Our Hulse

As expected Rob Hulse joined the Addicks today on a 3-month loan, and goes straight into Chris Powell’s squad for tomorrow. The 32-year old has slowly rolled down the pecking order at QPR and didn’t make Mark Hughes’ Premier League squad.

On the minus side Hulse hasn’t played much football these last couple of seasons and although he has a Championship winners medal, he was really a bit part player in Warnock’s team, and only scored twice. On the plus point, he fits the mold of a Powell signing in that he has something to prove if he is looking for a move to end his career on a high. Also, other than at QPR, Hulse has enjoyed a lot of success at this level and has moved around for a number of sizeable fees.

Hulse has never been an out and out goalscorer but he contributes well to those around him and is a straight swap for Kermorgant whilst he is out injured.

I think Hulse will be quite match-rusty, although by all accounts he has scored a few goals as an over-age player in Rangers’ U21 Development League games. It will be interesting to see if Powell decides to stick with the one up front strategy tomorrow or bring back Fuller. I expect Hulse to start on the bench.

Supporters have questioned Powell not playing Michael Smith nor Cedric Evina. Both are still young and with 9 points on the board in what has been a tough start to Championship life, now may not be the best time to throw in two 20-year olds. Smith will go out on loan, but I do think Evina’s time will come.

Interestingly Powell also disclosed that the club had signed 20-year old James Ashton from Chelsea, an attacking midfielder or full back. Kent boy Ashton will form part of the Addicks’ development squad and will be on loan for the season when one would assume Paul Hart will recommend him to Powell or not.

Our U21 team takes on Swansea later today and Ashton and trialist Sammy Clingan are expected to play.