12/11/2022 0 Comments Steve Smith completes full houseI went to the last of my 92 league grounds (took 60 years ! ) on 8/10 to see us play Lincoln. So sad to see this game and compare it to so many great matches of the past. I went with my son Nick and we both agreed it was one of the most sterile and uninspiring games we have ever seen. The mood of the Charlton crowd deteriorated from early encouragement to booing the team off at the end.
The defence in general played well with Wollacott making one excellent save but also nearly giving a goal away dithering over gathering a ball which was so clearly his . Dobbo (not at his best ) and Fraser were decent throughout. Kirk did nothing but fluff one good heading opportunity but looked good compared to his replacement Blackett-Taylor . He touched the ball 4 times- one mis-control , one hitting it down the line for himself to chase which he hit too hard and two miss placed passes which put us under pressure in the closing minutes. Surely they must both go . Leaburn tried hard throughout but his pairing with Stockley whose best work was in defence ! and whose control left a lot to be desired , did not gel. As for Rak Sakki , his face disclosed so clearly a player becoming disillusioned and back off in January I suspect ! Thomas must realise quickly that whilst trying to reduce the gap between income and outgoings is quite understandable , zero investment in the first team is madness ! Everybody knows a club's overall fortunes are directly related to success on the pitch. He must invest/speculate on better quality players who can reasonably be expected to stay fit. He must also meet the criteria for a level 1 academy. If he can't see that then he must go and we will have to try again with someone else. Sadly I don't think Barclay/ Varney will be interested unless they can buy the whole Kit and caboodle . Whilst I will watch the local away games I can't see me hot footing it to the Valley for repeats of Saturday.
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26/9/2022 0 Comments Mike TurtellLong-time Charlton supporter and West Country Branch member Mike Turtell sadly died on Sunday 11th September 2022, aged 86.
Mike had not been well for a while and he passed away peacefully in a local nursing home with his family close by. Mike was born and brought up in Bradford-on-Avon and Charlton had been his favourite team since he was a child. He worked for the MOD in Bath, but it was when he was living in the Plymouth area that he saw an article posted in the local paper by a member of the West Country Branch and that started him supporting Charlton actively. From then on he regularly travelled to matches home and away, usually accompanying our then Chairman Lester Trask. Mike became involved in the running of the Branch and was for a long time our Membership Secretary. It was the era when Charlton was in the Premier League and the Branch had over 200 members, all of whom paid subscriptions. So it was a task that needed a lot of care and attention and Mike gave it that with passion. He attended all the Branch meetings and functions held in Taunton accompanied by his wife Heather and was always happy and helpful. He will always be remembered for organising the raffle at the annual Dinner Dance. Apart from Charlton, Mike’s other activities included reunions with the Wiltshire Regiment with whom he served his National Service. Mike will be missed greatly by everybody who knew him and our thoughts are with Heather, his children and his family and friends. His funeral is to be held on Friday 30th September at Weston Mill Crematorium, Plymouth. 4/9/2021 0 Comments Transfer window + Crawley Town On the last day of the transfer window nothing happened until 16:30 when it was confirmed Arter would be joining the Addicks from Forest on loan for the season. Worryingly, the Forest fans even volunteered to pay his cab fare to SE London to ensure he came off their books. A rumour being he was on £30k per week. Other clubs seemed to be moving in on our targets but with much higher offers. Late rumour is that we have secured the signature of Morecambe's skipper, 24 year old centre back Sam Lavelle.
For tonight's pizza cup game Adkins makes 11 changes. I didn't know we had that many players at Sparrows Lane but there is one name missing - Ronnie Schwartz. About time someone fessed up about what is going on? 3 goals up at half time with Lee, Davison and Blackett-Taylor scoring. It ends 6-1 to the Addicks with all our goals coming on the counter. Some good performances from the youngsters with Lee and Davison shining. As the deadline closes there is a press statement from Johnnie Jackson regarding the situation with Ronnie. Seems he has had some personal issues and is behind the curve with his fitness and when his is fit "if he is with the club, he will be involved." Interesting quote. Wednesday morning and it is September - where did August go, it feels like autumn already. We have Sam Lavelle for a 3 year contract and we welcome back on loan Jonathan Leko. No left back but there might be someone out of contract to come in. Perhaps a poor start to the season focused the owners wallet or it is just the way 'business' is completed these days but it was a bit nerve racking. Overall I think we have a good balance of experience and youth with some sensible loans. Let's now see what the manger and his team can make of this squad. COYRs Tauntonaddick 15/8/2021 0 Comments July RamblingsWith only 3 and a bit weeks to the first pre-season game against Reading, we need to see some arrivals at Sparrows Lane mighty soon.
George Dobson was the first to arrive on the 1st of July. He was released by Sunderland and is a 23 year old defensive holding midfielder who impressed while on loan at AFC Wimbledon last season and has joined on a 2 year deal. He comes from Essex and sounds like someone for the future. The first week of July ended with more rumours, rumours and more rumours and of course a great win for England over Ukraine. Thomas Sandgaard has flown in from the states. The week starts with news of a signing of another striker: Ryan Viggars for the under 23's from Sheffield United. Joe Watkins (a goalie) has signed for Nottingham Forest and 18 year old Nathan Harvey (another goalie) has had his contract extended. But, what's this; JFC has signed a one year contract with a second year option but probably won't be fit till the New Year. Ummm, I wonder who has the say on the second year: the club or him? England's win against Denmark is followed by more good news with Adam Matthews signing a one year contract and Akin Famewo has re-joined on a season long loan with an option to sign at the end of the year. First opener against Celtic Saturday 10th July allowed Adkins to try out many of the academy alongside experienced pros. Despite loosing 2-1, it was a good first pre-season match for the Addicks. Welling has been added for the 13th July for the traditional pre season game and Fulham added for 31st July. The only other news I can scrap together as the week comes to an end concerns Tomer Hemed; remember him? The Israeli was released by Charlton last year and having spent a year with Wellington will now play for Western Sydney Wanderers. I will refrain from further comment. Sunday night ends with 3 England players who had attended the 'Lyle Taylor' school of penalty taking. Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, they missed the last lesson on how to put the ball into the net once you had reached the ball on the penalty spot. Some good performances from Morgan and DJ at Welling with some youngsters, especially Clayden, shining. After the game, Adkins assures us, yet again, "we'll be bringing more players in". And there it is; the news we have been waiting for: The dates for the Papa Johns trophy have been released. While I try to contain my excitement the accounts for the club from the previous year are released. Ouch! The low points are here: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2021/07/charlton-losses-over-years-top-71m.html Charlton losses over the years top £71m Adkins along with several players and staff test positive for COVID so self isolate while the Addicks beat Dartford 2-1. Not convincing in the first half but the youngsters did well in the second. And with 3 weeks to the start of the season, that is it - even the rumours have dried up! Surely, this has to be a BIG week on the transfer market? A very hot "freedom" Monday draws to a close with news Shinnie is off to Scotland (mistake IMO), but little else. Tuesday sees 24 year old midfielder Sean Clare sign from Oxford. He did well on loan at Burton last season and as an ex Addicks academy player, should be very keen to prove his worth. A better second half at Reading produces a 1-1 draw and again Clayden, JD and Dobson looking good and Albie as always failing at those long shots. With Stockley injured, where was Schwartz? A good 2-2 draw at The final week of July commences and apart from the bookies predicting Charlton will end up 5th in the table with Sunderland and Pompey promoted there is a strange excitement about next season's kit launch (doesn't the home shirt look like last seasons?. There is a surreal feeling to this week and it's as another blogger wrote regards rumours and the lack of: The Valley and Sparrows Lane have become the Marie Celeste. No signings on Monday; and Tuesday; and Wednesday; and Thursday and, yup absolutely zilch on Friday. No, wait a moment, Connor Gallagher has been sent on loan again from Chelski, but this time to Palace. Last warm up game against Fulham Saturday 31st July. If you are attending the opening match, the A2 will be closed from Ebbsfleet to M25 on 7th August. Received predictions: Big Curl Curl Valley Boy Gone West FIJ Crouty Rich Peter Vickery Phippsy's Superstars John Jacob and Len Jacob Del Boy Tauntonaddick ACES Tavi Red Dartmoor Dave Greg Hague Matt Bunn Dis Tonlant Todd and Jan Fower Charlton Champs Harv and Patsy Papa Smurf and Scrat Smiffy Colin Hague Franglais If you name is not on the list and it should be, please let me know. Still time to get those predictions in. Don't forget, AGM next Thursday at the Wyvern. COYRs! Tauntonaddick 3/7/2021 0 Comments JuneSome may refer to this as ramblings, I'd like to think of it as a diary of the month. Here goes, June 2021:
The month started off with confirmation The Addicks will play Reading behind closed doors at 2pm on 24th July. The game will be streamed live. We had to wait 2 weeks before any of the rumours were confirmed by the club. The first was on Tuesday 15th when it was announced Jayden Stockley had signed a 3 year deal - that's a lot of strikers on the books. Ben Reeves moved from Argyle to Gillingham Wednesday 16th and that was about it for the 3rd week of June. Just rumours, rumours and much conjecture as the fans, blogs, websites and journos became more desperate for some 'information'. However we did have the England v Scotland game to look forward to - at half time I turned off, too much like a Charlton game, all Huff and puff. I spent the rest of the evening wondering if Millar and Maatsen would return to the Valley; who would stand between the sticks and what could possibly happen to Aneke who won goal of the season for his overhead effort against Burton. Far more entertaining. Andy Marshall, the goalkeeping coach joined Bowyer at Birmingham after 3 years at the club. Glynn Shimell. the former AFC Wimbledon and Bromley keeper and now a UEFA A licensed goalkeeping coach will join the club at the beginning of pre season training. Lets hope we have a goalkeeper or 2 for him to train by then! The 4th week of June started with Adkins, once again, trying to calm nerves but now admitting the squad will not be fully in place by the start of pre-season training. I assume with many players on contracts until 30th June, the thought of no pay arriving in the bank come 1st July will focus the minds of the WAGS (wives and girlfriends) which will force the players and agents to accept what is on the table. Ben Watson triggered a one year extension and Jason Pearce signed a one year contract extensions on Tuesday 22nd June with the club Captain admitting he will be in a back up role and have the opportunity to join the coaching staff in the future. No sign of the Adkins master plan yet! The pulse remains at a low rate. England will play Ukraine tonight for a place in the last 4 of the delayed Euros. Let's hope Southgate has them practicing those penalty kicks. ( Fixture list is released and we start with a home game against Sheffield Wednesday and finish the season with an away trip to Ipswich Town, 2 other teams that like Charlton shouldn't be in the 3rd division and will be fighting for promotion. Interestingly, there is an ongoing investigation into irregularities at Derby County and they could have points deducted and thus be relegated. That means the Wycombe games are inter changeable with Derby's in the Championship. At last some transfer news as the week drew to a close. No, not an arrival but confirmation Chuks Aneke is departing for Birmingham City. I can't quite get my head around this one but we do have a lot of strikers of the books and I never saw him play 90 minutes. I have to come to the conclusion, money talks. Bowyer has also signed a previous Steve Gellan target, out of contract Gillingham player, Jordan Graham. East Street Investments was dissolved as a company on the 29th June. Was the dentist's accountant from Cardiff the final owner? As the month drew to a close the rumours intensified but worryingly seemed to concentrate on departures rather than arrivals. I decided to find out if there was a something else at play and found we do have a salary cap for the whole division. League 1 and 2 clubs receive a greater share of their income from matchday sales compared to the top 2 leagues who earn more through TV rights. With fans being banned from games, a cash crisis was foreseen in the lower leagues so a salary cap was voted in by the clubs in August 2020 for League one of £2.5m a year which is an average of £1700 per week per player and League 2 of £1.5m per year. The £2.5m covers wages, image rights, bonuses, taxes, agents fees and other fees and expenses paid directly or indirectly to all registered players. If someone had a contract greater than £1700 prior to the agreement, we can continue to pay the excess until the contract expires and only account for £1700. In future clubs that are relegated will be able to cap all contracts at the divisional average prior to club's relegation until those contracts expire. Income generated by players going out on load will be deducted from the cap. So although Mr Sangaard may have the cash to splash to purchase players, the club is very limited as to what they can offer for a salary. Out of the door on Monday 28th was Ben Amos who joins Wigan Athletic. During his 92 appearances for the Addicks he made some great saves winning man of the match many times but also made some 'howlers' which cost us dearly. He was immediately replaced by the Pompey player of the year, Craig MacGillivray. The remaining players reported to Sparrow Lane for pre season training. On the last day of the month, rumours continued to swirl around but nothing confirmed by the club. Surely July will see the squad bolstered by many arrivals? I have so far received half a dozen entries to next years competition and I have to say you are very optimistic! Stay safe Tauntonaddick 2021/22 KEY DATES Fixture release: June 24th League One opening day: August 7th Carabao Cup first round: w/c August 9th Papa John’s Trophy Round One: w/c August 30th Papa John’s Trophy Final: April 3rd League One final day: April 30th League One playoff final: May 21st 15/6/2021 0 Comments May Update31 year old Shinnie confirmed he departed the club on 13th May at the end of his short contract which was made in January to reduce the number of loanees to the regulatory 5. I'm not sure he was given a full chance.....
27 year old Deji Oshilaja did not have his contract renewed and was released on 14th May. He joined from Wimbledon in 2019 making 25 appearances as we were relegated but only 17 this season. Marcus Maddison to non league and Erhun Oztumer released. under 23's Richard Afrane-Kesey, Kasim Aidoo, Eddie Allsopp, Freddy Barton, Junior Quitirna, Harry Taylor and Luca Vega will all be leaving the club. 25 May. Loads of rumours, no facts. Adkins realises no signings is unnerving so said "there is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes at Charlton Athletic". Pre season training has been confirmed at Newport 9th to 13th July. this includes a game against Celtic behind closed doors which might be streamed on Charlton TV. Dartford on the 17th July and no Welling game this year. May Bank Holiday - more rumours, this time Aneke moving on to Shrewsbury but nothing inbound! Adkins on Twitter says yet again, "We are very busy behind the scenes, we're going to try to get a few more players in". I was hoping it was going to be more than a "few". More rumours; this time revolving around the new owners of Ipswich who allegedly carried out due diligence on taking over Charlton as well as Newcastle. Please give me something in June I can get my teeth into! Chris Gunter named in the Wales Euro's squad and Josh Cullen in the Irish squad. Update Monday 7th June; no news but please do not bring any programmes post 1960 to the museum, they have enough. I think the Euros start soon but like the Olympics, I can't find much enthusiasm. I feel it would have been better to have cancelled both and move onto the next tournament. Just shows how much money and contracts have engrained themselves into all sports. As we are coming up to a month since I started this rolling news, I thought it time to have it put on the website. I'll start another this week and hopefully, there will be something real to report! Tauntonaddick 15/6/2021 0 Comments Winnie with Shinnie WGreat to read Derek Higley’s view of the 2020/21 season. I agree with all that he wrote, especially regarding Andrew Shinnie and the Charlton TV production. Shinnie was a light of real inspiration and I didn’t understand why he did not feature in every match. With his knowledge of the game and accurate passes to super-sub Chuks Aneke I’m sure we could have won a few more matches than we did. Him and Chuks were my favourite players, so much so that I featured them on my shirts. But, as is often the case when I get my shirt printed, the player moves on soon after. I wonder why? I see Joe Piggott is looking for another club, he’s pretty good up front. I remember that we had a great goal scorer from Wimbledon a while ago and I wouldn’t have to wear my wig if Joe joined us. Streaming the matches on Charlton TV I thought was really good. Sitting in front of the lap-top in the warm with pre-match entertainment from Charlton legends, as much food and drink just across the hall in the kitchen and back into the dining room straight after the post-match analysis for dinner. And all this for a tenner. It’s a bit different from spending all day and fifty pounds in fuel trudging up the motorway and back, sitting in the cold and the wet at the front of the Alan Curbishley stand. But I know what I would rather do. I can’t wait to get back there at The Valley!
22/5/2021 0 Comments Derek Higley's ViewsA difficult season to collate and analyse but it could be said one moment in time missed us the play-offs – Ronnie Schwartz’s penalty miss at Oxford in 94th minute when it was 0 – 0. However many other results could and should have been so much better.
Many problems at the start with the ownership and transfer embargo, but by October an excellent run of 7 wins on the trot and an impressive central defence partnership being established, it looked good. Then tragedy both get injured and that problem was never sorted out satisfactory until April, with too many indifferent results and so many points lost. Liam Millar and Jason Stockley were useful acquisitions, did well although improvement in the penalty area would not go amiss. Smith never really got a chance and Ronnie Schwartz no comment. Chuks Aneke has a scoring talent but struggles to stay on the pitch for longer than 45 minutes. Gets booked and sent off too easily. What is the problem? Can someone explain? I am an Andrew Shinnie fan but I don’t think many of the Charlton Management team are? To me he has skill and qualities better than Gilbey, DJ, Morgan and sometimes JFC. JFC could improve his freekicks. I need convincing. Ben Amos must have been close to player of the season after JFC. Some of his saves were amazing and game winning, especially with Innis and Famewo in front of him. We did not miss Dion Phillips. Interesting times ahead for Nigel Atkins. I very positive person. With Thomas Saandgard’s support has an opportunity to do well and establish himself. Let hope so. With our facilities we deserve Championship football and I am disappointed we did not make it this year. Failure was of our own making but injuries did not help. Home form needs to definitely improve. Valley Pass Live Video recordings of the games were excellent especially after the improvements made mid-term. Well done Scott Minto, Curbs (God), Steve Brown, two bias commentators, other guests, and everyone else. I watch every game bar three. Lets hope it continues for the distant supporter. Where does Taunton Addick get all his information on players and contracts from? Thanks again Del 16/5/2021 0 Comments Arrivels and departuresWith us not reaching the play offs my thoughts have of course moved onto us winning the League One title next season. "Simples" as a certain advertisement goes, or is it? Just how much of a task does Adkins and the back room staff at the Valley have this summer? By my reckoning we have 9 players in contract come 1st July and very few academy players ready to step up. First of all, the squad we ended the season with: There are 9 players out of contract end of June: Ben Amos, Adam Matthews, Jason Pearce, Deji Oshilaja, Darren Pratley, Ben Watson (can be extended for one year), Jake Forster-Caskey, Andrew Shinnie and Chuks Aneke. The first confirmed departure was on the 13th May with 36 year old Darren Pratley. He was bought in by Bowyer and made over a 100 appearances in 3 years. We have 9 players whose contract extends beyond 1st July: Ashley Maynard-Brewer, Ryan Inniss, Chris Gunter, Ben Purrington, Albie Morgan, Alex Gilbey, Diallang Jaiyesimi (DJ), Conor Washington and Ronnie Schwartz The loanees were: Liam Millar, Maatsen, Smith, Stockley and Famewo. Millar and Maatsen have returned to their parent clubs and some would argue Smith never arrived which leaves the last 2. A good squad who nearly get us into the play offs, but with an average age of 27.8 and no stand out individual, it is time for yet another squad overhaul. In the past these huge short term changes of squads have been forced upon managers by owners and countless other circumstances like transfer embargoes. With a stable owner desiring the PL in 5 years, could now be the time to rebuild with a core of young players with an eye to the long term? This of course runs the risk of the chosen youngsters not being promoted next season! Of the players who I have listed above, who would be part of your 'core'? My core: Amos, Inniss, Famewo , Gilbey, Aneke (as a super sub) and DJ. Yes, that's it! Be brutal, use head over heart and remove those players who seem injury prone. We need a Cullen in midfield, 2 wide players, support for Inniss and a striker who can change games which brings me onto an area of concern. If we were to sign Stockley we would have 5 strikers on the books, none of them game changes for the full 90 minutes of a game. At least one has to go. Schwartz is the obvious but he has a longer contract and is of a 'certain' unsaleable age. So is it Stockley who makes way for a new signing? Heads the ball well but it is called 'foot' ball here in the UK. Washington is on a contract but not a long term solution. How ruthless will the back room team be? How deep are Sangaard's pockets? Will we be able to compete at sensible prices for players wanted by other clubs also desperate to leave the 3rd division? Do we want a plan for short term or long term results? Glad I'm not the manager! Tauntonaddick 24/2/2020 0 Comments Family day outLuton Game
----------------- Myself, my eldest Dan and my grandson Charlie ( 10 ) were lucky enough to be invited into an East Stand box for Saturday's game against Luton. Dan knows one of the people who provide the printing for the Club and have the Box. Charlie is within a day of so of being the same age as me when I attended my first game in 1962! He loved every second as you can see from the attached pictures. We were a bit edgy in the first half and most of the fluid football came from Luton. Lyle changed everything with a memorable goal only for us to concede cheaply within minutes . We were much better second half and George Lapslie's cameo must be one of the most crucial and effective I have seen. Ozzies contribution was impressive but where would we be without Lyle !! COYR ! |