Excruciating first half. Highlight was my old golfing buddy Hoppo winning the crossbar challenge. Lovely guy. Don’t tell him that we were betting on him landing on his arse will you. Well done buddy. I know you’ll read this!
Some great stuff in the second half albeit in the face of a complete collapse by Reading. On this showing our demise over the last 15 years could be a blip compared to their potential tumble down the leagues. Some obvious conclusions:
1. Appleton has got us organised but he needs to start with his best side and improve the first half showings.
2. Tedic is not a winger.
3. Chuks is an impact sub not a starter and will break regularly. Treat accordingly. Leaving the injury aside he was rubbish yesterday apart from the goal (which I could have finished from there on one leg). As a sub he is brilliant. Feel for him.
4. The player formerly known as Lackend-Product is turning into a proper weapon. I worry for us if he’s injured as so much of our attacking play depends on him. although young TC is bubbling nicely as an alternative attacking outlet.
5. Can someone please get on to Castore and get gorgeous George a pair of shorter shorts as this continuously hitching his sorts up his thighs is getting silly (otherwise keep doing what you’re doing mate).
6. I’m not a fan of either of our keepers but AMB kept us in it for a while. All saves we’d expect him to make but he made them.
7. The side that pissed this league a decade ago had two excellent full backs who could both maraud forward. This side doesn’t. TT tried hard yesterday although his distribution was terrible. TW showed some improvement but, given his start, it was hard not to. Young Nathan shows a lot of promise but I think this is a weakness that will cost us this season.
Onwards and upwards though. It’s beginning to feel like a group we can really get behind.
Now Chuks will be out for some weeks, I expect we'll start with Leaburn and TC as part of the front 3. And with Tedic to come on to replace Leaburn we only have C Campbell as a replacement for both wings.
Although personally I'd prefer Fraser in the midfield 3, and May somewhere up front. We can't be having the riches of both Fraser and Camara on the bench.
Only 3 teams above us have played the same amount of games. If we win both those games we're on 24 points and that's all we can hope for. I don't care other teams do this early on, so long as we keep pace for 2ppg.
We're currently on target for 69 points. That will take us to about 1.71 PPG or 78 PTS.
One of our games in hand is against Derby, which we play on Feb 27th next year. The table will look a lot different by then & teams around us might have games in hand on us.
Get the Wigan match out of the way & by then we would have played 3 more matches. Let's see where we are on 1st Nov shall we
TBH, I’m waiting for the 11th after we have played our perennial whipping boys. If we can, again, derail Pompey then I will think that play-offs might be on. Even if we lose, the nature of that performance will be telling
There were times over the last two or three years when watching the youth and U21’s play, and comparing them with the first team, when I genuinely thought it wouldn’t be a disaster for the first team to be replaced by ‘our own’. A bit of fantasy, a bit of wishful thinking. Clearly some senior ‘outside’ players like CBT, Alfie May, or Dobbo are invaluable, but I am delighted by the way that generation is coming through together, a proper Band of Brothers with sometimes telepathic understanding of each other. It is tempting to rush to judgement, but if our first team included AMB, Ness, Asimwe, Mitchell, Elerewe, Anderson, Campbell, Leaburn and Kanu, would it be such a disaster, or a celebration of Charlton’s true USP at this time in our history?
I am aware that introducing players in the third division is a different kettle of Haddock’s to introducing players into the Premier League, but still….. You can supplement that group with Bower, Bakrin, Chin, Adigun and some others whose names escape me at the moment.
The highest paid employee at Charlton should be Steve Avory, he is one special bloke.
Having a strong bench with attacking players has been the main difference from the Holden era at the Valley. Chuks (not Chuck's !) had a big impact on this just with his presence. CB's are scared of the big man and despite knowing in our heart of hearts that Aneke would only be available for 6 or so games it was good while it lasted.
Now we have to see if Tedic in his central striker's role can be the foil and Job share with Leaburn. Miles should start and Slobadan should come off the bench. TC had a great impact off the bench and will be inconsistent but can begin to start more in that right attacking position.
May is awesome and can play as a 10 or 9 and score goals at this level.
CBT is our X factor player and please enjoy this season as he will be playing in the Championship next season.
Kanu will also attract interest and is ready to be the impact sub off the bench in League one replacing Aneke if our fears of knowing his Medical CV come to fruition. Daniel's confidence will be sky high after his 4 goals for Southend.
The test now if for Appleton to find a way of cafc scoring goals away from home while being tighter at the back. We can't be contenders until we start winning some tight games on our travels.
The nature of modern football seems to be that you only ever get bis of games where the action happens rather than 90 minutes so we seem to have to sit through 45 minutes of treading water before the real stuff starts - tedic in particular is out there as nothing more than a fluffer for the real weapons to then come on - so be it, at least we now get better as games go on rather than the opposite which has been the case under the last 2 managers - it felt like they were just told not to concede in the first 45 mins and blimey was it dull. Agree re their centre back, he'd be a great addition in January but guessing he will be going championship or above - its all starting to come together now and the second half of the last 2 home games have been brilliant and if i can watch that every fortnight, that'll do me - might even jump onto the away day bandwagon if things continue like this - hope chucks is okay and just a minor strain as our attacking threats are looking like promotion quality to me and with fraser and camara back we're looking strong - the new regime appear to have delivered after all !!
First half with Tedic on the wing we looked similarly unbalanced as we did against Blackpool in the first 45 mins. The same TC substitution opened the game up. TC must start now. Tedic no doubt a good player but not offering anything on the right. Think having natural width stretches the oppo and makes more space for CBT and everyone else. Tedic sits narrow and not sure what that's accomplishing.
Hector and Jones very impressive yesterday and so pleased with a clean sheet. Hope they start to build a proper partnership. If they iron out the errors, would be great to have a reliable CB pair that play 40 league games together, when was the last time that happened?
There were times over the last two or three years when watching the youth and U21’s play, and comparing them with the first team, when I genuinely thought it wouldn’t be a disaster for the first team to be replaced by ‘our own’. A bit of fantasy, a bit of wishful thinking. Clearly some senior ‘outside’ players like CBT, Alfie May, or Dobbo are invaluable, but I am delighted by the way that generation is coming through together, a proper Band of Brothers with sometimes telepathic understanding of each other. It is tempting to rush to judgement, but if our first team included AMB, Ness, Asimwe, Mitchell, Elerewe, Anderson, Campbell, Leaburn and Kanu, would it be such a disaster, or a celebration of Charlton’s true USP at this time in our history?
I am aware that introducing players in the third division is a different kettle of Haddock’s to introducing players into the Premier League, but still….. You can supplement that group with Bower, Bakrin, Chin, Adigun and some others whose names escape me at the moment.
The highest paid employee at Charlton should be Steve Avory, he is one special bloke.
I agree with you that we have some very good youngsters coming through. But playing too many of them at the same time will do them more harm than good. They have to be introduced slowly. Playing too many of them at the same time cost Holden his job.
Readings number 32 is one of the best centre half’s I have seen at the Valley over the last few years and he is only 20 - got to be worth a bid by us - especially if Reading look like they are going down
His performance reminded me of a young Paul Parker who had a brilliant game against us at Selhurst Park in 1986. He seemed to be in the way of everything. He went on to have a fantastic career.
Really enjoyed watching that game. 1st half was a little turgid, but 2nd half WOW what a transformation. 4 very good goals, CBT on fire, Hector was magnificent all game, L Watson very good as was Jones. An undefeated run and the chance to extend this on Tuesday. Well done to the team/squad and Appleton....long may this continue!
The nature of modern football seems to be that you only ever get bis of games where the action happens rather than 90 minutes so we seem to have to sit through 45 minutes of treading water before the real stuff starts - tedic in particular is out there as nothing more than a fluffer for the real weapons to then come on - so be it, at least we now get better as games go on rather than the opposite which has been the case under the last 2 managers - it felt like they were just told not to concede in the first 45 mins and blimey was it dull. Agree re their centre back, he'd be a great addition in January but guessing he will be going championship or above - its all starting to come together now and the second half of the last 2 home games have been brilliant and if i can watch that every fortnight, that'll do me - might even jump onto the away day bandwagon if things continue like this - hope chucks is okay and just a minor strain as our attacking threats are looking like promotion quality to me and with fraser and camara back we're looking strong - the new regime appear to have delivered after all !!
I know I'm going to sound like an out of touch old man but that's something I never want to see on a football pitch.
Poor first half, excellent second. But for the Reading subs after our third we may have got a few more as they were mentally shattered at that point.
Thought AMB produced some very decent saves first half and punched a few crosses away but his aerial strength on crosses still needs improving.
Hector was excellent and Jones very good too, alongside him which was great to see - Reading really should have got at least 2 goals though so more work needed in the defence.
TC coming on was part of the catalyst for our improvement, but his first 15 mins also showed how he needs to strengthen up and improve on the defensive side to become a regular starter, beaten too easily on a couple of occasions and Dobbo ended up going to have a word with him on about 60mins.
Leaburn is some player, Assimwe is going to go places. If CBT can continue to improve his crossing and distribution he could still go higher than the Championship; the first half he was so frustrating; the second unplayable.
I hope Aneke is back soon, I was worried starting him - it just never works and when he starts he never makes it past 2/3 games.
I'm really starting to like this team and Alfie May is the first favourite player I've had in some time.
Was talking with my daughter after the game. This squad is the first time I can feel a real connection since the play-off winning squad, and even that had players who were a bit meh. I get we've not seen the best of some of them yet (Tedic for example). But I really rate May, Leaburn, Dobbo, Chuks, Tyreece, CBT, Louie Watson, Assimwe, I'm warming to Hector, Jones and Thomas, love AMB's attitude even if he scares me sometimes. And I was underwhelmed by Appleton's appointment but he's turning out to be quite good.
More than happy. Hope the women's team can stuff the Nigellas today too. Shame the trains are ******d
He's actually great isn't he? What a smart and pleasant bloke
Same thing was said about Dean Holden.
Agree it is still too early to declare Appleton the saviour. We’re still in new manager bounce territory and the true test of a manager is how the handle a bad run or loss of form. Can they arrest a slump or does the ship just slowly keep on sinking? It’s what gave Curbs such longevity because he could consistently “stop the rot”.
What I will say for Appleton though, if we’re comparing him to Holden, is that he is much more convincing when talking about tactics and how individual players can improve. Holden talked very well about personality and the emotional side of the game but he never convinced that he could regularly set up a side in a way that might out think and opposing manager.
I really don’t think we’re in new manager bounce territory. Appleton is vastly more experienced than any of Jackson, Garner and Holden. He’s also had the benefit of key players returning from injury. That said, it’s clear he knows what he wants and is able to get that across to the players. It’s not bounce we’re experiencing, it’s good management. I’ve said all along that this season we’ll be a slow burn and make a steady climb up the league after the dreadful start. I’m still not convinced our defence will give us enough clean sheets especially away from home to achieve top six. I think it’ll run close though.
Firstly, well done the Covered End upper for calling out the terrorist supporter who shouted out during the minutes silence. They was another such moron in the East Stand.
On to the game.
Two teams playing poorly in the first half.
Reading happy to sit deep and rely on set pieces which nearly worked for them.
Our clean sheet was welcome but we still looked vulnerable at corners. Maybe expecting the opposition to have zero chances is unrealistic but if Reading forwards could finish they might not be 2nd bottom. Then again their problems are deeper than just scoring goals
Once Aneke scored it just felt the extra space would mean more chances for us and so it was.
Game over at 2 - 0 but how nice to cruise to 3 then 4 - 0 rather than be biting our nails at 2 - 1 as traditionally it has been for many years.
So much quality and attacking options from the bench, less so in defence but Hector is improving (only got rolled once to allow a good chance which was fluffed) and won a lot in the air, Jones solid, Thomas too. AMB made one good early save low down but had little else to test him bar some high crosses he lost. He did make some strong punched clearances and seems more willing to come for the ball.
Four strikers scored. Feel sorry for Tedic as not a winger but Campbell (did I mention I and friends sponsor his shirt? Maybe CL could revive its shirt sponsorships) is the real deal and brings pace, passing and now power finishing.
Interesting that C Campbell and Abankwah are not featuring. I wonder if their loans can be cancelled by us in January and if so will they be?
Same question regarding Tadic but I guess that will depend on Aneke's fitness and Kanu. Cherry on the cake to hear as we left the ground that he'd scored four.
But tough run of games coming up and those players currently on the fringes could be vital with the Saturday/Tuesday schedule.
Now at better than two points per game under Appleton and top half of the table, albeit on goal difference. We're not in the play-offs but they are now at least in sight.
I'm really starting to like this team and Alfie May is the first favourite player I've had in some time.
Much as I Iove how much May seems to enjoy playlng, like a fan who has won a play for a day ticket, I have a Shirt with Dobson on the back. In my 50's , having worn over 15 replica shirts, his name is the only one that has made it onto the back.
Please stay Dobbo. I believe you can achieve a status that money can't buy!
I'm really starting to like this team and Alfie May is the first favourite player I've had in some time.
Much as I Iove how much May seems to enjoy playlng, like a fan who has won a play for a day ticket, I have a Shirt with Dobson on the back. In my 50's , having worn over 15 replica shirts, his name is the only one that has made it onto the back.
Please stay Dobbo. I believe you can achieve a status that money can't buy!
He is absolutely the beating heart of the team. He is so good and so consistently putting in important tackles and blocks and then spraying passes that allow our front men to shine that, it seems to me, most people simply take him for granted. On top of all that, he is developing into an excellent captain who encourages and marshals everyone around him. Yesterday, it was only after he gave him a gee up after he had made a mistake that T Campbell's game burst into life. For the last two seasons, for me at least, he has already achieved "the status that money can't buy".
After Xmas will be the test. We should expect a raid on our best players, Dobson, CBT and Leaburn. If the owners respond either by fending off buyers or by having ready prepared alternatives to come in then we may be in business.
If we lose key players with no adequate replacements then we will know we are still in the s**t.
He's actually great isn't he? What a smart and pleasant bloke
Same thing was said about Dean Holden.
Agree it is still too early to declare Appleton the saviour. We’re still in new manager bounce territory and the true test of a manager is how the handle a bad run or loss of form. Can they arrest a slump or does the ship just slowly keep on sinking? It’s what gave Curbs such longevity because he could consistently “stop the rot”.
What I will say for Appleton though, if we’re comparing him to Holden, is that he is much more convincing when talking about tactics and how individual players can improve. Holden talked very well about personality and the emotional side of the game but he never convinced that he could regularly set up a side in a way that might out think and opposing manager.
I really don’t think we’re in new manager bounce territory. Appleton is vastly more experienced than any of Jackson, Garner and Holden. He’s also had the benefit of key players returning from injury. That said, it’s clear he knows what he wants and is able to get that across to the players. It’s not bounce we’re experiencing, it’s good management. I’ve said all along that this season we’ll be a slow burn and make a steady climb up the league after the dreadful start. I’m still not convinced our defence will give us enough clean sheets especially away from home to achieve top six. I think it’ll run close though.
I'm as excited as most but 1) we've only played 4 away games(2 under MA). Some teams have only played 4 home games.We've played 8(4 under MA ), ...(1 Pearce) 2)How many 'contenders" have we played? Peterborough and Oxford were under Holden.The fixtures have been favourable for MA.(and availability of players) 3) I am thoroughly entertained by the goals we are scoring, but the performances have been not been so when we are not scoring- ie offering up easy chances to the opposition, poor passing, lack of imagination/creativity. It's not even one good half and one bad half, it's more 75mins bad ,sloppy, disorganised, lop-sided play and 15 mins exciting bright stuff. MA gets great praise for starting the wrong players and then correcting it later on by bringing on talent.
It's an encouraging start in terms of results, but I want to see a more competent/composed/steely 90 mins. Still the bounce. Work in progress
After Xmas will be the test. We should expect a raid on our best players, Dobson, CBT and Leaburn. If the owners respond either by fending off buyers or by having ready prepared alternatives to come in then we may be in business.
If we lose key players with no adequate replacements then we will know we are still in the s**t.
It’s a very relevant post. I’m sure the club know pretty much where they stand with Dobson and CBT regarding the possibility of re signing and as MA has told us preliminaries have begun, so I expect that if the club are not confident of getting their signatures then Scott will be looking for replacements already. With Leaburn I think it’s slightly different and depends on whether or not a really significant bid comes in. If we get something like a £5 million bid then all bets are off but in any case I’d like to think we’d get him back for the remainder of the season and would also depend on where we are in the league.
Comments
1. Appleton has got us organised but he needs to start with his best side and improve the first half showings.
2. Tedic is not a winger.
Although personally I'd prefer Fraser in the midfield 3, and May somewhere up front. We can't be having the riches of both Fraser and Camara on the bench.
Clearly some senior ‘outside’ players like CBT, Alfie May, or Dobbo are invaluable, but I am delighted by the way that generation is coming through together, a proper Band of Brothers with sometimes telepathic understanding of each other.
It is tempting to rush to judgement, but if our first team included AMB, Ness, Asimwe, Mitchell, Elerewe, Anderson, Campbell, Leaburn and Kanu, would it be such a disaster, or a celebration of Charlton’s true USP at this time in our history?
You can supplement that group with Bower, Bakrin, Chin, Adigun and some others whose names escape me at the moment.
Chuks (not Chuck's !) had a big impact on this just with his presence. CB's are scared of the big man and despite knowing in our heart of hearts that Aneke would only be available for 6 or so games it was good while it lasted.
Now we have to see if Tedic in his central striker's role can be the foil and Job share with Leaburn. Miles should start and Slobadan should come off the bench. TC had a great impact off the bench and will be inconsistent but can begin to start more in that right attacking position.
May is awesome and can play as a 10 or 9 and score goals at this level.
CBT is our X factor player and please enjoy this season as he will be playing in the Championship next season.
Kanu will also attract interest and is ready to be the impact sub off the bench in League one replacing Aneke if our fears of knowing his Medical CV come to fruition.
Daniel's confidence will be sky high after his 4 goals for Southend.
The test now if for Appleton to find a way of cafc scoring goals away from home while being tighter at the back. We can't be contenders until we start winning some tight games on our travels.
Hector and Jones very impressive yesterday and so pleased with a clean sheet. Hope they start to build a proper partnership. If they iron out the errors, would be great to have a reliable CB pair that play 40 league games together, when was the last time that happened?
Delighted with the progress so far.
But playing too many of them at the same time will do them more harm than good.
They have to be introduced slowly.
Playing too many of them at the same time cost Holden his job.
He went on to have a fantastic career.
An undefeated run and the chance to extend this on Tuesday. Well done to the team/squad and Appleton....long may this continue!
I know I'm going to sound like an out of touch old man but that's something I never want to see on a football pitch.
Thought AMB produced some very decent saves first half and punched a few crosses away but his aerial strength on crosses still needs improving.
Hector was excellent and Jones very good too, alongside him which was great to see - Reading really should have got at least 2 goals though so more work needed in the defence.
TC coming on was part of the catalyst for our improvement, but his first 15 mins also showed how he needs to strengthen up and improve on the defensive side to become a regular starter, beaten too easily on a couple of occasions and Dobbo ended up going to have a word with him on about 60mins.
Leaburn is some player, Assimwe is going to go places. If CBT can continue to improve his crossing and distribution he could still go higher than the Championship; the first half he was so frustrating; the second unplayable.
I hope Aneke is back soon, I was worried starting him - it just never works and when he starts he never makes it past 2/3 games.
More than happy. Hope the women's team can stuff the Nigellas today too. Shame the trains are ******d
Please stay Dobbo. I believe you can achieve a status that money can't buy!
Or a family member
If the owners respond either by fending off buyers or by having ready prepared alternatives to come in then we may be in business.
If we lose key players with no adequate replacements then we will know we are still in the s**t.
*here we go*
1) we've only played 4 away games(2 under MA). Some teams have only played 4 home games.We've played 8(4 under MA ), ...(1 Pearce)
2)How many 'contenders" have we played? Peterborough and Oxford were under Holden.The fixtures have been favourable for MA.(and availability of players)
3) I am thoroughly entertained by the goals we are scoring, but the performances have been not been so when we are not scoring- ie offering up easy chances to the opposition, poor passing, lack of imagination/creativity. It's not even one good half and one bad half, it's more 75mins bad ,sloppy, disorganised, lop-sided play and 15 mins exciting bright stuff. MA gets great praise for starting the wrong players and then correcting it later on by bringing on talent.
It's an encouraging start in terms of results, but I want to see a more competent/composed/steely 90 mins. Still the bounce.
Work in progress