After the first 10 minutes of the game, I looked at Mr F and said " A well oiled machine ".
He looked a tad nonplussed until the euro dropped ...and he realised I meant Bournemouth, not him. Sad , but true....
Confidence oozed from every pore of every man in a blue shirt ...and so it should. Today they looked like world beaters albeit without the famous names we attribute to teams with such a reputation. But the Championship is choc full of Clubs that won't easily forget Pugh ( where was Barney McGrew?) , Richie & Wilson ....and of course the 3 " Charlton rejects" who played a huge part in their successful season. Isn't hindsight a wonderful thing ?
But, lest we forget, what is a team without a very special manager ? SE7 had Curbs to take us to the Promised Land. Hampshire has young Eddie Howe......made from a similar mould. No histrionics, no bullsh*t( if you'll pardon my language) - straightforward, "simple" men ( meant in the best possible way) but men who expect the best from their players and were prepared to give their very best in return....and who instilled the habit of winning ways. Simple really, isn't it ?
So, today...any positives ? I have to agree with those who singled out Diarra for praise & I was very surprised when he was subbed. We may have seen the last of Guddy although I sincerely hope that is not the case but he looked devastated when their third goal was scored. I have to admit that I expected our Welsh Wizard to start today...Rhoys , that is, but perhaps he's not 100% fit. And I also expected to see Joe Gomez play a bigger part in proceedings but his time will come, whether or not it's in a Charlton shirt.
So, we wait & wonder over the next 14 weeks (and counting) who will go and who will stay. I heard someone say they had spoken to Jordan about the close season and he feels there will be lots of changes made....let's hope they are all positive ones. IF, as rumour has it, our prize 17 year old will be sold for a handsome sum and loaned back to us for a season, I'd accept that gladly, as long as a fair percentage of the sale is spent on strengthening the squad. Only time will tell, and as Mr F will tell you, I'm not the most patient of women.
Enjoy the rest from stressful Saturdays while you can, guys and gals. Me ? Well, a move to the country is on the cards together with the ultimate stressful activity( apart from following Charlton) of house hunting but the nail biting will continue apace in the company of our eleven good men & true at Canterbury & Beckenham. I must be mad !!!
In Crossbars after the game there were little forms that asked for your man of the match, the only player I could possibly give it to was Matt Ritchie.
Initial observations: 1. the numpty above blaming Fox for the 2nd when he was in his correct position when Buyens not TBH lost the ball. 2. We defended deep and didn't press - were we scared of them or too many players who didn't care if they are here in August? Better 2nd half. 3. Not too sure we were outclassed as much as out-thought. Our 4-4-2 vs their 3-5-2 was not working 5 mins in. Two not very (fit) mobile strikers were never going to run the channels and pull CBs wide. So Diarra to CB, JBG inside and Bulot behind strikers. FBs now WBs. But no. Luzons only tactical change was to cock up subs.
Bournemouth were 4-4-1-1 to 4-2-3-1. We allowed Yann to play in acres of space in front of our B4. Arter and Surman played around and through Buyens & Diarra all first half. Our two looked like they were running in treacle.
Anyone who watched Bournemouth on Sky on Monday knew what was coming. Perhaps our coaching staff were out on the piss that night and didn't record it. If you don't match Bournemouth's work rate, you may as well not turn up.
But then again, it was the last game of the season and our players obviously thought the job was done.....which it probably was.
Now we'll find out more about the owners intentions. Will he add to the squad or will he sell some of the playing assets? Will we make a serious attempt at the Top Six or just bumble along?
Completely inept performance today from Charlton disappointing to end the season on a low. Fair play to Bournemouth, I hope they do well in the premier league, they smashed us at their ground earlier in the season, and smashed us again today.
I did see the game against Bolton earlier in the week when Bolton got played off the park, and thought this could happen again today, we seemed like bystanders to the occasion today, it was not good to watch.
I hope Roland has a master plan for the summer , as Yann made him look a right mug, long for the day when it's Charlton getting promoted to the Premiership, just so I can take my sons to grounds they've never been too before.
We could do with some positive and decisive news, or it's going to be a long summer.
Glad the seasons over but a big improvement on last seasons dross. I think we may even have challenged for a play off position if big Bob had been replaced earlier. I think we need an injury free Vetokele come next season and an alternative target man partner for him and Watt. One question after numerous visits to the Valley, Sparrows Lane and Club events - Why is Chris Solly always such a miserable sod? Hope Luzon keeps the captains armband off of him next season, added nothing as skipper in my opinion.
Yes, someone so quiet and introspective like Solly really isn't captain material.
Today was one of those occasions when we really needed Jackson on the pitch, to gee things up
...Anyone who watched Bournemouth on Sky on Monday knew what was coming. Perhaps our coaching staff were out on the piss that night and didn't record it...
Are you suggesting that they shouldn't be allowed a little drinky? They're on holiday aren't they, so surely there's absolutely no harm in them going out an the lash and forgetting all about football. If the players can have a month's sabbatical, surely the same applies to the coaches! ;-)
I've been on the beer since 2pm so apologise for any nonsense, but that was fucking shit. Inexcusable wank. I can accept being beaten by a team who are light years ahead of our own (which Bournemouth are) what I can't accept is a bunch af chancers who don't give a shit and barely broke a sweat. There were numerous instances today where a player lost the ball then stood and watched the opposition run away with it. Watching our support stand and applaud when Sheff Weds equalised made me sick in my own mouth. WTF! Walked out bang on time as watching the opposition lord it on our turf was too much.
Anyone who thinks we are 2-3 players from challenging to go up is mental. We are 5-6 from that.
Some going to player of the year tomorrow have probably made some chilling remarks but how many of the fans will have the bottle to say it to the players' faces? I reckon NONE!
I've been on the beer since 2pm so apologise for any nonsense, but that was fucking shit. Inexcusable wank. I can accept being beaten by a team who are light years ahead of our own (which Bournemouth are) what I can't accept is a bunch af chancers who don't give a shit and barely broke a sweat. There were numerous instances today where a player lost the ball then stood and watched the opposition run away with it. Watching our support stand and applaud when Sheff Weds equalised made me sick in my own mouth. WTF! Walked out bang on time as watching the opposition lord it on our turf was too much.
Anyone who thinks we are 2-3 players from challenging to go up is mental. We are 5-6 from that.</
It was a right old love in today. All very well expecting our players to show some passion etc when the biggest noise from the stands was reserved for kerm coming off and when we found out the opposition had won the league.
Won my top half bet though so scant consolation at least....
Most of our teams weren't fit to compete from the first whistle. The season has caught up with so many of our players because of carrying injuries or not having a Pre season. We were out passed, too slow, and were light years behind on the day. We also finished in the top half of the table so because the 46th game we were rubbish should not define the whole season. One step forward one step back for cafc. Again the top 3 teams we got battered in all 6 games ? (i saw them all) The strange thing was we won 2 of those ! August should answer a lot of questions.
I really can't believe how we rolled over today, on and off the pitch. Going out of our way to do all we can for other teams fans to help them enjoy their day (letting their pitch announcer speak? Really?) whilst pissing off our own ("vouchers" worth fuck all).
Actually, I can believe it.
Thank fuck that's all over for another season. Fuck em.
I really can't believe how we rolled over today, on and off the pitch. Going out of our way to do all we can for other teams fans to help them enjoy their day (letting their pitch announcer speak? Really?) whilst pissing off our own ("vouchers" worth fuck all).
Actually, I can believe it.
Thank fuck that's all over for another season. Fuck em.
If we won the league on the road we'd be happy if BDL took the mic
I very stupidly went today as I haven't been since Luzon was made Coach. What a disgraceful display, Watt, Vetokele don't look fit. Buyens didn't put in a tackle all game and what was he doing for the Second goal. Fox is not good enough at this level. Diarra didn't have the legs. Bulot flitted in and out of the game. Johnson is very slow, but at least he gave 100 per cent. Yes Bournemouth are a good team but I thought our players were a disgrace. Strolling around and making it easy for Bournemouth. Walked away at the end as I didn't want to applaud that crock of shit. We have got a lot of re- building to do.
Brilliant!! Welcome back!!! I agree, you stupidly went today!!
Bournemouth a good team? A little bit disrespectful to easily the best footballing team in this division. However, you wouldn't know that because you don't go to football very often!!
Was at the game and it seemed like we were playing typically like a side who had nothing to play for, Bournemouth looked dangerous every time they came forward and we gave them too much space, was surprised by how many injuries we had and didn't get why when we made our last two substitutions that we didn't take Watt off as he was clearly struggling, never mind fingers crossed for some investment in players in the summer and we go again, it has definitely been an up and down season for us but personally I'm happy that we finished comfortably, CAFC!
Don't get to many games from the West Country these days, was an enjoyable day although we never really recovered from early goals. Thought Bournemouth were excellent, great movement and desire, their quick passing made us look pedestrian. Richie was different class, a constant threat on the right, and Francis looked a different player to the one I have heard described as hopeless on here. Diarra tried hard, Watt looked dangerous but there wasn't a lot to get excited about. Surprised how poor the heading out from defence was, even JG looked ordinary when he came on. Strange substitutions, Watt was clearly struggling for about 10 minutes before other two were taken off. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but personally I felt proud of the way the home fans stayed and applauded Bournemouth. I think it showed class and is what marks our club as a bit different and better than many others. Ultimately I'm a football fan and they were an excellent footballing team, something that we should aspire to be like. Onwards and upwards next season hopefully.
Anybody who thinks the welcome we showed them off the pitch and acknowledgment of their achievements reflects anything other than well on us and our club needs their bumps felt. People have long memories so maybe karma will see it repaid sometime in the future. It also had zero effect on the outcome of the match. All in danger of being a bit...
When I learned Cousins wasn't playing I cursed under my breath. The midfield lacke dthe energy he would have given us. I think the match was very useful to us as it gave us a view of what we need to aspire to and where we are short at present. Buyens has been a success but his is one position we need to do better. Playing 4-4-2 - against some teams in this league, you need the two central midfielders to have high energy levels. I voted for Couisns as player of the year but we need another 5 percent from him - not in effort but passing and other apsects - I have seen the quality in games and think we will see it. He also needs to up his goals. Then we need another midfielder with good energy levels, skill and goals (not easy but probably would be the biggest step to being very strong next season).
Also, I looked at us playing one injured striker and one that didn't look 100% fit and thought, we need a couple of decent options there. Ahearne - Grant may be one, but we can't bank on that so he would have to be viewed as a possible bonus. So I think a couple of strikers - One who is very strong in the air so we can be a bit more horses for course. I hate the fact we have played an injured player for much of the season, but look forwards to getting Vetokele 100% next season. Watt needs a fitness regime over the summer and we could have a great pairing. I'd like to see a Peter Crouch type, or if Yann isn't part of Bournemouth's plans, bring him back for a similar role he had done with them. His age is less of an issue as pace plays no part in his game.
I think the only ctiticism of Luzon I have had has been Bikey. I think Bikey did lose it a bit, but he was our best player at the start of the season and he should have been given some more chances. He clearly will be going but I'd keep him. Not so sure about Johnson - decent but makes more mistakes than Bikey! and Eagles (doesn't impose himself on games). Anyway, yesterday was a good game for clarity - now the work begins.
Well done to Bournemouth - ok the Russians millions have helped but Howe has done a great job. What class we showed as fans yesterday. I know some don't like it or get it, but it is something what sets us out from other clubs.
In a way the fact that we looked at least a division apart from Bournemouth might give the owners a big enough incentive to really have a go for it.
But I doubt it
We need a left back, two centre backs, back up keeper, 2/3 central midfielders, a wide midfielder and a new proper goalscorer
Piece of cake then
Parts of today were demoralising, roll on August.
.....and a coach like Howe to pull it all together. Is Luzon up to it? Doubtful but we'll see if and when he has the tools to work with.
When Luzon came over to the East Stand after the game you could see he was really p*ssed off. He is passionate about his football, always wants to win and hates defeat. This type of Manager is what we need and somehow he needs to get the same passion from his squad.
I've been thinking overnight about what it takes to get a winning team, a promotion-capable team.
Bournemouth should be the perfect template for the route to success - work rate, passion, desire, playing for each other etc but the biggest thing of all is making your players believe they can do it at the next level. Eddie Howe has done this and that has surely been a major factor in their self belief and hunger.
So many players cling on to their contracts with little or no aspirations of progression - it is a huge psychological factor.
How long Howe sticks with his squad and how much he strengthens, time will tell but I seriously wish them well.
Luzon is a good man who wants to win. He has to bring in players or get more passion from his existing but his intentions are positive and I believe he will do it.
I was against him when he came in, but I can see he wants to win every game. Watford and Bournemouth go out to win every game and this manager has that. Some of the players who don't share this mentality will be off. Would love to see him backed, but we won't know until it happens.
Was really disappointed by the lap of honour from our players. I know they'd lost but finishing 12th - I bet some of them would have taken that at the start of the season. I usually feel quite emotional watching them go round with their families but the long faces and half-hearted clapping was poor IMO. Good to see Luzon stop to sign autographs and actually smile.
I wasn't disapointed at all - I wanted to see my team disapointed after losing 3-0 at home. We do have a great chance to push on and I was thinking which ones of those we need and which ones we don't. Also stayed to give Bournemouth a clap. Hope that is us next season. I do think it could be if the owner surprises us. The problem is, until I trust the owner - and Kermogant playing for our opponents was a reminder of what a dick he can be, I don't know how it will go.
Was really disappointed by the lap of honour from our players. I know they'd lost but finishing 12th - I bet some of them would have taken that at the start of the season. I usually feel quite emotional watching them go round with their families but the long faces and half-hearted clapping was poor IMO. Good to see Luzon stop to sign autographs and actually smile.
They'd probably just had an ear bashing from Guy Luzon.
My first game of the season, and what a waste of time on the football side of things. It was good to visit my sister and mum and meet a few 'Lifers' in the Lib, (good to see you again @AFKABartram), also met, briefly @AirmanBrown and a few others. As to the football, I was so disappointed, it was an inept performance that smacked of no will to play all over the pitch. Bournemouth played football how it should be played, fast, good passing and incisive. We took 3 or 4 touches to their 1, we looked at least a yard off the pace and frightened when we got the ball. First half was abysmal from us, if I remember rightly after we were 2 nil down and they had won numerous corners, we won our first corner after 30 minutes, but still had not had a shot on target!! Second half was slightly better for the first 15 minutes, then we went back to the 'inept' all over again. People had been saying we are 1 or 2 players away from being a good team for next season, so I was looking forward to seeing this 'nearly complete side', sadly I would suggest we are 4 or 5 players away from being a half decent side based on yesterdays performance. One final question from me, what was wrong with the pitch near the tunnel? Church, Watt and Igor all got injured in roughly the same place without any player being near them!!
Was really disappointed by the lap of honour from our players. I know they'd lost but finishing 12th - I bet some of them would have taken that at the start of the season. I usually feel quite emotional watching them go round with their families but the long faces and half-hearted clapping was poor IMO. Good to see Luzon stop to sign autographs and actually smile.
To be fair, if they'd been smiling and laughing people would say they didn't care.
It's no use saying we are 3,4,5,6 .... players short of a promotion team because what we need most of all is a TEAM and I doubt RD'd perpetual player merry-go-round will ever allow that.
Was really disappointed by the lap of honour from our players. I know they'd lost but finishing 12th - I bet some of them would have taken that at the start of the season. I usually feel quite emotional watching them go round with their families but the long faces and half-hearted clapping was poor IMO. Good to see Luzon stop to sign autographs and actually smile.
To be fair, if they'd been smiling and laughing people would say they didn't care.
OK - perhaps they could have done two laps. One with long faces for the match and the second for the season in general smiling and waving
Bournemouth were excellent hope they do well in the prem, left after their 3rd went in, should have left after their 2nd, only ever going to be 1 winner and they could have won by more. Apart from a short spell at the start of the 2nd half we were never in it. Still went on a pub crawl around the Borough and London Bridge so the trip up wasn't completely wasted.
We were so far off them 1st half it was like they were a prem team. They play a passing game at pace and look to have goals all over the pitch.
Noticed how few crosses Hendo caught. Very few as they don't just throw it in and hope.
Glad Kermorgant got a round of applause that he deserved. Those who can watch that game and say we don't miss him or that he wouldn't add to our team are in denial or just mad.
We were better 2nd half but still 2nd best. Injuries and 10 men didn't help but we're just not good enough. A decent mid-table side but that is it.
I hope Roland was watching so he sees what is needed and so he can ask his advisor who told him we could replace Yann with Polish Pete what the he'll were you thinking. Hope he's not still picking our signings otherwise it is another season of Le Point, Tucedean, etc etc.
Thought Diarra was our MOTM.
Don't like seeing another team celebrate at the Valley so left straight away. Depressing end to a frustrating season.
Roland, back Luzon with the five or six players he has said today he needs on top of what we have and maybe that we be us celebrating next season. Quality players, Champ standard players though.
Agree with all of this ...saves me posting
Same here well said Henry...it's going to be an interesting summer.
Comments
He looked a tad nonplussed until the euro dropped ...and he realised I meant Bournemouth, not him. Sad , but true....
Confidence oozed from every pore of every man in a blue shirt ...and so it should. Today they looked like world beaters albeit without the famous names we attribute to teams with such a reputation. But the Championship is choc full of Clubs that won't easily forget Pugh ( where was Barney McGrew?) , Richie & Wilson ....and of course the 3 " Charlton rejects" who played a huge part in their successful season. Isn't hindsight a wonderful thing ?
But, lest we forget, what is a team without a very special manager ? SE7 had Curbs to take us to the Promised Land. Hampshire has young Eddie Howe......made from a similar mould. No histrionics, no bullsh*t( if you'll pardon my language) - straightforward, "simple" men ( meant in the best possible way) but men who expect the best from their players and were prepared to give their very best in return....and who instilled the habit of winning ways. Simple really, isn't it ?
So, today...any positives ? I have to agree with those who singled out Diarra for praise & I was very surprised when he was subbed. We may have seen the last of Guddy although I sincerely hope that is not the case but he looked devastated when their third goal was scored. I have to admit that I expected our Welsh Wizard to start today...Rhoys , that is, but perhaps he's not 100% fit. And I also expected to see Joe Gomez play a bigger part in proceedings but his time will come, whether or not it's in a Charlton shirt.
So, we wait & wonder over the next 14 weeks (and counting) who will go and who will stay. I heard someone say they had spoken to Jordan about the close season and he feels there will be lots of changes made....let's hope they are all positive ones. IF, as rumour has it, our prize 17 year old will be sold for a handsome sum and loaned back to us for a season, I'd accept that gladly, as long as a fair percentage of the sale is spent on strengthening the squad. Only time will tell, and as Mr F will tell you, I'm not the most patient of women.
Enjoy the rest from stressful Saturdays while you can, guys and gals. Me ? Well, a move to the country is on the cards together with the ultimate stressful activity( apart from following Charlton) of house hunting but the nail biting will continue apace in the company of our eleven good men & true at Canterbury & Beckenham. I must be mad !!!
In Roland we trust !
Somehow Tony Watt won the award.
Fair play to Bournemouth, I hope they do well in the premier league, they smashed us at their ground earlier in the season, and smashed us again today.
I did see the game against Bolton earlier in the week when Bolton got played off the park, and thought this could happen again today, we seemed like bystanders to the occasion today, it was not good to watch.
I hope Roland has a master plan for the summer , as Yann made him look a right mug, long for the day when it's Charlton getting promoted to the Premiership, just so I can take my sons to grounds they've never been too before.
We could do with some positive and decisive news, or it's going to be a long summer.
Today was one of those occasions when we really needed Jackson on the pitch, to gee things up
Anyone who thinks we are 2-3 players from challenging to go up is mental. We are 5-6 from that.
Sounds like I picked a good one to miss.
The season has caught up with so many of our players because of carrying injuries or not having a Pre season.
We were out passed, too slow, and were light years behind on the day.
We also finished in the top half of the table so because the 46th game we were rubbish should not define the whole season.
One step forward one step back for cafc.
Again the top 3 teams we got battered in all 6 games ? (i saw them all)
The strange thing was we won 2 of those !
August should answer a lot of questions.
Actually, I can believe it.
Thank fuck that's all over for another season. Fuck em.
Bournemouth a good team? A little bit disrespectful to easily the best footballing team in this division. However, you wouldn't know that because you don't go to football very often!!
Also, I looked at us playing one injured striker and one that didn't look 100% fit and thought, we need a couple of decent options there. Ahearne - Grant may be one, but we can't bank on that so he would have to be viewed as a possible bonus. So I think a couple of strikers - One who is very strong in the air so we can be a bit more horses for course. I hate the fact we have played an injured player for much of the season, but look forwards to getting Vetokele 100% next season. Watt needs a fitness regime over the summer and we could have a great pairing. I'd like to see a Peter Crouch type, or if Yann isn't part of Bournemouth's plans, bring him back for a similar role he had done with them. His age is less of an issue as pace plays no part in his game.
I think the only ctiticism of Luzon I have had has been Bikey. I think Bikey did lose it a bit, but he was our best player at the start of the season and he should have been given some more chances. He clearly will be going but I'd keep him. Not so sure about Johnson - decent but makes more mistakes than Bikey! and Eagles (doesn't impose himself on games). Anyway, yesterday was a good game for clarity - now the work begins.
Well done to Bournemouth - ok the Russians millions have helped but Howe has done a great job. What class we showed as fans yesterday. I know some don't like it or get it, but it is something what sets us out from other clubs.
This type of Manager is what we need and somehow he needs to get the same passion from his squad.
I've been thinking overnight about what it takes to get a winning team, a promotion-capable team.
Bournemouth should be the perfect template for the route to success - work rate, passion, desire, playing for each other etc but the biggest thing of all is making your players believe they can do it at the next level. Eddie Howe has done this and that has surely been a major factor in their self belief and hunger.
So many players cling on to their contracts with little or no aspirations of progression - it is a huge psychological factor.
How long Howe sticks with his squad and how much he strengthens, time will tell but I seriously wish them well.
Luzon is a good man who wants to win. He has to bring in players or get more passion from his existing but his intentions are positive and I believe he will do it.
Gudmundsson
Buyens
Johnson
Ben Haim
With the subs bench we could be without Gomez, E***** and Church.
Of course I could be very wrong but should I be close with this figure then we will have a lot of work to do in the summer.
Another long season methinks.