I was at a wedding yesterday in the middle of nowhere in Sussex so i gave up trying to get updates on my phone as the signal was so poor. I had assumed we would win but still finish 5th so was chuffed when i found out we had jumped up to 3rd. Just watched the goals and feeling confident but still cautious against Donnie. They will be pretty tough but i am glad we have started banging in goals the last few weeks and yet again another clean sheet.
Did anyone during yesterdays game give a thought as to who owns the club,this was football and entertainment of the highest order,played by a bunch of lads who clearly played for the shirt.A special word about Parker,he had some dodgy moments but not once did he hide ,respect to the man.The atmosphere at the club is the best for many years,personally,not condoning Rolands stewardship ,if I could witness this sort of football every week,I could not care less who owns the club.Maybe I will change my mind if certain contract issues are not resolved,but at the moment the sole concern should be about what happens on the pitch.
The problem is that Roland could not care less about how the team is playing. We have got an extremely good young manager who has worked wonders with limited resources and is asking for a contract so he can stay. Even at this late stage, Roland has not offered him one and instead he is moaning about how much promotion is going to cost him.
Don’t agree with the last bit. In the Championship the TV money is significantly higher and we’d get bigger crowds. He could use that extra money to cover some of the costs and keep the wage budget for the squad the same as this season.
We don't need to fear anyone just keep our nerve and there is a real chance of going all the way. It's Charlton we are talking about though so many a slip and all that. However I feel more optimistic than this time last year,
A workmanlike job today with some elements of real quality. Aribo was dominant and showed why we need his signature pronto. Bielik too was quality and good to see him score a good goal. Was his injury yet another boot to the bollocks? Young Albie missed a chance but nevertheless was instrumental in two of our goals. Good interplay with Krystian and a lovely weighted pass to send Lyall on his way. He offers vision which the others don't quite have to the same degree.
Poor old Parker missed an absolute sitter but he never hid and put a shift in. My old eyes might have deceived me but I think it was his back heel to Aribo for the first goal so he did contribute. Couldn't help laughing at 'if Parker scores we're on the pitch' though!
Unexpected bonus today. I just wanted to avoid defeat, injuries and suspensions and we ended up gaining two positions and home advantage too.
Sign up all the relevant people Roland or sod off!
COYR!!!
A bit harsh to say Albie missed, no? More of a very good save by the ‘keeper.
The problem for me is that my knowledge of football tells me we are the best team and my knowledge of Charlton reminds me this can all go pear-shaped still.
Did anyone during yesterdays game give a thought as to who owns the club,this was football and entertainment of the highest order,played by a bunch of lads who clearly played for the shirt.A special word about Parker,he had some dodgy moments but not once did he hide ,respect to the man.The atmosphere at the club is the best for many years,personally,not condoning Rolands stewardship ,if I could witness this sort of football every week,I could not care less who owns the club.Maybe I will change my mind if certain contract issues are not resolved,but at the moment the sole concern should be about what happens on the pitch.
The problem is that Roland could not care less about how the team is playing. We have got an extremely good young manager who has worked wonders with limited resources and is asking for a contract so he can stay. Even at this late stage, Roland has not offered him one and instead he is moaning about how much promotion is going to cost him.
Don’t agree with the last bit. In the Championship the TV money is significantly higher and we’d get bigger crowds. He could use that extra money to cover some of the costs and keep the wage budget for the squad the same as this season.
With all due respect it doesn’t matter whether you agree with last bit or not. Roland has been moaning about the losses he would incur in the Championship. You say thar Roland “ could “ use TV money to cover the costs. He could have used the 1.5 million he got from selling Grant to fund a proven replacement for him in January. He didn’t though, did he?
The problem for me is that my knowledge of football tells me we are the best team and my knowledge of Charlton reminds me this can all go pear-shaped still.
This.
My brain says “Donny should be shitting themselves”. My heart says “remember Swindon, remember Sheff U in the cup, remember almost every game you’ve ever seen”.
But it deep down I think we’ve got this. This time we’ve got it.
But we do play football above a few Championship teams - my eyes tell me that. We are a better footballing side than the 2011 side IMO. We have dropped points due to squad depth, or lack of it in certain positions. You would think that Doncaster may catch us out in one game, but are going to find it very hard over two.
For me it feels like we are a top half championship team in the League One play offs.
Bielik's goal was the difference between third and fourth .. Donny would have been my choice from the three possibles .. Let Pompey and the Mackems wear each other out as they did recently at Wembley thereby getting them both nice and vulnerable for their next Wembley showdown, whichever outfit comes through to play USSSSS .. and get beaten
By the way, anybody know why the ref didn't send their player off for foul on Parker?
Was that the incident when he was last man? - Presume the rules have changed seeing Lapslie wasnt sent off @ Oxford for the same sort of offence
Bit of a joke if so because it gives the Defender free reign to bring down a player (like what we saw yesterday) who has gotten clear without having to worry about being sent off
Sounds like Parker showed the true element of his game. Get yourself about and make a nuisance of yourself! Also sounded like he linked up play well? Taylor or KAG he isn't but if he is a player who gives his all then I'm happy enough with that. Sometimes we just need a player to then dirty work to allow the more technical players more room to play.
Hope he has turned a corner...could be at the right time.
What a day yesterday was and I think in many ways it summed up our season, so I would like to go through each player who started the game yesterday individually.
Phillips - Started the season reasonably well and made some great saves. Steer comes in and Dillon is forced to watch from the bench for a few months. There were calls from some of the supporters for Phillips to come back in, this time it's forced upon us with Steer being recalled. Since then, he hasn't looked back. Phillips has gone from strength to strength keeping an unbelievable 11 clean sheets so far this calendar year. Much like our form and the squad coming together as the season has gone on, we have gone from strength to strength and are now a far better side than we were only 5 months ago. Well done Phillips, what a 2019 it's been so far for him.
Dijksteel - Much like Phillips, Anfernee really has got better as the season has gone on. This time however, for different circumstances. He has grown into the role of a right back, rarely gets beat against the wide man as his pace helps him out enormously. He's becoming a more rounded player as he now looks more comfortable going forward than he did before. I am sure with the guidance he is getting, and this includes Solly, Dijksteel could quickly become a very good right back.
Bauer - A player who started the season with no one really knowing whether he was going to be staying or not. It summed up the beginning with the uncertainty and how Roland has made things very difficult over time. But since, and huge credit to Bauer and Bowyer for this, Pat has been solid and a vital member to the team. So much so that alongside Sarr, his footballing ability has improved and is now becoming a leader. Ending the season being captain on the last regular home game. Just like our football has improved as the season has gone on, just like we have found out we have some very good leaders amongst the team and squad. If Bauer does leave in the summer, it will be shame, but he has been a rock and the goals against column shows just how important he has been.
Sarr - Wow. What can you say? The development of this man has been an absolute joy. At the start of the season, I think it is fair to say most would never have predicted this. Just as I would assume most wouldn't have predicted the season we have had, it's been exciting. Since Pearce's injury away at Barnsley before the turn of the new year, Naby has been phenomenal. He has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and isn't letting go. His defending has improved so much that even the 3 on 1 situation yesterday, because it was Sarr, I just believed that he would sort it out. His footballing ability, control and comfort on the ball has added a new dynamic to the team. We have a great midfield already but because of Sarr's ability, it is almost as if we have another midfielder at times. I couldn't be any more pleased for him.
Purrington - Record speaks for itself. Gallen said he would be a 7 out of 10 every week, a solid left back first and foremost and that is what he has been. Ben has come into the defence and provided balance and more recently been getting forward much more too. It is not a surprise by any means that the one time he hasn't played this calendar year is the one time we have conceded more than one goal in a game. 11 clean sheets in the 18 games Purrington has played for us. It's fantastic. Would happily have Ben sign permanently in the summer if it was an option.
Bielik - One of the best loan signings any club in this division can make, alongside Cullen. Kyrstian has provided us with the ability to cover both centre back and defensive midfield with so much ease. But of course, it is his ability at the base of that diamond that has had so much joy. His ability on the ball has vastly improved over time, he is now releasing it much quicker, it's made him a very good young player. He covers so much ground and wins the ball back extremely well. Bielik has been brilliant.
Cullen - For me, Josh typifies what a Bowyer midfield is all about. He is hard working, tireless, skilful, clever, and can attack and defend with equal measure. We have won 17 games when Cullen has played, that's incredible when he didn't play the whole of August as he was signed late, missed another one through international duty, and he was out injured for a further 11 games between the start of November and middle of January. If he hadn't been injured, dare I say it, we would have been in that top two I feel, he also would have run Taylor so much closer for POTY. He has been a joy and I know that Bows really rates him very, very highly.
Morgan - The emergence of Albie has been one that we can all cherish. Having come through the academy, he has shown great maturity alongside cleverness, awareness and skill within possession of the ball. I thought he was outstanding yesterday and was very unlucky not to score, because boy did he deserve it. As Bowyer has said, he needs to work on his fitness as I think that is why the game sometimes passes him by, but once he is up to the level that the rest are, Morgan has the potential to dictate play and for such a young man, that is exciting for us moving forward. Albie should take great pride in his performances because he has definitely contributed.
Aribo - One of the best midfielders in league and now regularly getting in positions to add goals to his game, which is doing very well. Alongside Bowyer, Jackson, and Marshall, getting Aribo signed up is a major priority. He has blossomed under the guidance of the coaching staff and it a credit to them and himself for taking all of it on board. Joe has such incredible skill, long legs that ensures he wins and protects the ball so well, strong in the air and a very decent finisher as well. He will eventually go to the top of our game, but for now, he has more to learn at the club and I think he knows that too. He is though, so influential in almost everything we do.
Parker - A great and tireless effort yesterday and a game where he really ought to, but maybe was slightly unlucky not to have scored. A goal would've done his confidence the world of good as he could be needed in the play-offs. Josh has resembled much of how we anticipated his signing to go, he was never going to be able to replace Grant and the goals he scored, but he has shown heart in his performances and I was pleased with what I saw yesterday. He did not hide and he always showed and made the runs. Sometimes the most important thing is being in those positions to score, eventually the goal will come and you never know how important that goal may be.
Taylor - For me personally, leaving the best till last. To score the amount of goals he has scored, to assist the amount of goals he has done, to be such an integral member of this team has been absolutely fantastic. Lyle is the best all round striker in this division, no contest. He improved Grant, he has helped bring Vetokele back to near the level he was before, and he helped and linked up well with Parker yesterday too. Some players are catalysts and bring out the best in others, bring the team to another level. Taylor is exactly that. The relationship he has forged with the supporters has been a pleasure to see grow. As I said, much of this team and yesterday has summed up our season, but Taylor also sums up what Charlton is about too. He plays on the edge and wears his heart on his sleeve, but he has a quality that is rare, that goes beyond his excellent footballing ability and skill. He has passion, ambition, he's honest, charming, dynamic, bright, hard working, reliable. Taylor has made this season for me. He has scored in 20 different games this season, and has 21 goals in 41 games in the league. Incredible.
I would like to say a few words of the support too. As fanbase this season we have come together against all kinds of crazy adversity and stayed united. The support and noise we have provided on a match day has been incredible as Bowyer said yesterday. I do believe we have helped win us a few points this season and have played a big role in why we are so strong at home.
We started the season in a complete mess in terms of the squad, squad size, injuries, new players, Bowyer's position, ongoing takeover etc. We have ended the season as a one whole team. The squad is strong, injuries are controlled and nothing serious, Bowyer does need his contract sorted and of course we still have the old scrote lurking in the background. However, we have come so far and done so much this season, I really feel that we have the team to do the business now where it matters. We can get promoted and I really believe we will do it.
Regarding the game specifically from yesterday, it was fantastic to see us get in behind as often as we did, we created so many opportunities yesterday and some of the passing was top class. I pointed out in the pre match thread how Rochdale are weak from crosses and if you watch the highlights, we got down the side time and time again and hurt them. It was a brilliant display and one fitting to end the regular season with how great it's been overall.
Not the most conventional post match comment but, on the whole yesterday was excellent. Bring on the play-offs because as Bowyer again rightly points out, we have everything.
The only cloud in my Charlton sky is the owner (Keohane too, but he is an insignificant piece of shit). But what a massive, ominous, doom laden cloud Duchatelet is. Get rid of him, keep Bowyer, and it would again be a very happy Valley.
Watched on iFollow yesterday. Can only echo many of the comments on here, especially the performance of Albie Morgan. He's going to be some player - but (here looms that cloud again) we all know that Duchatelet will cash in as soon as he can.
By the way, anybody know why the ref didn't send their player off for foul on Parker?
Was that the incident when he was last man? - Presume the rules have changed seeing Lapslie wasnt sent off @ Oxford for the same sort of offence
Bit of a joke if so because it gives the Defender free reign to bring down a player (like what we saw yesterday) who has gotten clear without having to worry about being sent off
Laws have not changed really, only a player is not to be sent off if the official has deemed his challenge one where he had the intention of playing the ball, but that is only in the penalty area I believe as it was classed as double punishment.
Lapslie got away with it a bit away at Oxford, but I do believe that if you look, he didn't make a challenge anyway, he was running back and trying to avoid the player, their legs tangle and he brings him down, it would be different if he slid in and took him out.
Yesterday, their player had no intention of playing the ball and only focused on preventing Parker going through on goal with a clear goal scoring opportunity. He should've saw red, but the referee obviously didn't want to have to do that one the last day of the season. Consistency is really what the difference is between officials at League One level and ones at the top. Albeit, some officials are horrendous too whilst others are very good. The one who officiated the Spurs v Ajax game on Tuesday was excellent for example.
I think having skim read some posts just about everything has been covered in this thread.
What I found interesting though was pre-match I was in Crossbars and joined by a group of 4 Norwegians at my table, got talking to them and found it quite insightful to the thinking and how / what brought them to Charlton for the day.
They said they don't find football interesting in Norway and instead they all follow English football and don't really follow anybody in the Norwegian league. They fly over from Norway to Stanstead airport arriving on a Friday and will look to go to a game each day over the weekend including Friday night if there's a game on in the area they've flown to. Today they've gone to see Brentford v Preston and fly back home tomorrow.
They actually thought the beer prices in Crossbars was quite reasonable given how expensive it is to drink in Norway and were very complimentary of The Valley in general they said they felt very welcome and were also interested in going to the play off home leg which being on a Friday night they might well do now I guess.
They even had the Blackpool ticket stubs on them from the previous game they saw in case they couldn't get tickets as one of them likes Leeds in particular and one game couldn't get tickets due to restricted sale. The same guy also mentioned how he had also once been to Stamford Bridge back in the bad old days to see Chelsea v Leeds. They asked who our biggest rivals were and who in my opinion were the most horrible club in London, to which I answered Millwall to both and explained to the guy that a Millwall v Charlton game probably wouldn't be too dissimilar to a Chelsea v Leeds game, they are generally ground hopping around London and will probably avoid Millwall now lol.
They were quite fascinated to hear that i'd been to 65 grounds and they asked which had the best atmosphere i'd been to. Genuinely a difficult question but I said Sunderland based on where i'd been to and is genuinely a fantastic atmosphere when it's a buzzing full house, I saw us lose 3-2 there in the Prem years and the atmosphere was rocking that day. They had been to Newcastle before so might do Sunderland now too.
Completely not related to the match itself I know but i'm glad we put on such a performance for the Norwegians. I was genuinely surprised how as a club we still have quite a pull with football fans abroad. They come over quite a lot for business apparently and also said they'd like to see us get promoted not only so 1 of them would get to see us play Leeds but also so they could entertain business clients too - a lot easier to do when playing the likes of Leeds instead of Rochdale.
Sometimes when you feel RD has completely destroyed the club it's occasions like these that still give a ray of hope for when he does eventually leave.
Did anyone during yesterdays game give a thought as to who owns the club,this was football and entertainment of the highest order,played by a bunch of lads who clearly played for the shirt.A special word about Parker,he had some dodgy moments but not once did he hide ,respect to the man.The atmosphere at the club is the best for many years,personally,not condoning Rolands stewardship ,if I could witness this sort of football every week,I could not care less who owns the club.Maybe I will change my mind if certain contract issues are not resolved,but at the moment the sole concern should be about what happens on the pitch.
The problem is that Roland could not care less about how the team is playing. We have got an extremely good young manager who has worked wonders with limited resources and is asking for a contract so he can stay. Even at this late stage, Roland has not offered him one and instead he is moaning about how much promotion is going to cost him.
Don’t agree with the last bit. In the Championship the TV money is significantly higher and we’d get bigger crowds. He could use that extra money to cover some of the costs and keep the wage budget for the squad the same as this season.
With all due respect it doesn’t matter whether you agree with last bit or not. Roland has been moaning about the losses he would incur in the Championship. You say thar Roland “ could “ use TV money to cover the costs. He could have used the 1.5 million he got from selling Grant to fund a proven replacement for him in January. He didn’t though, did he?
That’s my point - I really doubt he’s moaning that promotion will cost him. If anything it could cost less due to the big increase TV money.
Rochdale were the perfect opposition yesterday. They tried to play football but was picked off easily. If the first half would have last another 5 mins they could have gone in 6 or 7 nill down.
We and could and should have scored another 4 or 5 yesterday, a mixture of Parker, good goal keeping, and a referee losing his bottle saved Rochdale from being on the end of a cricket score.
Parker tried hard but just isn’t good enough. Morgan looked class and would be unlucky to be dropped next week.
Sage, I've been on Charlton life for many seasons now. Without doubt that is the best write up on here that I have ever read. Brilliant well done, long may you continue your comments!
I think having skim read some posts just about everything has been covered in this thread.
What I found interesting though was pre-match I was in Crossbars and joined by a group of 4 Norwegians at my table, got talking to them and found it quite insightful to the thinking and how / what brought them to Charlton for the day.
They said they don't find football interesting in Norway and instead they all follow English football and don't really follow anybody in the Norwegian league. They fly over from Norway to Stanstead airport arriving on a Friday and will look to go to a game each day over the weekend including Friday night if there's a game on in the area they've flown to. Today they've gone to see Brentford v Preston and fly back home tomorrow.
They actually thought the beer prices in Crossbars was quite reasonable given how expensive it is to drink in Norway and were very complimentary of The Valley in general they said they felt very welcome and were also interested in going to the play off home leg which being on a Friday night they might well do now I guess.
They even had the Blackpool ticket stubs on them from the previous game they saw in case they couldn't get tickets as one of them likes Leeds in particular and one game couldn't get tickets due to restricted sale. The same guy also mentioned how he had also once been to Stamford Bridge back in the bad old days to see Chelsea v Leeds. They asked who our biggest rivals were and who in my opinion were the most horrible club in London, to which I answered Millwall to both and explained to the guy that a Millwall v Charlton game probably wouldn't be too dissimilar to a Chelsea v Leeds game, they are generally ground hopping around London and will probably avoid Millwall now lol.
They were quite fascinated to hear that i'd been to 65 grounds and they asked which had the best atmosphere i'd been to. Genuinely a difficult question but I said Sunderland based on where i'd been to and is genuinely a fantastic atmosphere when it's a buzzing full house, I saw us lose 3-2 there in the Prem years and the atmosphere was rocking that day. They had been to Newcastle before so might do Sunderland now too.
Completely not related to the match itself I know but i'm glad we put on such a performance for the Norwegians. I was genuinely surprised how as a club we still have quite a pull with football fans abroad. They come over quite a lot for business apparently and also said they'd like to see us get promoted not only so 1 of them would get to see us play Leeds but also so they could entertain business clients too - a lot easier to do when playing the likes of Leeds instead of Rochdale.
Sometimes when you feel RD has completely destroyed the club it's occasions like these that still give a ray of hope for when he does eventually leave.
I've seen a lot of foreign fans at The Valley this season. Quite a few Scandanavians and Germans but also some Italians and Spanish. Saw some Germans yesterday.
The Valley is an easy location and easy to get tickets, so it's a no brainier for footy tourists. They can't get tickets for Chelsea etc, so watch Fulham, Charlton and no doubt Millwall, QPR etc.
Sage, I've been on Charlton life for many seasons now. Without doubt that is the best write up on here that I have ever read. Brilliant well done, long may you continue your comments!
Thanks both, I really appreciate it.
As everyone on here I am sure, I live and breathe football so really enjoy writing up pre and post match comments.
Can't wait for these next three games and hoping to get tickets for Doncaster away, not being a ST holder could cost me, but I've booked the hotel already, and sorted out work, so really hope I get those tickets to match.
As well as the European tourists that comes to the Valley, I met an interesting and eccentric guy of about 70 at London bridge as we both missed our East Croydon Connection by 5 Seconds. This is 100% true. The guy is a Palace season ticket holder, who when they are away will cheer on CAFC at the Valley, he was wearing an Orient scarf and under his coat was wearing a Millwall shirt ! He comes to the valley at least 12 times a season. If you frequent the Charlton Cafe you may have seen him there. Just like myself he talks to strangers. Smashing guy who was glad all over to see a Charlton win.
I've been contemplating why we played our BEST football of the season yesterday. Ok, Rochdale came and tried to play football which always helps. But my conclusion is the biggest reason was Albie Morgan.
When Morgan gets the ball he passes forward at every opportunity. When Williams or Reeves get the ball they stop, often turn round in a circle and often pass sideways or backwards. Alternatively, Williams runs forward head down like a Rugby League player and gets tackled.
You do not think he put in a lot of effort yesterday?
He showed for the ball all the time and although he really should've scored, he constantly was in those positions to score. He didn't get downhearted and I think we should be able to recognise he put in a shift which deserved to be capped off with a goal.
You do not think he put in a lot of effort yesterday?
He showed for the ball all the time and although he really should've scored, he constantly was in those positions to score. He didn't get downhearted and I think we should be able to recognise he put in a shift which deserved to be capped off with a goal.
Honestly I thought he was shocking, lost the ball numerous times, several bad touches. He set up Aribos goal, but the open goal he missed was appalling, its easily the worst performance from a striker Ive seen this season.
Lee Bowyer has just been on @BBCLondonSport.
Some quotes coming your way... #cafc
LB: “I’m over the moon. We were at it from start to finish and we could’ve scored more.” #cafc
LB: “We looked at the goal difference before the game and there wasn’t much in it, so we just had to go for it.” #cafc
LB: “We’re flying at the moment, but that’s the first step. We’ve got 88 points which would normally get you promotion, but we’re not disappointed. We’re looking forward to the play-offs.” #cafc
LB: “We’ve got third but we’ve not achieved anything. Our challenge now is to get to Wembley and then get promotion.” #cafc
Comments
My brain says “Donny should be shitting themselves”.
My heart says “remember Swindon, remember Sheff U in the cup, remember almost every game you’ve ever seen”.
But it deep down I think we’ve got this. This time we’ve got it.
For me it feels like we are a top half championship team in the League One play offs.
Bit of a joke if so because it gives the Defender free reign to bring down a player (like what we saw yesterday) who has gotten clear without having to worry about being sent off
Hope he has turned a corner...could be at the right time.
Phillips - Started the season reasonably well and made some great saves. Steer comes in and Dillon is forced to watch from the bench for a few months. There were calls from some of the supporters for Phillips to come back in, this time it's forced upon us with Steer being recalled. Since then, he hasn't looked back. Phillips has gone from strength to strength keeping an unbelievable 11 clean sheets so far this calendar year. Much like our form and the squad coming together as the season has gone on, we have gone from strength to strength and are now a far better side than we were only 5 months ago. Well done Phillips, what a 2019 it's been so far for him.
Dijksteel - Much like Phillips, Anfernee really has got better as the season has gone on. This time however, for different circumstances. He has grown into the role of a right back, rarely gets beat against the wide man as his pace helps him out enormously. He's becoming a more rounded player as he now looks more comfortable going forward than he did before. I am sure with the guidance he is getting, and this includes Solly, Dijksteel could quickly become a very good right back.
Bauer - A player who started the season with no one really knowing whether he was going to be staying or not. It summed up the beginning with the uncertainty and how Roland has made things very difficult over time. But since, and huge credit to Bauer and Bowyer for this, Pat has been solid and a vital member to the team. So much so that alongside Sarr, his footballing ability has improved and is now becoming a leader. Ending the season being captain on the last regular home game. Just like our football has improved as the season has gone on, just like we have found out we have some very good leaders amongst the team and squad. If Bauer does leave in the summer, it will be shame, but he has been a rock and the goals against column shows just how important he has been.
Sarr - Wow. What can you say? The development of this man has been an absolute joy. At the start of the season, I think it is fair to say most would never have predicted this. Just as I would assume most wouldn't have predicted the season we have had, it's been exciting. Since Pearce's injury away at Barnsley before the turn of the new year, Naby has been phenomenal. He has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and isn't letting go. His defending has improved so much that even the 3 on 1 situation yesterday, because it was Sarr, I just believed that he would sort it out. His footballing ability, control and comfort on the ball has added a new dynamic to the team. We have a great midfield already but because of Sarr's ability, it is almost as if we have another midfielder at times. I couldn't be any more pleased for him.
Purrington - Record speaks for itself. Gallen said he would be a 7 out of 10 every week, a solid left back first and foremost and that is what he has been. Ben has come into the defence and provided balance and more recently been getting forward much more too. It is not a surprise by any means that the one time he hasn't played this calendar year is the one time we have conceded more than one goal in a game. 11 clean sheets in the 18 games Purrington has played for us. It's fantastic. Would happily have Ben sign permanently in the summer if it was an option.
Bielik - One of the best loan signings any club in this division can make, alongside Cullen. Kyrstian has provided us with the ability to cover both centre back and defensive midfield with so much ease. But of course, it is his ability at the base of that diamond that has had so much joy. His ability on the ball has vastly improved over time, he is now releasing it much quicker, it's made him a very good young player. He covers so much ground and wins the ball back extremely well. Bielik has been brilliant.
Cullen - For me, Josh typifies what a Bowyer midfield is all about. He is hard working, tireless, skilful, clever, and can attack and defend with equal measure. We have won 17 games when Cullen has played, that's incredible when he didn't play the whole of August as he was signed late, missed another one through international duty, and he was out injured for a further 11 games between the start of November and middle of January. If he hadn't been injured, dare I say it, we would have been in that top two I feel, he also would have run Taylor so much closer for POTY. He has been a joy and I know that Bows really rates him very, very highly.
Morgan - The emergence of Albie has been one that we can all cherish. Having come through the academy, he has shown great maturity alongside cleverness, awareness and skill within possession of the ball. I thought he was outstanding yesterday and was very unlucky not to score, because boy did he deserve it. As Bowyer has said, he needs to work on his fitness as I think that is why the game sometimes passes him by, but once he is up to the level that the rest are, Morgan has the potential to dictate play and for such a young man, that is exciting for us moving forward. Albie should take great pride in his performances because he has definitely contributed.
Aribo - One of the best midfielders in league and now regularly getting in positions to add goals to his game, which is doing very well. Alongside Bowyer, Jackson, and Marshall, getting Aribo signed up is a major priority. He has blossomed under the guidance of the coaching staff and it a credit to them and himself for taking all of it on board. Joe has such incredible skill, long legs that ensures he wins and protects the ball so well, strong in the air and a very decent finisher as well. He will eventually go to the top of our game, but for now, he has more to learn at the club and I think he knows that too. He is though, so influential in almost everything we do.
Parker - A great and tireless effort yesterday and a game where he really ought to, but maybe was slightly unlucky not to have scored. A goal would've done his confidence the world of good as he could be needed in the play-offs. Josh has resembled much of how we anticipated his signing to go, he was never going to be able to replace Grant and the goals he scored, but he has shown heart in his performances and I was pleased with what I saw yesterday. He did not hide and he always showed and made the runs. Sometimes the most important thing is being in those positions to score, eventually the goal will come and you never know how important that goal may be.
Taylor - For me personally, leaving the best till last. To score the amount of goals he has scored, to assist the amount of goals he has done, to be such an integral member of this team has been absolutely fantastic. Lyle is the best all round striker in this division, no contest. He improved Grant, he has helped bring Vetokele back to near the level he was before, and he helped and linked up well with Parker yesterday too. Some players are catalysts and bring out the best in others, bring the team to another level. Taylor is exactly that. The relationship he has forged with the supporters has been a pleasure to see grow. As I said, much of this team and yesterday has summed up our season, but Taylor also sums up what Charlton is about too. He plays on the edge and wears his heart on his sleeve, but he has a quality that is rare, that goes beyond his excellent footballing ability and skill. He has passion, ambition, he's honest, charming, dynamic, bright, hard working, reliable. Taylor has made this season for me. He has scored in 20 different games this season, and has 21 goals in 41 games in the league. Incredible.
I would like to say a few words of the support too. As fanbase this season we have come together against all kinds of crazy adversity and stayed united. The support and noise we have provided on a match day has been incredible as Bowyer said yesterday. I do believe we have helped win us a few points this season and have played a big role in why we are so strong at home.
We started the season in a complete mess in terms of the squad, squad size, injuries, new players, Bowyer's position, ongoing takeover etc. We have ended the season as a one whole team. The squad is strong, injuries are controlled and nothing serious, Bowyer does need his contract sorted and of course we still have the old scrote lurking in the background. However, we have come so far and done so much this season, I really feel that we have the team to do the business now where it matters. We can get promoted and I really believe we will do it.
Regarding the game specifically from yesterday, it was fantastic to see us get in behind as often as we did, we created so many opportunities yesterday and some of the passing was top class. I pointed out in the pre match thread how Rochdale are weak from crosses and if you watch the highlights, we got down the side time and time again and hurt them. It was a brilliant display and one fitting to end the regular season with how great it's been overall.
Not the most conventional post match comment but, on the whole yesterday was excellent. Bring on the play-offs because as Bowyer again rightly points out, we have everything.
Watched on iFollow yesterday. Can only echo many of the comments on here, especially the performance of Albie Morgan. He's going to be some player - but (here looms that cloud again) we all know that Duchatelet will cash in as soon as he can.
Lapslie got away with it a bit away at Oxford, but I do believe that if you look, he didn't make a challenge anyway, he was running back and trying to avoid the player, their legs tangle and he brings him down, it would be different if he slid in and took him out.
Yesterday, their player had no intention of playing the ball and only focused on preventing Parker going through on goal with a clear goal scoring opportunity. He should've saw red, but the referee obviously didn't want to have to do that one the last day of the season. Consistency is really what the difference is between officials at League One level and ones at the top. Albeit, some officials are horrendous too whilst others are very good. The one who officiated the Spurs v Ajax game on Tuesday was excellent for example.
What I found interesting though was pre-match I was in Crossbars and joined by a group of 4 Norwegians at my table, got talking to them and found it quite insightful to the thinking and how / what brought them to Charlton for the day.
They said they don't find football interesting in Norway and instead they all follow English football and don't really follow anybody in the Norwegian league. They fly over from Norway to Stanstead airport arriving on a Friday and will look to go to a game each day over the weekend including Friday night if there's a game on in the area they've flown to. Today they've gone to see Brentford v Preston and fly back home tomorrow.
They actually thought the beer prices in Crossbars was quite reasonable given how expensive it is to drink in Norway and were very complimentary of The Valley in general they said they felt very welcome and were also interested in going to the play off home leg which being on a Friday night they might well do now I guess.
They even had the Blackpool ticket stubs on them from the previous game they saw in case they couldn't get tickets as one of them likes Leeds in particular and one game couldn't get tickets due to restricted sale. The same guy also mentioned how he had also once been to Stamford Bridge back in the bad old days to see Chelsea v Leeds. They asked who our biggest rivals were and who in my opinion were the most horrible club in London, to which I answered Millwall to both and explained to the guy that a Millwall v Charlton game probably wouldn't be too dissimilar to a Chelsea v Leeds game, they are generally ground hopping around London and will probably avoid Millwall now lol.
They were quite fascinated to hear that i'd been to 65 grounds and they asked which had the best atmosphere i'd been to. Genuinely a difficult question but I said Sunderland based on where i'd been to and is genuinely a fantastic atmosphere when it's a buzzing full house, I saw us lose 3-2 there in the Prem years and the atmosphere was rocking that day. They had been to Newcastle before so might do Sunderland now too.
Completely not related to the match itself I know but i'm glad we put on such a performance for the Norwegians. I was genuinely surprised how as a club we still have quite a pull with football fans abroad. They come over quite a lot for business apparently and also said they'd like to see us get promoted not only so 1 of them would get to see us play Leeds but also so they could entertain business clients too - a lot easier to do when playing the likes of Leeds instead of Rochdale.
Sometimes when you feel RD has completely destroyed the club it's occasions like these that still give a ray of hope for when he does eventually leave.
We and could and should have scored another 4 or 5 yesterday, a mixture of Parker, good goal keeping, and a referee losing his bottle saved Rochdale from being on the end of a cricket score.
Parker tried hard but just isn’t good enough. Morgan looked class and would be unlucky to be dropped next week.
Without doubt that is the best write up on here that I have ever read.
Brilliant well done, long may you continue your comments!
The Valley is an easy location and easy to get tickets, so it's a no brainier for footy tourists. They can't get tickets for Chelsea etc, so watch Fulham, Charlton and no doubt Millwall, QPR etc.
As everyone on here I am sure, I live and breathe football so really enjoy writing up pre and post match comments.
Can't wait for these next three games and hoping to get tickets for Doncaster away, not being a ST holder could cost me, but I've booked the hotel already, and sorted out work, so really hope I get those tickets to match.
This is 100% true.
The guy is a Palace season ticket holder, who when they are away will cheer on CAFC at the Valley, he was wearing an Orient scarf and under his coat was wearing a Millwall shirt !
He comes to the valley at least 12 times a season.
If you frequent the Charlton Cafe you may have seen him there. Just like myself he talks to strangers.
Smashing guy who was glad all over to see a Charlton win.
Ok, Rochdale came and tried to play football which always helps.
But my conclusion is the biggest reason was Albie Morgan.
When Morgan gets the ball he passes forward at every opportunity.
When Williams or Reeves get the ball they stop, often turn round in a circle and often pass sideways or backwards.
Alternatively, Williams runs forward head down like a Rugby League player and gets tackled.
Keep Albie in the team !
He showed for the ball all the time and although he really should've scored, he constantly was in those positions to score. He didn't get downhearted and I think we should be able to recognise he put in a shift which deserved to be capped off with a goal.
Lee Bowyer has just been on @BBCLondonSport. Some quotes coming your way... #cafc
LB: “I’m over the moon. We were at it from start to finish and we could’ve scored more.” #cafc
LB: “We looked at the goal difference before the game and there wasn’t much in it, so we just had to go for it.” #cafc
LB: “We’re flying at the moment, but that’s the first step. We’ve got 88 points which would normally get you promotion, but we’re not disappointed. We’re looking forward to the play-offs.” #cafc
LB: “We’ve got third but we’ve not achieved anything. Our challenge now is to get to Wembley and then get promotion.” #cafc