Scorcher
I landed in a steamy London Town this morning. The first time I have taken the BA flight from Tampa to Gatwick, roughly about eight and half hours.
What happened to the weather? Is it because the kids went back to school? I was hoping to wear a couple of pullovers this week.
I am back for a week and plan to mostly spend time with my parents in East Sussex, with some quality time also with my son, plus an 80’s night in Chislehurst with mates sprinkled in for good measure.
I had planned on making the schlep up to Wigan on Saturday, although I was struggling for company but probably could have bribed my son with a few pints to have joined me. Nonetheless despite how rubbish they are, the Addicks somehow have three players named in international squads meaning the game was postponed of course.
Which, after another defensive howler at Crawley on Tuesday does us all a favour, including my wallet and mood.
On that thought that is 7 goals conceded against two L2 sides in a matter of weeks. We have been a mess at the back for season’s now, surely there is a coach out there that has a modicum of ability to instill some organizational awareness in a back line.
None of this helped either way by the switching of keepers. AMB does lack some qualities that may well come with age, but I can’t see why he got dropped, and as for Harry Isted, is he any good? I don’t think he’s made an actual save in 4 games yet.
Isted was an odd signing in many ways, neither an obvious no. 1 or 2, and with no real evidence that he has been unfortunate to play so little game time in his 6-year career, not a young prospect, nor an experienced old head that could help mentor AMB and other keepers at the club.
Cynically both AMB and Isted are probably cheaper than Joe Wollacott.
Ah, the nub of the matter.
In respect of your question asking if a coach exists who could sort out Charlton’s defensive frailties, it seems that there is such a world renowned coach currently plying his trade in Mumbai ! Des Buckingham (no, me neither). Wtf is going on at Charlton? We are a laughing stock.
Friend of Charlie?
Weirdly I know a little bit about Des..
Looks like I picked a good day to work from home…
As for Des Buckingham, my first reaction was who? Has he ever coached in the UK? Then I did a bit of research…he’s been in the City Football Group set up for a few years, first at Melbourne and now Mumbai and had some success winning some silverware in India, prior to that he was coaching some age group teams in NZ’s national set up.
I don’t imagine you get taken on by the CFG unless you have the right coaching badges and some record of success, both of which he has. Going from the CFG to coaching in L1 was the route taken by Liam Manning, now at Oxford and he had some success at MK Dons in his first year before it turned sour in year two, but then they sold their better players and didn’t replace them.
Anyway it’s academic as Mumbai refused permission for us to have a chat.
Hi CA,
Why not pop down to the Valley for the women’s game on Sunday at 2pm.
Least you can see the ground and maybe if you speak to the groundstaff be allowed to stand on the pitch too !!!
We are in the muck…nobody wants the job !!
Welcome home. Talk of Chistlehurst makes me think of when I played for them when the halftime team talk was Embassy or number 6. Happy days
Haha. Gin or vodka?
Michael Aplleton is our man …………………. comedy gold
I give him 6 months at the most.
Charlton fans must be in raptures at the news I think not
Check.out his sacking records a serial failure !!!