerewe on either flank on Tuesday. Just remember four words .. Paul Konchesky, Jonjo Shelvey .. IF they are good and capable enough then they should play irrespective of their age and /or experience. Elerewe is about the same age as was Joe Gomez when he made his debuts for our first team. Gomez was a central defender initially selected at right back. I rest me case m'luds
Was impressed with TS comments on Charlton TV about taking things slower in the transfer market etc than other competitors (I assume he was alluding to Ipswich and Wigan) Finding the right characters to fit the long-term goal is superimportant. If not Stockley, then certainly Kirk looks like the first significant piece of that jigsaw puzzle. Perhaps Famewo, Dobson, Clare, are also ones that will improve significantly on that journey and are for the long haul rather than expected to be overnight stars.
As Nelse said on Charlton TV any player who could come here and see the ground, the first class training ground and facilities at the club would def want to be part of this. I think I will give NA some latitude to experiment with different formations and tactics to get this squad motoring. Kirk looks really excited to be part of this journey. If he can settle here (which isn't always guaranteed) I have every belief he will be central to any future success. COYA
Ironically stockley is the issue...the only option is to lump it up to him as that's his strength. We need someone to play alongside him..not 2 wide men.We are currently playing horrible football. Adkins is an experienced manager and surely must see this ...either he has lost it or his hands are being tied. I really hope there's some kind of light bulb moment but there is so little quality in the team..I am not optimistic and I apologise for being so negative
We are playing horrible football ................in one game ???? We didn't play horrible football against Sheff W and yesterday shows we need to bring players in. The midfield is far to inexperienced, they all may become good players but collectively those three at the moment will not cut it. That's where the problem lies and the return of Gilbey and hopefully the eventual return of Forster Caskey will see a sea change but we another two in there now to solve the problem.
Was impressed with TS comments on Charlton TV about taking things slower in the transfer market etc than other competitors (I assume he was alluding to Ipswich and Wigan) Finding the right characters to fit the long-term goal is superimportant. If not Stockley, then certainly Kirk looks like the first significant piece of that jigsaw puzzle. Perhaps Famewo, Dobson, Clare, are also ones that will improve significantly on that journey and are for the long haul rather than expected to be overnight stars.
As Nelse said on Charlton TV any player who could come here and see the ground, the first class training ground and facilities at the club would def want to be part of this. I think I will give NA some latitude to experiment with different formations and tactics to get this squad motoring. Kirk looks really excited to be part of this journey. If he can settle here (which isn't always guaranteed) I have every belief he will be central to any future success. COYA
He wont
Very disappointing if he doesn’t, at the moment he can only work with the players fit and at his disposal which are very likely to be inadequate for a serious tilt at top six / promotion.
Kirk will hopefully improve us in attacking areas but additional resources are a must and if there are still no signs of an alternative way of playing to Plan A then the natives without doubt will start getting restless and rightly so.
I said in the week that id like to see us play 4-4-2 as it doesn’t just rely on hopeful balls forward. And if we end up doing that cos our midfield is so shit, then at least there will be players close to Stockley in that system. However, signing Kirk who plays best in a 4-3-3 says to me that Adkins is sticking to his guns and won’t change the system. If that’s the case then he needs to change the approach. An attacking left back is required, along with telling Matthews he is allowed to cross over the half way line. We need another CAM that gets close to Stockley and can hit the target and Dobson/Clare have to be encouraged to want the ball from the back 4. So two very important first X| signings required in the next week or so. Then add 3 decent players that can come off the bench.
Signings are needed we all know that, the club knows that and we will get them in. Desperately need a CAM in there, I love Albie, he’s a great young player but I have no idea why the club didn’t go out and get one early doors to bolster our options i.e. Scott Twine, Josh Sheehan?
As for the game I listened in as I was out with the missus and it sounded like we were in control until we made silly mistakes, similar to last season, and conceded two goals. “We can’t keep giving teams a head start” was the line last season and we’ve carried it over again!
I was there. We look like we haven’t got a game plan atm but the difference between the two teams on the day was the officials giving Oxford the upper hand so they had a cushion to fall back on when they went forward. We need a midfield enforcer and playmaker to bridge the gap between the defence and the attack.
Some fascinating differences of opinion surrounding Kirk's omission from the squad.
When someone loses a loved one you often hear the response "I know how they feel because.......". Well, no, you don't know how anyone feels or what they are going through in times of distress or loss; that's because we are all different and react differently. In essence, our personal interpretations of an 'event' are our own reality and therefore we respond differently. That is then manifested in our behaviour.
People are emotional creatures, we are driven and motivated by emotion, fact. Yes, we come to work everyday and are governed by rules, regulations, policies, procedures, processes, and they are what dictate how we operate in the workplace. However, because people are driven by emotion, if they are not emotionally in the right place they will lack said motivation, in turn, negatively impacting on their productivity.
Quite clearly, a decision was made on Kirk that was based on good emotional intelligence (EQ), listening skills, and man-management. The outcome being that he was not ready to be included.
Some 'managers', so often, are driven by the 'task'. The risk of becoming too task focused means that they can naturally (and often inadvertently) forget about the 'needs' of the individual and the team when it comes to executing that task. This type of manager is often unconsciously lacking in leadership skills, self-awareness and EQ, as they are so focused on cost and productivity. Nothing wrong in that of course, but it's about balance (Adair's 'Action Centred Leadership'). Without people, you have nothing and even if you do think that the 'man up and get on with it' premise is the right one, you'll probably be lacking the EQ that is required when it comes to managing and leading people.
In Kirk's case, Charlton have clearly looked at the bigger picture and taken into account the needs of the individual. We are all different.
Another one here moaning about us not having the players to play 433. Football is a really simple game. All I know is that in over 50 years of watching Charlton, every successful side has played 442.
I rarely post now as the standard of posting has gone downhill. You get called a bedwetter for pointing out what's plainly wrong, because it's not what the happy clappies want to hear. This team unless there is radical surgery before 31st August will not make the play offs. I only rate the two centre backs in our team, the rest are distinctly average, although I haven't seen Kirk yet.
I lost my dad when I was 22. I wanted to get back to work whilst I was still seriously grieving but my manager told me to take another week off. It was good management.
Was impressed with TS comments on Charlton TV about taking things slower in the transfer market etc than other competitors (I assume he was alluding to Ipswich and Wigan) Finding the right characters to fit the long-term goal is superimportant. If not Stockley, then certainly Kirk looks like the first significant piece of that jigsaw puzzle. Perhaps Famewo, Dobson, Clare, are also ones that will improve significantly on that journey and are for the long haul rather than expected to be overnight stars.
As Nelse said on Charlton TV any player who could come here and see the ground, the first class training ground and facilities at the club would def want to be part of this. I think I will give NA some latitude to experiment with different formations and tactics to get this squad motoring. Kirk looks really excited to be part of this journey. If he can settle here (which isn't always guaranteed) I have every belief he will be central to any future success. COYA
They always said the plan was to get good players in so that we wouldn't need 10 new signings every summer. By signing players who are relatively young to 2/3/4 year deals they're obviously doing that. The problem is it doesn't tie in with Sandgaard's 5 year plan and saying we'll blow through this league.
You can either build a squad slowly over 4-5 transfer windows or you can blow through the league. You can't really do both.
Clare and Dobson are on two year deals, that doesn’t point to a long term strategy. Only the signing of Kirk shows that.
I wasn’t there today so can’t offer anything on the game. I highly doubt the return of Gilbey will make much of difference personally. I have a feeling he’ll fit in quite aptly to what seems to be a lightweight midfield.
Too early for me to write off Clare and Dobson. Bit worried about DJ. Didn’t really look like he would set the world alight last season.
Still need to give it time imo, but I wasn’t over the moon when Matthews resigned as that pretty much made him first choice RB. We’ve known all along Purrington shouldn’t really be first choice LB, but it looks like he probably will be. Got to hope Inniss and Famewo stay fit otherwise we’re exposed
I’ve always liked Morgan, but if he gets a run in the team and a chance, he needs to take it.
Let’s see. You never know with football and if we get additional loans in then we still might have a chance. This team wasn’t great last season and we kept a lot of it together. For me this is the biggest challenge. I guess it was pretty much impossible, but I wanted a complete restructuring of the squad. I think we set the wrong precedent renewing the likes of Matthews
Agree - Matthews resigning was for me the biggest statement of non-intent yet.
I said in the week that id like to see us play 4-4-2 as it doesn’t just rely on hopeful balls forward. And if we end up doing that cos our midfield is so shit, then at least there will be players close to Stockley in that system. However, signing Kirk who plays best in a 4-3-3 says to me that Adkins is sticking to his guns and won’t change the system. If that’s the case then he needs to change the approach. An attacking left back is required, along with telling Matthews he is allowed to cross over the half way line. We need another CAM that gets close to Stockley and can hit the target and Dobson/Clare have to be encouraged to want the ball from the back 4. So two very important first X| signings required in the next week or so. Then add 3 decent players that can come off the bench.
I recall a game last season under Bowyer where we started with 4-4-2 and had to change after about 20 minutes as the midfield were being completely overrun. Not saying it would be wrong to try it but I can't see Dobson and Clare fairing much better. Though why we didn't change to it yesterday after bringing on Davison I don't know. Sticking him on the right was pointless.
What are we going to do with Morgan? I still wouldn't bet my life on him not becoming a top player but he is definitely falling short now. Is a lack of confidence holding him back? Or is he a nearly but not quite player?
Another one here moaning about us not having the players to play 433. Football is a really simple game. All I know is that in over 50 years of watching Charlton, every successful side has played 422.
I rarely post now as the standard of posting has gone downhill. You get called a bedwetter for pointing out what's plainly wrong, because it's not what the happy clappies want to hear. This team unless there is radical surgery before 31st August will not make the play offs. I only rate the two centre backs in our team, the rest are distinctly average, although I haven't seen Kirk yet.
Don't know how successful you can be with only 9 players to be fair.
What are we going to do with Morgan? I still wouldn't bet my life on him not becoming a top player but he is definitely falling short now. Is a lack of confidence holding him back? Or is he a nearly but not quite player?
I genuinely think he needs a loan. He's not good enough to be our starting 10, and another season with a few appearances off the bench will do him no good. He needs a loan to a lower League One team, or League Two.
Another one here moaning about us not having the players to play 433. Football is a really simple game. All I know is that in over 50 years of watching Charlton, every successful side has played 422.
I rarely post now as the standard of posting has gone downhill. You get called a bedwetter for pointing out what's plainly wrong, because it's not what the happy clappies want to hear. This team unless there is radical surgery before 31st August will not make the play offs. I only rate the two centre backs in our team, the rest are distinctly average, although I haven't seen Kirk yet.
We went up under Bowyer playing a diamond midfield.
Was at the match, first 20 mins was a bit flat but they never threatened at all. Then a mistake they were decisive on the break didn't dally and it was 1-0 then 2 from another mistake whilst we stood around, they reacted quickly and that was it.
A penalty given rightly for handball, although given by the lino, but to be fair i was diagonally inline with it and the ref couldn't see it.
Stockley getting booked for a header in the second half didn't help by another useless ref, after that he realised he could get another if he challenges again.
Midfield was useless and non-existent, they were more mobile and always had a player in yards of space, look at the chances they created second half, ours created nothing.
Going to be a long season if things dont improve all over the pitch.
Adkins must be getting very frustrated. After a long absence through choice from management he came here to build a squad to climb the leagues. For whatever reason that isnt happening at the moment. It is on 2 games into a long season and hopefully he will get what he needs before long. Matthews is a weird one so far, he has had opportunities to bomb down the line and go past people but he is mostly checking back. Albie is trying but just not ready and I agree with the people saying he needs to go out on loan, not a chance he will be anywhere near out starting lineup when Gilby is back. Yesterday hopefully was a bad day at the office, I guess we will see on Tuesday night
Nothing to really add in the post-match that I haven't already said in previews or other Cafc related threads; but in case you missed my words of wisdom !
Play Washington in a two up front as 4-4-2 is a better option as Stockley needs a partner. Would become 4-4-1-1 when out of procession. Burnley played this way on their travels from League 1 to Premier.
Playing 4-3-3 won't work in most home matches with the players we have available at present.
There will be a chronic lack of goals in this team unless we replace Chuks Aneke who scored a goal every 100 mins of actual game time last season.
Sort out the 'elephant in the room' Ronnie Schwartz. If Nigel feels he will never fit in then some honest talks need to go on between Adkins, Thomas and Ronnie to find an exit strategy.
The LB position was an emergency and we should have reacted as soon as Ben Purrington got injured. Gunter in an honest pro but is patently out of position at LB.
Nigel saying we are after 25 clean sheets came across as we are concentrating on defense over attack. Say we are looking to create 6 good chances a game, as it's more uplifting and surely should be the aim of a team that plays on the front foot and is proactive ?
Our 19 to 22 year olds don't appear to be of the quality to help the team.
The disconnect between the season starting and when the window shuts is all to clear to see. Maybe Charlie Kirk can spark the fledgling season into life because we look well short of a top 6 and no X factor player in sight at present.
We haven't hit the ground running ( not only Ben Watson !) and a quantum shift is needed before results improve.
Comments
Can’t believe the way Oxford play compared to when we had Robbo, thought Brannigan for them was a great player.
Hopefully Kirk gets settled and can come in a make a difference in the upcoming games. I like Washington and it was a great penalty, but we were crying out for a spark especially with Jaiyesemi having a bad day at the office.
I’m praying we can get the 4/5 quality players we need before the end of the window.. otherwise it’s gonna be a frustrating season.
Onto to the next one.
Morgan is the only one to come out of that with a shred of credit, simply for effort. All 3 watched as Oxford’s midfield run past them into our box and score. Shockingly bad.
As some have said, the messages don’t tally. Build slowly or ‘blow through the league’? I imagine Sandgaard is really after players with sell-on potential, rather than retaining them long term.
we lost due to two defensive mistakes, the keeper pushing the ball into the path of an Oxford attacker left alone with not a defender in sight for the first, and the failure by a central defender to clear the ball for the second .. so it's not just the midfield and attack that need to be sharper, but the defence as well, and I REALLY thought that our defence would be the strong part of our set up this season. Both full backs looked especially very vulnerable
It almost certainly won't happen BUT if the owner and manager are as committed as they claim to a policy of playing youth team players, they should make a start with Elerewe on either flank on Tuesday. Just remember four words .. Paul Konchesky, Jonjo Shelvey .. IF they are good and capable enough then they should play irrespective of their age and /or experience. Elerewe is about the same age as was Joe Gomez when he made his debuts for our first team. Gomez was a central defender initially selected at right back.
I rest me case m'luds
Kirk will hopefully improve us in attacking areas but additional resources are a must and if there are still no signs of an alternative way of playing to Plan A then the natives without doubt will start getting restless and rightly so.
One dodgy penalty in three games hardly paints us as a threat.
When someone loses a loved one you often hear the response "I know how they feel because.......". Well, no, you don't know how anyone feels or what they are going through in times of distress or loss; that's because we are all different and react differently. In essence, our personal interpretations of an 'event' are our own reality and therefore we respond differently. That is then manifested in our behaviour.
People are emotional creatures, we are driven and motivated by emotion, fact. Yes, we come to work everyday and are governed by rules, regulations, policies, procedures, processes, and they are what dictate how we operate in the workplace. However, because people are driven by emotion, if they are not emotionally in the right place they will lack said motivation, in turn, negatively impacting on their productivity.
Quite clearly, a decision was made on Kirk that was based on good emotional intelligence (EQ), listening skills, and man-management. The outcome being that he was not ready to be included.
Some 'managers', so often, are driven by the 'task'. The risk of becoming too task focused means that they can naturally (and often inadvertently) forget about the 'needs' of the individual and the team when it comes to executing that task. This type of manager is often unconsciously lacking in leadership skills, self-awareness and EQ, as they are so focused on cost and productivity. Nothing wrong in that of course, but it's about balance (Adair's 'Action Centred Leadership'). Without people, you have nothing and even if you do think that the 'man up and get on with it' premise is the right one, you'll probably be lacking the EQ that is required when it comes to managing and leading people.
In Kirk's case, Charlton have clearly looked at the bigger picture and taken into account the needs of the individual. We are all different.
I rarely post now as the standard of posting has gone downhill. You get called a bedwetter for pointing out what's plainly wrong, because it's not what the happy clappies want to hear. This team unless there is radical surgery before 31st August will not make the play offs. I only rate the two centre backs in our team, the rest are distinctly average, although I haven't seen Kirk yet.
A penalty given rightly for handball, although given by the lino, but to be fair i was diagonally inline with it and the ref couldn't see it.
Stockley getting booked for a header in the second half didn't help by another useless ref, after that he realised he could get another if he challenges again.
Midfield was useless and non-existent, they were more mobile and always had a player in yards of space, look at the chances they created second half, ours created nothing.
Going to be a long season if things dont improve all over the pitch.
It is on 2 games into a long season and hopefully he will get what he needs before long.
Matthews is a weird one so far, he has had opportunities to bomb down the line and go past people but he is mostly checking back. Albie is trying but just not ready and I agree with the people saying he needs to go out on loan, not a chance he will be anywhere near out starting lineup when Gilby is back.
Yesterday hopefully was a bad day at the office, I guess we will see on Tuesday night
Play Washington in a two up front as
4-4-2 is a better option as Stockley needs a partner. Would become 4-4-1-1 when out of procession. Burnley played this way on their travels from League 1 to Premier.
Playing 4-3-3 won't work in most home matches with the players we have available at present.
There will be a chronic lack of goals in this team unless we replace Chuks Aneke who scored a goal every 100 mins of actual game time last season.
Sort out the 'elephant in the room' Ronnie Schwartz. If Nigel feels he will never fit in then some honest talks need to go on between Adkins, Thomas and Ronnie to find an exit strategy.
The LB position was an emergency and we should have reacted as soon as Ben Purrington got injured. Gunter in an honest pro but is patently out of position at LB.
Nigel saying we are after 25 clean sheets came across as we are concentrating on defense over attack. Say we are looking to create 6 good chances a game, as it's more uplifting and surely should be the aim of a team that plays on the front foot and is proactive ?
Our 19 to 22 year olds don't appear to be of the quality to help the team.
The disconnect between the season starting and when the window shuts is all to clear to see. Maybe Charlie Kirk can spark the fledgling season into life because we look well short of a top 6 and no X factor player in sight at present.
We haven't hit the ground running ( not only Ben Watson !) and a quantum shift is needed before results improve.