We were turgid and didn't deserve anything. We were so poor due our non existent midfield, but that won't change until January so we'll plod along until then.
The ref gave us everything. Fed up watching Slades football.
My eyes lit up when little Ritchie Bowman and Dick Tydeman were brought on after the first half. At last a bundle of energy in midfield and someone who can pick a pass. Sadly, Dick's bald and stooping figure reminded me how many long years have passed. What an absolutely dire first half. Does it only take a team simply harrying and chasing us down reduce us to such ineffectual mediocrity. We made them almost look good. Second half attitude change was marked, we actually looked like we wanted to win. Coupled with the introduction of Ajose made for a more enjoyable spectacle. Had we scored the first pen I think we would have gone on to win; as it was, when Ajose tucked his away we could have done with another 10 mins. Slade continues to look like he isn't very tactically astute and the team continue to look like they should be delivering more than they offer. Lookman was a little boy lost today, but he'll have days like that. Praise be to Magennis again for his wholehearted commitment to the cause. I hope he was subbed for illness or injury, otherwise Slade needs another slap.
If you think people running half the length of the stand to call out individual players as c*nts within their earshot is justified with half the game to go then that is fair enough. I just can't be having it personally. The case of Morgan Fox is the most notable; he's a youth team product who gives 110% every single game and clearly cares about the club (can't believe a poster called him "disinterested") but also has his limitations. He had a bad game today but does he deserve the personal abuse he gets?
I can't remember the last time I saw Fox have a good game. He definitely looked disinterested today imo. As I mentioned it seems the poison has spread to the players...
Fights in the away end in the first half, fights with stewards after the goal, a chair thrown over the scaffolding from the away end into where the away fans were exiting, and reports of aggro with Gills after the game.
Lunch with " our gang" in Rochester pre match - positive
Heavy traffic between Rochester & Gillingham - negative
Parking near Priestfield at approx. 2.55pm - negative
Seeing the anti regime banner flying overhead - positive ( Fantastic !)
Missing first 15 mins of match - positive
1st half goal from the Gills - negative
Half time substitution by Brussell - positive ( sorry JJ !)
1st pen missed/ 2nd pen scored - OK , I'm as fed up with this game as I was all afternoon.
A dingy, lower league stadium where the away end feels like the illustrious Den & unfortunately encourages some of those "gracing" it today to behave in a similar manner. Although what struck me most was the total lack of atmosphere generated by our faithful , albeit difficult in an open stand. For me, the support was lacklustre- as though we've already thrown in the towel & sadly the players mirrored this with a few exceptions.
I'm finding it incredibly difficult to describe this afternoon from the perspective of a supporter who follows her team all over the country , through the good and bad times, but always with hope in her heart ....and who enjoys a laugh with fellow fans even though it be gallows humour.
Today, there were no laughs heard around our area....just groans, bellows of frustration & anger and ultimately the slagging off of both players and their gaffer. Everything was so bleak , predictable & so depressing. Everything around us seems to be falling apart. Not even a Roland Out chant to be heard.
This isn't the Charlton we knew & loved. This is the "end of the road" Charlton with merely a faint glimmer of light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. This is what our club has been reduced to under Roland's stewardship and today we appeared to be on the verge of capitulation without much of a fight. Desperate times indeed.
Others have described the action, or lack of, on the pitch so I'll just add that Fred, Big Josh, Holmsey & young Ezri stood out for me today as is becoming the norm but as a whole,, this team remains disjointed. I question whether the spirit in the camp is fast diminishing & whether the players are as enamoured of RS as they say. Ajose for one appears to be less than happy with his manager. And there appears to be some confusion as to why the talented Tex , fit enough to play for the under 23s, continues to be ignored at first team level. So many questions with any answers we DO receive appearing to be a tissue of lies.
My apologies for being "all doom & gloom " tonight....I clearly didn't quaff enough wines this afternoon to dull the feelings of despair I'm currently experiencing. Of course I'll be there again next Saturday , wearing my black & white scarf, my enamel Protest badge and holding aloft our banner, hoping for a successful afternoon on the pitch. But I also hope that those of us who KNOW without a shadow of doubt that OUR Charlton will remain out of reach until this toxic regime has left the building, will raise their voices together loud & long....
....not only to show our support for our players but also to remind them that we want, no demand, a positive, secure & successful future for the football club we currently share with them.
For the sake of ALL connected to this famous football club , just go Roland.
Brilliant post FF. I had the pleasure of being one of your "away" gang, doesn't happen often due to health concerns, but this game was so awful that even now I think did I dream it? The only pluses for me were the lovely lunch and banter enjoyed by our "gang", the banner flying from the plane, brilliant, whoever did that, and the stewards, who were helpful and pleasant. Two of us left early to get to the station before the masses left the ground, as we are not great on our feet, and one steward told us that as were walking back Charlton would score as we always do. We replied we didn't think so, but he was right! Then the one who opened the gate for us wished us a safe journey home. Well, I left early during our game against Rochdale, I think? the one where JJ missed the penalty, and certainly didn't get wished a safe journey home by our steward!
Everything else was a total negative, and getting soaked at half time due to no cover was just about the final straw! The quicker RD and KM do what the banner suggested the better, and please take Brussell with you, can't recall one entertaining game this season. Even KF managed one!!
I have not got any problems with us playing 5 in midfield, as long as it includes Bottika, Lookman and Holmes. Lookman in the hole. If they are not all available, Hanlon and of course Ajose.
We knew we were playing a side with a poor defence and a bit of a local derby. I thought we would really go for it, but no. What a crap team selection.
I am also a bit doubtful about this mysterious bug that developed on the coach over to the game. To knock out half the team in an hour I am surprised that they didn't go straight to A&E!
The game itself was poor and the lack of any meaningful build up play quite shocking. If you do have 5 in MF, at least one of them should be available to receive a pass FFS.
The ground itself is one of the worst I have been to in many years. The pitch itself is so small it must just qualify as legal. The stand we were in was well past its sell by date and open. The stewards made no attempt to ask supporters to sit which meant my son did not see much of the game and my knees were giving out by the end. The area around the bars was shambolic and so small. Totally unacceptable in this day and age. Running out of beer before half time is laughable (even though not looking for one).
On the plus side the toilets were clean and the staff polite.
Gills players who would fit in nicely dahn the Valley ..
Jackson the young Gills right back is a heck of a player .. like a quicker version of Solly from years back, very promising .. SIGN HIM UP Miere .. and midfielder Billy Knott and of course Brad Dack are VERY useful .. also their central defender Max Ehmer, another f b g .. but not quite as b as Bauer ((:>) .. thing is, we are overloaded with central defenders ... Ehmer looks better than most of them, though Konsa had the best game I have seen from him today .. VERY powerful and committed, very good positional sense
We had Dack in our academy but gave him the heave ho so my daughter told me. Friend knows him apparently.
Not sure at what age he left us.
Saw him giving Dillon Phillips a big hug before the game. Guessing they must have played age group stuff together.
If Ajose is not playing when we next get a penalty, I will put my hand up to take it. I will not score; however, you will not have to pay me thousands not to do so.
last year at Cardiff there were OB attending from Exeter .. and at Bristol City from Birmingham .. one officer told me that he spends most winter weekends at football, never sees a game, but he loves the overtime
I was taken aback by the police presence although the ones I spoke to were universally helpful. It may be the match was a live training exercise which would explain the overkill but the overall effect was unsettling to me. However some of the behaviour of our support, the sheep like and racist (yes downright racist, where everything done by our black players was castigated by non stop reference to their colour). I don't know whether the security presence was in some way provocative, it was totally targeted at Charlton fans, and if the police wanted a shameful and embarrassing reaction they certainly got it. Is it snobbish and disloyal to say that our fans ought to moderate (as in stop) the racist language, the constant swearing in front of everybody, the physical provocations, and the vandalism all of which I saw and heard? Yesterday was a shitty day in virtually every aspect of it.
I was taken aback by the police presence although the ones I spoke to were universally helpful. It may be the match was a live training exercise which would explain the overkill but the overall effect was unsettling to me. However some of the behaviour of our support, the sheep like and racist (yes downright racist, where everything done by our black players was castigated by non stop reference to their colour). I don't know whether the security presence was in some way provocative, it was totally targeted at Charlton fans, and if the police wanted a shameful and embarrassing reaction they certainly got it. Is it snobbish and disloyal to say that our fans ought to moderate (as in stop) the racist language, the constant swearing in front of everybody, the physical provocations, and the vandalism all of which I saw and heard? Yesterday was a shitty day in virtually every aspect of it.
Agreed, which is why I chose not to bring my two children to this fixture. This was vindicated when caught up in the trouble afterwards. I thought I must have gone to Gillingham v Millwall by mistake - until amid the bottles being chucked around a flask came whizzing through the air and reminded me it was Charlton after all.
Crofts is awful, he's Mark Gower II but Gower rarely played. He is the weak link for us, sound harsh but he's cheating his way through the game. He hides and plays 5 yard passes and never breaks up the oppositions play, worst player for a long time in such an influential position. I'd rather see Foley (honestly!!!) play there or a youngster with some potential. Hate to say it but Jackson is probably done as a starter but then I expect him to be made manager when they finally have no choice but to sack Slade. The ultimate fan appeasement.
Crofts is awful, he's Mark Gower II but Gower rarely played. He is the weak link for us, sound harsh but he's cheating his way through the game. He hides and plays 5 yard passes and never breaks up the oppositions play, worst player for a long time in such an influential position. I'd rather see Foley (honestly!!!) play there or a youngster with some potential. Hate to say it but Jackson is probably done as a starter but then I expect him to be made manager when they finally have no choice but to sack Slade. The ultimate fan appeasement.
You listen to Slades post-match bollox? - he basically raved about Crofts and Pearce - strange that it just so happens they are 2 players who he brought in !
However some of the behaviour of our support, the sheep like and racist (yes downright racist, where everything done by our black players was castigated by non stop reference to their colour).
Is it snobbish and disloyal to say that our fans ought to moderate (as in stop) the racist language, the constant swearing in front of everybody, the physical provocations, and the vandalism all of which I saw and heard?
Not at all. I'd invite them to support Millwall where they allegedly may be received with open arms. They're NOT Charlton if they behave like that. I'd go further and film them, and get them banned from The Valley.
I was taken aback by the police presence although the ones I spoke to were universally helpful. It may be the match was a live training exercise which would explain the overkill but the overall effect was unsettling to me. However some of the behaviour of our support, the sheep like and racist (yes downright racist, where everything done by our black players was castigated by non stop reference to their colour). I don't know whether the security presence was in some way provocative, it was totally targeted at Charlton fans, and if the police wanted a shameful and embarrassing reaction they certainly got it. Is it snobbish and disloyal to say that our fans ought to moderate (as in stop) the racist language, the constant swearing in front of everybody, the physical provocations, and the vandalism all of which I saw and heard? Yesterday was a shitty day in virtually every aspect of it.
Seth, genuine question why would the police presence be unsettling to you? If your not doing anything wrong then surely it shouldn't bother you.
I would get used to it because the longer these muppets stay in charge and the discontent continues to grow then the more volatile the situation is going to become and you will see more and more police at our matches.
Sparse highlights. Holmes penalty was way too easy to save. Soft penalty decision for the equaliser, handball and the defender should not have his arms up but on first viewing not obviously deliberate. Ajose puts it away nicely.
I think he does okay because he just does the absolute minimum required. Doesn't try to force the game in any way whatsoever. Totally anonymous footballer.
However some of the behaviour of our support, the sheep like and racist (yes downright racist, where everything done by our black players was castigated by non stop reference to their colour).
Is it snobbish and disloyal to say that our fans ought to moderate (as in stop) the racist language, the constant swearing in front of everybody, the physical provocations, and the vandalism all of which I saw and heard?
Not at all. I'd invite them to support Millwall where they allegedly may be received with open arms. They're NOT Charlton if they behave like that. I'd go further and film them, and get them banned from The Valley.
Hate when people say stupid things like this 'they're NOT charlton' cos someone has behaved in a different manner to what you find acceptable. Weird
I was taken aback by the police presence although the ones I spoke to were universally helpful. It may be the match was a live training exercise which would explain the overkill but the overall effect was unsettling to me. However some of the behaviour of our support, the sheep like and racist (yes downright racist, where everything done by our black players was castigated by non stop reference to their colour). I don't know whether the security presence was in some way provocative, it was totally targeted at Charlton fans, and if the police wanted a shameful and embarrassing reaction they certainly got it. Is it snobbish and disloyal to say that our fans ought to moderate (as in stop) the racist language, the constant swearing in front of everybody, the physical provocations, and the vandalism all of which I saw and heard? Yesterday was a shitty day in virtually every aspect of it.
Agreed, which is why I chose not to bring my two children to this fixture. This was vindicated when caught up in the trouble afterwards. I thought I must have gone to Gillingham v Millwall by mistake - until amid the bottles being chucked around a flask came whizzing through the air and reminded me it was Charlton after all.
Probably a flask of wee from one of the caught short pensioner crowd
However some of the behaviour of our support, the sheep like and racist (yes downright racist, where everything done by our black players was castigated by non stop reference to their colour).
Is it snobbish and disloyal to say that our fans ought to moderate (as in stop) the racist language, the constant swearing in front of everybody, the physical provocations, and the vandalism all of which I saw and heard?
Not at all. I'd invite them to support Millwall where they allegedly may be received with open arms. They're NOT Charlton if they behave like that. I'd go further and film them, and get them banned from The Valley.
Hate when people say stupid things like this 'they're NOT charlton' cos someone has behaved in a different manner to what you find acceptable. Weird
I do agree with this.
However there was some proper fucking pond life about yesterday.
However some of the behaviour of our support, the sheep like and racist (yes downright racist, where everything done by our black players was castigated by non stop reference to their colour).
Is it snobbish and disloyal to say that our fans ought to moderate (as in stop) the racist language, the constant swearing in front of everybody, the physical provocations, and the vandalism all of which I saw and heard?
Not at all. I'd invite them to support Millwall where they allegedly may be received with open arms. They're NOT Charlton if they behave like that. I'd go further and film them, and get them banned from The Valley.
Hate when people say stupid things like this 'they're NOT charlton' cos someone has behaved in a different manner to what you find acceptable. Weird
For me, the key is how they behave towards fellow fans. If they behave with contempt for other Charlton fans, e.g. at Palace last season, then you do have to wonder, because that's weird.
Comments
The ref gave us everything. Fed up watching Slades football.
At last a bundle of energy in midfield and someone who can pick a pass.
Sadly, Dick's bald and stooping figure reminded me how many long years have passed.
What an absolutely dire first half.
Does it only take a team simply harrying and chasing us down reduce us to such ineffectual mediocrity.
We made them almost look good.
Second half attitude change was marked, we actually looked like we wanted to win.
Coupled with the introduction of Ajose made for a more enjoyable spectacle.
Had we scored the first pen I think we would have gone on to win; as it was, when Ajose tucked his away we could have done with another 10 mins.
Slade continues to look like he isn't very tactically astute and the team continue to look like they should be delivering more than they offer.
Lookman was a little boy lost today, but he'll have days like that.
Praise be to Magennis again for his wholehearted commitment to the cause.
I hope he was subbed for illness or injury, otherwise Slade needs another slap.
If you think people running half the length of the stand to call out individual players as c*nts within their earshot is justified with half the game to go then that is fair enough. I just can't be having it personally. The case of Morgan Fox is the most notable; he's a youth team product who gives 110% every single game and clearly cares about the club (can't believe a poster called him "disinterested") but also has his limitations. He had a bad game today but does he deserve the personal abuse he gets?
I can't remember the last time I saw Fox have a good game. He definitely looked disinterested today imo. As I mentioned it seems the poison has spread to the players...
Everything else was a total negative, and getting soaked at half time due to no cover was just about the final straw! The quicker RD and KM do what the banner suggested the better, and please take Brussell with you, can't recall one entertaining game this season. Even KF managed one!!
We knew we were playing a side with a poor defence and a bit of a local derby. I thought we would really go for it, but no. What a crap team selection.
I am also a bit doubtful about this mysterious bug that developed on the coach over to the game. To knock out half the team in an hour I am surprised that they didn't go straight to A&E!
The game itself was poor and the lack of any meaningful build up play quite shocking. If you do have 5 in MF, at least one of them should be available to receive a pass FFS.
The ground itself is one of the worst I have been to in many years. The pitch itself is so small it must just qualify as legal. The stand we were in was well past its sell by date and open. The stewards made no attempt to ask supporters to sit which meant my son did not see much of the game and my knees were giving out by the end. The area around the bars was shambolic and so small. Totally unacceptable in this day and age. Running out of beer before half time is laughable (even though not looking for one).
On the plus side the toilets were clean and the staff polite.
http://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/8563/charlton-boss-plays-nicky-ajose-goal-celebration/
I will not score; however, you will not have to pay me thousands not to do so.
It may be the match was a live training exercise which would explain the overkill but the overall effect was unsettling to me.
However some of the behaviour of our support, the sheep like and racist (yes downright racist, where everything done by our black players was castigated by non stop reference to their colour). I don't know whether the security presence was in some way provocative, it was totally targeted at Charlton fans, and if the police wanted a shameful and embarrassing reaction they certainly got it.
Is it snobbish and disloyal to say that our fans ought to moderate (as in stop) the racist language, the constant swearing in front of everybody, the physical provocations, and the vandalism all of which I saw and heard?
Yesterday was a shitty day in virtually every aspect of it.
The ground itself is one of the worst I have been to in many years. The pitch itself is so small it must just qualify as legal.
Bigger than ours apparently
I'd go further and film them, and get them banned from The Valley.
I would get used to it because the longer these muppets stay in charge and the discontent continues to grow then the more volatile the situation is going to become and you will see more and more police at our matches.
Sparse highlights. Holmes penalty was way too easy to save. Soft penalty decision for the equaliser, handball and the defender should not have his arms up but on first viewing not obviously deliberate. Ajose puts it away nicely.
However there was some proper fucking pond life about yesterday.