Powell in contract talks

Those of you that followed today’s press conference would like me have had an overwhelming postive yet anticlimatic feeling by the end of it. The actual conference itself only lasted a little more than 15 minutes and this was followed by journalists questions that weren’t captured by the Official Site, but some of which were relayed on Twitter by journos in the room.

Duchatelet again spoke about the history of the club and the importance and attraction of the youth set-up as well as making the supporter experience at The Valley better. The Belgian is a big believer in Financial Fair Play and Richard Murray again said that finally the club is on a sound financial footing.

RD said there were no plans to leave The Valley and that the pitch would be replaced at the end of the season. Category One status for the academy is also under consideration.

Duchatelet admitted that he, although I think he used the plural of ‘we’, had given the new signings to Powell, although the owner was quick to add that Powell picks the team. Good to know.

Duchatelet told fans not to get mad when they need to sell a good player and incredibly, unless he was misquoted said “We have bought some new players and maybe they are not so good, but that is always the problem in football. All in all we will see what the result is. Life in football is a life with compromises.” Talk about give the new lads some confidence…..

Late yesterday the word was that RD was to announce a contract extension for Powell and when asked Duchatelet said:

“We are discussing right now to renew his contract for the coming years and I hope that we can reach an agreement soon. There is no doubt in my mind that Chris is an extremely good coach and it is certainly our desire to continue to work alongside him. Chris being a club legend is certainly important for the fans, but for me the most important matter is that he is a very good coach.” (more)

Then later this afternoon to give all of conspiracy theorists a thrill, Powell and Alex Dyer cancelled their appearance at Bromley Addicks just a couple of hours before they were meant to be there. It is thought that Dyer and Powell are still locked in discussions with Duchatelet.

Those expecting new signings to walk out from behind the curtain were disappointed, and Powell was quick to diminish reports of Shaun Wright Phillips joining on loan. It wasn’t much more than what we knew already, just told to a bigger audience but after the ‘last lot’ Duchatelet and Meire should be thanked and encouraged to continue in dialogue with it’s supporters.

The next month is crucial and maybe for Powell, Dyer and Damian Matthews the next 72 hours are when they and subsequently us will know more about who is going to lead us through the challenge of staying in The Championship.

Media reports: London24; SLP; Daily Mail;