Guy Luzon | Chicago Addick

Oct 20

Formulae

I wrote the other day that it’s nigh on impossible to guess how we will line up in games. Bow said yesterday that it was the first time the team had played to that formation. It looked like (from watching on Valley Pass) that we were 5-4-1 with Solly and JFC advanced wing backs and a flat midfield. That put a lot of trust in Bonne, but he did not disappoint, despite the fact a year ago he was playing in a FA Cup qualifying tie at Maidstone.

Whilst Jacko and Marsh are drilling the players on set-pieces, Bowyer must spend hours in a room studying opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Derby and Phillipe Cocu are no slouches but yesterday we picked them off at a corner and targeted the £10m Krystian Bielik. Teams appear to be obsessed in playing out from the back pedestrian like believing they are playing for Man City.

Please click for more

Jun 18

1 Comment

Auf wiedersehen Pat

This is not a week for those Addicks with a dodgy ticker. Bad news tonight as Patrick Bauer aka BFG said his farewells to Charlton fans.

Not wholly surprising and we can’t say he never warned us. You have to think with a slightly more healthy budget he may have stayed but he maybe ready to move on after an often difficult four years. And of course he’s leaving on the ultimate high.

Please click for more

Apr 6

10 Comments

Ipswich Town 0 Charlton Athletic 0

In isolation a decent result, and performance. Tactically we were accomplished, not outplayed in any part of the pitch and we controlled large facets of the game. There were some good performances and we gave it a good go. Yet last night was the game that probably sent us down. Other results went against us and this is all too little too late.

We weren’t relegated last night we were relegated during that 14-game spell under the interim reign of Karel Fraeye. Interim. 3 months. Fraeye, handpicked by Roland Duchatelet. Every decision better than the last and let us not forget Guy Luzon. His bloody hands are all over this disgraceful relegation of our great club.

Please click for more

Jan 13

12 Comments

Comedy gold

Unlike Karel Fraeye, who took little persuading to take the Interim job at Charlton following the departure of Guy Luzon, mostly because old Karel had his head up Roland’s backside at the time, it appears that Nebojša Vignjević was less than happy with Roly’s suggestion that he should leave 2nd placed Ujpest of the Hungarian League and take charge of the laughing stock that is Charlton Athletic.

A backward career step he presumed added to the fact that he would be forced to work with Katrien Meire, so Vignjević said “ne” and who can blame him.

Jose Riga was ahead of Vignjević in the new old coach queue but apparently made too many demands.
Please click for more

Dec 21

31 Comments

The circus of Karel Fraeye

The timing of Guy Luzon’s sacking was a surprise to a lot of people but not to Karel Fraeye. He was waiting patiently in the wings confident and ready for the job that he had long been earmarked for. The Interim tag was to appease us, Duchalelet and Meire hopeful that his articulate and open manner would grow on Charlton fans. More engaging with the players especially Johnnie Jackson, all he had to do was turn around the disastrous form of Guy Luzon before being given the job of his dreams full time.

I wrote after Fraeye took over as Interim Head Coach that his ability or lack thereof would stand on its own two feet. His appointment was another piss take, but there would be no hiding place. Time would judge him in front of us all.

After his 9th game which has yielded two wins in Fraeye said “To be fair, we’ve had an away game at Middlesbrough, an away game at Birmingham, an away game at Burnley and a home game against Ipswich.” Yes Karel my old son this is The Championship. It does not suffer fools gladly.
Please click for more

Dec 14

Ahmed out. Bless you

Ahmed Kashi was Guy Luzon’s number one target last summer and impressed up until the 86th minute of a match in Cardiff at the end of September when he was replaced by Franck Moussa, yes I know I am really testing your memories now. Kashi then went AWOL and despite Luzon’s reliance on him as his midfield anchor the Algerian then missed the next four games of Luzon’s stewardship rather mysteriously.

Little came out of club as Luzon cleared his office and some wondered in the communication black out that Kashi had downed his boots.

Fraeye, the Interim Head Coach, then told us that Kashi didn’t look good but struggled to explain why until the club today told us that he needs surgery on an Achilles Tendon injury which sounds like he will be out for the season. 9 league appearances.
Please click for more

Nov 22

3 Comments

Tony Watt to leave

Half of the Covered End and probably every kid under 16’s favourite player, my son included, is being sent out on loan. Tony Watt, one of the club’s best players is set to leave for rival Championship club Cardiff City.

Dave hinted at this yesterday and his fears have been confirmed by the SLP tonight. The ludicrous decisions continue apace down at The Valley.
Please click for more

Nov 21

3 Comments

Birmingham City 0 Charlton Athletic 1

An excellent result and not just a clinging on rear guard action. The Addicks created chances too, with youngsters Ademola Lookman and Tareiq Holmes-Dennis outstanding, especially Holmes Dennis playing out of position at right back who danced down the wing to provide a teasing cross for super skipper Johnnie Jackson to head powerfully home.

Lookman started up front with Simon Makienok with Reza on the bench along with the returning Harry Lennon and new loanee Ricardo Vaz Te. There was no place for Moussa.

We were under the gun for a lot of the 1st period, especially before half-time but the Blues never caused many heart-fluttering moments, at least listening to the radio. That was until the final seconds when Holmes-Dennis rounded off a terrific performance preventing Grounds from a sure equaliser.
Please click for more

Nov 11

7 Comments

Tuesday’s fan meeting thoughts

I was one of hundreds of Addicks getting angrier and angrier on Twitter last night following Tweets from a couple of media outlets supposedly reporting the fan’s meeting with Katrien Meire and Richard Murray at The Valley. I got myself so wound up I had to go to the pub.

Upon watching the video this evening the narrative from last night as recorded by the News Shopper and London24 certainly painted a different picture and many of the 140 character missives took out of the context what was actually said.

I sat through the whole 110 minutes of the video, and a lot of it was respectful and uneventful. However my own opinion is that this was not the discussion that I was hoping for. It is possibly a start but there was still no substance to the same old trotted out mantra we have heard many times before.
Please click for more

Oct 29

15 Comments

Stooge

The media team rolled out Simon Makienok today and he spoke with some heart about how difficult the past week or so has been, and I don’t doubt it. Makienok’s absence had become a bit of mitigation for the team’s recent form, but for the on-loan striker who has played just 7 games to be pushed into the spotlight to speak on behalf of the team and the new managerial staff I found odd.

The word had it that Charlton players have been told not to talk to the press and new Interim Head Coach Karel Fraeye wasn’t going to talk publicly until after Saturday’s game with Middlesbrough. However the Official Site will carry an exclusive interview with Fraeye tomorrow.
Please click for more

Oct 24

2 Comments

Song for Guy

Well not really. A slight maunder of “Guy Luzon’s red and white army” from a few in the Upper Covered End but that was about it as the Israeli left just like he arrived. By the back door looking like a rabbit in the headlights.

I grew to accept Luzon like a child-hating Auntie, but then the £5 WH Smith voucher at Christmas would see that acceptance grow to a like and when Luzon talked passionately and sensibly about his players and the club in a language that wasn’t his mother tongue, I think a lot of Addicks took kindly to him. I know I did.
Please click for more

Oct 24

Charlton Athletic 0 Brentford 3

A second 0-3 home defeat in a week as Lee Carsley like Simon Grayson on Tuesday comfortably picked a team short in confidence and backbone apart. It was to be Guy Luzon’s 33rd and last league game in charge of the Addicks

Understandably Luzon gambled and threw back in 90% fit Mackienok plus Jacko, Gudmundsson and Henderson and although Diarra was missing through suspension it was the strongest team we had available with Reza and Moussa on the bench. Only Kashi and Igor were sidelined and the fact that we were well beaten says about everything we need to know.
Please click for more

Oct 24

6 Comments

Luzon and Matthew sacked

“Charlton have terminated the contract of Head Coach Guy Luzon with immediate effect, the club can confirm. The contracts of Assistant Head Coach Damian Matthew and First-Team Coach David Martane have also been terminated.” (more)

A clean sweep including Damian Matthew who has been at the club since 2006.
Please click for more

Oct 23

7 Comments

When Saturday comes

I started a number of Blog posts this week, but after a few sentences I stopped, counted to 20 and closed it down. There are so many things wrong but I don’t know yet if Guy Luzon is one of those things. I watched yesterday’s press conference and felt myself siding with him again. I like some of the things he says, I like his passion, I do, and I am willing to see how tomorrow goes.
Please click for more

Oct 20

13 Comments

Charlton Athletic 0 Preston North End 3

That was disgraceful and it all began with the team selection. Dropping Jackson for Ba is unforgivable. Playing three left backs. Relying on Ahearne-Grant again. Way to ruin the boys career. If a senior player is fit to be on the bench, he is fit to play!

I have backed Luzon because he has been given nothing to work with and I would stick my neck out and proffer he has had very little say in player acquisitions, but have no doubt tonight’s embarrassment lies with Luzon and Luzon only. The players too. Where is the desire? The professionalism? they too are hugely culpable.

Between this merry lot, the mercenary players, the dead-man-walking head coach, the naive CEO and a mute of a mad professor owner, they are killing the very essence of what this club is about.
Please click for more

Oct 20

2 Comments

Vote of Confidence

As Addicks fans make their way to The Valley tonight, CEO Katrien Meire has given Guy Luzon a vote of confidence. “Guy has our full support, for sure. He has been unlucky with injuries. I spoke to Guy over the weekend and told him not to worry – that he is not under any pressure.” (more)
Please click for more

Oct 19

5 Comments

Luzon deserves better

A huge week for Guy Luzon as the vultures arrive in SE7 ready for their next meal. Tomorrow night 8 games without a win Charlton host 8 games without a win Preston at what could be an angry Valley.

I think in most cases the anger is not against Luzon, who joined in very difficult circumstances but slowly won the Valley faithful over by doing his work on the field, and in public providing honest assessments of his team and their performances.

Luzon needs to be backed by the owner and his CEO, who suggested that the Israeli could emulate Sir Alex Ferguson on his arrival. You have to laugh, Fergie was the poster child for stability, the opposite of what we have seen under the Belgians.
Please click for more

Oct 17

3 Comments

Reading 1 Charlton Athletic 0

2 shots at goal compared to 23 by Reading tells it’s own sorry tale. More than 1,100 Addicks bravely got behind an impotent Charlton side with their only ambition to grab a point. I am starting to realise that I have never seen Bob Peeters and Guy Luzon in the same room. Although to be fair to old baldy he had 8 more points at this same point last season.
Please click for more

Oct 16

Injury list no better

Whilst Franck Moussa has been like a new signing after a year out with injury, this summer’s signings Simon Makienok, Christian Ceballos and Ahmed Kashi are still sidelined with injuries depite a fortnight’s resting up period.

The Addcks go to in-form Reading tomorrow still injury hit with no sign of Stephen Henderson, Igor Vetokele or Reza either, although in a pretty uninformative update from Guy Luzon it does appear that the Iranian and Makienok are at least back in training.
Please click for more

Sep 23

3 Comments

Crystal Palace 4 Charlton Athletic 1

Unsurprising result especially given the team that Luzon put out. It is September and he is already resting players for a game that meant so much to supporters. What was more disappointing was that he didn’t throw on JBG and Watt at the break after successfully keeping the score goalless at half time.

We had 8 minutes of excitement after Sarr headed in to make it 1-2, but another soft penalty and losing the influential Diarra to a straight red and that was the end of that. Pope again keeping the final score down.
Please click for more

Sep 22

2 Comments

No clowning around

When the two fateful names were pulled out of the hat, we were told that it wouldn’t be a distraction. That was four games and one point ago. Whether the players have been affected, some of whom probably were never going to play in the game anyway and many of whom, I would expect, had no previous knowledge of what the game means, who knows. Our form since the international break is a cause for concern but nothing that a rip-roaring derby win cannot put right!

It was always going to be a distraction for Charlton fans, beside themselves when the draw was made, but now terrified of what the game beholds. Palace have bought big and mostly well this summer looking to push on, knowing that a new humungous TV deal kicks in August, and just like so many before them starting to feel at home in their new lifestyle.
Please click for more

Sep 19

2 Comments

Blackburn Rovers 3 Charlton Athletic 0

The biggest defeat of a season that is rapidly turning from hopeful to worrying. A straightforward win for Blackburn today, who like Huddersfield before them won their first game of the season against the Addicks. If it wasn’t for Nick Pope the score may well have resembled a rugby score.

Jordan Rhodes scored twice, his 9th and 10th goals against Charlton, the first coming at a killer time seconds before the break.

Up until then the 1st half sounded reasonably decent from our perspective although we had to thank young Nick Pope for allowing us to even be in the game after two superb saves early on, both from that thorn in our side, Rhodes. Funny how we used to joke that Michael Morrison used to carry the Scotsman around in his pocket. No, I’m not laughing either.
Please click for more

Sep 17

5 Comments

No more additions – Luzon

“This is our squad and we go with this squad.”

Guy Luzon at today’s press conference saying that the club won’t be adding any more players to the squad. Hmm, lessons don’t appeared to have been learnt and I am fearing an incredible amount of deju-vu.

No cover then for an injury prone Chris Solly, no experienced keeper, no centre-half alternatives other than the young Lennon and Sarr and no left sided midfielder options which means Luzon will also have to play someone out of position there. Luzon indicated that we can expect Conor McAleny on the left at Blackburn on Saturday. I hope the Evertonian can impress and get some goals, but the lad’s injury record is very poor.
Please click for more

Sep 15

1 Comment

Charlton Athletic 1 Huddersfield Town 2

Tonight’s result and performance makes last season’s 3-0 win all the more remarkable.

The worrying thing about tonight is that, Diarra rested aside, it was probably our best team with the players available, alongside a very impressive bench. Cousins however, should never play left side of midfield again. Never.

The question, and I am sounding like a broken record, but the question is how does Luzon change it? Who does he have, where are the options?
Please click for more

Sep 10

Fit, injured or ill?

Today Guy Luzon was predictably vague when it came to Saturday’s team selection. Tony Watt we think is fit again, Simon Makienok may or may not be as he only started training properly today and Igor Vetokele, well who knows. He didn’t train today as he was ill Luzon said, but obviously not too ill to be in bed, as he was at Sparrows Lane.

Maybe it was jet lag Igor was suffering from as he was surprisingly allowed to make the 12 hour plane journey (one way) to Magadascar to represent Angola in their African Cup of Nations qualifier this week. They drew 0-0 by the way.
Please click for more

Aug 31

5 Comments

Bikey out, anyone biking in?

Three out and no new arrivals as we enter the last day of the August transfer window. Andre Bikey had his contract cancelled yesterday, why both parties waited that long to divorce I don’t know, but it allows Bikey free agency and the chance to find another club.

Bikey had been frozen out by Guy Luzon and was playing in the stiffs, if the reserve team made up of youngsters can be called that these days. A year ago he was an intricate part of Bob Peeters unbeaten start to the season, but Luzon didn’t like how the experienced Cameroonian negatively dominated the dressing room. Add to that a couple of defensive howlers and a drop in professionalism and Luzon pulled rank.
Please click for more

Aug 29

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Charlton Athletic 1

Disappointing but not unexpected today. Wolves will certainly be promotion candidates and staying unbeaten for the whole month of August was just beyond us.

Nonetheless 8 points on the board, 2 wins against teams that now sit 2nd and 4th in the table and 2 excellent away draws. Add to that 8 goals in two rounds of the League Cup taking us to a belter of a 3rd Round game and the start of our season is not to be sniffed at, and the total opposite of what many of us were thinking when the fixtures first came out.
Please click for more

Aug 13

Jodi Jones

With James Henry still part of Wolves’ plans and any moves for him shelved until next summer when Henry is out of contract, Dagenham & Redbridge’s 17-year old winger Jodi Jones has become the Addicks’ latest target.

Jones is about as far removed from Henry as possible. Both wingers but 26-year old Henry has played 250 odd games and has 9 England U19 caps, whereas Jones is just 17, and has only made 9 League Two appearances after coming through the Daggers youth system.
Please click for more

Aug 9

4 Comments

Charlton Athletic 2 Queens Park Rangers 0

What a wonderful day out to end a very enjoyable week. Back in Bermuda tonight with my head full of memories and Charlton songs!

QPR may not end up being a good yardstick to judge our opening performance as my mate Dave said in his post-match thoughts, although you can only beat what is in front of you, but although we conceded a lot of possession and corners to the west Londoners in the first half, it was a little surprising to see their capitulation after we went 2-0 up. The rather cocky QPR fans who somewhat startlingly sauntered past the Royal Oak singing their anti-Chelsea songs may need to lower their pretensions.

I think most of us shuddered a little when those first 6 fixtures came out, but early season is as good as time as any to play the relegated teams, and Austin-less it is hard to see anything other than a season of mediocrity or worse for Ramsey’s team.
But as Luzon repeats it wasn’t about our opposition, for Addicks it was finding out about those players in red shirts, their aptitudes and their attitudes.
Please click for more

Aug 4

3 Comments

New squad numbers

Nothing earth shattering regarding the new squad numbers on first glance. Cousins moves to no. 8, there is no no.2 perhaps hinting at the club’s hopes to sign another defender imminently. Patrick Bauer and Naby Sarr become 5 and 6, and the young Spaniard Cristian Ceballos is given the no.10 shirt.

However upon scrutiny there is no shirt for Andre Bikey or Loic Nego and apparently Franck Moussa is only deserved of one once he can prove fitness, which presumes will not be for a long while.

A year ago Andre Bikey and Tal Ben Haim began the season as our centre-half pairings, eventually forcing Michael Morrison to leave. Admittedly once Guy Luzon showed up Morrison was already half out of the door, but that move still grates with me and his handling Bikey leaves a little bit of a bad taste, and one assumes he will be left to ‘rot’ in the reserves.
Please click for more

Jul 28

3 Comments

Naby Sarr joins French invasion

January Guy Luzon loan target Naby Sarr has signed a 5-year deal today and I would think will accompany Patrick Bauer in a very unexperienced looking central defence when the season kicks off in 11 days. Sarr is widely expected to cost £1.4m.

Sarr is another French speaker in the dressing room, six if you include Loic Nego. Born in Marseille, the 21 year-old came through the PSG youth system but moved at 15 to join the famed Lyon academy. After 5 impressive appearances for Lyon, Sporting Lisbon swooped into sign Sarr for €1m, with another €1m to be paid further down the line depending on appearances. Then there was a silly €45m buy-out clause, which obviously never materialized. If it did then Roly has clearly had an lobotomy!
Please click for more

Jul 25

Henderson to miss a month

I think few would disagree that Stephen Henderson is the best all round goalkeeper the club have had for a long while, but there is a reason why he has only started around 150 games in 8 seasons. Henderson damaged his ‘other’ shoulder before the friendly last week with Dulwich Hamlet and a scan has revealed that he will need an operation and will be out for the first month of the season.

That is a huge blow, as we know how much we missed him last season and the defence in front of him looks very threadbare presently. Nick Pope played today but has looked nervous on the big stage, but Luzon more than indicated that he will go with the 23-year old as Hendo’s deputy.

I have no doubt that there is a really good goalie in there. Ben Roberts really rated Pope and he has had two storming seasons in League Two at York City and Bury, and that last spell would have greatly restored his confidence, plus he has had a fair amount of minutes pre-season. What is without question is that Addicks’ fans get fully behind this young keeper from the first minute when he walks out against QPR.
Please click for more

Jul 19

“Another four or five players”

“We also wait for another four or five players, so it was not a fair game, but it’s ok.” Not really ok, but I assume that there is a big element of Luzon biting his tongue there after an unsatisfactory weekend of friendly games.

I had already questioned the worthiness of playing St-Truiden on their 3G pitch, but the way it panned out with a 2nd half team of development players was ridiculous. “60 or 70 per cent of the players who played today will not be in our first-team squad, it was the young players from the academy.” Luzon said.

Add this to the mixed team of trialists, U21’s and first teamers that turned out at Dulwich ending in a pre-match knock to Stephen Henderson and a much worse injury to Rhoys Wiggins, this part of pre-season was little short of disastrous. Please click for more

Jul 18

The Kashi promise

Breaking News! Charlton have announced the signing of Ahmed Kashi. Nope, me neither but I am partial to his cereal.

The Algerian was believed to be the player that the club was hoping to play in Belgium, but instead he will watch tonight’s game against St-Truiden and complete his move on Monday.

Born in the north-east of France, Kashi chose to play for Algeria, the birthplace of his parents, and did represent the North African country at the recent African Cup of Nations. The holding midfielder has been signed from Metz, the Ligue 1 team managed by Jose Riga, who took over after Metz were relegated to Ligue 2 last season. Kashi played 21 times last season scoring once.
Please click for more

Jul 17

3 Comments

Why are we playing St-Truiden?

Two Charlton friendlies to wet your whistle tomorrow.

Tha Addicks play Sint-Truiden Saturday evening in Limburg, whilst a CAFC XI goes to Dulwich Hamlet in the afternoon but will include Stephen Henderson, Rhoys Wiggins, Chris Solly, Johnnie Jackson and Tareiq Holmes-Dennis in their line up.

There may well be other first teamers too as Guy Luzon is concerned about Sint-Truiden’s artificial pitch, and how it could hamper or cause injuries, which begs the question why we are playing them in the first place. The only reason I can think of is that it suits Katrien Meire, the two loves of her life locking horns in a lazy kickabout at dusk on carpet.
Please click for more

Jul 15

Park the coaches

With Bolton’s goalkeeping coach Lee Turner (photo) set to join David Martane on Guy Luzon’s coaching staff we are left to wonder when they will have some more players to coach….

Dougie Freedman & Lennie Lawrence took Turner with them when they left Palace for Bolton in 2012. Freedman knew the 50-year old from when he finished his playing career at Southend United. Turner is Scottish but played his football at Ebbsfleet and Margate before moving into coaching with Southend. Former Addicks favourite Andy Hughes is at Bolton and I would expect gave Turner rave reviews of life in SE7.

David Martane is someone we should know more about, because he will probably one day take over from Guy Luzon as head coach. Let’s be honest, that wouldn’t be a surprise would it? Little is known of Martane, who is just 27 years old, so I took it upon myself to find out about him.
Please click for more

Jul 10

2 Comments

Welling already?

A whole week in Blighty and not even a sniff of a new Addicks signing to shout from the roof tops.

From behind the curtain it looks as if Guy Luzon is attempting to manage his budget and his transfer targets within the restrictions imposed on him, and the sale of Standard Liege has not only corked the flow of Belgium imports but actually obstructed them.

Frederic Bulot has been allowed to train and actually play in pre-season friendlies for Charlton but it is thought that Standard are playing hardball in the transfer negotiations, and to add to the obstacles, French club Reims have now joined the fray for the French speaking midfielder.
Please click for more

Jun 29

2 Comments

Addicks close in on 6ft 7in Simon Makienok

According to more and more sources including Richard Cawley in the SLP, Charlton are close to pulling off the loan signing of Palermo’s Danish striker Simon Makienok.

The 24-year Makienok scored about a goal every other game during three seasons for Brøndby in his home country which prompted a big chase for him across Europe a year ago. However at Palermo the giant striker struggled for both game time and with the local language and the Serie A side are trying to offload him and it looks as if Charlton are favourites to sign him.
Please click for more

May 12

15 players released

Part one of Luzon/Duchatelet/Meire’s summer transfer strategy was executed today with the announcement of 15 players released.

They are: Tal Ben Haim; Simon Church; Chris Eagles; Roger Johnson; Lawrie Wilson; Oguchi Onyewu; Neil Etheridge; Jack Munns; Harry Osborne; Harry Gerard; Kadell Daniel; Kurtis Cumberbatch; Kieran Monlouis; Rhys Browne; Levander Pyke.

A mixture of the unfortunate attrition of young pros who were unable to step up plus 7 first teamers. My only disappointment is seeing Ben Haim go, although it was apparently his own decision. Not so much disappointed but sad to see Lawrie Wilson and Simon Church move on.

The Welshman scored just 10 goals in Charlton colours, but his work rate could never be questioned, but I expect his career will have to continue down a division.

Lawrie Wilson’s form dipped this season after an excellent 2014/15 season, when I personally thought he was player of the year. He was very friendly with Hamer, Morrison, Hughes and Jackson and an integral part of Chris Powell’s squad but he was sidelined under both Peeters and Luzon and the writing was on the wall. However I am pleased that he was able to come back to the club where he began his career to show us what a great pro he is. Best of luck Lawrie.
Please click for more

May 6

8 Comments

The season in one post

9 months ago 1,600 Addicks welcomed Bob Peeters’ new look team with 7 new signings at Griffin Park, and most left with a positive feeling. It was a gritty Charlton performance that Charlton fans could relate to. Yet the biggest reservations pre-season were over the unknown head coach and the lack of obvious goals in the side. Roland Duchatelet had added some much needed quality, but on the face of it, Peeters’ squad was thin and lacking in Championship experience.

Nonetheless by the time pre-season promotion favourites Derby came to The Valley we were three games unbeaten and Peeters had warmed the Addicks’ fans with his over enthusiastic tête-à-tête with then Wigan boss Uwe Rosler the game before.

The Derby game was a little surreal if we are honest. Peeters’ passing game, still a work in progress, was some of the best I had seen for a long time, but the Valley crowd came across as unsure to what they were witnessing. However it was a great 3 points won at a spruced up Valley and with two away draws following we sat happily in 6th place at the end of the opening month. Please click for more

Mar 31

5 Comments

Thoughts on Friday and looking to the summer

“We can’t be letting five/ten players go, we need consistency and I’ll certainly be keeping an eye on the ins and outs over the summer, that’s for sure.”

I have been impressed with what I have seen and heard from Stephen Henderson since he arrived in SE7 last summer. He has been very impressive in goal and speaks well, and clearly is enjoying his time at the club, despite his absence through injury.

If it wasn’t for the shoulder injury the Irishman would have by now played for the Addicks more than any other club in his career, which has spanned 8 years and 10 different teams, 11 if you include Aston Villa where he started in their youth team.

So it is no surprise that Henderson is so bullish, finally finding a club that has immersed him and where he has found some affinity. Interesting then that he was quoted as saying the above at the top of this post.
Please click for more

Mar 25

8 Comments

Katrien’s charm offensive

An international break to relax before our thoughts turn to Millwall on Good Friday. Addicks’ fans have only been allocated the top tier, which was quickly sold out, but the game will be beamed back to The Valley. I will be in the far more scenic and hospitable setting of Florida Easter weekend and will have to rely on mobile updates.

During this break Guy Luzon has returned to Belgium (not for good, hopefully) whilst Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Tal Ben Haim and Simon Church, who face each other, are away on international duty.

Back at home Katrien Meire is making the most of the upturn in fortunes by getting out in front of the press. I can’t blame her, I am always looking for my boss when I’ve had a good result.
Please click for more

Mar 18

1 Comment

Blackpool 0 Charlton Athletic 3

The games that we always seem to flop.

I didn’t think we’d beat Blackburn, but I didn’t think we would beat Blackpool either. Last night was really last chance for saloon for Blackpool and they started brightly, and then I had to go and meet some people and was only able to check in on the score at half and full time. I raised my glass to myself each time.
Please click for more

Mar 6

1 Comment

Luzon – from Manuel to Mourinho?

I watched Guy Luzon’s press conference yesterday and noticed how he had morphed from a rabbit caught in the headlines to an assured and relaxed football head coach.

It is amazing what a couple of wins can do, good ones at that, and three in front of your own public, a public that were screaming “you don’t know what you’re doing” just a few weeks back.

The bitterness of Luzon’s arrival may still be lingering but the man himself, clearly at the first interview a combination of uneasy and unprepared, can afford to smile and he does, quite often.

Interesting also how his accent and command of the English language has gone from Manuel to Mourinho, at least in our perception anyway.
Please click for more

Mar 3

6 Comments

Charlton Athletic 2 Nottingham Forest 1

A very impressive result tonight against a team that had won five of their last six and with a very makeshift team, and all of our first choice defenders out.

Wilson, Gomez, Diarra and Fox began at the back, but Luzon sensibly changed it at half-time replacing Wilson who was struggling against Antonio’s pace and trickery. Gomez coped much better at right back and also got forward much more and Bikey, dropped and suddenly in the past fortnight third choice centre-half, also did a good job of steadying the ship.

Frederic Bulot has come back from the African Nations a different player. He scored a Gudmundsson-esque free-kick in the 7th minute after we started well, and then completely against the run of play, the man on loan from Standard Liege fired in from close range to put us ahead again after danger man Antonio had equalized.
Please click for more

Mar 2

5 Comments

Tony Watt #MadeForCharlton

I have Tweeted this hash tag a few times, and it’s a meme based on the club’s ‘Made in Charlton’ slogan. Watt arrived at The Valley with more baggage than a Bermudian after a trip to a Florida mall and a lot of us at the time, including Bob Peeters were underwhelmed.

I saw him on his debut at home to Brighton, a wholly depressing day, which was Bob Peeters last as Charlton manager. The one and only positive afterwards was Tony Watt. I liked that in a totally dispiriting 2nd half, he was trying to gee the team on and also I remember his first touch which took him away from two defenders in the box and created a half chance. It was something to cling onto.
Please click for more

Feb 28

4 Comments

Charlton Athletic 3 Huddersfield Town 0

“It was beyond what any supporters would do to the opposition manager. But I am not surprised with how they were. It was very touching and emotional for me but I am quite embarrassed as well. They have moved on and we have moved on, but it was a great moment for me in my long career and it’s something that I won’t forget.”

If football was played out to a script then today’s game would be it. Academy award winning even.

Chris Powell received a fantastic welcome before kick off and then again at 3 minutes past 3. After that the packed Valley lapped up a superb performance cheering the team to the rafters and at £1.66 a goal I hope some of those thousands that took advantage of ‘football for a fiver’ return to see Luzon’s team again.
Please click for more

Feb 20

5 Comments

Wigan Athletic 0 Charlton Athletic 3

Blimey. No really, blimey.

No two ways about it, that was a terrific result tonight in what was undoubtedly a six pointer up at the DW, and whatever the 533 Addicks envisioned on their journey’s up, I am sure it wasn’t what they then witnessed. My total respect to them.

I’m thrilled actually, well of course I’m thrilled, but supporting Charlton recently has been thoroughly depressing and I lay in bed last night thinking about this post I wrote, and I thought enough is enough. No more negativity. It is really wearing me down. Support the team, and the manager.
Please click for more

Feb 16

5 Comments

Jackson’s vital role

I still have serious reservations about the ability of Guy Luzon, but credit where credit is due. On Saturday he had the foresight to play four defenders, four midfielders and two strikers, all in their right position. He also dropped ‘network’ keeper Dmitrović and returned Stephen Henderson to the side, who again proved why he is the club’s #1 and the Irishman was the foundation for the long awaited victory.

Luzon is right to distance himself from the performances and results leading up to his appointment but he has now had over a month with the players and it is apparent to me that something happened between the Norwich game on Tuesday and Saturday and I am unsure whether this was entirely Luzon’s doing.
Please click for more

Feb 14

3 Comments

Charlton Athletic 3 Brentford 0

A first win since November 8th, and a long awaited burst of pride. Charlton fans deserve their smiles on their faces tonight.

Not for the first time in recent years Addicks’ fans backed the shirt and not the regime today and they got their rewards with not only the biggest win of the season, but also a performance from the players befitting of wearing the famous shirt.

Credit to Luzon, he had them fired up, organized and put round pegs in round holes. I said before the game that he picked the best team possible, even with the inclusion of Bulot, who by all accounts had a very good game on the left side of midfield.
Please click for more

Feb 12

7 Comments

Luzon the will to live

I have no idea if Guy Luzon is a good coach/manager or not, and I have already made my mind up that I don’t want to find out. Harsh on the Israeli I know, but when one gives up professional pride and nails their colours to a mast of a man, so clearly bonkers, then what are you to expect.

Equally there is no evidence in the month since he was been appointed that he has any man-management skills, an ounce of tactical invention or an actual game plan. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt on his ludicrous rabbit in the headlights press conferences because he is not speaking in his first language.

Unfortunately in the dressing room only Tal Ben Haim speaks in the same tongue and the centre back hates him.
Please click for more

Feb 11

14 Comments

Charlton Athletic 2 Norwich City 3

It’s frankly depressing putting these words down on ‘paper.’

I have only the post match views of online Addicks to gauge what happened at The Valley last night. The atmosphere around the fanbase is a mix of anger and sheer hopelessness at the quite staggering negative momentum that we are in, although extraordinary there are still people out there that think it’s all going to be alright.

With what wisdom they make this judgement I do not have a clue.
Please click for more

Feb 7

2 Comments

Middlesbrough 3 Charlton Athletic 1

Another day, another defeat. Our 14th game without a win. Middlesbrough proved as anticipated too good, but less anticipated was that for a period anyway, we weren’t quite a bad as many thought.

In fact in the latter stages of the 1st half around when JBG stole an excellent equaliser we sounded as if we played with good purpose and intent, driven forward by skipper Johnnie Jackson, on for the unfortunately injured Milos Veljkovic.

At the break, like many I was pleasantly surprised. By the time I’d put my half time cup of tea in the washing up bowl, normal service had been resumed.
Please click for more

Feb 6

3 Comments

Ultimate respect

My ultimate respect to the 200 or so Addicks that are travelling to Middlesbrough tomorrow. I hope they at least leave the ground at 5 o’clock knowing that the team put as much effort in as they did. Hopefully Johnnie Jackson is back in the line up to show some much needed leadership.

One player who won’t play is Roger Johnson, who like nearly all of our recent signings is a long way of match fitness. The Birmingham Mail said this about his arrival, but I hope Luzon can help him rediscover his form and desire, and it may well give Bikey and Ben Haim a kick up the backside, or may not.
Please click for more

Feb 2

10 Comments

Drum roll…. Roger Johnson!

No new deadline beating signings down at The Valley, oh no, not even a washed up old network jolly that no one else wants.

Who knows what Roly promised Guy Luzon, except for a job at a future date at Újpest, but Luzon said on Saturday that he was anticipating on bringing in two more players, yet we know he has as much clout as Harvey the mascot.

The club stated in September that they would add to the squad if we were still in the play-off race in January. In fact, because of the paper thin quality of the squad, and poor management decisions, we are now in a relegation battle. Meire and Duchatelet have had at least since New Year’s Day to work on additions and what have we got.
Please click for more

Jan 31

6 Comments

Charlton Athletic 1 Rotherham United 1

The apathy, you can feel it running pretty deep amongst Addicks at the moment. The 2nd lowest Valley league crowd this season (despite a healthy Rotherham following) had to endure a much needed 3 points snatched away from them in injury time as Guy Luzon substituted a forward and put another defender on to entice pressure.

Sat in my car with my phone in my hand, the probability of that happening was about as obvious as night following day.

I am willing to give Roland Duchâtelet until Monday night then I might have a right old paddy.
Please click for more

Jan 27

3 Comments

Where’s the spine?

Rotherham hit four goals tonight, one for every week that we have failed to find the net in the league. If Saturday wasn’t a big game before, it is now.

Guy Luzon would have had another week to get his ideas and positivity across to the players, although yet he has no additional players to work with.

Milos Veljkovic impressed at Wolves with a confident performance but the young Serb just adds to the ranks of holding midfielders. For so long we have lacked that midfield creativity and the club have only until Monday to address that.
Please click for more

Jan 24

7 Comments

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 Charlton Athletic 0

Most unexpected.

I was more interested in the performance, attitude and reaction today than the result, and from what I have read those attributes were all there, so credit to Guy Luzon and the players.

This is a windy road, and I expect plenty more divots in it as we navigate in the darkness around Duchâtelet’s network gimmick.
Please click for more

Jan 22

4 Comments

New head coach bounce

“He’s met the players, he’s had some chats and they are well aware of how he wants to play as well, so we tried that in the first-half.” – Damian Matthew

So Guy Luzon has his work permit, and the Israeli officially becomes the Addicks 24th manager in it’s colourful history.

At the end of the day he will get my support, because wanting the team to be successful is the only way I know. Life and in particular being a Charlton fan is complicated and draining enough without wishing ill of something that has been part of me for 40 years.

When football fans set off for games it is not to support the owner, or the CEO, it is to support a collection of footballers wearing a shirt, representing a club in a community that they have an emotional connection with, and that will be no different on Saturday.
Please click for more

Jan 20

8 Comments

One in, but how many out?

No news on Guy Luzon’s work permit, but there was a new player at Sparrows Lane today.

Milos Veljkovic signed on loan until the end of the season from Tottenham.

A 19-year old defensive midfielder, who can also play at centre-half, Veljkovic was on loan at Middlesbrough and although he only made 4 appearances Boro manager, Aitor Karanka, who can spot a young talent, was very complimentary.
Please click for more

Jan 19

10 Comments

Bob speaks

Here in his native tongue.

You can spin it through Google Translator, but if you allow me to paraphrase it for you, Peeters says he was “idolised” by fans, and he thought he had a good relationship with Katrien Meire, but they ended up in conflict. The supporters could see we needed better players, but the owner thought he was exaggerating.
Please click for more

Jan 17

10 Comments

Watford 5 Charlton Athletic 0

What a shambles.

Very few times in my years as a Charlton Athletic fan can I ever predict a result or a performance, because we have always been so unpredictable, save the days of games against Manchester United, or the FA Cup.

However today’s defeat was a dead cert, but despite this 2,024 Addicks spent hard earned money to travel and watch the team they love, and gave the players total backing for the entire game. And this was their reward.
Please click for more