The Charlton team that beat Huddersfield at home and Wycombe away so convincingly would have gone to Wrexham today and got a result. But the team that showed up was a pale imitation. We were way off our best and Wrexham, like it or not, are a good side. They were far superior in all respects and thoroughly deserved both the win and the promotion. It was always possible to envisage defeat there, but I didn't see that abject Charlton display coming.
Still, automatic promotion was always a very outside chance after the poor first half of the season and we should be thankful that Nathan Jones and the lads have done fantastically well to get us into the playoffs. We now need to bounce back from today’s disappointment the way that we have so many times in the past four months, with a convincing win against Burton to get back on track as we go into the play-off games. We can still get that third promotion slot.
No point in digging out the many poor performances from our players today but we should note that Josh Edwards was probably the sole Charlton player who stood up to the test.
The part played by Sam Smith just goes to show what value you can get by spending decent money on a decent player. If we’d have had him to call on since January it might well have been us celebrating promotion tonight. And, finally, whilst I'm gutted that we fell short today, I was pleased for Dobbo that he gained the promotion. A really good pro for us, player and captain.
Or even someone like that Alfie May from Birmingham
This team has consistently bounced back strongly from defeat. Think the best scenario now is Stockport beat Wycombe and we beat Burton, giving us a home second leg v Wycombe. Don't fancy playing either of the other two before Wembley, for different reasons.
I trust us to be good enough to win next Saturday and thus go into the playoffs with a bit of momentum.
Yesterday was disappointing - we watched Wrexham do to us what we’ve done to other teams.
I thought they might shrink as they had done against Bristol Rovers and Wigan but I think knowing a win got them over the line yesterday actually worked in their favour.
The Charlton team that beat Huddersfield at home and Wycombe away so convincingly would have gone to Wrexham today and got a result. But the team that showed up was a pale imitation. We were way off our best and Wrexham, like it or not, are a good side. They were far superior in all respects and thoroughly deserved both the win and the promotion. It was always possible to envisage defeat there, but I didn't see that abject Charlton display coming.
Still, automatic promotion was always a very outside chance after the poor first half of the season and we should be thankful that Nathan Jones and the lads have done fantastically well to get us into the playoffs. We now need to bounce back from today’s disappointment the way that we have so many times in the past four months, with a convincing win against Burton to get back on track as we go into the play-off games. We can still get that third promotion slot.
No point in digging out the many poor performances from our players today but we should note that Josh Edwards was probably the sole Charlton player who stood up to the test.
The part played by Sam Smith just goes to show what value you can get by spending decent money on a decent player. If we’d have had him to call on since January it might well have been us celebrating promotion tonight. And, finally, whilst I'm gutted that we fell short today, I was pleased for Dobbo that he gained the promotion. A really good pro for us, player and captain.
Or even someone like that Alfie May from Birmingham
Not really too down about it, to be honest. I am sure others have said it, but if we had won yesterday and then both Wrexham and we won next week, we would have felt massively deflated in the run up to the play-offs at just missing out on automatic. Now we have a week to dust ourselves off, get the job done against Burton and prepare for the play-offs knowing we have that second leg at home.
Nothing to add, gutted big time but not surprised. 2 wank bits of defending over a mad 5 mins. Offered next to nothing going forward, Small and Berry were a big miss.
Fair play, they handled their big day, we didn't.
Not a fan of the love in as I'm sure you've all noticed by now, Christ, I used to think I wouldn't mind having owners like that but after spending a couple of days glancing at that forum and the sky cameras desperate attempts at catching a glimpse of Mac and twat every time the ball went out of play.... Could you imagine having to suffer all the plastic, part time fans and the focus on Hollywood week in week out? Oh how I hope they get spanked every game next season, but maybe not, apparently they only need a couple of mill spent and they'll be mid table easy, especially if/ when they sign Jamie Vardy... Fcking unbearable.
I trust us to be good enough to win next Saturday and thus go into the playoffs with a bit of momentum.
Yesterday was disappointing - we watched Wrexham do to us what we’ve done to other teams.
I thought they might shrink as they had done against Bristol Rovers and Wigan but I think knowing a win got them over the line yesterday actually worked in their favour.
I was surprised to see so many celebrating Orient beating Wycombe, as I thought that would only give extra incentive to an already fired-up Wrexham side after NJ's circus comments.
Not really too down about it, to be honest. I am sure others have said it, but if we had won yesterday and then both Wrexham and we won next week, we would have felt massively deflated in the run up to the play-offs at just missing out on automatic. Now we have a week to dust ourselves off, get the job done against Burton and prepare for the play-offs knowing we have that second leg at home.
Which is the correct way to look at it I guess. But I am a little surprised at just how deflated I feel. I think part of it is the worry that we go into the play-offs still missing key players. It will take a lot of belief away
Always going to be a tall ask to get autos,even to ensure our play off place early was a wonderful effort by the team.Now,anybody who has a slight knock or any sort of niggle should not be anywhere near next weeks team sheet.We cannot afford to be without Jones,Small or Berry,play Mbick,Kanu,anderson ,Mitchell,we should still have enough to beat Burton who are probably already on the Beach.None of the other reams in the top 6 have beaten us,only Stockport have taken points,so home or away 1 st leg,bring it on.
I felt deflated immediately after the game but after an hour I reflected on how amazing it was that we even had a shot at second. I’m immensely proud of the team and the work that goes on around it. This game is pretty much the first one where had a fair few key absentees, big shout out to the medical team for that
I find it strange that since we lost a game that loads of new posters have appeared and most of them are moaning. Just saying.
It's funny isn't it. There's plenty of criticism directed quite rightly at the nature of Wrexham's support and the level and nature of coverage they get, but there's clearly been plenty of people on the Charlton side of things who have only popped up because it was a big match against Wrexham and the chance for a bit of glory. It's a shame because there's some new posters and some posters who have been very, very quiet on post-match threads and in general match discussions during our incredible run but are now happy to appear and complain about the fact we didn't win. Golfie gets a lot of grief for being the electronic face of human misery but at least he's always here and engaged whether we win or not. Having people come piling in right at the finish line to complain we didn't win all the football when all the noise and cameras turned up is fascinating
I'm not buying into the 'whole rising against the odds' narrative here for Wrexham. Spent loads of money and bought the best players, not exactly a surprise.
If someone 'Spent loads of money and bought the best players' for us, would you refuse to buy into it?
On balance, to have been in with a shout of still being in the hunt for automatic promotion with 2 games to go would’ve been laughed at when we left the valley on that Tuesday night in December after Crawley.
The frustration is understandable given the manner of the defeat and I think a lot of it was mixed in with the emotions of riding high post Monday’s win and what could’ve been.
It’s important not to let y’day define the remainder of the season. We’re finishing 4th or 5th, playing Wycombe or Stockport. Two tough games for different reasons.
I am sure we will, but let’s make sure we’re as behind the team as we can be going into the playoffs and give them the atmosphere they need in both legs.
No - we don’t get to blame maybe falling short in a 46 League season on any one or two players especially when the collective progress over the season is anything but a failure. I share the disappointment but too many of the players scores yesterday are an overreaction.
No disrespect, with this squad, days like yesterday were always on the menu.
Maintaining the momentum for such a protracted period is a tribute to the medical & fitness staff & Jones. However come January & February if you didn’t get the right bodies in the building you WILL invariably stumble through injuries, suspension, fatigue and loss of form. I applaud the manager, coaches and every player who has pulled on the shirt since December in delivering the 2nd best set of results in the League.
Squad issues were set in the 888 fiscal theory proposed Jan 2024, enacted July 2024 and melted down in Jan 2025. Capping your senior squad at 16 seniors with an elite keeper* means 15 senior outfielders for a match day 16. It includes Aneke who can’t start (nobody’s paying up his contract), and a veteran part time coach. Margins matter.
*we never got one
Placing a top 6 campaign on the shoulders of a “development 8” was tantamount to abuse notably so with zero balance across the squad. WB - Asiimwe CB - Z. Mitchell, CM -Anderson - 5 forwards in Campbell, Leaburn, Kanu, Dixon and Smalls conversion.
Campbell delivered remarkable growth from 2023/24. Small reinvented himself as a viable RW/RWB - Anderson offered support but Leaburn was sadly not up to the full physical challenge while Kanu, Asiimwe, Z Mitchell & Dixon were unable to contribute. With Mbick, Laqeretabua & Enslin in the wings we literally extended the group to 11.
In terms of fully functioning outfielders the March working group had 45% circa 21 or under.
In the face of the physicality & mental demands of an often aggressive 46 league game season and a high energy modus operandi I refuse to malign a single talent. I do however position 70% had not the CV, physicality, stamina, experience or game management to fully meet the demands placed upon them.
“Making a decent fist of it” does not ultimately move us forward. Add in June executive realignments, July structural dictats, the subsequent departures of Scott & Methven it can be no surprise the 2nd half season results reflect a greater clarity of direction.
Regrettably the “we are in it for the long term ” executive decisions in Feb did not reflect good management. December & January results presented a real business opportunity. You either empower your workforce with the tools to do the job or you don’t. Two loan additions funded by reducing the wage bill by 7 did not reflect the opportunity.
Of course Jones as per any “grown up” Manager will own it but if the executive were unable to fund just 2 elite extra seniors for 3 months to spread the responsibility and the workload then it is on them and nobody else. Opportunity A has gone.
Messrs Carter, Warwick, Rodwell & Jones «brutal weeks » come with the territory and demand insurance. We didn’t pay the premium.
Right now focus on the failings if you must but no NJ didn’t get his elite keeper, Yes A. Campbell & Ahadme really struggled but over 25 games we have seen Mannion, Ramsay, Jones, Gillesphey, Edwards, Coventry, Small and T Campbell deliver arguably the best senior football of their careers with Berry and notably Godden reminding us they have indeed played at a higher level.
Can the group rebound? Will there be enough left in the tank to seize Opportunity B? I really don’t know but for sure I fully respect the work the clubhouse has delivered in 2024/25 and if the group doesn’t deliver promotion I most certainly won’t be looking in their direction.
I felt deflated immediately after the game but after an hour I reflected on how amazing it was that we even had a shot at second. I’m immensely proud of the team and the work that goes on around it. This game is pretty much the first one where had a fair few key absentees, big shout out to the medical team for that
Exactly, we haven't not gone up automatically for losing away to one of the best teams in the league, it's because of a bang average start to the season that basically required perfection down the stretch which was always a crazy ask and probably would have had to be one of the best runs in our teams history.
”they did the basics better than us, they were more clinical than us, and probably outworked us”
Talent and ability aside, where they’re clearly well ahead of us, is the effort the Wrexham players put in. Relentless energy, first to every second ball, even at 3-0 up. Only Edwards matched that for us.
McLean steaming across the pitch to stop a ball going out for a throw at 3-0 up was a great example of that
I'm not buying into the 'whole rising against the odds' narrative here for Wrexham. Spent loads of money and bought the best players, not exactly a surprise.
If someone 'Spent loads of money and bought the best players' for us, would you refuse to buy into it?
That's not really what I was getting at, I was refuting the idea that Wrexham getting 3 promotions in a row is some sort of underdog story
”they did the basics better than us, they were more clinical than us, and probably outworked us”
Talent and ability aside, where they’re clearly well ahead of us, is the effort the Wrexham players put in. Relentless energy, first to every second ball, even at 3-0 up. Only Edwards matched that for us.
McLean steaming across the pitch to stop a ball going out for a throw at 3-0 up was a great example of that
Well, yesterday couldn't have gone much worse when u throw millwall and palace and stockport results into the mix. As soon as i saw Small wasn't playing, i felt it was game over - having both him and TC on either side of the pitch has transformed our season and when either is missing, we are back to the pre xmas dirge / are blunt. Berry has been getting better and better so also a big miss, as is Chucks. 2 weeks to regroup and hopefully get everybody back so the winning formula can be back for the playoffs. If throwing the game against burton means we can do this, i think thats more important than where we play the second leg. NJ and the team have done brilliantly, yesterday was a bridge too far but 2 weeks rest and we can blow any team away in the first leg at the valley and book a wembley trip. COYR!!!
Said a while back this was gonna be a wanky Wrexham wankathon promotion day . I actually called a play off final loss for us as well but I don’t think we’ll get there just on pure gut(always lean negative)feeling , we have little in the way of gifted players going forward at the best of times and with injuries (Berry, Small?, Leaburn ) and fatigue (TC ) I think our batteries are running down and can’t see us getting promoted . add in palace get to enjoy another cup final , scum somehow being on the edge of play offs arsenals champions league , spurs Europa winners , chelsea conference cup , Orient play off winners fuck football and living in/near London and this hangover it’s the cricket season now
Not really too down about it, to be honest. I am sure others have said it, but if we had won yesterday and then both Wrexham and we won next week, we would have felt massively deflated in the run up to the play-offs at just missing out on automatic. Now we have a week to dust ourselves off, get the job done against Burton and prepare for the play-offs knowing we have that second leg at home.
Which is the correct way to look at it I guess. But I am a little surprised at just how deflated I feel. I think part of it is the worry that we go into the play-offs still missing key players. It will take a lot of belief away
This.
It's not the fact we lost, it's the fact that we look a distant 2nd without just a few key players. Hoping they all make a speedy recovery but I fear for our hopes if they aren't all back for the pay off games.
A comfortable win for Wrexham, they did to us what we did to Wycombe on Monday.
We looked toothless up front, no attacking ideas other than hitting it into areas, and hoping for the best. And yes Ahadme has been really disappointing, but Mbick looked like who he is, and 18 year old kid.
Combine that with an unfit Jones, and it was an easy game for Wrexham.
The good news is that a Stockport win next Saturday will mean two legs against Wycombe, the weakest of the playoff teams.
That works for me. I'll wager all I own we'd get past Wycombe.
I thought you lived in a favela in Sao Paulo and was living the simple life after seeing the light and giving away your worldly goods ? Many locals think you're a relation to Ronnie Biggs or Bertie Smalls !
No - we don’t get to blame maybe falling short in a 46 League season on any one or two players especially when the collective progress over the season is anything but a failure. I share the disappointment but too many of the players scores yesterday are an overreaction.
No disrespect, with this squad, days like yesterday were always on the menu.
Maintaining the momentum for such a protracted period is a tribute to the medical & fitness staff & Jones. However come January & February if you didn’t get the right bodies in the building you WILL invariably stumble through injuries, suspension, fatigue and loss of form. I applaud the manager, coaches and every player who has pulled on the shirt since December in delivering the 2nd best set of results in the League.
Squad issues were set in the 888 fiscal theory proposed Jan 2024, enacted July 2024 and melted down in Jan 2025. Capping your senior squad at 16 seniors with an elite keeper* means 15 senior outfielders for a match day 16. It includes Aneke who can’t start (nobody’s paying up his contract), and a veteran part time coach. Margins matter.
*we never got one
Placing a top 6 campaign on the shoulders of a “development 8” was tantamount to abuse notably so with zero balance across the squad. WB - Asiimwe CB - Z. Mitchell, CM -Anderson - 5 forwards in Campbell, Leaburn, Kanu, Dixon and Smalls conversion.
Campbell delivered remarkable growth from 2023/24. Small reinvented himself as a viable RW/RWB - Anderson offered support but Leaburn was sadly not up to the full physical challenge while Kanu, Asiimwe, Z Mitchell & Dixon were unable to contribute. With Mbick, Laqeretabua & Enslin in the wings we literally extend the group to 11.
In terms of fully functioning outfielders the March working group had 45% circa 21 or under.
In the face of the physicality & mental demands of an often aggressive 46 league game season and a high energy modus operandi I refuse to malign a single talent. I do however position 70% had not the CV, physicality, stamina, experience or game management to fully meet the demands placed upon them.
“Making a decent fist of it” does not ultimately move us forward. Add in June executive realignments, July structural dictats, the subsequent departures of Scott & Methven it can be no surprise the 2nd half season results reflect a greater clarity of direction.
Regrettably the “we are in it for the long term ” executive decisions in Feb did not reflect good management. December & January results presented a real business opportunity. You either empower your workforce with the tools to do the job or you don’t. Two loan additions funded by reducing the wage bill by 7 did not reflect the opportunity.
Of course Jones as per any “grown up” Manager will own it but if the executive were unable to fund just 2 elite extra seniors for 3 months to spread the responsibility and the workload then it is on them and nobody else. Opportunity A has gone.
Messrs Carter, Warwick, Rodwell & Jones «brutal weeks » come with the territory and demand insurance. We didn’t pay the premium.
Right now focus on the failings if you must but no NJ didn’t get his elite keeper, Yes A. Campbell & Ahadme really struggled but over 25 games we have seen Mannion, Ramsay, Jones, Gillesphey, Edwards, Coventry, Small and T Campbell deliver arguably the best senior football of their careers with Berry and notably Godden reminding us they have indeed played at a higher level.
Can the group rebound? Will there be enough left in the tank to seize Opportunity B? I really don’t know but for sure I fully respect the work the clubhouse has delivered in 2024/25 and if the group doesn’t deliver promotion I most certainly won’t be looking in their direction.
Excellent post. Exactly how I feel but put in a more measured way.
We simply didn’t turn up, albeit we were missing some key players
Ae stayed overnight in Wrexham - the town centre last night was not a place a Charlton fan to feel safe - we went for very good curry, and back to where we stayed
Now in Chester - a much nicer place - in a lovely pub by the river having a few beers
Comments
Think the best scenario now is Stockport beat Wycombe and we beat Burton, giving us a home second leg v Wycombe.
Don't fancy playing either of the other two before Wembley, for different reasons.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c9vexx2gemnt#comments
Fair play, they handled their big day, we didn't.
Not a fan of the love in as I'm sure you've all noticed by now, Christ, I used to think I wouldn't mind having owners like that but after spending a couple of days glancing at that forum and the sky cameras desperate attempts at catching a glimpse of Mac and twat every time the ball went out of play.... Could you imagine having to suffer all the plastic, part time fans and the focus on Hollywood week in week out?
Oh how I hope they get spanked every game next season, but maybe not, apparently they only need a couple of mill spent and they'll be mid table easy, especially if/ when they sign Jamie Vardy... Fcking unbearable.
But I am a little surprised at just how deflated I feel.
I think part of it is the worry that we go into the play-offs still missing key players.
It will take a lot of belief away
The frustration is understandable given the manner of the defeat and I think a lot of it was mixed in with the emotions of riding high post Monday’s win and what could’ve been.
I am sure we will, but let’s make sure we’re as behind the team as we can be going into the playoffs and give them the atmosphere they need in both legs.
No disrespect, with this squad, days like yesterday were always on the menu.
Squad issues were set in the 888 fiscal theory proposed Jan 2024, enacted July 2024 and melted down in Jan 2025. Capping your senior squad at 16 seniors with an elite keeper* means 15 senior outfielders for a match day 16. It includes Aneke who can’t start (nobody’s paying up his contract), and a veteran part time coach. Margins matter.
*we never got one
Placing a top 6 campaign on the shoulders of a “development 8” was tantamount to abuse notably so with zero balance across the squad. WB - Asiimwe CB - Z. Mitchell, CM -Anderson - 5 forwards in Campbell, Leaburn, Kanu, Dixon and Smalls conversion.
Campbell delivered remarkable growth from 2023/24. Small reinvented himself as a viable RW/RWB - Anderson offered support but Leaburn was sadly not up to the full physical challenge while Kanu, Asiimwe, Z Mitchell & Dixon were unable to contribute. With Mbick, Laqeretabua & Enslin in the wings we literally extended the group to 11.
In terms of fully functioning outfielders the March working group had 45% circa 21 or under.
In the face of the physicality & mental demands of an often aggressive 46 league game season and a high energy modus operandi I refuse to malign a single talent. I do however position 70% had not the CV, physicality, stamina, experience or game management to fully meet the demands placed upon them.
“Making a decent fist of it” does not ultimately move us forward. Add in June executive realignments, July structural dictats, the subsequent departures of Scott & Methven it can be no surprise the 2nd half season results reflect a greater clarity of direction.
Regrettably the “we are in it for the long term ” executive decisions in Feb did not reflect good management. December & January results presented a real business opportunity. You either empower your workforce with the tools to do the job or you don’t. Two loan additions funded by reducing the wage bill by 7 did not reflect the opportunity.
Of course Jones as per any “grown up” Manager will own it but if the executive were unable to fund just 2 elite extra seniors for 3 months to spread the responsibility and the workload then it is on them and nobody else. Opportunity A has gone.
Messrs Carter, Warwick, Rodwell & Jones «brutal weeks » come with the territory and demand insurance. We didn’t pay the premium.
Right now focus on the failings if you must but no NJ didn’t get his elite keeper, Yes A. Campbell & Ahadme really struggled but over 25 games we have seen Mannion, Ramsay, Jones, Gillesphey, Edwards, Coventry, Small and T Campbell deliver arguably the best senior football of their careers with Berry and notably Godden reminding us they have indeed played at a higher level.
Can the group rebound? Will there be enough left in the tank to seize Opportunity B? I really don’t know but for sure I fully respect the work the clubhouse has delivered in 2024/25 and if the group doesn’t deliver promotion I most certainly won’t be looking in their direction.
Exactly, we haven't not gone up automatically for losing away to one of the best teams in the league, it's because of a bang average start to the season that basically required perfection down the stretch which was always a crazy ask and probably would have had to be one of the best runs in our teams history.
That's not really what I was getting at, I was refuting the idea that Wrexham getting 3 promotions in a row is some sort of underdog story
I actually called a play off final loss for us as well but I don’t think we’ll get there just on pure gut(always lean negative)feeling , we have little in the way of gifted players going forward at the best of times and with injuries (Berry, Small?, Leaburn ) and fatigue (TC ) I think our batteries are running down and can’t see us getting promoted .
add in palace get to enjoy another cup final , scum somehow being on the edge of play offs
arsenals champions league , spurs Europa winners , chelsea conference cup , Orient play off winners
fuck football and living in/near London and this hangover
it’s the cricket season now
It's not the fact we lost, it's the fact that we look a distant 2nd without just a few key players. Hoping they all make a speedy recovery but I fear for our hopes if they aren't all back for the pay off games.
I thought you lived in a favela in Sao Paulo and was living the simple life after seeing the light and giving away your worldly goods ? Many locals think you're a relation to Ronnie Biggs or Bertie Smalls !
Ae stayed overnight in Wrexham - the town centre last night was not a place a Charlton fan to feel safe - we went for very good curry, and back to where we stayed
Now in Chester - a much nicer place - in a lovely pub by the river having a few beers
Train home soon
Hey ho - let’s now focus on play-offs