Charlton Athletic 0 Derby County 2

I have been at times an apologist for Chris Powell and he still retains my 100% backing, but I have noticed a little swell of support in ending his reign from some quarters. My problem with that is two-fold.

I personally think he is the right man to take this club forward in the medium to long term, but secondly and more pertinently, if a club is to sack a manager then the supporters need total trust in the board to make the right second decision. The first decision is easy.

Some would say that Slater and Jimenez chose Powell in the first place. I would credit that to Peter Varney and Richard Murray. I don’t believe for a minute that Michael Slater had even heard of Chris Powell before getting involved with the club.

Changing managers is easy, the Venky’s became experts last season. What it does require is strong leadership, ambition, foresight and the right motivation. Some of you maybe looking for a change, but good luck if you trust Slater and Jimenez’s judgement.

Nonetheless, I did think that Powell made a mistake with the team today. Simon Church may not be Derek Hales but he runs down dark alleys and he is a whole lot likely to get a goal than Pritchard. Harriott or Stewart may have done a better job as YK’s foil if that’s the way Powell wanted to go, but it was negative and surely we must now have seen the end of Danny Green?

I am finding it hard to think of more options although I prefer Kermorgant in the withdrawn role, and unless he is absolutely uninterested in training, Sordell has to at least offer something different. I would consider Wilson swapping to right midfield when Solly is ready to return and Richard Wood must also deserve another chance. Like Hughes before him, Wood has been a good talisman this season.

Christmas is coming. I don’t know about you but I am going to be so good these next 10 days!

Addick Bloggers’ analysis: Drinking During the Game; Blackheath Addick.