Optimism-ometer 📈
My optimism-ometer is a little bit more perkier this August than it has been in recent season eves.
Absolutely a lot more work needs to be done in the transfer market and we are missing players in key positions, but there is a month to go, and most clubs, not all, but most have been quite suppressed in the market so far.
Yet, as Premier League clubs start to formulate their squads, the domino effect will permeate down the pyramid. Some will be more willing to listen to offers as the August days get scratched off the calendar and clubs will sell to balance books and FFP. Most definitely we will sell with Holden admitting that he prefers a hungry and lithe squad.
The next couple of signings will be important. They need to augment the team and not just be bench-warmers.
Pre-season for Charlton has been about clearing the decks for the new ownership and allowing Dean Holden to have a pre-season and build a culture and playing style. We’ve added well, on paper better quality than we ever saw under Sandgaard, but also noticeably with a clear plan.
I like the cut of Holden’s jib, we have all warmed to him and visa versa. It is apparent that he has signed players with something to prove, but Holden too is someone that wants to prove he is more than just a good orator and man-manager.
Without an obvious left-wing back – Tayo Edun like Terry Taylor are not quite ready – or a second striker, I suspect Holden may go 4-3-3 with Thomas at left back and CBT pushed up top with he and Campbell either side of May.
Holden I think is a lover of 3-5-2 but is not wedded to it. Flexibility and ability to change will be a key to success in this division.
So then, we welcome Leyton Orient to The Valley and their 3,000 plus fans for the season opener on Saturday. It is one game of forty six, but we play five league games in August and I think psychologically a good start builds confidence and a trajectory. We saw the opposite of that last season.
I plan to be at my dining room table in Sarasota for Saturday morning with a cup of coffee, some optimism and watching a noisy Valley. COYR.
I too am looking forward to the new season with recent signings and events I will be attending the opening game against Orient with my 8 year old granddaughter her first trip to the valley I’m hoping the purchase of her first shirt and a noisy valley will awaken a passionate fan as it did with me a long time ago…COYR
Fantastic David. I hope she catches the bug.
Here we go CA. Got my annual list of the newbies ready and despite my best efforts I am sooooo excited. Can’t wait. Especially after last night’s Q&A with Dean Holden. I know, I know, I’ve felt like this before and been let down but it won’t be by him whatever happens. He talks such sense. I am really not worried about what system he plays any more.
Good luck with the rest of your journey – I know you want it to be over but take care – precious cargo on board.
Thank you LP.
I completely echo your thoughts CA! Work still to be done on the transfer front but seemingly plenty to be optimistic about. It’s a proper London derby tomorrow with two decent clubs going head to head. When I started following Charlton these were the sort of games that I recall and enjoyed most!