A load of blokes turned into a bunch of players and then a group of footballers - then they became a team. In just a few days. It feels like something is gathering pace like 1998, maybe ending in a miracle like 1986. Throw in the exorcism of RD and we have another stunning Addicks chapter.
The weirdest thing about this is that Bow and Jacko were part of Robinson's coaching set up. Did they not have any say in the team set up before? Its such an incredible change in mentality and quality with exactly the same playing staff. Brilliant but bizarre
The manager ultimately decides who plays and how the team sets up. Yes, both Bowyer and JJ would have input, but I suspect it wasn't just the fans getting frustrated by Robinson's rigidness.
The weirdest thing about this is that Bow and Jacko were part of Robinson's coaching set up. Did they not have any say in the team set up before? Its such an incredible change in mentality and quality with exactly the same playing staff. Brilliant but bizarre
Whilst they were given their jobs by Robinson, they were always Charlton men brought in to coach rather than part of Robinson’s coaching team (if that makes sense)
Our gripe with Robbo was his tactical inflexibility, but I suspect the rest of his job he did well. I'm glad he went, I wanted him to go, but I don't think he was totally without merit.
I'm certain all Lifers that have posted their thoughts already will have sung the praises of every player wearing the away shirt today. Heroes, one and all, albeit some more deserving than others, but everyone of them gave 100% out there on a slippy, soggy pitch.
I hold up my hands and admit that Reeves failed to light my fire under the rheumy eyes of KR, but today he built on the performance he gave last Saturday and was superb. Just shows how a decent manager can influence a player...
Fosu is different gravy. End Of. Words cannot express how skilful & focused he is. For him, there's only one way to go.....goalwards. We MUST keep him injury free to have any chance of the P Os.
What a surprise it was to see Mavididi entering the fray ! Another very special player but sadly one that seems a tad fragile, despite his fine build.
For 180+ minutes, the faithful have been treated to a sublime example of teamwork - of players playing for each other and for the shirt. The lads are now brimful of confidence with a clear, concise game plan and no questions remaining as to their individual roles. Such a pity we couldn't demonstrate this "completeness" earlier in the season.
But, the 4 goals, the clean sheet, the individual and the team performances , the great support from the away end plus the reminder that " We want Roland out !" wasn't the thought that has stayed with me through the journey home tonight.
As mentioned on another thread, the sight of our former " naughty" boy, briefly applauding us then simply turning away towards the tunnel to allow his players to take the plaudits epitomised the difference between him and Oxford's new manager. This is the man who has gained his players' respect and in addition, that of the fans.
Woken up to this brilliant result. I’m well pleased for all Charlton fans, players and staff, we seem to be ‘our charlton’ again. My work schedule has changed so it looks like I won’t be over again this season, which I’m gutted about, I’d love to see the difference LB &JJ have made. I’d of loved to see us win at Wembley.
On a personal level it’s been a crap away day. Firstly, there was a reason why I did not like the look of a Frankie and Bennys restaurant prior to my first visit to one outside the stadium. Decided to go continental and ordered the king prawn risotto. When it eventually arrived it was lacking somewhat in the king prawn department so asked the waiter if it was what I ordered. He took one look, said yes and then dashed off before I could say Jack Rabbit Slim. So I delved into the plate of rice and vegetables hunting for anything resembling a prawn and found, as I thought, nothing. Took it back and mentioned that I must have got the vegan option and asked them to slap a prawn or two in. When they came back with the plate I can safely say I could count the prawnage ( not king prawn as advertised I hasten to add ) on one hand. As it was getting close to the kick off I decided to make do with what I had, chowed down and head off to the game. So onto the game, we are 2 nil up and take the chance to use the facilities. Midway through my visit, silence and then a huge cheer. Bollocks, I said to myself as I proceeded to finish and head back to my seat before another goal was missed. So all in all I only saw 3 goals and got ripped off at a dodgy American style diner. Annoyed from Orpington.
Question: Why go into a place that specialises in steaks, burgers and fries and order a risotto? A bit like going into Prezzo's and ordering fish and chips.
Specialise is being a bit generous? I tried the chips and they were ropey. It was also thirteen quid so should have swerved it!
Agree, these chain places are all a bit hit or miss, depends on whose doing the cooking! Overpriced usually and for average food quality. Never mind, the performance and the points must have made up for it!
Robinson certainly had an eye for a player, and Slade got a couple of decent ones in too. But Bowyer has got them REALLY playing for us. Two games is scratching the surface, but this feels like a Chris Powell moment to me! I’ve had a few drinks tbf, but you know what i mean?
Lee Bowyer has revealed the reasons behind Charlton’s recent revival.
Under the new caretaker boss, the Addicks convincingly beat an in-form Plymouth side and then put four past Northampton today to maintain their play-off push.
They are just two points away from fifth-placed Scunthorpe with two games in hand.
When asked what he put the club’s revival down to, Bowyer told News Shopper: “It’s hard work and making them believe in themselves. Like you've seen today, we’re a good team.
“You've seen it against Plymouth as well. It’s about having a togetherness and no individuals. That’s all I’ve instilled in them. It’s a game of football - go and enjoy it and express yourself.
“With Tariqe [Fosu], I said to him ‘when we’re in possession, get into an area where you can get on the ball. When we win it, we’ll hit you’.
“There were no rules for Tariqe today apart from defensively, if he could get into an area to help us that would be great, but if not, then we’ll deal with that. He’s enjoying that role.
“Football is an enjoyable game. When you start trying to give players too much information it can confuse them.
May I make an impassioned plea to all boycotters to ,for the last few home games,forget RD,and help get us promoted,15000 plus crowds could well inspire the team to play even better than they are at the moment,and get us over the line.
The reason I boycott is due to RD, therefore a run of 2 wins (and it sounds like we are playing very well) and a chance of playoffs doesn’t change anything. Boycotting is not easy btw ! He’s still there, I stay away. He goes, I’ll buy 2 season tickets in a heartbeat
I admire your fortitude Ducktape. You are made of sterner stuff than I. These last three seasons I’ve only gone to protest games, the Keith Palmer game and the Pompey Back To The Valley game. However I am going on Monday. I believe the end is nigh and I hope that me attending isn’t going to suddenly make Roland decide to stay. I was torn whether to go or not and in the end I was weak and will be there. I hope the day when you and others can return to The Valley is not too far away.
Home & finally dried off (did I tell you it rained............)
Before going to tell you about my views on the match I first want to echo a few thoughts by other posters. Firstly the drive up from London - stop start traffic from before the Dartford Tunnel, around the M25 (inside lane closed between J 25 & J24), again on the M1 (as soon as we joined from the M25) and then again from J12 -J15 & all this is the rain.
Then when finally getting to the ground at 2.40pm (3 hours after leaving Swanley) we were told we had to park in the "gravel car park" ........if only that were true. Mud & puddles more like........(did I tell you it rained), Finally got into the ground at 2.50pm to find our seats being in the 3rd row & 5 from the end meant that we got just as wet as we did standing at Yeovil at THAT game. Has anyone told an architect that you can actually put a side onto an end of a stand !!!!
You may ask what this has got to do with the game. Well, I've stood in the rain at Yeovil, I've sat in the cold at Gillingham but today I didn't mind getting wet & muddy (yep, it was me who slipped over walking back to the car at the end) as that was one of the best, emphatic & joyous wins I've witnessed away from home. Reeves was sublime (yes, the same Reeves I've slagged off all season), Fosu was unpayable & Mavididi when he came on was class. We could have had 7 or 8 and loved the "its just like watching Brazil" chant that went up during the last 10 mins. I felt sorry for Ajose when he went off (he was rather p**sed off, but more I think because he thought he was in for a goal or two had he stayed on) but the movement he made for our second (including the dummy at the start of the move) was enough justification for him to be selected for Monday ahead of Mavididi.
And then onto the drive home - rain all the way back with visibility due to the spray until we got onto the M25 a nitemare..........(did I tell you it rained).
Good Friday ??? more like fecking BRILLIANT Friday.
Robinson certainly had an eye for a player, and Slade got a couple of decent ones in too. But Bowyer has got them REALLY playing for us. Two games is scratching the surface, but this feels like a Chris Powell moment to me! I’ve had a few drinks tbf, but you know what i mean?
I agree with this post and would go a little further on Slade.
Whilst far from perfect, Slade gets a lot of stick but little recognition of the fact he did start the long haul back to us being a normal club again, it may only have been cosmetic and a bit of vanity but the stuff he did away from the pitch I think started us back in the right direction.
KR then clearly had an eye for a player and has bought in some good ones but seemed tactically very poor and could not get the best out of them.
Bowyer has walked into the building with a decent squad and been able to fit the jigsaw together thus far.
I just hope it can continue and then a new owner appears and take it to the next level.
I admire your fortitude Ducktape. You are made of sterner stuff than I. These last three seasons I’ve only gone to protest games, the Keith Palmer game and the Pompey Back To The Valley game. However I am going on Monday. I believe the end is nigh and I hope that me attending isn’t going to suddenly make Roland decide to stay. I was torn whether to go or not and in the end I was weak and will be there. I hope the day when you and others can return to The Valley is not too far away.
@Ducktapeshoerepairs What Large says and... Your absence on monday will make not a jot of difference to the impending sale of the club. Your presence will make the atmosphere even better for the rest of us and the team.
Forgive me if lots of people have said this, but it's great to see Reeves getting good marks and reviews. I've been very sceptical about him but he does always try hard
Didn't do iFollow this week as I was enjoying Friday 'brunch' in the Crowne Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. All you can eat and drink, midday til 8pm, for 75 quid.
Gutted I missed it, but boy has that result helped with the hangover this morning.
There was a rather stocky chap who came out for the pre match warm up with JJ who I didn't immediately recognise, doing keepy uppies etc. He then was working with the goalkeeping team putting some decent crosses in and finally with the the CBs on heading by sending high long balls into them................,And then the penny dropped, it was Grant Basey who rejoined the backroom staff at the end of February. Not sure if this was his first match day involvement for him or whether the departure of KR has meant a like for like space in the dugout. Good to see you Grant .
What find refreshing is that under Bowyer we seem to go out with the aim of winning 3-0. Under Robbo, we could play well, even get a goal, but then we always seemed to be too pre-occupied with protecting it and a team we looked better than, would suddenly threaten us. There might be the odd game where it backfires but not against teams who have nowhere near your ability and, with all due respect, that applies to most of them in this league.
There was a rather stocky chap who came out for the pre match warm up with JJ who I didn't immediately recognise, doing keepy uppies etc. He then was working with the goalkeeping team putting some decent crosses in and finally with the the CBs on heading by sending high long balls into them................,And then the penny dropped, it was Grant Basey who rejoined the backroom staff at the end of February. Not sure if this was his first match day involvement for him or whether the departure of KR has meant a like for like space in the dugout. Good to see you Grant .
He was involved in the pre-match against Plymouth. I noticed him. It is hard not to notice him!! The years have been.........err...enlarging!
Comments
A load of blokes turned into a bunch of players and then a group of footballers - then they became a team. In just a few days. It feels like something is gathering pace like 1998, maybe ending in a miracle like 1986. Throw in the exorcism of RD and we have another stunning Addicks chapter.
JJ & LB must have thought what a Twat how do we get rid of him?
The difference in post match interview is a lot more than Bowyer speaking English!
Their No. 6, CB, (Ash Taylor) I thought was quality at times today, showed a really decent touch and pinged the ball for fun.
Deffo worth a scout in my opinion, better than Sarr
Pouring rain
No ticket
Hundreds of miles
Quality away day
Lee Bowyers having a party
I'm certain all Lifers that have posted their thoughts already will have sung the praises of every player wearing the away shirt today. Heroes, one and all, albeit some more deserving than others, but everyone of them gave 100% out there on a slippy, soggy pitch.
I hold up my hands and admit that Reeves failed to light my fire under the rheumy eyes of KR, but today he built on the performance he gave last Saturday and was superb. Just shows how a decent manager can influence a player...
Fosu is different gravy. End Of. Words cannot express how skilful & focused he is. For him, there's only one way to go.....goalwards. We MUST keep him injury free to have any chance of the P Os.
What a surprise it was to see Mavididi entering the fray ! Another very special player but sadly one that seems a tad fragile, despite his fine build.
For 180+ minutes, the faithful have been treated to a sublime example of teamwork - of players playing for each other and for the shirt. The lads are now brimful of confidence with a clear, concise game plan and no questions remaining as to their individual roles. Such a pity we couldn't demonstrate this "completeness" earlier in the season.
But, the 4 goals, the clean sheet, the individual and the team performances , the great support from the away end plus the reminder that " We want Roland out !" wasn't the thought that has stayed with me through the journey home tonight.
As mentioned on another thread, the sight of our former " naughty" boy, briefly applauding us then simply turning away towards the tunnel to allow his players to take the plaudits epitomised the difference between him and Oxford's new manager. This is the man who has gained his players' respect and in addition, that of the fans.
Today, I was very proud to be an Addick.
My work schedule has changed so it looks like I won’t be over again this season, which I’m gutted about, I’d love to see the difference LB &JJ have made. I’d of loved to see us win at Wembley.
Ajose and Zyro linked 3 of the 4 passes
The stupid cnut who couldn't see these two could play together needed firing not mutual consent.
Retain Bowyer as Manager? Definitely.
Before going to tell you about my views on the match I first want to echo a few thoughts by other posters. Firstly the drive up from London - stop start traffic from before the Dartford Tunnel, around the M25 (inside lane closed between J 25 & J24), again on the M1 (as soon as we joined from the M25) and then again from J12 -J15 & all this is the rain.
Then when finally getting to the ground at 2.40pm (3 hours after leaving Swanley) we were told we had to park in the "gravel car park" ........if only that were true. Mud & puddles more like........(did I tell you it rained), Finally got into the ground at 2.50pm to find our seats being in the 3rd row & 5 from the end meant that we got just as wet as we did standing at Yeovil at THAT game. Has anyone told an architect that you can actually put a side onto an end of a stand !!!!
You may ask what this has got to do with the game. Well, I've stood in the rain at Yeovil, I've sat in the cold at Gillingham but today I didn't mind getting wet & muddy (yep, it was me who slipped over walking back to the car at the end) as that was one of the best, emphatic & joyous wins I've witnessed away from home. Reeves was sublime (yes, the same Reeves I've slagged off all season), Fosu was unpayable & Mavididi when he came on was class. We could have had 7 or 8 and loved the "its just like watching Brazil" chant that went up during the last 10 mins. I felt sorry for Ajose when he went off (he was rather p**sed off, but more I think because he thought he was in for a goal or two had he stayed on) but the movement he made for our second (including the dummy at the start of the move) was enough justification for him to be selected for Monday ahead of Mavididi.
And then onto the drive home - rain all the way back with visibility due to the spray until we got onto the M25 a nitemare..........(did I tell you it rained).
Good Friday ??? more like fecking BRILLIANT Friday.
PS - "Are you watching, Robinson ?"
Whilst far from perfect, Slade gets a lot of stick but little recognition of the fact he did start the long haul back to us being a normal club again, it may only have been cosmetic and a bit of vanity but the stuff he did away from the pitch I think started us back in the right direction.
KR then clearly had an eye for a player and has bought in some good ones but seemed tactically very poor and could not get the best out of them.
Bowyer has walked into the building with a decent squad and been able to fit the jigsaw together thus far.
I just hope it can continue and then a new owner appears and take it to the next level.
What Large says and...
Your absence on monday will make not a jot of difference to the impending sale of the club.
Your presence will make the atmosphere even better for the rest of us and the team.
Go and enjoy yourself.
Gutted I missed it, but boy has that result helped with the hangover this morning.
May have had the possession with KR tactics but without putting it to good stacking use!