People still buying the line that May moved for his family and not because Jones didn't fancy him and kept benching him towards the end of last season?
Club propaganda worked a treat.
I can't be bothered to school you about this again............................................. but i will.
Reasons for Alfie to stay -
He was playing well here. Near HIS family.
Reasons for Alfie to leave -
After a career half of which at lower and non league, he gets a move to a club who will pay him a life changing amount of money. As mentioned they Triple/Quadruple his wages. Be near his wife's (who presumably takes the brunt of child care) family so she can visit them more often. Goes to a club that is pretty much nailed on for success. Only had a year left on his contract, gets a three year contract on the highest amount he has ever earnt.
Evidence he left because of the opportunity -
Very little except the LITERAL video he voluntarily did explaining thats why he left.
Evidence he was forced out by the club -
The tin hat brigade on here classing anything they like as "PROpaGANda"
Wow !
so much spin you could be Alistair Campbell in disguise.
None of the text that I've highlighted would have happened if Jones had wanted to keep him.
Alfie did not put in a transfer request.
We only got one offer in (from Huddersfield) once Jones had told him that he could look for another club. The "trebled" wages only came about because Birmingham stepped in at the 11th hour (Alfie had already agreed terms with Huddersfield & was up there about to sign) and offered him a deal he couldn't turn down. So good that he decided that being close to his wife's family in Yorkshire was now not a factor.
If, in the summer, Nathan had said to Alfie that he was going to be our main striker and wanted him here he would be facing Wrexham on Saturday.
The fact that Nathan Jones didn't want Alfie, has fallen out with him by the end of last season and then was happy to let him leave is all down to Nathan Jones.
Yeah ok then, so what was the video about where Alfie literally says that ? Was he being held at gun point ?
Why does everyone keep ignoring the fact that Birmingham is significantly closer to Doncaster than Kent. Also its middle ground so he can still be close to his family.
So you are saying if Alfie was here, being played each week getting on with Jones and Birmingham came in to offer him life changing wages he says no thanks I'm happy here ? Pull the other one.
Also its not difficult to imagine that a team like Birmingham spending the money they have would be interested in the leagues top goalscorer.
Got to say there are good points that you both make. We won't know the full story but I wonder what would have happened had Birmingham or Huddersfield not come in for him and is Nathan Jones recent comments about supporters picking the team for him brought about by the pressure to prove he was right to let Alfie May go, I would imagine he would have had to state his case to Andy Scott at the very least as to why. Fact is the current squad is not fluent going forward and this is where I disagree with Golfie, Alfie May would struggle to score in this team or at least the set up of this team and if you want prove of that look at his goals return after we sold CBT.
Whilst I'm no sycophant and certainly don't believe the people that own our club are some kind of generous benevolent benefactors with zero self interest, there are a small number who will blame them for literally everything even when the evidence (literally a video he made) is staring them in the face.
I wont argue that Jones may not have been 100% on May being his main man but the idea that he would of said no to Birmingham anyway or teams wouldn't be interested in him is beyond me.
I still dont think you get it.
Of course Alfie wouldn't have said no to Birmingham but they only offered him that package because they knew he was for sale (and about to sign for Huddersfield).
I don't know what video you are alluding to but if it's the one he made saying goodbye I believe that was when he was in Huddersfield about to sign for them. Correct me if I'm wrong but I dont recall seeing anything from him about signing for Birmingham.
So let's be clear.... .I dont think anyone is begrudging Alfie signing for Birmingham. It's the fact he was put up for sale & allowed to speak to other clubs that is the issue. Huddersfield and especially Birmingham just didnt ring up the club on the off chance with an offer. I even believe Alfie was told that if he could find a club to join then we wouldn't stand on his way. 3 months later & the only suitors were Huddersfield.....until big money Birmingham came in with a silly offer.
People still buying the line that May moved for his family and not because Jones didn't fancy him and kept benching him towards the end of last season?
Club propaganda worked a treat.
I can't be bothered to school you about this again............................................. but i will.
Reasons for Alfie to stay -
He was playing well here. Near HIS family.
Reasons for Alfie to leave -
After a career half of which at lower and non league, he gets a move to a club who will pay him a life changing amount of money. As mentioned they Triple/Quadruple his wages. Be near his wife's (who presumably takes the brunt of child care) family so she can visit them more often. Goes to a club that is pretty much nailed on for success. Only had a year left on his contract, gets a three year contract on the highest amount he has ever earnt.
Evidence he left because of the opportunity -
Very little except the LITERAL video he voluntarily did explaining thats why he left.
Evidence he was forced out by the club -
The tin hat brigade on here classing anything they like as "PROpaGANda"
Wow !
so much spin you could be Alistair Campbell in disguise.
None of the text that I've highlighted would have happened if Jones had wanted to keep him.
Alfie did not put in a transfer request.
We only got one offer in (from Huddersfield) once Jones had told him that he could look for another club. The "trebled" wages only came about because Birmingham stepped in at the 11th hour (Alfie had already agreed terms with Huddersfield & was up there about to sign) and offered him a deal he couldn't turn down. So good that he decided that being close to his wife's family in Yorkshire was now not a factor.
If, in the summer, Nathan had said to Alfie that he was going to be our main striker and wanted him here he would be facing Wrexham on Saturday.
The fact that Nathan Jones didn't want Alfie, has fallen out with him by the end of last season and then was happy to let him leave is all down to Nathan Jones.
Yeah ok then, so what was the video about where Alfie literally says that ? Was he being held at gun point ?
Why does everyone keep ignoring the fact that Birmingham is significantly closer to Doncaster than Kent. Also its middle ground so he can still be close to his family.
So you are saying if Alfie was here, being played each week getting on with Jones and Birmingham came in to offer him life changing wages he says no thanks I'm happy here ? Pull the other one.
Also its not difficult to imagine that a team like Birmingham spending the money they have would be interested in the leagues top goalscorer.
Got to say there are good points that you both make. We won't know the full story but I wonder what would have happened had Birmingham or Huddersfield not come in for him and is Nathan Jones recent comments about supporters picking the team for him brought about by the pressure to prove he was right to let Alfie May go, I would imagine he would have had to state his case to Andy Scott at the very least as to why. Fact is the current squad is not fluent going forward and this is where I disagree with Golfie, Alfie May would struggle to score in this team or at least the set up of this team and if you want prove of that look at his goals return after we sold CBT.
Whilst I'm no sycophant and certainly don't believe the people that own our club are some kind of generous benevolent benefactors with zero self interest, there are a small number who will blame them for literally everything even when the evidence (literally a video he made) is staring them in the face.
I wont argue that Jones may not have been 100% on May being his main man but the idea that he would of said no to Birmingham anyway or teams wouldn't be interested in him is beyond me.
I still dont think you get it.
Of course Alfie wouldn't have said no to Birmingham but they only offered him that package because they knew he was for sale (and about to sign for Huddersfield).
I sontckniw what video you are alluding to but if it's the one he made saying goodbye I believe that was when he was in Huddersfield about to sign for them. Correct me if I'm wrong but I dont recall seeing anything from him about signing for Birmingham.
So let's be clear.... .I dont think anyone is begrudging Alfie signing for Birmingham. It's the fact he was put up for sale & allowed to speak to other clubs that is the issue. Huddersfield and especially Birmingham just didnt ring up the club on the off chance with an offer.
I think Birmingham would have come in for him anyway. Stansfield was categorically not for sale, now look where he is.
People still buying the line that May moved for his family and not because Jones didn't fancy him and kept benching him towards the end of last season?
Club propaganda worked a treat.
I can't be bothered to school you about this again............................................. but i will.
Reasons for Alfie to stay -
He was playing well here. Near HIS family.
Reasons for Alfie to leave -
After a career half of which at lower and non league, he gets a move to a club who will pay him a life changing amount of money. As mentioned they Triple/Quadruple his wages. Be near his wife's (who presumably takes the brunt of child care) family so she can visit them more often. Goes to a club that is pretty much nailed on for success. Only had a year left on his contract, gets a three year contract on the highest amount he has ever earnt.
Evidence he left because of the opportunity -
Very little except the LITERAL video he voluntarily did explaining thats why he left.
Evidence he was forced out by the club -
The tin hat brigade on here classing anything they like as "PROpaGANda"
Wow !
so much spin you could be Alistair Campbell in disguise.
None of the text that I've highlighted would have happened if Jones had wanted to keep him.
Alfie did not put in a transfer request.
We only got one offer in (from Huddersfield) once Jones had told him that he could look for another club. The "trebled" wages only came about because Birmingham stepped in at the 11th hour (Alfie had already agreed terms with Huddersfield & was up there about to sign) and offered him a deal he couldn't turn down. So good that he decided that being close to his wife's family in Yorkshire was now not a factor.
If, in the summer, Nathan had said to Alfie that he was going to be our main striker and wanted him here he would be facing Wrexham on Saturday.
The fact that Nathan Jones didn't want Alfie, has fallen out with him by the end of last season and then was happy to let him leave is all down to Nathan Jones.
Yeah ok then, so what was the video about where Alfie literally says that ? Was he being held at gun point ?
Why does everyone keep ignoring the fact that Birmingham is significantly closer to Doncaster than Kent. Also its middle ground so he can still be close to his family.
So you are saying if Alfie was here, being played each week getting on with Jones and Birmingham came in to offer him life changing wages he says no thanks I'm happy here ? Pull the other one.
Also its not difficult to imagine that a team like Birmingham spending the money they have would be interested in the leagues top goalscorer.
Got to say there are good points that you both make. We won't know the full story but I wonder what would have happened had Birmingham or Huddersfield not come in for him and is Nathan Jones recent comments about supporters picking the team for him brought about by the pressure to prove he was right to let Alfie May go, I would imagine he would have had to state his case to Andy Scott at the very least as to why. Fact is the current squad is not fluent going forward and this is where I disagree with Golfie, Alfie May would struggle to score in this team or at least the set up of this team and if you want prove of that look at his goals return after we sold CBT.
Whilst I'm no sycophant and certainly don't believe the people that own our club are some kind of generous benevolent benefactors with zero self interest, there are a small number who will blame them for literally everything even when the evidence (literally a video he made) is staring them in the face.
I wont argue that Jones may not have been 100% on May being his main man but the idea that he would of said no to Birmingham anyway or teams wouldn't be interested in him is beyond me.
Rado, I have thought there was more to Jones decision to get rid of Alfie May and it's an easy out to state that if we had Alfie May playing for us we'd be at least in the play off positions if not second. That doesn't take into account factors throughout the season so far, take Tuesday night against Barnsley, I don't think he would have got himself into the position that Leaburn did for the early chance but I would lay good money on him first finishing one of the two second half chances that fell to Godden, that's all very well but having Alfie May playing would not make Gillisphrey or Mitchell win headers, it would not have stopped Lloyd Jones getting injured or Chuks, Ahadme, Ramsay or Kanu. There is so much more to how the side operates and I still think that Nathan Jones does not want to play with wide players, that would not have suited Alfie May for reasons I've stated and despite what people think I am convinced he too would have struggled to score goals in a side that is not attacking in its intent,and the proof of that is in how many forwards have we used and how many have got more than one goal, Godden, and he was the replacement for Alfie May.
We keep sacking managers and recruiting average players and expect things to change, madness.
No investment of quality players = no promotion.
Exactly this. For all the talk of Methven & Co improving things off the pitch, running things sensibly, owners being excited by the challenge etc etc, the fact is that on the field they have:
- Sold CBT to use the money to fund cheap deals for REG, Gillesphey and a signing on fee for Coventry. - Tried to sell Dobbo in Jan. - Sold May to pay for Adadme and Godden.
They've put in so little of their own money really.
There isn't some magic system where you can outwit others - put in their own money, we could have kept Dobson and May, and had better players than Gillesphey, Ahadme, A.Campell.
We won't go anywhere if it carries on.
Who funds the Club's operating losses if not the owners?
Quite right, they're funding the clubs losses just to stand still. If they're happy spunking 10 mill per season to be a mid table Division 3 team fair enough. If they want us to get promoted then next summer they have to fund a quality transfer window not a hotch potch of past it ex Luton players. We've brought in numbers but little quality.
We keep sacking managers and recruiting average players and expect things to change, madness.
No investment of quality players = no promotion.
Spot on. Not to worry though, apparently fans (particularly the younger generation) aren't that bothered about Charlton results, and more so the match day experience. Not my words, only a Charlton share/stakeholders.
I'm confident that once Ahadme is up and running we'll have four years of glory over the course of his contract. Promotion, Promotion, Premier League Title, Champions League win. Off to the bookies to lay some money on that dead cert right now.
Having had time to reflect, I'm doubling down on this. Fast forward 4 years, this dream will have been fulfilled. We'll also own the stadium at that point (the newly-Christened Ahadme Arena), and we'll all bask in the glory of the 20ft Ahadme statue that greets fans as they arrive. The nickname 'Addicks' will be consigned to history, by that point we'll be 'Ahadmicks'.
Not surprised where we sit given the obvious lack of quality and creativity in midfield. Was glaringly obvious in the summer before the season kicked off.
We just don’t have decent January windows, so I can’t see past a mid table finish. I hope I’m wrong.
Im also 50/50 on if Jones walks before the season is out.
Further left = stronger defensive unit, less shots on target allowed
Higher = stronger shot stopping, less goals conceded from shots on target.
- Charlton one of only five clubs in the top left quadrant, alongside Wrexham, Wigan, Stockport and Stevenage. Rotherham on the periphery.
- Birmingham, Huddersfield and Orient need a better goalkeeper to compliment their otherwise defensive solidity.
- Exeter, Mansfield, Bristol Rovers need a better defensive set up and help their goalie out a bit more.
That is really interesting to see Callum , I know a few Birmingham fans properly dug out Ryan Allsop for how he played against us but they've also had major errors from Bailey Peacock-Farrell playing out.
Would be interesting to see that kind of graph in a month or so if Lloyd Jones is out for that amount of time and how it changes.
Defensively we're fatally short of adequate players. Losing just 2 in Ramsay and Jones and we're screwed. Toothless up front unless and until Miles Leaburn recovers fitness and form, Godden knows where the goal is but lacks pace, nobody else is as good even as he. We're overburdened with midfielders, none of them likely to be plying their trade at a higher level anytime soon. The manager took about 10 games to stumble upon a shape/strategy that suited his resources but even then he hasn't actually stuck to it himself. The players made it work against Birmingham but haven't performed at anything like that level in the league games since. NJ holds great store in players he knows of old but they've mostly been unworthy of his faith. We'll need to repeat the Birmingham performance about 30 times to achieve a playoff place and I think the chances of that are vanishingly small. We might see it half a dozen times. We'll probably get wins against a few of the really shitty teams in this division and that'll be enough to stay out of the bottom 4. Finishing higher than last season feels unlikely.
Work in progress….need more consistency. we’ve probably got all the materials for success. It’s just a question of putting it all together properly.
If by materials you are referring to players I personally think we are well short unless mid table is the target for the next few seasons
Come next summer I expect leaburn & Ramsey will be gone & so the circle will continue, May & dobbo went this year & have been replaced by bringing in donkeys. If we had kept them & brought in some quality then we'd be further down the road to having a half decent team.
I think we have a tendency to overhype our players (as do most fan bases) and this squad isn't as strong as last season (maybe with Mannion and A Mitchell being the only strengths). I think we're 4/5 top end league 1 players short of a promotion push. That said January is the worst time to try and bring in that type of quality without spending ridiculous fees on players and even then clubs are reluctant to part with their top players. I think without getting another solid defender, an attacking minded midfielder and a better forward we will finish mid table this season. Which would be an improvement on last season's position, which puts into context how really bad we were last season. This isn't an over night fix and we need to keep with Jones. I probably sound ridiculous saying this as it's only October but I believe we need another summer transfer window to fix this squad to stand a chance of top 6.
"we have a tendency to overhype our players". Really! Do you ever come on CL. I think the only player hyped was Taylor when he wasn't playing!
We are 1 point off the play offs everybody. Far too much pessimism around. Will we make top 6? Maybe, maybe not but I don't think we will be far away.
I think the SMT / Nathan Jones said top 6 was bare minimum.
If we end up 7th we might as well up 17th. Makes no odds does it.
Didn't scott say something similar last season ? Judge me on where we finish or similar. We've judged you, you're shit why are you still here ?
Don't worry because Ahadme is half the player Alfie is.
The problem is he isn't the 11 goals in 10 games player. He is the 1 in 13 one.
Half ? Unfortunately Gas is no where near good enough & I said that before we even signed him, but you can't blame the player ( & I'm not suggesting you are Golfie) blame the people that thought he'd be a good signing. He's nowhere near the quality required.
Feel like Jones put all his eggs in one basket re this year's formation leaving only one real winger in the squad, two if you count Dixon. I also feel he gambled on quantity over quality in the forward department after loosing May and I think that's something that's backfired.
I don't care what anyone says the board cannot be serious about promotion after letting a proven 20 goal a season striker leave. How can you sell your best asset and not replace him.
Agreed we should have forced the 32 year old striker who WANTED to move to a club that was going to almost quadruple his wages, let him live closer to his wife's family and probably win something this year. Can't see how on earth that could ever effect morale.
Huddersfield weren't going to quadruple his wages ? Jones wanted him out simple as that.
midtable again and another year festering in the 3rd division of english football another year closer to the eventual closing of the gates i would say.
Lol if clubs closed up shop because of a few shit years, there wouldn't be any football clubs left!
take your point but attendances are dwindling, many people i know no longer bother going..... what's the point in having a 27k stadium when we struggle to get more than 10
The logical solution is for us to swap grounds I think.
I've visited care homes that smell better than that poxy old rust bucket. No thanks.
So far, I don’t think we’re any better than last season. The players we really need to make an impact aren’t showing up, particularly Berry, Docherty. Also Ahadme of course earlier on.
Here’s hoping Leaburn gets fit and finds his form soon, and that Dixon turns out to be the wildcard we need. With Ramsay and Jones out for a while, it doesn’t inspire much confidence. Although we have proven to be hard to beat.
The games are coming thick and fast now, and with Exeter, Peterborough, and Huddersfield all close in the table within four points, it’s going to bring even more clarity
So far, I don’t think we’re any better than last season. The players we really need to make an impact aren’t showing up, particularly Berry, Docherty. Also Ahadme of course earlier on.
Here’s hoping Leaburn gets fit and finds his form soon, and that Dixon turns out to be the wildcard we need. With Ramsay and Jones out for a while, it doesn’t inspire much confidence. Although we have proven to be hard to beat.
The games are coming thick and fast now, and with Exeter, Peterborough, and Huddersfield all close in the table within four points, it’s going to bring even more clarity
This. Unfortunately the area we really needed strengthening haven’t really improved us. We really needed Gassan to the 2024 Yann Kermorgant, the type of player who can link the midfield and the attack whilst scoring a few goals to take the pressure of Godden. Personally, I would have Kanu over him in the pecking order.
Now we are playing TC in an unnatural position whilst we wait for Leaburn to be fully fit. We are once against reliant on TC, Anderson & Kanu to be 1st team regulars, because are summer signing aren’t performing. Plus, are best performance this season has usually relied on Aneke coming off the bench
midtable again and another year festering in the 3rd division of english football another year closer to the eventual closing of the gates i would say.
Lol if clubs closed up shop because of a few shit years, there wouldn't be any football clubs left!
take your point but attendances are dwindling, many people i know no longer bother going..... what's the point in having a 27k stadium when we struggle to get more than 10
The logical solution is for us to swap grounds I think.
I've visited care homes that smell better than that poxy old rust bucket. No thanks.
I think when everyone is fully fit we are a top 6 side. But if we lose a few key players we are not, just look at our defence now we’ve lost Jones and Ramsay.
We need better quality depth in defence, better quality in general in midfield, and up top we are alright but just need a bit more luck with injuries. 2 or 3 good signings in January could probably solve those issues and get us there, so we just need to stay in touch until then
Comments
Of course Alfie wouldn't have said no to Birmingham but they only offered him that package because they knew he was for sale (and about to sign for Huddersfield).
I don't know what video you are alluding to but if it's the one he made saying goodbye I believe that was when he was in Huddersfield about to sign for them. Correct me if I'm wrong but I dont recall seeing anything from him about signing for Birmingham.
So let's be clear.... .I dont think anyone is begrudging Alfie signing for Birmingham. It's the fact he was put up for sale & allowed to speak to other clubs that is the issue. Huddersfield and especially Birmingham just didnt ring up the club on the off chance with an offer. I even believe Alfie was told that if he could find a club to join then we wouldn't stand on his way. 3 months later & the only suitors were Huddersfield.....until big money Birmingham came in with a silly offer.
Higher = stronger shot stopping, less goals conceded from shots on target.
- Charlton one of only five clubs in the top left quadrant, alongside Wrexham, Wigan, Stockport and Stevenage. Rotherham on the periphery.
- Birmingham, Huddersfield and Orient need a better goalkeeper to compliment their otherwise defensive solidity.
- Exeter, Mansfield, Bristol Rovers need a better defensive set up and help their goalie out a bit more.
Im also 50/50 on if Jones walks before the season is out.
That is really interesting to see Callum , I know a few Birmingham fans properly dug out Ryan Allsop for how he played against us but they've also had major errors from Bailey Peacock-Farrell playing out.
Would be interesting to see that kind of graph in a month or so if Lloyd Jones is out for that amount of time and how it changes.
Toothless up front unless and until Miles Leaburn recovers fitness and form, Godden knows where the goal is but lacks pace, nobody else is as good even as he.
We're overburdened with midfielders, none of them likely to be plying their trade at a higher level anytime soon.
The manager took about 10 games to stumble upon a shape/strategy that suited his resources but even then he hasn't actually stuck to it himself. The players made it work against Birmingham but haven't performed at anything like that level in the league games since.
NJ holds great store in players he knows of old but they've mostly been unworthy of his faith.
We'll need to repeat the Birmingham performance about 30 times to achieve a playoff place and I think the chances of that are vanishingly small. We might see it half a dozen times.
We'll probably get wins against a few of the really shitty teams in this division and that'll be enough to stay out of the bottom 4.
Finishing higher than last season feels unlikely.
We are just outside the playoffs imo.
IF our esteemed owners go again next summer we might have a shot at playoffs 2025/26.
Or, Dobson & May?
One home game and Three away games next month