What has changed?

Next Saturday I will get to see for myself Chris Powell’s new look team, but in the mean time I’m left to listen to the radio and witnesses and observe the results. 

So, forgetting the minor thing of results, what else has changed? Powell has signed BWP of course and added left back Bessone (have we ever had an Argentinian play a first team game before?). Fry’s loan has been extended until the middle of March and Akpo Sodje was moved onto Hibs.

Also significantly Alan McCormack has been preferred to Racon, although the Frenchmen impressed when he came on for him at Yeovil. It’ll be interesting to see if the boss reverts back to McCormack tomorrow. Powell has clearly tightened up a previously porous defence (12 goals conceded in 4 games) and by all accounts got our full-backs working higher up the pitch. Francis in particular has come in for some praise. Chris also appears to have gained favour with referees and linesmen, as for the first time in an age we have been on the receiving end of some very good officialdom fortune.

But, and Powell has been honest on this, we haven’t been playing anywhere near an expansive game and our performances are patchy, especially in the first half. The reason then for all of this? The same players mostly, but a different motivator and definitely a more patient crowd.

Peterborough bring back some good memories, and the 5-1 win there in November was one of Parky’s best moments as we handed out a lesson in counter-attacking play. Two months later both teams have a different manager but remain in similiar league positions. Darren Ferguson, like Powell has improved results and lifted a cloud over the club, yet they are still playing to type scoring and conceding goals at will.

An interesting scene then set for tomorrow, in what will be Chris’ toughest test so far in management.

By the way, Charlton Life are encouraging all Addicks to put the word out about the Exeter £5 promotion. Great credit to the club to incite more enthusiasm as we enter a new era. I’ll be there with 4 others and there are suggestions that the crowd might top 22,000!

Another positive sign at The Valley is the return of the big screen (hopefully without the fish), which the club are hoping to have ready for tomorrow’s annual Tribute Day so they can scroll the names of Addicks that passed away during the last year.