Dexter Lembikisa
Was the name of the young man labelled ‘Trialist’ in tonight’s team sheet at Wealdstone, a game the Addicks won 3-0.
Lembikisa came on at the 60 minute mark as Nathan Jones shuffled his pack and fitted in at right centre back, even though he’s meant to be a right-wing-back.
The 21-year old is on Wolves’ books but has spent some time out on loan at Rotherham, Hearts and at the end of last season, Barnsley without pulling up any trees.
He has played for Jamaica 29 times, which will be the real connection. He played 25 games for Rotherham in The Championship during the 2023/24 season, and according to Jones we have him for a week so will probably feature at Cambridge on Saturday.
Post game Jones confirmed that a right-wing-back is still on his shopping list as is a striker. He did not deny interest in Shinnosuke Fukuda and putting words in his mouth, possibly an attacking midfielder may take the incomings into double figures.
Undoubtedly players will go out, but apart from Ahadme, everyone is getting game time accept a couple.
Luke Berry and Matty Godden have yet to bank any friendly minutes, both being injured although Berry has began training. Did I miss Godden’s injury or at 34 next week, will he have his own pre-season plan?
Jones also said tonight that we are managing Reece Burke’s minutes, which so far has been 45. I hope that counting Reece’s minutes doesn’t become a thing.
Cambridge on Saturday where more minutes will be put into players’ legs.
This makes some sense as NJ appears to be looking for coverage on the rh side. Both Small and Watson have left the club, so arguably we are bit light on that area. Whoever comes in they would not be naturally first choice with Ramsey in that position. Although some ‘fans’ will say he is being sold and we need cover.
I still have some hope that Knibbs or Kellman are being looked at. Both would be welcome additions to the forward line. Godden (34) is unlikely to play every game and either of these two would have a good run in the team.
Nice to see Olafe get on the scoresheet, a penalty but that psychological first goal is key for new club strikers. Sometimes friendlies are more important for some players. I recall Alfie May, saying how it important it was to get a goal in these friendly for their own self belief. I think we all know strikers need to believe and have that confidence. Hopefully for olafe is a step in the right direction for him .. mentally.
I am remaining optimistic about our chances.. 😀
A good workout for the squad last night the trialist looked sharp, he had the build of a full/wing back although played in the back three. I thought Kanu looked lively and needs to stay. Leaburn needs to work on his pace and sharpness which is not surprising because of his long term injury
No Kayne Ramsay or Gassan Ahadme last night either.
Is that something or nothing?
Ramsey expected to play on Saturday. Ahadme’s future doesn’t look to be in SE7.
CA agree with you on Lembikisa, he appears quite a bit of a downgrade on others we have currently tried to buy for a similar position on the right! Also agree on Reece Burke, as according he cost around £750,000, but is this going to be another Chucks who can’t manage more than 45minutes if that?
Re Berry being injured, I can’t really see him playing much this season anyway, as he was struggling for pace in league one and apart from a few goals didn’t really add much in midfield. From what I have heard, Godden isn’t actually injured, but is unfit, which is a bit of concern if true, with only a few weeks to go to the start of the season. Plus with Leaburn having to make up for lost time after his injuries, we urgently need a goal scoring No 9, as many have already intimated on here, as even if Godden is fit, he didn’t score many goals in the previous last four seasons to joining us, which were all in a higher division than Division 1, plus he is now several years older. So in all honestly, it would be very unlikely for him to get anywhere near the target he got last year for us and just into double figures would be great.
The other interesting one is our £1millon new goalie who so far has only played one half on the trip abroad, is he now injured, or will he return for the Cambridge game?
I hope the fee you quoted for Reece Burke is wrong, as he was obviously unfit in the Dartford game. I must confess that the prices paid by the club seem excessive in some cases. In the friendly games Zak Mitchell and Anderson have looked sharp and I would hope that they stay rather than go out on loan.