Plenty of rumours part I
A week of rumours and conjecture and little actual news.
The two signings promised immediately post season have yet to materialize, although according to press reports two bids may have been lodged. One for MK Dons midfielder Ben Reeves, who was subject to Robinson’s last transfer window rant. The other bid is a less obvious one for young Scottish prospect Liam Lindsay, with Bolton in the hunt too. Swindon defender Nathan Thompson has also been mentioned as has Rochdale striker Ian Henderson and 21-year old Fulham winger George Williams.
With rumours of Sheffield United interested in the apparent under-paid Ricky Holmes and a foreign clubs ready to take the over-paid Jorge Teixeira, the only piece of real news was the release of left back Adam Chicksen, which surprised many.
We await news of Andrew Crofts contract extension and the official unveiling of Johnnie Jackson’s new role. However other than Chicksen, the only first team squad ‘player’ out of contract this summer is Roger Johnson. Yep, I’d drive myself etc, etc..
Robinson does have the ‘beauty’ of having Naby Sarr (contract runs out in 2020), Ahmed Kashi (2018), Cristian Ceballos (2018), Nicky Ajose (2019) and Igor Vetokele (2019) all back from loan..
Finally congratulations to Ebbsfleet United on their promotion to the National League after beating Chelmsford in the Conference South play-off final.
Chicago Addick 
I have come to the conclusion that CAFC are more talk than action.
My faith in KR’s judgement dropped when he played Jackson at full back in the Shrewsbury game. DaSilva proved to be an exciting prospect but spent 2 months on the bench as an unused sub. before he was given a run of games.
Although they may not be first team regulars I hope that some of the U23’s are given opportunities next season to show what they can do. The U23’s game against Hull was broadcast on Facebook if you haven’t already watched it do so and note the performances of goalkeeper Mitov and Dijksteel and Lapslie in midfield.
I am in Chicago this (work stuff), tips on places to go please CA?
Staying in the city?
With Charlton now 2 weeks into the close season I, like thousands of others I suspect, am totally under-whelmed by the lack of transfer activity at the club.
“Mega-mouth” Robinson spouted forth a few weeks ago about the number of players that he had ‘lined-up’ to join the club but nothing more has been heard or seen since. Ok, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for the next few weeks as many players contracts expire in June and it makes some economic sense (though little sense if other clubs come in and sign them in the meantime…) to wait until these contracts expire before signing them.
As Robinson packs his bucket and spade and goes off on his hols the Valley seems to have gone into hibernation, whilst rivals once again seem to be getting a jump start with potential transfer signings leaving us to play ‘catch-up’ in July and August picking up the dregs of what may be left floating around in the market.
One thing is certain – Robinson isn’t in the same league as Chris Powell was back in the summer of 2011 when he assembled a totally new squad of players to mount his successful promotion push. By this stage back in 2011 Chris had signed the 5 players that Robinson promised would be brought in before his holidays and already had the nucleus of his new squad.
So, come on Karl, to quote Delia Smith, “Where are you? Let’s be ‘aving you……”
Is Karl now finding out the actualite of being in the manager’s chair at the Valley and that his plans are side-lined by Meire/Dushatalot who still insist on doing things their way, or is his a complicit part of this – saying one thing in public and doing the opposite behind the scenes? Time will tell, and the truth will out …… meanwhile Charlton will start the 2017/18 season behind their rivals in terms of players signed, fitness, squad team spirit etc. etc and no doubt another season of dross will follow….
I hope that Robinson proves me wrong, but I don’t think that he will…. he’s simply not in the same league as Chris Powell….
I am willing to give them another couple of weeks. June 1st is the regular date of contract renewals.
Nonetheless as you say Mark, KR once again shouted his mouth off and set an expectation that can’t be or wasn’t matched. 2 new players before I go on holiday he said. Well enjoy your hols Karl..