Clarke’s a shoe in

I’m very pleased with Chris Powell’s early January transfer business. I wish Paul Benson all the best at Swindon where he will be reunited with his old car-pooling mate Alan McCormack, but even a blind man could see that he wasn’t in the manager’s plans. Meanwhile replacing him with the division’s 4th top scorer is a clever bit of business in my book.

Clarke will not be the last person to fall out with Paulo Di Canio, and has all the DNA of a Powell signing. A player with age on his side who has impressed at this level, could play higher and has something to prove. Welcome Leon.

Powell has also to decide on the loan deals of Darrel Russell and Hogan Ephraim which expire after tomorrow but it is believed that Leon Cort will sign a permanent deal. Ben Davisson’s contract has also expired and Simon Francis will seal his move to Bournemouth, where he hasn’t missed a game since moving there in November.

One wonders what other activity will happen, although Powell may be tempted to wait until the loan market runs it’s course and a lot will depend on the plans for Ephraim and Russell. I am also hoping that we see Stephens back as our attacking movement is definitely less patient without him in the team.

I have read nothing about the departure or any suitors for BWP but some Addicks insist on getting themselves worked up that he may leave. BWP, who recently removed his Twitter account, still looks like he’s enjoying it to me even though he is on a dry run and I thought that he was trying too hard at times yesterday. His time will come.

Powell, pre-Christmas, mentioned some squad rotation over the festive period. We have only seen enforced changes but I wonder if Ephraim will feature tomorrow? Green probably will, but Pritchard deserves to remain in the 16 after another fine cameo. Waggy will be extremely unfortunate if he isn’t on the bench but I suspect we’ll see Clarke’s name amongst the subs.

One problem deferred is that of goalkeeper. Due to Charlton appealing Hamer’s sending off he can play tomorrow.