Arsenal’s Matt Smith in on loan
Matt Smith, one of a triumvirate of Smith’s in Swindon’s squad, had made quite an impression at the County Ground, so much so that his parent club Arsenal called him back from his season-long loan and wanted to move him somewhere else. Sound familiar?
We have a good relationship with Arsenal and Gallen and Bowyer had the 20-year midfielder lined up in the summer, but were unable to finalize a loan deal due to the embargo.
Today the talented midfielder was at Sparrows Lane trying the number 18 shirt on for size, and will remain with us until the end of the season.
Steve Gallen said: “He’s done well at Swindon, we’ve followed him over the last few months and he came available late and we were in a position to sign him, so I’m pleased we’ve been able to get it done.”
Welcome Matt.
The Addicks also have bid lodged for Crewe’s 23-year old winger Charlie Kirk. The offer is said to be £500,000.
Brendan Wiredu has written his touching farewell letter and is expected to sign for Colchester United today. Despite the complete decimation of our back four Wiredu has been unable to push for a first team place. I wish him well.
Finally, for the moment at least, Lee Bowyer has confirmed no defenders will be signed today.
Chicago Addick 
The Athletic have done an excellent in depth profile of Matt Smith who joined the Gooners aged seven.
Thanks Wyn. The article is here for those with an Athletic subscription:
https://theathletic.com/2189625/2020/11/10/matt-smith-swindon-arsenal-rabona/
The intention not to sign a quality centreback in the January transfer window is very shortsighted. Bows says 3 out of the 4 centre backs are fit but what if Inniss or Famewo (or both !) have setbacks with their recovery? It leaves Charlton with a committed Deji as their only real CB who can be relied upon. Pearce was once the lynchpin of the defence but he isn’t the same player since his return from injury. H has lost some of his pace and his game is now littered with errors, some of which have been very costly for the side. Yes, players make mistakes, but Pearce is making them on a regular basis. Prats or Gunts can deputise at CB it’s true but neither inspire confidence even though their willingness to do a job for the team is commendable. I don’t believe Bows assertion that there are no right-sided CBs available who would improve Charlton’s defence. They might not improve on Inniss or Famewo but there is no guarantee that Ryan and Akin will be ever presents until the end of the season. In any case, its a left sided CB that is required more urgently in my opinion. I don’t dislike Pearcey, l just think it is now more noticeable that as a player time has caught up with him and he is a shadow of his former self.
Absolutely spot-on Norfolk. I’m not a big fan of Bowyer and the main reasons for that are his stubbornness and ridiculous habit of playing wrong players in wrong positions.
Just to reiterate what you said;
Gunter and Pratley are not Centre-backs. Oshilaja blows hot ‘n’ cold. Pearce is I’m afraid finished. The last time Famewo came back from injury he lasted for one whole game. Innis is injury prone.
I also don’t believe there isn’t a CB out there who could help us out for half a season. I smell bullshit.
Bowyers decision may well cost us our ever diminishing chance of promotion.
Of course we do have a promising young CB who has disappeared, Barker. I just wonder whether he’s fallen foul of Bowyer, like Williams, Maddison and Wiredu. Two of which are out of the door and one who will probably follow them if not this window, then the seasons end.
Welcome Matt…and good luck Brendan. It’s being reported that there’s a buy-back clause in his contract as well as the usual add-ons.
Apparently there is. Looks as if we have found a caring and astute owner!!