Having been starved of the early exchanges of this season, tonight offered myself as well as Benson the opportunity to make a debut appearance for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. At least it made the programme something of a collector’s item; I haven’t seen one before where one of our players is listed in the opposition’s squad. And we both seemed to have a reasonably enjoyable evening, with Benson getting a decent reception from the Dagenham & Redbridge fans (before the more predictable chants during the game).
With Elliot being maybe still suffering from the back injury that kept him out on Saturday, Worner was in goal (with a hastily afforded squad number given for his back-up on the bench). Goal-a-game Fry was given a start at left-back, Llera and Dailly occupied the centre of defence, with Francis making up the back line. Given the silly restrictions this worthless competition imposes on player selection, I thought Parkinson made some astute selections elsewhere. He paired Semedo and Racon together in central midfield, giving the latter the chance to put the poor game against Oldham behind him alongside the player who he seems most comfortable with, and Sodje and Benson up front, with Martin moving out wide and Wagstaff starting. Abbott, Doherty, Reid, McCormack and the reserve keeper (I’m sorry, I missed the name) made up the bench.
This meant that the game threw up some interesting questions: how would Benson look on his first outing, would there be a better partner for him in Sodje rather than Abbott, would Racon provide more of an attacking option than seemed apparent on Saturday (I can’t comment on the game, just noting through the afternoon of the disappointing statistic of no efforts on target until the goal we scored in stoppage time), and would Worner look reliable if we need to continue to use him rather earlier than might have been expected? Not surprisingly there can’t be definitive answers. Abbott did come on for Sodje in the second half after Akpo took a knock, to provide a comparison against the same defenders, but the game had changed after we went one up, with more space. Racon was to have an indifferent first half, but was much more influential in the second, especially for a period linking up well with Martin; they seemed to be on a similar wavelength. He took the goal well enough – and seemed very pleased with it. After early Dagenham pressure Worner didn’t have a lot to do, but pulled off a good save in stoppage time at the end to save us the pain of being reminded of penalty shoot-outs at The Valley.
But really all eyes were on Benson. He had clearly been our main target and, while I can’t pretend to know much about him, success in getting him in is a boost. Everyone knew we needed a goalscorer and, although our recent record in signing forwards from lower down the league (yes I know Dagenham are now in the same league as us, but he’s still stepping up from last season) isn’t exactly inspiring (Dickson, Fleetwood, McLeod, even Varney), he did look like a goalscorer. He was on the end of most things in the first half and usually made the keeper work. Perhaps he should have scored when he ran onto a through ball, with the finish more Varney than Mendonca (OK, we know Varney’s now knocking them in for fun in the Premiership), but the keeper did well to turn the effort over the bar. And perhaps he could have got a shot away faster when the opportunity arose in the second half. But he was there in the right place and first impressions are that he will score a decent number for us. The question for Parkinson is whether Sodje or Abbott will work best alongside him – and whether there’s a starting place for Martin as a wide man (while providing cover for Benson). It does add up to improved options and competition for places in most areas of the pitch.
The game itself? The first half was tight and even. Dagenham had the better of the early exchanges, threatening down the left in particular. With little space to be had the tendency was long through balls, most of which came to nothing, the exception being the one Benson got on the end of. The period ended with a nasty clash of heads for Dailly, but after treatment he just got on with things and came out for the second half as if nothing had happened.
The game opened out more in the second half as we passed the ball better and as Wagstaff and Martin caused them more problems, and most obviously as we scored. A ball in was half-cleared and Racon followed up to shoot in off the post. We had the ball in the net again shortly afterwards, but after their keeper parried a shot Sodje was given offside when knocking in the rebound. After that we had the better of the chances to make it safe, but a second goal didn’t come. Abbott came on for Sodje, then Reid for Martin, and finally McCormack for Semedo (another who took a knock, although none of them looked serious). The late Dagenham pressure was hardly intense and the occasion meant that nerves were not exactly jangling, but Worner needed to make that last-ditch save to ensure the win.
I’d have to give man of the match to Dailly, who was calmness personified and delivered another display of pure class. Llera had a decent enough game alongside him, being required to head away numerous crosses; but he still has moments of insecurity (and for good measure took another free kick and delivered a shot as poor as the one against Oldham at the end of last season). When he is really on song he looks commanding, but he also looks like he needs a regular starting spot and plenty of games to really cement his confidence. And it’s hard to see that happening as Doherty and Dailly would seem to be the first choice pairing, while Fry is available and Mambo and now Fortune on the scene, even if they are sent out on loan. We know the reasons for not having a reserve team, but the downside is obvious too.
With Martin and Anyinsah to push Wagstaff and Reid, we have enough options out wide; we seem to have good cover in the defensive positions and, with Benson and Martin, plus Abbott and Sodje (and Tuna), the options we want up front. What concerns me most now is central midfield. Whether Stavrinou is ready I don’t know; but at the moment it’s perm two from three of McCormack, Semedo and Racon. It’s an area where we were blessed with options even last season (Bailey, Racon, Semedo, Shelvey, Spring, even Sinclair). Now we have to hope that Parkinson gets the right combination, while injuries and suspensions are bound to be a factor.
As for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, I don’t expect to be getting up early on Saturday to find out who comes next. I suppose that the absence of reserve team games means it could be useful for necessary match practise for a number of the players. But I really don’t want a Wembley appearance in this fashion. Did it before with the Full Members Cup and it wasn’t a pleasant experience.
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Reality Check?
So, just what is a reality check? Arriving back from two weeks of frying in Portugal to gentle rain in Blackheath, or failing to beat Oldham? The former was predictable, the latter disappointing after the start to the season we apparently have had, if the text messages are to be believed. I’m feeling my way back into this, like many other things, so there’s no long, insightful assessment of the game today, at least not from me. Just fleeting impressions from someone who has seen nothing so far but who was delighted by the two wins to date and not surprisingly disappointed not to see the run continue, especially against a team which looked so poor at the end of last season.
Over the 90 minutes we can have no complaints about the result; about the referee and his assistants maybe (especially for me a ‘referee’s assistant who did absolutely nothing to help point out the frequent fouling of the Oldham defenders). But they won’t be the worst we will see this season. Rather a failure to produce a decent chance through the second half, at home, was telling. It was a game we expected to win but had no right to, and could just as easily have lost, despite their being reduced to 10 men for the closing stages (in something of a fiasco as their player, who could have had no complaints about his second yellow, seemed to kick the ball into our dugout and sparked a rather silly melee).
The details first. Oldham dominated possession and especially controlled the midfield for much of the first half, with two lively forwards who caused us problems. They hit the post with Elliot beaten but we looked as though we had more about us if we could get the ball wide to Reid and Wagstaff and play at pace. Somewhat against the run of play we took the lead. A decent ball in found Abbott being manhandled but able to knock it back to an onrushing Wagstaff who did well to keep it under the bar. That should have been the cue to go on and win the game, but we were being outfought in midfield as Racon, quite frankly, had a mare. The game passed him by and he was unable to do anything to get into it, instead reduced to complaints to the ref over the tackling. It left us short of possession and sometimes overrun, despite the best efforts of the wide men. And although it came late on there were no real complaints about the equaliser. A corner for them saw one of a few training ground moves that seemed to surprise us (coaching staff please advice) and the ball in was only half-cleared to the edge of the box and the shot that followed left Elliot with no chance.
The disappointment was really the second half. We did put the ball in the net with one of those that you get away with sometimes, but with no real complaints about the ref giving the foul against Reid for a shove to enable him to get to the ball. After that, well not a lot. Abbott was manhandled, but was unable to disturb their central defence, while the mobile and intelligent runs of Martin – who impressed me – were either not picked up or smothered out. The game drifted and we were unable to put Oldham under sustained pressure. They had one of those moments of two or three efforts on goal smothered at the last minute, but seemed generally content to run out the game, especially when reduced to 10.
Changes were needed, but the bench doesn’t inspire confidence without Semedo and Dailly. Racon had to be taken off and Sodje needed to come on, but ideally that would have involved taking Abbott off for Akpo and a replacement in midfield. Instead Parkinson didn’t seem ready to trust Stavrinou and Sodje came on for Racon, with Martin dropping back. It didn’t work out to the extent that we continued to fail to fashion a decent opportunity.
No player ratings from me as I’m still feeling my way back into it, just impressions. The plus points for me were Jackson and especially Francis. They both looked solid and won the challenges that mattered. Reid and Wagstaff as the wide men were threatening. Martin looked lively but not yet on the same wavelength as those around him. Less positive, Racon was decidedly poor (I hope just a bad day at the office), Abbott looks limited but did contribute for the goal, while Llera had some dire moments, especially when caught out by a ball over his shoulder. It came across as though without Dailly we didn’t really trust our defence and without Semedo our midfield wasn’t competitive enough, while Abbott up front didn’t cause them enough problems – and the bench didn’t contain enough to strengthen areas. We didn’t overall look a better team than Oldham, but I’d have taken two wins and a draw to start the campaign, for a team still finding its way. So far, so good. Just not the day we hoped for, especially with these things called clouds in the sky.
Over the 90 minutes we can have no complaints about the result; about the referee and his assistants maybe (especially for me a ‘referee’s assistant who did absolutely nothing to help point out the frequent fouling of the Oldham defenders). But they won’t be the worst we will see this season. Rather a failure to produce a decent chance through the second half, at home, was telling. It was a game we expected to win but had no right to, and could just as easily have lost, despite their being reduced to 10 men for the closing stages (in something of a fiasco as their player, who could have had no complaints about his second yellow, seemed to kick the ball into our dugout and sparked a rather silly melee).
The details first. Oldham dominated possession and especially controlled the midfield for much of the first half, with two lively forwards who caused us problems. They hit the post with Elliot beaten but we looked as though we had more about us if we could get the ball wide to Reid and Wagstaff and play at pace. Somewhat against the run of play we took the lead. A decent ball in found Abbott being manhandled but able to knock it back to an onrushing Wagstaff who did well to keep it under the bar. That should have been the cue to go on and win the game, but we were being outfought in midfield as Racon, quite frankly, had a mare. The game passed him by and he was unable to do anything to get into it, instead reduced to complaints to the ref over the tackling. It left us short of possession and sometimes overrun, despite the best efforts of the wide men. And although it came late on there were no real complaints about the equaliser. A corner for them saw one of a few training ground moves that seemed to surprise us (coaching staff please advice) and the ball in was only half-cleared to the edge of the box and the shot that followed left Elliot with no chance.
The disappointment was really the second half. We did put the ball in the net with one of those that you get away with sometimes, but with no real complaints about the ref giving the foul against Reid for a shove to enable him to get to the ball. After that, well not a lot. Abbott was manhandled, but was unable to disturb their central defence, while the mobile and intelligent runs of Martin – who impressed me – were either not picked up or smothered out. The game drifted and we were unable to put Oldham under sustained pressure. They had one of those moments of two or three efforts on goal smothered at the last minute, but seemed generally content to run out the game, especially when reduced to 10.
Changes were needed, but the bench doesn’t inspire confidence without Semedo and Dailly. Racon had to be taken off and Sodje needed to come on, but ideally that would have involved taking Abbott off for Akpo and a replacement in midfield. Instead Parkinson didn’t seem ready to trust Stavrinou and Sodje came on for Racon, with Martin dropping back. It didn’t work out to the extent that we continued to fail to fashion a decent opportunity.
No player ratings from me as I’m still feeling my way back into it, just impressions. The plus points for me were Jackson and especially Francis. They both looked solid and won the challenges that mattered. Reid and Wagstaff as the wide men were threatening. Martin looked lively but not yet on the same wavelength as those around him. Less positive, Racon was decidedly poor (I hope just a bad day at the office), Abbott looks limited but did contribute for the goal, while Llera had some dire moments, especially when caught out by a ball over his shoulder. It came across as though without Dailly we didn’t really trust our defence and without Semedo our midfield wasn’t competitive enough, while Abbott up front didn’t cause them enough problems – and the bench didn’t contain enough to strengthen areas. We didn’t overall look a better team than Oldham, but I’d have taken two wins and a draw to start the campaign, for a team still finding its way. So far, so good. Just not the day we hoped for, especially with these things called clouds in the sky.
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Mrs Mopp Reborn
After all these years my conscience is clear; well, at least it’s relieved of one burden (of many). Having failed miserably to help clear up The Valley I duly turned up for bucket and sponge duty this morning. Only for the morning session (there are some work commitments – although if there are how am I finding the time to scribble something? I guess the answer it it’s quicker to rattle off this nonsense than to scrub pigeon crap off a couple of seats, and a good deal less knackering).
I can say it was a truly unique experience. For the first and probably only time in my life I thought it would be useful to have some Millwall fans around. After all, their experience in mopping the prison floors and mucking out would have come in handy. I’m only disappointing that a similar call has not gone out for volunteers to help do something similar for Selhurst Park. I would have arrived with a suitcase full of chewing gum and a laden dump truck, or might have settled for the obvious option of some petrol cans and a box of matches. No amount of cleaning there can make a difference.
The trip did afford the opportunity to pick up a copy of the season’s DVD, although I don’t want to spoil my fragile mood of rising confidence ahead of Saturday by actually watching it yet. There’ll be time enough in the months ahead after a fine victory to risk reopening the wounds. I think it’s worth buying just for a wonderful sentence on the back cover: “this DVD brings together the highs and lows of the season and includes all 71 League goals, plus those from the play-offs, as well as brief cup action”. It could hardly include extended cup action, could it? However brief, a permanent reminder of a certain FA Cup tie hardly serves as an inducement.
Anyway, come Saturday afternoon it all kicks off. We just have to think of songs for the newcomers. Super Pawel Abbott doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue and we have to forget all the things we used to sing/say about Doherty; he has, after all, now gone up in the world. I’m still disappointed that David Essex’s Rock On hasn’t been adopted for Therry Racon, but there’s still time. Come Saturday afternoon, I shall (TAP willing) be on a road heading north from Lisbon, with one eye on the map (I don’t qualify for driving duties) and one on the mobile for the text updates. Come on you Addicks.
I can say it was a truly unique experience. For the first and probably only time in my life I thought it would be useful to have some Millwall fans around. After all, their experience in mopping the prison floors and mucking out would have come in handy. I’m only disappointing that a similar call has not gone out for volunteers to help do something similar for Selhurst Park. I would have arrived with a suitcase full of chewing gum and a laden dump truck, or might have settled for the obvious option of some petrol cans and a box of matches. No amount of cleaning there can make a difference.
The trip did afford the opportunity to pick up a copy of the season’s DVD, although I don’t want to spoil my fragile mood of rising confidence ahead of Saturday by actually watching it yet. There’ll be time enough in the months ahead after a fine victory to risk reopening the wounds. I think it’s worth buying just for a wonderful sentence on the back cover: “this DVD brings together the highs and lows of the season and includes all 71 League goals, plus those from the play-offs, as well as brief cup action”. It could hardly include extended cup action, could it? However brief, a permanent reminder of a certain FA Cup tie hardly serves as an inducement.
Anyway, come Saturday afternoon it all kicks off. We just have to think of songs for the newcomers. Super Pawel Abbott doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue and we have to forget all the things we used to sing/say about Doherty; he has, after all, now gone up in the world. I’m still disappointed that David Essex’s Rock On hasn’t been adopted for Therry Racon, but there’s still time. Come Saturday afternoon, I shall (TAP willing) be on a road heading north from Lisbon, with one eye on the map (I don’t qualify for driving duties) and one on the mobile for the text updates. Come on you Addicks.
Thursday, 29 July 2010
No Pleasing Some People
Like just about everyone else, my initial reaction to the news of Richard Murray taking sole control of the club is positive. Nobody questions where his interests lie (which is not to suggest anything different on the part of those leaving the scene) and he has earned the full trust of Charlton supporters. Given that, anything that additionally promises to make the club more attractive to potential investors and which affords the possibility of more money being available to spend on the squad has to be welcomed; Murray’s pledge of injection of new money is in itself highly laudable. But I’m a natural-born contrarian, so it there anything to pick holes in?
First, will what has been done make the club more attractive to an outside investor? I may be completely wrong (and I guess we won’t know any more until the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, which is likely to take place when most of us are swanning off on hols), but I’m not sure I see that this is a given. The club has nearly been bought twice (at least) in recent times, by the Dubai investors and Sullivan and Gold (before they had to settle for a less desirable location more suited to their dress code). In both cases it seemed to be a full takeover (whether or not Murray kept a role) and in both cases the club’s debt wasn’t an insurmountable obstacle. In any such deal those holding the club’s debt (leaving aside the bank) would undoubtedly have been asked to take a good deal less than full paper value; formalising their loss may help (and I don’t mean this to sound indifferent to their support) and speed future investment negotiations, but doesn’t look to me like a fundamental change. If the amounts invested by the other former interested parties have simply been written off it would be a remarkable gesture. If the others are being bought out by Murray, it’s fair to assume that they are taking a substantial loss (if not, debts have only been shuffled). And if that’s the case, given the stated intention to try to secure fresh investment, I would imagine there is some other agreement between Murray and those backing out to cover the event of the club being sold on.
There’s been no doubting the seriousness of the club’s financial position over the past few years. But through the period I think I’ve been more relaxed than many about the risk of administration/bankruptcy. The vast bulk of the club’s debt has been to the directors and the bank, in both cases (if memory serves correct) secured against the ground. That situation does produce a happy (if that’s the right word) alignment of interest. Whatever the pressure applied by the bank and cutting of facilities, forcing the club to the wall would not have been worth it. The bank (HSBC, if memory serves correct) would attract unwanted criticism and would end up with a messy situation involving the sale of the ground. And any one of the directors would have ended up getting little return after the bank and others were paid off after a sale of The Valley. Football clubs tend to get pushed into administration by the taxman (or someone daft enough to make short-term loans to them, as in the blissful case of Palace) and I’ve seen no indications that we’re seriously behind with them.
If the latest moves involve a tidying-up exercise whereby the club’s non-bank debt is consolidated in Murray’s hands that sounds fine to me; and maybe that would help attract investment, whether or not a full takeover. I’m not privy to inside information, so I’ve no idea if the suggestions about the imminent involvement of one of the Sainsbury family are accurate. If it happens, I promise not to moan during any forced Saturday morning shop (except when I have a hangover and/or when Doris with her trolley gets in the way).
Any other downsides? Well, two possibly. First, assuming the plc is wound up I will regret not getting a copy of the accounts (I know they’re accessible but I’m very lazy) and not being able to attend shareholder meetings. It isn’t anything to do with any notional value of the shares (that went out of the window with Dubai if not before, and like others shares were not purchased with any expectation of a return or any lingering claim on the club). It is about feeling of involvement and the sharing of information. Of course all the actual decisions at the meetings are a done deal, but the rationale still has to be outlined. We’ve already lost the fans director (for perfectly good operational reasons), and if an AGM is going to be a one-man show I hope Murray and the new board make every effort to develop further the fans forum and other ongoing means of communication with the fans. It matters. We are ready to shell out on the shirts and buy season tickets but it’s good to feel some sense of involvement from time to time.
Second, perish the thought but just what happens if Murray falls under a bus? He has our full confidence, but a one-man ownership always casts doubts about a succession issue. Would the person/people who would inherit the estate be as committed to Charlton? There is, after all, no guarantee that fresh investment will be forthcoming.
While I’m in a nit-picking mood, and while we await the new strikers, has anyone heard anything regarding Liverpool loanees? When explaining the sale of Shelvey, Murray stated that this time around it was different from the Internazionale and Valencia links and that “I think there will be some exciting loanees coming to the club in the future”. Now wouldn’t be a bad time, although it’s fair to assume that any developments would have to wait for Liverpool’s new manager to make his own assessments of his needs. I remember Murray a couple of years talking of the potential new stars we were nurturing outside of the country (due to work/passport restrictions). Have they moved on or come to nothing? All such deals can run aground, but if they do it’s reasonable for the club to confirm that they have.
All that leaves is to decide whether to go to Watford or do the seat-cleaning next week. Time constraints (yes, those hols are coming up and next week is a bitch for bank results) mean doing both isn’t possible. To my shame I missed out on helping clean up The Valley (I can’t remember why), so perhaps its time for the elbow-grease. I guess at least I’ll know the seats to be cleaned are owned by Murray (and HSBC).
First, will what has been done make the club more attractive to an outside investor? I may be completely wrong (and I guess we won’t know any more until the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, which is likely to take place when most of us are swanning off on hols), but I’m not sure I see that this is a given. The club has nearly been bought twice (at least) in recent times, by the Dubai investors and Sullivan and Gold (before they had to settle for a less desirable location more suited to their dress code). In both cases it seemed to be a full takeover (whether or not Murray kept a role) and in both cases the club’s debt wasn’t an insurmountable obstacle. In any such deal those holding the club’s debt (leaving aside the bank) would undoubtedly have been asked to take a good deal less than full paper value; formalising their loss may help (and I don’t mean this to sound indifferent to their support) and speed future investment negotiations, but doesn’t look to me like a fundamental change. If the amounts invested by the other former interested parties have simply been written off it would be a remarkable gesture. If the others are being bought out by Murray, it’s fair to assume that they are taking a substantial loss (if not, debts have only been shuffled). And if that’s the case, given the stated intention to try to secure fresh investment, I would imagine there is some other agreement between Murray and those backing out to cover the event of the club being sold on.
There’s been no doubting the seriousness of the club’s financial position over the past few years. But through the period I think I’ve been more relaxed than many about the risk of administration/bankruptcy. The vast bulk of the club’s debt has been to the directors and the bank, in both cases (if memory serves correct) secured against the ground. That situation does produce a happy (if that’s the right word) alignment of interest. Whatever the pressure applied by the bank and cutting of facilities, forcing the club to the wall would not have been worth it. The bank (HSBC, if memory serves correct) would attract unwanted criticism and would end up with a messy situation involving the sale of the ground. And any one of the directors would have ended up getting little return after the bank and others were paid off after a sale of The Valley. Football clubs tend to get pushed into administration by the taxman (or someone daft enough to make short-term loans to them, as in the blissful case of Palace) and I’ve seen no indications that we’re seriously behind with them.
If the latest moves involve a tidying-up exercise whereby the club’s non-bank debt is consolidated in Murray’s hands that sounds fine to me; and maybe that would help attract investment, whether or not a full takeover. I’m not privy to inside information, so I’ve no idea if the suggestions about the imminent involvement of one of the Sainsbury family are accurate. If it happens, I promise not to moan during any forced Saturday morning shop (except when I have a hangover and/or when Doris with her trolley gets in the way).
Any other downsides? Well, two possibly. First, assuming the plc is wound up I will regret not getting a copy of the accounts (I know they’re accessible but I’m very lazy) and not being able to attend shareholder meetings. It isn’t anything to do with any notional value of the shares (that went out of the window with Dubai if not before, and like others shares were not purchased with any expectation of a return or any lingering claim on the club). It is about feeling of involvement and the sharing of information. Of course all the actual decisions at the meetings are a done deal, but the rationale still has to be outlined. We’ve already lost the fans director (for perfectly good operational reasons), and if an AGM is going to be a one-man show I hope Murray and the new board make every effort to develop further the fans forum and other ongoing means of communication with the fans. It matters. We are ready to shell out on the shirts and buy season tickets but it’s good to feel some sense of involvement from time to time.
Second, perish the thought but just what happens if Murray falls under a bus? He has our full confidence, but a one-man ownership always casts doubts about a succession issue. Would the person/people who would inherit the estate be as committed to Charlton? There is, after all, no guarantee that fresh investment will be forthcoming.
While I’m in a nit-picking mood, and while we await the new strikers, has anyone heard anything regarding Liverpool loanees? When explaining the sale of Shelvey, Murray stated that this time around it was different from the Internazionale and Valencia links and that “I think there will be some exciting loanees coming to the club in the future”. Now wouldn’t be a bad time, although it’s fair to assume that any developments would have to wait for Liverpool’s new manager to make his own assessments of his needs. I remember Murray a couple of years talking of the potential new stars we were nurturing outside of the country (due to work/passport restrictions). Have they moved on or come to nothing? All such deals can run aground, but if they do it’s reasonable for the club to confirm that they have.
All that leaves is to decide whether to go to Watford or do the seat-cleaning next week. Time constraints (yes, those hols are coming up and next week is a bitch for bank results) mean doing both isn’t possible. To my shame I missed out on helping clean up The Valley (I can’t remember why), so perhaps its time for the elbow-grease. I guess at least I’ll know the seats to be cleaned are owned by Murray (and HSBC).
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Insanity Returning?
I don’t think it’s the fact that it hasn’t (yet) started chucking down in London, or that the trend in friendly results is clearly positive, or the approach of holidays, or even that Goldman Sachs’ results for once raised a chuckle. Perhaps it’s just the natural order gradually being reinstated, which means an unavoidable decline back to lunacy. But I’m starting to get positive about the season ahead. The men in white coats aren’t (yet) at the door, as I’m not confident that we will win every game and secure promotion by Christmas. But as the prospective squad is becoming clearer I’m at least feeling that disaster (ie relegation) will be avoided, that we can be competitive, and that, just possibly, I’ll find a way to enjoy games. This is probably a fair sign that we’re about to get turned over at Bedford, Barnet and Bromley, let alone Watford.
I was cautiously encouraged by the comments made by Doherty after his signing and the return of Jackson, at least unconcerned at the Welling work-out, pleased by Dailley’s resigning (although I’m assuming that it means Fortune’s return is much less likely), and undoubtedly pleasantly surprised at the signing of Reid. I thought he’d gone for good (like I suppose Mooney) and to pick him up on a free has to be great business. And with McLeod departing at least the picture is clarified on that front. (The litany of failed strikers of recent seasons just goes on too long; they’re history – and hardly glorious history at that.)
Of course there’s still the risk of further sales, although the departure of Shelvey, Bailey and Richardson doesn’t exactly leave us stocked full of cash-raising assets. For the life of me I don’t understand why the transfer deadline extends to end-August rather than the end of July, at least outside the Premiership. It’s not as if Parkinson and the board should be having holidays to interrupt deals. I just want it all sorted before it begins in earnest, not to have further disruption.
We know the starting keeper, Elliot, with presumably a back-up to be signed. A defence of Solly, Jackson/Basey, Doherty/Llera/Dailley may not look overly blessed with pace, but could pass muster in this division. I get the impression that Semedo could be called on to play in midfield or provide cover at right-back or central defence, barring fresh signings. In midfield, Wagstaff and Reid provide the width, Racon the guile, and McCormack/Semedo the grit. Not much cover, aside from Stavrinou, but enough to be working with.
I think we all know the missing piece – and what we need to fill it. I now have a signed photo of Killer on the wall and it stares out at me. With the departure of Dickson, McLeod, McKenzie, Fleetwood, Burton (assumed) and no return as yet for Mooney, there’s Sodje and Tuna on the books. Bauza seems to be waiting in the wings, but I would have thought Parkinson’s seen enough of him to either make an offer or pass. Maybe we're waiting for the dosh from Cardiff for Hudson. I’m not privy to inside information, so perhaps he’s still considering other options (if he turns out for someone else this weekend I guess we’ll know). Whatever, we need two more strikers. Bringing them in might just tip me over the edge.
I was cautiously encouraged by the comments made by Doherty after his signing and the return of Jackson, at least unconcerned at the Welling work-out, pleased by Dailley’s resigning (although I’m assuming that it means Fortune’s return is much less likely), and undoubtedly pleasantly surprised at the signing of Reid. I thought he’d gone for good (like I suppose Mooney) and to pick him up on a free has to be great business. And with McLeod departing at least the picture is clarified on that front. (The litany of failed strikers of recent seasons just goes on too long; they’re history – and hardly glorious history at that.)
Of course there’s still the risk of further sales, although the departure of Shelvey, Bailey and Richardson doesn’t exactly leave us stocked full of cash-raising assets. For the life of me I don’t understand why the transfer deadline extends to end-August rather than the end of July, at least outside the Premiership. It’s not as if Parkinson and the board should be having holidays to interrupt deals. I just want it all sorted before it begins in earnest, not to have further disruption.
We know the starting keeper, Elliot, with presumably a back-up to be signed. A defence of Solly, Jackson/Basey, Doherty/Llera/Dailley may not look overly blessed with pace, but could pass muster in this division. I get the impression that Semedo could be called on to play in midfield or provide cover at right-back or central defence, barring fresh signings. In midfield, Wagstaff and Reid provide the width, Racon the guile, and McCormack/Semedo the grit. Not much cover, aside from Stavrinou, but enough to be working with.
I think we all know the missing piece – and what we need to fill it. I now have a signed photo of Killer on the wall and it stares out at me. With the departure of Dickson, McLeod, McKenzie, Fleetwood, Burton (assumed) and no return as yet for Mooney, there’s Sodje and Tuna on the books. Bauza seems to be waiting in the wings, but I would have thought Parkinson’s seen enough of him to either make an offer or pass. Maybe we're waiting for the dosh from Cardiff for Hudson. I’m not privy to inside information, so perhaps he’s still considering other options (if he turns out for someone else this weekend I guess we’ll know). Whatever, we need two more strikers. Bringing them in might just tip me over the edge.
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Fortune Returns, Akpo One For Five
So, having failed at Wimbledon tonight we emerged from Welling with the victory by the only goal. It was a chance to see the new faces (Doherty, Jackson, McCormack), to get a glimpse of some of the trialists, to welcome back one expected returnee (Basey, although according to others it’s not clear if he’s extending his stay), and one not so expected, a prodigal son in the form of Jonathan Fortune. Whether that proves to be a fleeting appearance depends I guess on his contract expectations and whether or not Dailly agrees terms and whether Sam Sodje has indeed left (I’ve still seen no confirmation, but neither of the two were listed as in the Charlton squad).
Was there much to be learnt from the exercise? Well, the defence lined up at the start may well prove to be that which starts the season: Elliot, Solly, Jackson, Doherty and Llera. McCormack seemed to be captain for the game and in the first half gave a decent enough account of himself. There don’t seem to be any pretentions here, does what it says on the can. No bad thing, but if Semedo is still around it would be hard to see a central midfield accommodating them both. Racon started alongside McCormack, with Wagstaff and trialist Esajas (I’m led to believe, the tannoy left a little to be desired) providing the width, while another trialist Bauza started alongside Akpo Sodje.
The first half proved to be all about whether Akpo could adjust the sights sufficiently to finally put the ball in the net. The first chance that came his way saw his effort clear not just the bar but the road behind, then it was a miscued shot, a wayward header when the goal beckoned, and finally a failure to get on the end of a low cross to convert. Eventually good work by Solly down the right produced a perfect ball in and this time he buried the header. A lot seems to rest on Sodje’s shoulders this season, if Burton departs and if McLeod doesn’t reemerge. In between Bauza almost converted another low cross. He looked useful and intelligent but if one was critical it wasn’t clear that he’s a poacher or blessed with pace. Aside from one mazy dribble which embarrassed a few there were no alarms at the other end.
The half-time entertainment was provided by a group of Welling youth players going through a warm-up, including a coach firing shots at a goalkeeper from short range just by the goalline in front of the Charlton fans. Which was fine, except for when he misdirected the odd shot. Unsuspecting and unaware supporters felt the force.
At the break Fortune and Basey came on, for Doherty and Jackson and not long afterwards came the deluge of subs that left me clutching at straws. Tuna came on for Wagstaff, but then five at the same time saw the stadium announced give up. I’m pretty sure that Semedo and Mambo came on, quite possibly Stavrinou, but for the other couple I’m going to have to check the club site. One bore more than a passing resemblance to Mark Robson. And to round things off a goalkeeper came on for Elliot. Just who it was is a mystery to me, but he was a noisy one. Not surprisingly thereafter we lacked some cohesion and Welling came into it more as they sniffed the chance of a draw. That created plenty of space at the other end, but passes were misplaced or wrong options taken. All part of the pre-season process.
So the positives were decent run-outs for the three newcomers and the appearance of Fortune. Seems Welling have a game at home against Arsenal coming up if the programme is to be believed. I wonder what Fabregas will make of World Cup final to Welling in the space of a few weeks. But maybe not. I guess it’s not just us who aren’t sure who will be donning the shirt when the serious stuff begins.
Was there much to be learnt from the exercise? Well, the defence lined up at the start may well prove to be that which starts the season: Elliot, Solly, Jackson, Doherty and Llera. McCormack seemed to be captain for the game and in the first half gave a decent enough account of himself. There don’t seem to be any pretentions here, does what it says on the can. No bad thing, but if Semedo is still around it would be hard to see a central midfield accommodating them both. Racon started alongside McCormack, with Wagstaff and trialist Esajas (I’m led to believe, the tannoy left a little to be desired) providing the width, while another trialist Bauza started alongside Akpo Sodje.
The first half proved to be all about whether Akpo could adjust the sights sufficiently to finally put the ball in the net. The first chance that came his way saw his effort clear not just the bar but the road behind, then it was a miscued shot, a wayward header when the goal beckoned, and finally a failure to get on the end of a low cross to convert. Eventually good work by Solly down the right produced a perfect ball in and this time he buried the header. A lot seems to rest on Sodje’s shoulders this season, if Burton departs and if McLeod doesn’t reemerge. In between Bauza almost converted another low cross. He looked useful and intelligent but if one was critical it wasn’t clear that he’s a poacher or blessed with pace. Aside from one mazy dribble which embarrassed a few there were no alarms at the other end.
The half-time entertainment was provided by a group of Welling youth players going through a warm-up, including a coach firing shots at a goalkeeper from short range just by the goalline in front of the Charlton fans. Which was fine, except for when he misdirected the odd shot. Unsuspecting and unaware supporters felt the force.
At the break Fortune and Basey came on, for Doherty and Jackson and not long afterwards came the deluge of subs that left me clutching at straws. Tuna came on for Wagstaff, but then five at the same time saw the stadium announced give up. I’m pretty sure that Semedo and Mambo came on, quite possibly Stavrinou, but for the other couple I’m going to have to check the club site. One bore more than a passing resemblance to Mark Robson. And to round things off a goalkeeper came on for Elliot. Just who it was is a mystery to me, but he was a noisy one. Not surprisingly thereafter we lacked some cohesion and Welling came into it more as they sniffed the chance of a draw. That created plenty of space at the other end, but passes were misplaced or wrong options taken. All part of the pre-season process.
So the positives were decent run-outs for the three newcomers and the appearance of Fortune. Seems Welling have a game at home against Arsenal coming up if the programme is to be believed. I wonder what Fabregas will make of World Cup final to Welling in the space of a few weeks. But maybe not. I guess it’s not just us who aren’t sure who will be donning the shirt when the serious stuff begins.
Monday, 12 July 2010
Ins And Outs; Welling Awaits
‘Cheer up, cheer up the sun is red ....’ It might feel that way for Spain at the moment, but it just doesn’t feel appropriate for us. As was to be expected, the players’ exit door hasn’t stopped swinging since the final penalty kick, there’s the news that Richard Murray has had a heart operation (here’s truly hoping for a complete and speedy recovery), and the insult of the BBC at first putting a Gillingham shirt on the news about KRBS’ white knight/vulture capitalist. At least, unlike some others not far away, we only depend on them for sponsorship.
Nevertheless, now the nonsense of the past month or so is behind us and it’s back to the serious stuff (having been in Amsterdam recently at least I can lay claim to having been involved in celebrating a World Cup semi-final win, having been a little too young to fully participate in London in 1966). This means hopping on the bus for the annual dose of incredulity that is the Welling friendly. As others have noted, there’s next to nothing usually to be gleaned from these occasions, given the level of fitness and the trotting out of trialists. But this time around I can’t help thinking it’s a little more important than usual, not for the result but for the attitude. With no home pre-season friendly this will be the only chance for a number of us to get any sort of a glimpse at the players until late August (I guess Watford at end-July is a possibility but for me with the hols approaching it will be Oldham at home to kick off the season). Heaven knows we could use a lift, even in this game.
We must all be well aware that this season is about survival, as a club, and relative stability. Given the further comings and goings before end-August, we can’t have a clue about prospects on the pitch (quite frankly if offered now mid-table and financial stability I’d take it). But I doubt whether any other team in this division will be starting the campaign with such a change of personnel. Getting a new team to gel is bound to be difficult and a poor start to the season could encourage a mood of terminal decline among the fans. In such a situation, shortcomings in style and skill may have to be accepted, but that means developing other strengths. Fitness and determination come to the fore. I’ll forgive a lot if we show on the pitch that we’re the fittest team in the league and have best team work ethic. That’s asking a lot for a squad being cobbled together, but without those two basics we’re asking for trouble.
As for the departures, we got a decent price for Bailey and I hope he goes on to improve as a player. Richardson just showed that any decent price will be accepted and there’s no hard feelings there (looking at Sam’s comments about him saying he never wanted to leave Leeds may hint at him having gone through the motions, but he was a cut above the average in this division and Southampton’s chances of promotion are only strengthened). We all knew Sam was going to walk and he goes with my best wishes, not least as it means I won’t have to listen to the screams of some around me at his every error (‘ee ‘asn’t got a brain’ was the best example of pots and kettles). Randolph was a slight surprise, but this is at least one to focus on the positives. Two young keepers vying for the jersey can be good, but I feel happier with an established first choice that the defence can settle around and that always looked more likely to be Elliot. Presumably we need to sign an old lag content to warm the bench; there should be plenty to choose from (I don’t suppose Deano fancies coming back, but I suppose he’d be out of our price range and warming the bench was never his preferred option). And apparently getting some money for Fleetwood has to be a bonus; no slur intended but he didn’t show anything for us. Dickson, Spring and others are now all in the past.
As for the incomings, I was surprised by Doherty. Not that he can’t do a job for us – and it’s genuinely heartening to read his comments on the club site about his attitude to the move - but with Llera, Sodje and Dailly (with Semedo possible cover and hopefully Mambo developing) this didn’t look to me our weakest area. Perhaps one of them is on his way (I see there are still talks with Dailly). I can’t honestly see Doherty and Llera being an effective partnership (I’m of the old school that favours one big lump and the more mobile partner). Jackson’s return is welcome, although whether Basey sees it that way remains to be seen. And I’m sorry to say I know nothing about McCormack. May his stay with us be long and successful. And if Akpo Sodje can develop what looks still a pretty raw talent he could be the best of the signings.
This still leaves a bucketload of players whose future with us I have no idea about. Are Semedo and Racon content to stay? Are Youga and McLeod going to come into the equation, and is Burton set to walk? Have I missed things? I confess to having not followed news during the past month or so (and just never got around to player ratings for the season); I think we all needed to put some distance from the past season (and the previous three). It may have been successful in some respects but it ended in failure, the consequences of which are all too obvious. I think it’s clear from the above that at least my mood of despondency hasn’t lifted yet; I want it to ... even as early as tomorrow evening.
Nevertheless, now the nonsense of the past month or so is behind us and it’s back to the serious stuff (having been in Amsterdam recently at least I can lay claim to having been involved in celebrating a World Cup semi-final win, having been a little too young to fully participate in London in 1966). This means hopping on the bus for the annual dose of incredulity that is the Welling friendly. As others have noted, there’s next to nothing usually to be gleaned from these occasions, given the level of fitness and the trotting out of trialists. But this time around I can’t help thinking it’s a little more important than usual, not for the result but for the attitude. With no home pre-season friendly this will be the only chance for a number of us to get any sort of a glimpse at the players until late August (I guess Watford at end-July is a possibility but for me with the hols approaching it will be Oldham at home to kick off the season). Heaven knows we could use a lift, even in this game.
We must all be well aware that this season is about survival, as a club, and relative stability. Given the further comings and goings before end-August, we can’t have a clue about prospects on the pitch (quite frankly if offered now mid-table and financial stability I’d take it). But I doubt whether any other team in this division will be starting the campaign with such a change of personnel. Getting a new team to gel is bound to be difficult and a poor start to the season could encourage a mood of terminal decline among the fans. In such a situation, shortcomings in style and skill may have to be accepted, but that means developing other strengths. Fitness and determination come to the fore. I’ll forgive a lot if we show on the pitch that we’re the fittest team in the league and have best team work ethic. That’s asking a lot for a squad being cobbled together, but without those two basics we’re asking for trouble.
As for the departures, we got a decent price for Bailey and I hope he goes on to improve as a player. Richardson just showed that any decent price will be accepted and there’s no hard feelings there (looking at Sam’s comments about him saying he never wanted to leave Leeds may hint at him having gone through the motions, but he was a cut above the average in this division and Southampton’s chances of promotion are only strengthened). We all knew Sam was going to walk and he goes with my best wishes, not least as it means I won’t have to listen to the screams of some around me at his every error (‘ee ‘asn’t got a brain’ was the best example of pots and kettles). Randolph was a slight surprise, but this is at least one to focus on the positives. Two young keepers vying for the jersey can be good, but I feel happier with an established first choice that the defence can settle around and that always looked more likely to be Elliot. Presumably we need to sign an old lag content to warm the bench; there should be plenty to choose from (I don’t suppose Deano fancies coming back, but I suppose he’d be out of our price range and warming the bench was never his preferred option). And apparently getting some money for Fleetwood has to be a bonus; no slur intended but he didn’t show anything for us. Dickson, Spring and others are now all in the past.
As for the incomings, I was surprised by Doherty. Not that he can’t do a job for us – and it’s genuinely heartening to read his comments on the club site about his attitude to the move - but with Llera, Sodje and Dailly (with Semedo possible cover and hopefully Mambo developing) this didn’t look to me our weakest area. Perhaps one of them is on his way (I see there are still talks with Dailly). I can’t honestly see Doherty and Llera being an effective partnership (I’m of the old school that favours one big lump and the more mobile partner). Jackson’s return is welcome, although whether Basey sees it that way remains to be seen. And I’m sorry to say I know nothing about McCormack. May his stay with us be long and successful. And if Akpo Sodje can develop what looks still a pretty raw talent he could be the best of the signings.
This still leaves a bucketload of players whose future with us I have no idea about. Are Semedo and Racon content to stay? Are Youga and McLeod going to come into the equation, and is Burton set to walk? Have I missed things? I confess to having not followed news during the past month or so (and just never got around to player ratings for the season); I think we all needed to put some distance from the past season (and the previous three). It may have been successful in some respects but it ended in failure, the consequences of which are all too obvious. I think it’s clear from the above that at least my mood of despondency hasn’t lifted yet; I want it to ... even as early as tomorrow evening.
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