So, TS headed back to the US after the Cambridge game. I thought he would’ve waited until after the end of the window had closed unless the business is done? New signings lined up? Who’s in charge? Should we be worried?
TS is currently based in England until at least the end of this year, if he's gone to the US he will be back shortly.
That’s unusual for him isn’t it? Could fuel the rumours he’s looking for investors or a sale…
What rumours?
You mean the made up ones on Twatter?
Along with other places.
I’m not saying they’re definitely true but I wouldn’t write it off entirely. He doesn’t give the impression he’s able to find the club for years to come. He’s aiming to break even next season for one thing.
Wouldn't anyone running a business want to break even?! It seems a bit insane that that should be held against him
I’m not holding it against him, it’s just where I feel we’re heading. We know from experience the next owner could be much worse, especially when he doesn’t own the assets, it could be an ideal situation for another Southall.
I’d much prefer him to turns things around and show he can fund the club long term, but I don’t think that’s as likely as I did a year or so ago.
Wiki says he's a CAM? Why would we need another Midfielder when we're trying to offload 2x midfielders now as we're overloaded there. Doesn't sound legit to me
Can play up front and on either wing too. Good player but always carrying something.
The simplest point is why sign JFC. To get a transfer fee that is non existent? Madness.
I don’t think that’s why, I think as a former POTY and someone JJ would have kept the club assumed any new manager would want him.
I expect the extension option be triggered after the season ended (I saw that mentioned somewhere relating to another player) and presumably had a deadline for it to be done by, which was probably before Garner could have his input.
Whatever it is there’s something about his game that Garner doesn’t rate or see fitting in the system. I can only think it’s related to a lack of mobility and/or his passing style, on paper I think most of our fans would say he could fit into this team. Some would still want him as a starter.
I think it is a lot more complicated than that.
All things being equal Garner would be happy with JFC as one of his 6. They aren't equal.
The best thing for everyone is now for JFC to leave the club. The problem is where. He can only move downwards until he proves his fitness.
How is it more complicated? Why aren't things equal?
There is an "issue" with his contract.
Are you able to elaborate? He's a decent player and it seems daft that we have boxed ourselves into some sort of corner with him
As I understand it (and it's possible/probable I am incorrect), there was a salary cut written into his contract if the additional year was triggered by the club. Basically the intention was to try to sell him on, but not have to keep paying him a large salary until he went.
Not sure if there was a salary increase based on performance numbers written into it also.
I think it was more of the case the whole contract was a massive salary cut, which was fair enough as he was injured.
The original issue, again I could be wrong, is he couldn’t, or the club won't let him, prove his recovery. I suspect that's both true, from a certain POV.
Now no one who can afford him, will buy him until/unless he proves his recovery.
We are now in a situation where we might end up paying him to play for someone else, that he doesn't want to play for, just to get out of a situation that was avoidable by both sides. At a number of points.
I still don't believe that it's JFC being here that has prevented us signing a striker.
If he’s taken a massive salary cut then why can no one afford him? Wouldn’t that make a move a lot easier, as a new contract should at least be equal to what he’s now earning?
If he’s expecting a new club to pay him what he was earning a few years ago then is he being unrealistic?
It's unrealistic if he hasn't recovered. When he did the injury in the first place there was championship offers on the table.
He probably feels if he had either had a run of 10 odd games at the end of last season, or had been released at the end of his contract, allowing him to try and prove it else where, he would be able to get what he thinks he is worth, even if it was a new contract here.
As you said, this all feels very preventable. And also odd. We could use cover in the 6 role. Especially someone who can get it and give it faster than Dobbo and on the half turn.
I guess if it's contract stuff that makes sense.
But this feels like yet another example of lack of joined up thinking by our recruitment team. Is that too harsh?
The simplest point is why sign JFC. To get a transfer fee that is non existent? Madness.
I don’t think that’s why, I think as a former POTY and someone JJ would have kept the club assumed any new manager would want him.
I expect the extension option be triggered after the season ended (I saw that mentioned somewhere relating to another player) and presumably had a deadline for it to be done by, which was probably before Garner could have his input.
Whatever it is there’s something about his game that Garner doesn’t rate or see fitting in the system. I can only think it’s related to a lack of mobility and/or his passing style, on paper I think most of our fans would say he could fit into this team. Some would still want him as a starter.
I think it is a lot more complicated than that.
All things being equal Garner would be happy with JFC as one of his 6. They aren't equal.
The best thing for everyone is now for JFC to leave the club. The problem is where. He can only move downwards until he proves his fitness.
How is it more complicated? Why aren't things equal?
There is an "issue" with his contract.
Are you able to elaborate? He's a decent player and it seems daft that we have boxed ourselves into some sort of corner with him
As I understand it (and it's possible/probable I am incorrect), there was a salary cut written into his contract if the additional year was triggered by the club. Basically the intention was to try to sell him on, but not have to keep paying him a large salary until he went.
Not sure if there was a salary increase based on performance numbers written into it also.
I think it was more of the case the whole contract was a massive salary cut, which was fair enough as he was injured.
The original issue, again I could be wrong, is he couldn’t, or the club won't let him, prove his recovery. I suspect that's both true, from a certain POV.
Now no one who can afford him, will buy him until/unless he proves his recovery.
We are now in a situation where we might end up paying him to play for someone else, that he doesn't want to play for, just to get out of a situation that was avoidable by both sides. At a number of points.
I still don't believe that it's JFC being here that has prevented us signing a striker.
If he’s taken a massive salary cut then why can no one afford him? Wouldn’t that make a move a lot easier, as a new contract should at least be equal to what he’s now earning?
If he’s expecting a new club to pay him what he was earning a few years ago then is he being unrealistic?
It's unrealistic if he hasn't recovered. When he did the injury in the first place there was championship offers on the table.
He probably feels if he had either had a run of 10 odd games at the end of last season, or had been released at the end of his contract, allowing him to try and prove it else where, he would be able to get what he thinks he is worth, even if it was a new contract here.
As you said, this all feels very preventable. And also odd. We could use cover in the 6 role. Especially someone who can get it and give it faster than Dobbo and on the half turn.
I guess if it's contract stuff that makes sense.
But this feels like yet another example of lack of joined up thinking by our recruitment team. Is that too harsh?
I’d say overall we’ve recruited well this summer for our budget - assuming we finish the window well with at least a good CB and striker. The incoming players fit the system and we could play the same style in other formations.
The thinking is much more joined up than last summer when we were too slow to sign players and it seemed the only thought was whether they could fit a 4-3-3 formation with no thought on style of play. We then made some desperate signings at the end of the window in Arter and Souare in attempt to fix the mistakes.
Swindon Town striker Harry McKirdy is facing an FA charge of improper conduct after he went into the match officials' room after being sent off and smashed a bottle of protein drink, which spilled over the referee's suit.
Swindon Town striker Harry McKirdy is facing an FA charge of improper conduct after he went into the match officials' room after being sent off and smashed a bottle of protein drink, which spilled over the referee's suit.
The simplest point is why sign JFC. To get a transfer fee that is non existent? Madness.
I don’t think that’s why, I think as a former POTY and someone JJ would have kept the club assumed any new manager would want him.
I expect the extension option be triggered after the season ended (I saw that mentioned somewhere relating to another player) and presumably had a deadline for it to be done by, which was probably before Garner could have his input.
Whatever it is there’s something about his game that Garner doesn’t rate or see fitting in the system. I can only think it’s related to a lack of mobility and/or his passing style, on paper I think most of our fans would say he could fit into this team. Some would still want him as a starter.
I think it is a lot more complicated than that.
All things being equal Garner would be happy with JFC as one of his 6. They aren't equal.
The best thing for everyone is now for JFC to leave the club. The problem is where. He can only move downwards until he proves his fitness.
How is it more complicated? Why aren't things equal?
There is an "issue" with his contract.
Are you able to elaborate? He's a decent player and it seems daft that we have boxed ourselves into some sort of corner with him
As I understand it (and it's possible/probable I am incorrect), there was a salary cut written into his contract if the additional year was triggered by the club. Basically the intention was to try to sell him on, but not have to keep paying him a large salary until he went.
Not sure if there was a salary increase based on performance numbers written into it also.
I think it was more of the case the whole contract was a massive salary cut, which was fair enough as he was injured.
The original issue, again I could be wrong, is he couldn’t, or the club won't let him, prove his recovery. I suspect that's both true, from a certain POV.
Now no one who can afford him, will buy him until/unless he proves his recovery.
We are now in a situation where we might end up paying him to play for someone else, that he doesn't want to play for, just to get out of a situation that was avoidable by both sides. At a number of points.
I still don't believe that it's JFC being here that has prevented us signing a striker.
If he’s taken a massive salary cut then why can no one afford him? Wouldn’t that make a move a lot easier, as a new contract should at least be equal to what he’s now earning?
If he’s expecting a new club to pay him what he was earning a few years ago then is he being unrealistic?
It's unrealistic if he hasn't recovered. When he did the injury in the first place there was championship offers on the table.
He probably feels if he had either had a run of 10 odd games at the end of last season, or had been released at the end of his contract, allowing him to try and prove it else where, he would be able to get what he thinks he is worth, even if it was a new contract here.
As you said, this all feels very preventable. And also odd. We could use cover in the 6 role. Especially someone who can get it and give it faster than Dobbo and on the half turn.
I guess if it's contract stuff that makes sense.
But this feels like yet another example of lack of joined up thinking by our recruitment team. Is that too harsh?
I’d say overall we’ve recruited well this summer for our budget - assuming we finish the window well with at least a good CB and striker. The incoming players fit the system and we could play the same style in other formations.
The thinking is much more joined up than last summer when we were too slow to sign players and it seemed the only thought was whether they could fit a 4-3-3 formation with no thought on style of play. We then made some desperate signings at the end of the window in Arter and Souare in attempt to fix the mistakes.
The assumption is the key though. I totally agree with everything else. I think nearly everyone does.
The lack of joined up thinking is if we have to move a player on, that we basically signed 10 weeks ago, to complete the picture.
Now I don't believe its 100% but it has become the current narrative.
Money from Pope this summer, money from Burstow in January, and yet we are too tight to spend a single fee on someone this transfer window. Talks a complete load of shite Sandgaard, but at least we have a nice wanky American song on spotify
Genuine question, what difference does it make to spend a fee vs sign an out of contract player?
These "haven't spent a penny" lot don't seem to equate an out of contact player needing a signing bonus, probable agents fee etc. Not to mention paying up Garner's contract, that wasn't free.
It is alleged that the Pope money is being paid in instalments and we get a percentage over the £1.5mill fee Burnley supposedly agreed with us. So the £2mill Newcastle allegedly paid so far for Pope is no where near the 20% of the £20+ million people thought the Pope fee would be at the start of summer.
The 1mill for Burstow has probably already gone keeping everything running (not even considering the increase in costs of literally keeping the lights on - approx 250% increase like other businesses).
Unless someone else's pockets are sufficiently deep enough to bankroll an odds on title winning side, pay all debts, agree to Roland's rediculous demands to purchase the ground and Sparrows Lane and be happy to write off £8mill+ a year (and then agree to chucking in 5-10x that amount after getting back into the Championship to even just stand still and not get relegated.)then we need to get behind the team and Garner.
Live, love, laugh and be happy!
If this is connected to me I clearly said in my message above "we have not paid a transfer fee". I am well aware now that it has been pointed out to me the lack of a fee does not mean we have not paid agents, signing on fees and of course ongoing wages.
However it does not take away the fact that up to now we have only enlisted free agents and out of contract players so if this continues it will, and does limit our market.
Not sure we’d want to bring him back, I think he might be past his
Hope he paid his hotel bill … he told me at a presentation he kindly done for us that he was kicked out because the hotel had enough not getting paid for Charlton players staying there
So, TS headed back to the US after the Cambridge game. I thought he would’ve waited until after the end of the window had closed unless the business is done? New signings lined up? Who’s in charge? Should we be worried?
TS is currently based in England until at least the end of this year, if he's gone to the US he will be back shortly.
Aren't there serious tax implications if he stays too long?
So, TS headed back to the US after the Cambridge game. I thought he would’ve waited until after the end of the window had closed unless the business is done? New signings lined up? Who’s in charge? Should we be worried?
TS is currently based in England until at least the end of this year, if he's gone to the US he will be back shortly.
Aren't there serious tax implication if he stays too long?
Controversial opinion time but I don’t even think the striker we need has to be that good. We just need *someone* who can help us avoid a situation like last season where we went to Wigan with Burstow and Elliot Lee up front, for example.
Obviously the player coming in would need chip in with a few goals when they play over the course of the season but Plan A is obviously to move forward with club captain Stockley as often as possible.
As long as we have a senior body that is available to play when called upon and does a half decent job at dropping into midfield and linking the play, we can still score goals from the likes of CBT, JRS, Kirk, Fraser and Payne.
And then when Stockley is back after a short absence, they’ll drop back to the bench.
For me, it’s more important to get a player that fits the style and can replace Jayden’s link up without disruption more so than finding a poacher who can score a goal but not contribute anything else.
It’s become clear over the last few weeks that that poaching kind of forward won’t fit the Garner style.
So, TS headed back to the US after the Cambridge game. I thought he would’ve waited until after the end of the window had closed unless the business is done? New signings lined up? Who’s in charge? Should we be worried?
TS is currently based in England until at least the end of this year, if he's gone to the US he will be back shortly.
That’s unusual for him isn’t it? Could fuel the rumours he’s looking for investors or a sale…
What rumours?
You mean the made up ones on Twatter?
Along with other places.
I’m not saying they’re definitely true but I wouldn’t write it off entirely. He doesn’t give the impression he’s able to find the club for years to come. He’s aiming to break even next season for one thing.
Wouldn't anyone running a business want to break even?! It seems a bit insane that that should be held against him
I very much doubt if any of his businesses have 'broken even' in their early trading years. Generally, there are businesses which try to break even from the start, generally because they have no capital behind them. Then there are businesses which see investment opportunities, and they invest for the future even if it means incurring losses in the early years..
TS by trying to 'break even' at this stage has given the most obvious sign that he does not see Charlton as a long term investment. Cutting your losses, as others have observed, is more often a sign of getting ready to get out. Cutting backroom staff is not necessarily a sign of this, but cutting the budget for players most certainly is, they are after all what produces value for a football club. It is the equivalent of failing to invest in the latest machinery, while your competitors who do become more productive as a result. And then they beat you.
Controversial opinion time but I don’t even think the striker we need has to be that good. We just need *someone* who can help us avoid a situation like last season where we went to Wigan with Burstow and Elliot Lee up front, for example.
Obviously the player coming in would need chip in with a few goals when they play over the course of the season but Plan A is obviously to move forward with club captain Stockley as often as possible.
As long as we have a senior body that is available to play when called upon and does a half decent job at dropping into midfield and linking the play, we can still score goals from the likes of CBT, JRS, Kirk, Fraser and Payne.
And then when Stockley is back after a short absence, they’ll drop back to the bench.
For me, it’s more important to get a player that fits the style and can replace Jayden’s link up without disruption more so than finding a poacher who can score a goal but not contribute anything else.
It’s become clear over the last few weeks that that poaching kind of forward won’t fit the Garner style.
Couldn't agree more.
Absolutely understand its highly unlikely that we will sign a game changer but we need someone.
The simplest point is why sign JFC. To get a transfer fee that is non existent? Madness.
The flip side of that is that if we'd paid him for an entire season while he rehabbed his injury then let him go for nothing people would be whining about the money we paid for that. Probably the same people. I can see the logic here, reading this thread it sounds like his contract is vastly reduced, so it's not a massive drain right now, and it's not ridiculous to assume someone would be willing to pay a small amount to take a player of his quality. Add to that the fact that when we secured his option we didn't know that we'd get McGrandles or Payne (both apparently had Championship interest) or even who the manager would be it all sounds pretty sensible to me. It's just we've been unlucky in not being able to get him a move away, which is something that happens in football. I don't think it quite qualifies as madness.
Money from Pope this summer, money from Burstow in January, and yet we are too tight to spend a single fee on someone this transfer window. Talks a complete load of shite Sandgaard, but at least we have a nice wanky American song on spotify
Genuine question, what difference does it make to spend a fee vs sign an out of contract player?
These "haven't spent a penny" lot don't seem to equate an out of contact player needing a signing bonus, probable agents fee etc. Not to mention paying up Garner's contract, that wasn't free.
It is alleged that the Pope money is being paid in instalments and we get a percentage over the £1.5mill fee Burnley supposedly agreed with us. So the £2mill Newcastle allegedly paid so far for Pope is no where near the 20% of the £20+ million people thought the Pope fee would be at the start of summer.
The 1mill for Burstow has probably already gone keeping everything running (not even considering the increase in costs of literally keeping the lights on - approx 250% increase like other businesses).
Unless someone else's pockets are sufficiently deep enough to bankroll an odds on title winning side, pay all debts, agree to Roland's rediculous demands to purchase the ground and Sparrows Lane and be happy to write off £8mill+ a year (and then agree to chucking in 5-10x that amount after getting back into the Championship to even just stand still and not get relegated.)then we need to get behind the team and Garner.
Live, love, laugh and be happy!
If this is connected to me I clearly said in my message above "we have not paid a transfer fee". I am well aware now that it has been pointed out to me the lack of a fee does not mean we have not paid agents, signing on fees and of course ongoing wages.
However it does not take away the fact that up to now we have only enlisted free agents and out of contract players so if this continues it will, and does limit our market.
Plenty of out of work managers were available for nothing, but we chose to pay for one still under contract.
Only if Garner and co have identified a target commanding a fee that they're confident is better than the next best free agent or loan should they consider shelling out. We'll soon know if anyone fits that bill with only a week left of the transfer window now.
If nothing changes between now and then, I might be persuaded to add my name to others demanding that our owner pays out big money to sign anything that moves 😎
Disappointed by Mr Cawley's response to the Stockton rumour. I accept that if Stockton was acquired by the club it would be a choice between him and Stockley as to who plays. I have no problem with this and totally agree. However, the fact remains that if Stockley was injured in the first week of September, we would be left with an injury prone Aneke and the promising Miles Leaburn. Even a fit Stockley concerns me - he is not a goal-poacher, and most of his goals are either from headers or from the penalty spot. For a team that is endeavouring to secure a play-off place at worst, that would be completely inadequate, and a top six place would become no more than a pipe-dream. Having been a Charlton supporter since 1959, the best teams I have been privileged to watch have been those with potency where in matters - in the opposition penalty box. Summers, Firmani, Leary, Tees and Treacy, Hales and Flanagan, and more recently Mendonca, Andy Hunt, Bent (D not M), Wright-Phillips and Kermogant, and, it irks me to admit this, LyleTaylor. All these were capable of scoring 20 goals a season. Too often I have seen a Charlton side struggle with the likes of Plumb, Bobby Hunt, Endean, and more recently, Benson, Church, Sordell and McLeod. I apologise if this post seems overly pessimistic, but I am desperate to see the club compete at a higher level. The start to the season has been encouraging, but I have seen too many false-dawns, and without strengthening our offensive options I fear the worst.
I asked him and was quite perplexed by his response. Signing a striker who outperformed all of our forwards doesn't strike me as a nonsensical signing. In a 46 game season you need plenty of cover in all key areas, striking options is where we are most light when you consider a) how important a proper goal scorer is and b) what our options currently are.
A striker who can't actually create or score most of the chances he gets (I accept some of his link up play has been decent so far), a striker who is injured the majority of the time and when not injured, can barely stay on the pitch for 2/3s of the game and finally an 18 year old who imo is nowhere near ready to be leading the line, the calls of 'Leaburn' are certainly more nostalgia I would say.
So all in all a striker is available for a fee who was one of the top scorers in our division, one of the best players to play at the valley last season, in a position which we probably need of that quality (whether it's him or not) & where it appears to be the main area we are struggling...yeah, beats me why we wouldn't think we would be in for him.
By the sounds of it all we really are struggling financially and well outside the top6 spending. I am looking at these other clubs around us and despite our good start, it does concern me.
then if you look outside those clubs you've got the likes of Oxford, Barnsley, Wycombe who all have lots of quality in their squads. That's 9 clubs right there where arguably, you can say they all have better striking/forward options.
I am happy with how this season is going but I am looking at some of these results and scorers in the games and I reckon despite the football clearly improving, we are going nowhere this season. I don't believe for a second it will be an issue with our goalie, defence or midfield. It's our attack that's the problem. All other positions I think we are as good as anyone in this league or can compete.
Disappointed by Mr Cawley's response to the Stockton rumour. I accept that if Stockton was acquired by the club it would be a choice between him and Stockley as to who plays. I have no problem with this and totally agree. However, the fact remains that if Stockley was injured in the first week of September, we would be left with an injury prone Aneke and the promising Miles Leaburn. Even a fit Stockley concerns me - he is not a goal-poacher, and most of his goals are either from headers or from the penalty spot. For a team that is endeavouring to secure a play-off place at worst, that would be completely inadequate, and a top six place would become no more than a pipe-dream. Having been a Charlton supporter since 1959, the best teams I have been privileged to watch have been those with potency where in matters - in the opposition penalty box. Summers, Firmani, Leary, Tees and Treacy, Hales and Flanagan, and more recently Mendonca, Andy Hunt, Bent (D not M), Wright-Phillips and Kermogant, and, it irks me to admit this, LyleTaylor. All these were capable of scoring 20 goals a season. Too often I have seen a Charlton side struggle with the likes of Plumb, Bobby Hunt, Endean, and more recently, Benson, Church, Sordell and McLeod. I apologise if this post seems overly pessimistic, but I am desperate to see the club compete at a higher level. The start to the season has been encouraging, but I have seen too many false-dawns, and without strengthening our offensive options I fear the worst.
I asked him and was quite perplexed by his response. Signing a striker who outperformed all of our forwards doesn't strike me as a nonsensical signing. In a 46 game season you need plenty of cover in all key areas, striking options is where we are most light when you consider a) how important a proper goal scorer is and b) what our options currently are.
A striker who can't actually create or score most of the chances he gets (I accept some of his link up play has been decent so far), a striker who is injured the majority of the time and when not injured, can barely stay on the pitch for 2/3s of the game and finally an 18 year old who imo is nowhere near ready to be leading the line, the calls of 'Leaburn' are certainly more nostalgia I would say.
So all in all a striker is available for a fee who was one of the top scorers in our division, one of the best players to play at the valley last season, in a position which we probably need of that quality (whether it's him or not) & where it appears to be the main area we are struggling...yeah, beats me why we wouldn't think we would be in for him.
By the sounds of it all we really are struggling financially and well outside the top6 spending. I am looking at these other clubs around us and despite our good start, it does concern me.
Pompey: Bishop, Pigott, Curtis Play 2 up front but fair enough Bishop has 4 goals. Peterborough: Clarke-Harris, Marriott Play 2 up front also, what do they do when one of these gets injured? Ipswich: Ladapo, Chaplin, Aluko, John-Jules Seem to play 3 4 2 1, our front 3 compares favourably in terms of goal return so far Bolton: Afolayan, Charles play 2 up top, where is the depth? Their 2 strikers have zero goals so far Derby: Mendez-Laing, Collins, McGoldrick they've scored 3 goals in 5 games Wednesday: Smith, Gregory, Windass play 2 up top, so 3 players for 2 positions? Have 1 goal between them so far.
then if you look outside those clubs you've got the likes of Oxford, Barnsley, Wycombe who all have lots of quality in their squads. That's 9 clubs right there where arguably, you can say they all have better striking/forward options.
I am happy with how this season is going but I am looking at some of these results and scorers in the games and I reckon despite the football clearly improving, we are going nowhere this season. I don't believe for a second it will be an issue with our goalie, defence or midfield. It's our attack that's the problem. All other positions I think we are as good as anyone in this league or can compete.
I don't think it's as bad as you think.. I don't see much depth there given most teams you've listed play 2 up top and our front 3 (if you're comparing forwards) have scored a fair amount, 4 from right wing, one from left wing and 1 from Stockley is 6 goals in 5 games, which isn't exactly poor. The problem really comes down to anekes fitness as if he was fit even for 30 min cameos we have good options for 1 position, and certainly no worse than the teams around us who play with 2 strikers and have little in the way of other options if one of them is injured
Some free agent striker options... don't get the pulses racing but keeping in mind my post from above, some of these could do a job and/or add experience:
- Oumar Niasse (was with Everton 2016-2020, last with Burton) - Marc McNulty (spells with Coventry and Reading, recently on loan at Dundee) - Lewis Grabban (last with Forest, has had a long and successful career in the Championship) - Mamadou Thiam (last played in France, spent 2017-2020 with Barnsley) - Hal Robson-Kanu (long career in top two tiers with Reading and WBA) - Sam Winnall (bounced between Champ and L1, last with Oxford) - Simon Makienok (don't laugh) - Fraizer Campbell (last with Huddersfield) - Nadir Ciftci (CharltonLife legend, last with St Johnstone)
Some free agent striker options... don't get the pulses racing but keeping in mind my post from above, some of these could do a job and/or add experience:
- Oumar Niasse (was with Everton 2016-2020, last with Burton) - Marc McNulty (spells with Coventry and Reading, recently on loan at Dundee) - Lewis Grabban (last with Forest, has had a long and successful career in the Championship) - Mamadou Thiam (last played in France, spent 2017-2020 with Barnsley) - Hal Robson-Kanu (long career in top two tiers with Reading and WBA) - Sam Winnall (bounced between Champ and L1, last with Oxford) - Simon Makienok (don't laugh) - Fraizer Campbell (last with Huddersfield) - Nadir Ciftci (CharltonLife legend, last with St Johnstone)
Interesting list.. Robson-Kanu would be worth a look surely. 32 years old so won't be completely past it you'd have thought although guessing wages might be an issue given the level he has played at his whole career.
Some free agent striker options... don't get the pulses racing but keeping in mind my post from above, some of these could do a job and/or add experience:
- Oumar Niasse (was with Everton 2016-2020, last with Burton) - Marc McNulty (spells with Coventry and Reading, recently on loan at Dundee) - Lewis Grabban (last with Forest, has had a long and successful career in the Championship) - Mamadou Thiam (last played in France, spent 2017-2020 with Barnsley) - Hal Robson-Kanu (long career in top two tiers with Reading and WBA) - Sam Winnall (bounced between Champ and L1, last with Oxford) - Simon Makienok (don't laugh) - Fraizer Campbell (last with Huddersfield) - Nadir Ciftci (CharltonLife legend, last with St Johnstone)
That's all around the most depressing post this week on the 2022 transfer rumours thread.
Disappointed by Mr Cawley's response to the Stockton rumour. I accept that if Stockton was acquired by the club it would be a choice between him and Stockley as to who plays. I have no problem with this and totally agree. However, the fact remains that if Stockley was injured in the first week of September, we would be left with an injury prone Aneke and the promising Miles Leaburn. Even a fit Stockley concerns me - he is not a goal-poacher, and most of his goals are either from headers or from the penalty spot. For a team that is endeavouring to secure a play-off place at worst, that would be completely inadequate, and a top six place would become no more than a pipe-dream. Having been a Charlton supporter since 1959, the best teams I have been privileged to watch have been those with potency where in matters - in the opposition penalty box. Summers, Firmani, Leary, Tees and Treacy, Hales and Flanagan, and more recently Mendonca, Andy Hunt, Bent (D not M), Wright-Phillips and Kermogant, and, it irks me to admit this, LyleTaylor. All these were capable of scoring 20 goals a season. Too often I have seen a Charlton side struggle with the likes of Plumb, Bobby Hunt, Endean, and more recently, Benson, Church, Sordell and McLeod. I apologise if this post seems overly pessimistic, but I am desperate to see the club compete at a higher level. The start to the season has been encouraging, but I have seen too many false-dawns, and without strengthening our offensive options I fear the worst.
I asked him and was quite perplexed by his response. Signing a striker who outperformed all of our forwards doesn't strike me as a nonsensical signing. In a 46 game season you need plenty of cover in all key areas, striking options is where we are most light when you consider a) how important a proper goal scorer is and b) what our options currently are.
A striker who can't actually create or score most of the chances he gets (I accept some of his link up play has been decent so far), a striker who is injured the majority of the time and when not injured, can barely stay on the pitch for 2/3s of the game and finally an 18 year old who imo is nowhere near ready to be leading the line, the calls of 'Leaburn' are certainly more nostalgia I would say.
So all in all a striker is available for a fee who was one of the top scorers in our division, one of the best players to play at the valley last season, in a position which we probably need of that quality (whether it's him or not) & where it appears to be the main area we are struggling...yeah, beats me why we wouldn't think we would be in for him.
By the sounds of it all we really are struggling financially and well outside the top6 spending. I am looking at these other clubs around us and despite our good start, it does concern me.
Pompey: Bishop, Pigott, Curtis Play 2 up front but fair enough Bishop has 4 goals. Peterborough: Clarke-Harris, Marriott Play 2 up front also, what do they do when one of these gets injured? Ipswich: Ladapo, Chaplin, Aluko, John-Jules Seem to play 3 4 2 1, our front 3 compares favourably in terms of goal return so far Bolton: Afolayan, Charles play 2 up top, where is the depth? Their 2 strikers have zero goals so far Derby: Mendez-Laing, Collins, McGoldrick they've scored 3 goals in 5 games Wednesday: Smith, Gregory, Windass play 2 up top, so 3 players for 2 positions? Have 1 goal between them so far.
then if you look outside those clubs you've got the likes of Oxford, Barnsley, Wycombe who all have lots of quality in their squads. That's 9 clubs right there where arguably, you can say they all have better striking/forward options.
I am happy with how this season is going but I am looking at some of these results and scorers in the games and I reckon despite the football clearly improving, we are going nowhere this season. I don't believe for a second it will be an issue with our goalie, defence or midfield. It's our attack that's the problem. All other positions I think we are as good as anyone in this league or can compete.
I don't think it's as bad as you think.. I don't see much depth there given most teams you've listed play 2 up top and our front 3 (if you're comparing forwards) have scored a fair amount, 4 from right wing, one from left wing and 1 from Stockley is 6 goals in 5 games, which isn't exactly poor. The problem really comes down to anekes fitness as if he was fit even for 30 min cameos we have good options for 1 position, and certainly no worse than the teams around us who play with 2 strikers and have little in the way of other options if one of them is injured
It's Aneke's fitness which is exactly why we need another striker.
Even if he was fit, if Stockley was out for 2 weeks with the standard minor injury players get, how much realistically could we use Chuks as a replacement, a player best suited to cameos from the bench? Especially if we have a midweek game as well
None of the rivals have players (as far as I know) who can only play 30 minute cameos as their second striker choice
Controversial opinion time but I don’t even think the striker we need has to be that good. We just need *someone* who can help us avoid a situation like last season where we went to Wigan with Burstow and Elliot Lee up front, for example.
Obviously the player coming in would need chip in with a few goals when they play over the course of the season but Plan A is obviously to move forward with club captain Stockley as often as possible.
As long as we have a senior body that is available to play when called upon and does a half decent job at dropping into midfield and linking the play, we can still score goals from the likes of CBT, JRS, Kirk, Fraser and Payne.
And then when Stockley is back after a short absence, they’ll drop back to the bench.
For me, it’s more important to get a player that fits the style and can replace Jayden’s link up without disruption more so than finding a poacher who can score a goal but not contribute anything else.
It’s become clear over the last few weeks that that poaching kind of forward won’t fit the Garner style.
In less than 48 hours we have regressed from wanting a "striker who can score" to a "striker who isn't that good."
By the end of the week it will be "any person with two legs and a pair of boots."
Some free agent striker options... don't get the pulses racing but keeping in mind my post from above, some of these could do a job and/or add experience:
- Oumar Niasse (was with Everton 2016-2020, last with Burton) - Marc McNulty (spells with Coventry and Reading, recently on loan at Dundee) - Lewis Grabban (last with Forest, has had a long and successful career in the Championship) - Mamadou Thiam (last played in France, spent 2017-2020 with Barnsley) - Hal Robson-Kanu (long career in top two tiers with Reading and WBA) - Sam Winnall (bounced between Champ and L1, last with Oxford) - Simon Makienok (don't laugh) - Fraizer Campbell (last with Huddersfield) - Nadir Ciftci (CharltonLife legend, last with St Johnstone)
Has to be Campbell - Ex Palace, injury prone and 10 goals in his last 94 games. Also 34, can play his for a couple of months, then he will realise it’s time to stop and he can sit down playing Dominos with Aneke for the last 18 months of his contract.
Comments
I’d much prefer him to turns things around and show he can fund the club long term, but I don’t think that’s as likely as I did a year or so ago.
I guess if it's contract stuff that makes sense.
But this feels like yet another example of lack of joined up thinking by our recruitment team. Is that too harsh?
The thinking is much more joined up than last summer when we were too slow to sign players and it seemed the only thought was whether they could fit a 4-3-3 formation with no thought on style of play. We then made some desperate signings at the end of the window in Arter and Souare in attempt to fix the mistakes.
https://twitter.com/skyfootball/status/1562062419605815296?s=21&t=Ek6OwlhzjNaDUyz0gsCFMw
The lack of joined up thinking is if we have to move a player on, that we basically signed 10 weeks ago, to complete the picture.
Now I don't believe its 100% but it has become the current narrative.
However it does not take away the fact that up to now we have only enlisted free agents and out of contract players so if this continues it will, and does limit our market.
Literally nothing can go wrong.
As long as we have a senior body that is available to play when called upon and does a half decent job at dropping into midfield and linking the play, we can still score goals from the likes of CBT, JRS, Kirk, Fraser and Payne.
And then when Stockley is back after a short absence, they’ll drop back to the bench.
For me, it’s more important to get a player that fits the style and can replace Jayden’s link up without disruption more so than finding a poacher who can score a goal but not contribute anything else.
It’s become clear over the last few weeks that that poaching kind of forward won’t fit the Garner style.
TS by trying to 'break even' at this stage has given the most obvious sign that he does not see Charlton as a long term investment. Cutting your losses, as others have observed, is more often a sign of getting ready to get out. Cutting backroom staff is not necessarily a sign of this, but cutting the budget for players most certainly is, they are after all what produces value for a football club. It is the equivalent of failing to invest in the latest machinery, while your competitors who do become more productive as a result. And then they beat you.
Absolutely understand its highly unlikely that we will sign a game changer but we need someone.
Only if Garner and co have identified a target commanding a fee that they're confident is better than the next best free agent or loan should they consider shelling out. We'll soon know if anyone fits that bill with only a week left of the transfer window now.
If nothing changes between now and then, I might be persuaded to add my name to others demanding that our owner pays out big money to sign anything that moves 😎
A striker who can't actually create or score most of the chances he gets (I accept some of his link up play has been decent so far), a striker who is injured the majority of the time and when not injured, can barely stay on the pitch for 2/3s of the game and finally an 18 year old who imo is nowhere near ready to be leading the line, the calls of 'Leaburn' are certainly more nostalgia I would say.
So all in all a striker is available for a fee who was one of the top scorers in our division, one of the best players to play at the valley last season, in a position which we probably need of that quality (whether it's him or not) & where it appears to be the main area we are struggling...yeah, beats me why we wouldn't think we would be in for him.
By the sounds of it all we really are struggling financially and well outside the top6 spending. I am looking at these other clubs around us and despite our good start, it does concern me.
Pompey: Bishop, Pigott, Curtis
Peterborough: Clarke-Harris, Marriott
Ipswich: Ladapo, Chaplin, Aluko, John-Jules
Bolton: Afolayan, Charles
Derby: Mendez-Laing, Collins, McGoldrick
Wednesday: Smith, Gregory, Windass
then if you look outside those clubs you've got the likes of Oxford, Barnsley, Wycombe who all have lots of quality in their squads. That's 9 clubs right there where arguably, you can say they all have better striking/forward options.
I am happy with how this season is going but I am looking at some of these results and scorers in the games and I reckon despite the football clearly improving, we are going nowhere this season. I don't believe for a second it will be an issue with our goalie, defence or midfield. It's our attack that's the problem. All other positions I think we are as good as anyone in this league or can compete.
I don't think it's as bad as you think.. I don't see much depth there given most teams you've listed play 2 up top and our front 3 (if you're comparing forwards) have scored a fair amount, 4 from right wing, one from left wing and 1 from Stockley is 6 goals in 5 games, which isn't exactly poor. The problem really comes down to anekes fitness as if he was fit even for 30 min cameos we have good options for 1 position, and certainly no worse than the teams around us who play with 2 strikers and have little in the way of other options if one of them is injured
- Oumar Niasse (was with Everton 2016-2020, last with Burton)
- Marc McNulty (spells with Coventry and Reading, recently on loan at Dundee)
- Lewis Grabban (last with Forest, has had a long and successful career in the Championship)
- Mamadou Thiam (last played in France, spent 2017-2020 with Barnsley)
- Hal Robson-Kanu (long career in top two tiers with Reading and WBA)
- Sam Winnall (bounced between Champ and L1, last with Oxford)
- Simon Makienok (don't laugh)
- Fraizer Campbell (last with Huddersfield)
- Nadir Ciftci (CharltonLife legend, last with St Johnstone)
Interesting list.. Robson-Kanu would be worth a look surely. 32 years old so won't be completely past it you'd have thought although guessing wages might be an issue given the level he has played at his whole career.
Even if he was fit, if Stockley was out for 2 weeks with the standard minor injury players get, how much realistically could we use Chuks as a replacement, a player best suited to cameos from the bench? Especially if we have a midweek game as well
None of the rivals have players (as far as I know) who can only play 30 minute cameos as their second striker choice
In less than 48 hours we have regressed from wanting a "striker who can score" to a "striker who isn't that good."
By the end of the week it will be "any person with two legs and a pair of boots."
Do we want to guess who the CB could be?