Tough start

QPR (h), Derby (a), Forest (a), Hull (h), Wolves (a). 2015/16 Full fixture list here.

That is a tough looking start on paper, although there is a lot to be said for playing the relegated sides early as they adjust to the culture shock of The Championship. 

I will be home for the opening game and it is our first Valley start to the season since we returned to The Championship. There is a chance that Sky might pick our game for that weekend although Leeds, Preston and Hull may get the nod. The opening game instantly reminds of our victory over then Harry Redknapp’s side the season before last. That ‘Johnnie Jackson QPR’ game was one of the best moments seen at The Valley in the last couple of seasons.

Without any local rivals Christmas derby games now entail a trip to Bristol City and a visit from Wolves. 

Huddersfield, Preston and Bolton are all long hauls on a Tuesday night and likewise all three team’s fans have to navigate a midweek journey to us. Why the Football League insist on doing that I will never know.

I always anxiously look towards the run in and we end with Burnley at home and go to Leeds the week before that and Brighton (h) and Bolton (a) preclude it.

The club also announced today that Christophe Lepoint has been sold for an undisclosed fee (what else) to Belgium Juniper League SV Zulte Waregem. Lepoint’s Charlton career most be one of the strangest over recent history