I hate the fact that some Charlton fans think we we are somehow entitled to promotion. That drawing with Swindon is ‘below’ us (it’s frustrating but not terminal). This season was always going to be tough. Relegated in the last minute, ownership chaos, half the squad left (including most of our quality players), short pre season, under embargo for some of the transfer window, late signings under the wage cap, patched up the defence with 2 good centre halves (then both get long term injuries), best player (Doughty) out etc etc. Of course we all want promotion, of course we are not defending well enough, of course we are not taking our chances. But we need to give Bowyer a proper summer window, a full pre season and a proper chance to rebuild. We are on a desperately bad run of form, but sacking Bowyer is not the answer. Let’s give the guy a break and see what he can do. Lenny Lawrence, Alan Curbishley and Chris Powell all had bad runs and ultimately had successful periods because they got the club and got the fans. I am convinced Bowyer is the same... we’ve dropped to this league 3 times in recent history and it took 3 seasons each time to get back up, what’s the big panic now ?
Agreed.
What a frustrating run though.
But as you say, let's not forget what a year it's been for the club. However, we finally have an owner who has the club's best interest at heart, and an up and coming manager.
Interesting to hear Gallen acknowledge (in the pre-match interview) recruitment being too "forward orientated" of late. Pleased with the forward additions, but that balance needs to be addressed in the next week. Far too vulnerable at the back, and all opponents know it. The main hurdle to that is, of course, the salary cap.
But I believe in Thomas, Bow, Jacko & Gallen. They are the ones to take the club forward in the next few years, even if we do have a few blips here & there. Longevity & stability breeds long term success.
Thankfully, we are still there or there abouts. I'm confident that we are going to turn the corner in the not too distant future.
I'm beginning to think I'm a fairly rare breed.... An optimistic Addick!
"Charlton are doing my Nut in" The most coherent thing I said on the match thread.
I'm pleased we have Valley pass but I find it difficult to see if anyone is covering when we attack. Not being at the ground is difficult to assess players work rate because you are oblivious to the work off the ball.
I wanted Charlton to play on the front foot and try to get at League 1 defenders and we tried to do that first half but having both Millar and Williams attacking, JFC working hard but not quite on the pace, and Pratley a one man assassin; the 4 midfielders of Swindon had many chances to get the ball out wide and exploit Matthews and Maatsen on the break. The first goal highlighted this by Matthews poor marking and Amos letting in another goal from a hard shot from wide left at the valley. Millar, my MOM despite his half hearted tackle. Liam was involved in both our goals and the kid can only get better.
You can't have Williams and Millar in the same team because they are bang average at defending. Millar must get the nod to start as he opens up defences.
20% success rate today with shots on Target for Cafc and Swindon had a 33% success rate if we include their shot that hit the post when they were 2-1 up. 20 shots by Charlton is more impressive that the misery total of two goals.
I'm back on the same page as Lee Bowyer after his baffling line ups of the team in Nov and Dec 2020, even though I would have started Morgan to feed Aneke and Schwartz from the start instead of Williams. 4-4-2 is the best formation as we can't seem to master 3-5-2. We have four strikers who are all capable of scoring. The crossbar challenge was won today by Millar over Aneke as he was further out.
It wasn't Lee fault today that Gunter had to play CB and LB after the injury.
Both CB had tidy games today but having your 3rd 4th and 5th choice CB's to pick from is not ideal.
Doing my Nut in, is still my over riding thought as 20 shots hit bodies, woodwork, wide, saved, hit post or unfairly ruled out for off side. And two shots went in.
Don't try to contradict me with what Bowyer thinks! One of his big weaknesses this season is how he has used Williams. I think the sooner Bowyer leaves, the better.
It would be better if Williams left, for the past year he has been a waste of space most of the time.
Pretty sure he's a great lad and very popular, but based on what he brings to the table, I'd say at best it's crumbs. For an attacking midfielder, which is what I expect from him he does very little to put fear in the opposition, that lets face it are below average pro's. He's a seasoned international. He's like a ghost most games that pops up occasionally and disappears again for too long. I don't doubt his attitude really but whatever he is doing isn't helping our cause. The way I see it, if someone isn't part of the solution, they're part of the problem. Too many 'dead wood' players in this side. We creep to the end of the season in hope, but with no belief, just like last season. Not good enough for Mr Moneybags. The Big Boss is very likely to be feeling pissed off, AGAIN!
Our last 14 matches since the November international break 2-2 1-2 1-0 4-4 0-2 0-2 2-2 2-2 5-2 1-1 0-1 2-0 2-4 1-1
W 3 D6 L5 15 points - 1.07 point per game
For 23 - 1.64 per game Against 25 - 1.79 per game
1.07 per game equates to 49 points in a season, that's near relegation form. 14 games isn't a blip, that's over a quarter of a season. Yes we've had 2 centre backs missing, but surely we should be able to cope better defensively? Especially when we are able to strengthen and Bowyer has chosen not to bring in any defenders. It looks like at least 2 games before Famewo is back, Innis even longer.
Yes there is a cap, but we have an awful lot of deadwood when you consider that Bogle, Smyth, Watson and Maddison (all signed in autumn) were missing today for one reason or another, and how many would be in our AND Bowyer's best 11?
Our last 14 matches since the November international break 2-2 1-2 1-0 4-4 0-2 0-2 2-2 2-2 5-2 1-1 0-1 2-0 2-4 1-1
W 3 D6 L5 15 points - 1.07 point per game
For 23 - 1.64 per game Against 25 - 1.79 per game
1.07 per game equates to 49 points in a season, that's near relegation form. 14 games isn't a blip, that's over a quarter of a season. Yes we've had 2 centre backs missing, but surely we should be able to cope better defensively? Especially when we are able to strengthen and Bowyer has chosen not to bring in any defenders. It looks like at least 2 games before Famewo is, Innis even longer.
Yes there is a cap, but we have an awful lot of deadwood when you consider that Bogle, Smyth, Watson and Maddison (all signed in autumn) were missing today for one reason or another, and how many would be in our AND Bowyer's best 11?
Your forgetting that we would be better after the international break......
Ronnie had a goal disallowed for offside but wasn't.
He was absolutely offside. He even knew it by holding his hands up and not wanting the pass. A good half a yard off.
The Charlton analyst said it was on side according to Lee Bowyer. Personally I couldn't tell when they replayed it as they didn't freeze the action when the ball was played.
Our last 14 matches since the November international break 2-2 1-2 1-0 4-4 0-2 0-2 2-2 2-2 5-2 1-1 0-1 2-0 2-4 1-1
W 3 D6 L5 15 points - 1.07 point per game
For 23 - 1.64 per game Against 25 - 1.79 per game
1.07 per game equates to 49 points in a season, that's near relegation form. 14 games isn't a blip, that's over a quarter of a season. Yes we've had 2 centre backs missing, but surely we should be able to cope better defensively? Especially when we are able to strengthen and Bowyer has chosen not to bring in any defenders. It looks like at least 2 games before Famewo is, Innis even longer.
Yes there is a cap, but we have an awful lot of deadwood when you consider that Bogle, Smyth, Watson and Maddison (all signed in autumn) were missing today for one reason or another, and how many would be in our AND Bowyer's best 11?
Same old story still badly missing Iniss and Famewo. Will they be back too late to make a late run?
If you can only win when your best 11 players are available then you're not a good football manager - you just have 11 good players.
Using injuries to the the CB's as an excuse for bowyer over the last 2 months just shows you don't understand what the managers job is. Especially when he's had an open transfer window to address the issue.
We played the 2nd worst team in the league today and we have CM in Pratley who's only quality is in disruption of the opposition. If you are the better team, the better squad, you impose your game on the other team and make them deal with your qualities. Look how many chances Morgan and Shinnie created for us in 30 minutes, why not let one of them start the game and put us on the front foot? Instead we have Pratley who only passes backwards, sideways and gives away fouls. We are literally handing initiative to the opposition at the start of every game and are surprised when they score from it. Yes mistakes are being made, but it's a consequence of where we are on the field and what the mindset is. Do you really think all these individual mistakes have no relation to how we are setting up for games? That we just coincidentally have experienced pro's all making mistakes at the same time?
It's the same thing we have all seen time and time again when we are leading and bowyer goes defensive - the mindset changes, we lose all initiative and then we concede maybe because someone makes a mistake. Bowyer then blames said player for making the mistake, but guess what - if we don't go ultra defensive we don't put all the players under all the extra pressure and we lessen the likelihood of the mistake happening.
Bowyer isn't seeing the relationship between these events and adjusting. He spent most of last 10 weeks playing the blame game and now he's just waiting for his best 11 players to be available again and hoping that we have enough time for them to get us out of the hole currently being dug.
He did as much as JFC and Pratley in the first half and had more quality than Pratley. He needs others doing their bit around him. Very short sighted to pick on him. If you analyse his first half performance it was not bad.
Williams is a attacking midfielder that has no end product. What's it 2 goals for us in 3 years and maybe 10 assists? That stats are there. Everyone likes him because he seems like a nice fella and us charlton fans love a rags to riches underdog story but he's not the answer in a struggling team. Morgan, Shinnie, Millar even JFC do more going forward
If you can only win when your best 11 players are available then you're not a good football manager - you just have 11 good players.
Using injuries to the the CB's as an excuse for bowyer over the last 2 months just shows you don't understand what the managers job is. Especially when he's had an open transfer window to address the issue.
We played the 2nd worst team in the league today and we have CM in Pratley who's only quality is in disruption of the opposition. If you are the better team, the better squad, you impose your game on the other team and make them deal with your qualities. Look how many chances Morgan and Shinnie created for us in 30 minutes, why not let one of them start the game and put us on the front foot? Instead we have Pratley who only passes backwards, sideways and gives away fouls. We are literally handing initiative to the opposition at the start of every game and are surprised when they score from it. Yes mistakes are being made, but it's a consequence of where we are on the field and what the mindset is. Do you really think all these individual mistakes have no relation to how we are setting up for games? That we just coincidentally have experienced pro's all making mistakes at the same time?
It's the same thing we have all seen time and time again when we are leading and bowyer goes defensive - the mindset changes, we lose all initiative and then we concede maybe because someone makes a mistake. Bowyer then blames said player for making the mistake, but guess what - if we don't go ultra defensive we don't put all the players under all the extra pressure and we lessen the likelihood of the mistake happening.
Bowyer isn't seeing the relationship between these events and adjusting. He spent most of last 10 weeks playing the blame game and now he's just waiting for his best 11 players to be available again and hoping that we have enough time for them to get us out of the hole currently being dug.
If you can only win when your best 11 players are available then you're not a good football manager - you just have 11 good players.
Using injuries to the the CB's as an excuse for bowyer over the last 2 months just shows you don't understand what the managers job is. Especially when he's had an open transfer window to address the issue.
We played the 2nd worst team in the league today and we have CM in Pratley who's only quality is in disruption of the opposition. If you are the better team, the better squad, you impose your game on the other team and make them deal with your qualities. Look how many chances Morgan and Shinnie created for us in 30 minutes, why not let one of them start the game and put us on the front foot? Instead we have Pratley who only passes backwards, sideways and gives away fouls. We are literally handing initiative to the opposition at the start of every game and are surprised when they score from it. Yes mistakes are being made, but it's a consequence of where we are on the field and what the mindset is. Do you really think all these individual mistakes have no relation to how we are setting up for games? That we just coincidentally have experienced pro's all making mistakes at the same time?
It's the same thing we have all seen time and time again when we are leading and bowyer goes defensive - the mindset changes, we lose all initiative and then we concede maybe because someone makes a mistake. Bowyer then blames said player for making the mistake, but guess what - if we don't go ultra defensive we don't put all the players under all the extra pressure and we lessen the likelihood of the mistake happening.
Bowyer isn't seeing the relationship between these events and adjusting. He spent most of last 10 weeks playing the blame game and now he's just waiting for his best 11 players to be available again and hoping that we have enough time for them to get us out of the hole currently being dug.
absolutely nailed it
although i do think the forwards we have brought in are desperately needed so not on lb's case about that
He did as much as JFC and Pratley in the first half and had more quality than Pratley. He needs others doing their bit around him. Very short sighted to pick on him. If you analyse his first half performance it was not bad.
Williams is a attacking midfielder that has no end product. What's it 2 goals for us in 3 years and maybe 10 assists? That stats are there. Everyone likes him because he seems like a nice fella and us charlton fans love a rags to riches underdog story but he's not the answer in a struggling team. Morgan, Shinnie, Millar even JFC do more going forward
Hardly a rags to riches story when he was earning 15k a week since he was a teenager.
Williams doesn't get loads of goals and assists but to not see what he can bring to a team, when played in the correct position, is blinkered.
You either play him there, or there is no point having him. He is almost as non versatile as a goal keeper, but he his very good at what he does, if allowed.
If you can only win when your best 11 players are available then you're not a good football manager - you just have 11 good players.
Using injuries to the the CB's as an excuse for bowyer over the last 2 months just shows you don't understand what the managers job is. Especially when he's had an open transfer window to address the issue.
We played the 2nd worst team in the league today and we have CM in Pratley who's only quality is in disruption of the opposition. If you are the better team, the better squad, you impose your game on the other team and make them deal with your qualities. Look how many chances Morgan and Shinnie created for us in 30 minutes, why not let one of them start the game and put us on the front foot? Instead we have Pratley who only passes backwards, sideways and gives away fouls. We are literally handing initiative to the opposition at the start of every game and are surprised when they score from it. Yes mistakes are being made, but it's a consequence of where we are on the field and what the mindset is. Do you really think all these individual mistakes have no relation to how we are setting up for games? That we just coincidentally have experienced pro's all making mistakes at the same time?
It's the same thing we have all seen time and time again when we are leading and bowyer goes defensive - the mindset changes, we lose all initiative and then we concede maybe because someone makes a mistake. Bowyer then blames said player for making the mistake, but guess what - if we don't go ultra defensive we don't put all the players under all the extra pressure and we lessen the likelihood of the mistake happening.
Bowyer isn't seeing the relationship between these events and adjusting. He spent most of last 10 weeks playing the blame game and now he's just waiting for his best 11 players to be available again and hoping that we have enough time for them to get us out of the hole currently being dug.
I think you need a Pratley or Watson in your team. A defensive midfielder just in front of the back four that keeps the team ticking and offers protection. All the top teams play that way. If anything I think JFC was a bit too deep at times today he should get forward more and cause problems
If you can only win when your best 11 players are available then you're not a good football manager - you just have 11 good players.
Using injuries to the the CB's as an excuse for bowyer over the last 2 months just shows you don't understand what the managers job is. Especially when he's had an open transfer window to address the issue.
We played the 2nd worst team in the league today and we have CM in Pratley who's only quality is in disruption of the opposition. If you are the better team, the better squad, you impose your game on the other team and make them deal with your qualities. Look how many chances Morgan and Shinnie created for us in 30 minutes, why not let one of them start the game and put us on the front foot? Instead we have Pratley who only passes backwards, sideways and gives away fouls. We are literally handing initiative to the opposition at the start of every game and are surprised when they score from it. Yes mistakes are being made, but it's a consequence of where we are on the field and what the mindset is. Do you really think all these individual mistakes have no relation to how we are setting up for games? That we just coincidentally have experienced pro's all making mistakes at the same time?
It's the same thing we have all seen time and time again when we are leading and bowyer goes defensive - the mindset changes, we lose all initiative and then we concede maybe because someone makes a mistake. Bowyer then blames said player for making the mistake, but guess what - if we don't go ultra defensive we don't put all the players under all the extra pressure and we lessen the likelihood of the mistake happening.
Bowyer isn't seeing the relationship between these events and adjusting. He spent most of last 10 weeks playing the blame game and now he's just waiting for his best 11 players to be available again and hoping that we have enough time for them to get us out of the hole currently being dug.
absolutely nailed it
I'd agree more or less but Bows ain't got a best 11, even if he did have itd be rotated.
Cant recall us playing unchanged team 3 games in a row.
If you can only win when your best 11 players are available then you're not a good football manager - you just have 11 good players.
Using injuries to the the CB's as an excuse for bowyer over the last 2 months just shows you don't understand what the managers job is. Especially when he's had an open transfer window to address the issue.
We played the 2nd worst team in the league today and we have CM in Pratley who's only quality is in disruption of the opposition. If you are the better team, the better squad, you impose your game on the other team and make them deal with your qualities. Look how many chances Morgan and Shinnie created for us in 30 minutes, why not let one of them start the game and put us on the front foot? Instead we have Pratley who only passes backwards, sideways and gives away fouls. We are literally handing initiative to the opposition at the start of every game and are surprised when they score from it. Yes mistakes are being made, but it's a consequence of where we are on the field and what the mindset is. Do you really think all these individual mistakes have no relation to how we are setting up for games? That we just coincidentally have experienced pro's all making mistakes at the same time?
It's the same thing we have all seen time and time again when we are leading and bowyer goes defensive - the mindset changes, we lose all initiative and then we concede maybe because someone makes a mistake. Bowyer then blames said player for making the mistake, but guess what - if we don't go ultra defensive we don't put all the players under all the extra pressure and we lessen the likelihood of the mistake happening.
Bowyer isn't seeing the relationship between these events and adjusting. He spent most of last 10 weeks playing the blame game and now he's just waiting for his best 11 players to be available again and hoping that we have enough time for them to get us out of the hole currently being dug.
Ronnie had a goal disallowed for offside but wasn't.
He was absolutely offside. He even knew it by holding his hands up and not wanting the pass. A good half a yard off.
The Charlton analyst said it was on side according to Lee Bowyer. Personally I couldn't tell when they replayed it as they didn't freeze the action when the ball was played.
Looked like the right back was playing him on when they showed the replay
I hate the fact that some Charlton fans think we we are somehow entitled to promotion. That drawing with Swindon is ‘below’ us (it’s frustrating but not terminal). This season was always going to be tough. Relegated in the last minute, ownership chaos, half the squad left (including most of our quality players), short pre season, under embargo for some of the transfer window, late signings under the wage cap, patched up the defence with 2 good centre halves (then both get long term injuries), best player (Doughty) out etc etc. Of course we all want promotion, of course we are not defending well enough, of course we are not taking our chances. But we need to give Bowyer a proper summer window, a full pre season and a proper chance to rebuild. We are on a desperately bad run of form, but sacking Bowyer is not the answer. Let’s give the guy a break and see what he can do. Lenny Lawrence, Alan Curbishley and Chris Powell all had bad runs and ultimately had successful periods because they got the club and got the fans. I am convinced Bowyer is the same... we’ve dropped to this league 3 times in recent history and it took 3 seasons each time to get back up, what’s the big panic now ?
If you can only win when your best 11 players are available then you're not a good football manager - you just have 11 good players.
Using injuries to the the CB's as an excuse for bowyer over the last 2 months just shows you don't understand what the managers job is. Especially when he's had an open transfer window to address the issue.
We played the 2nd worst team in the league today and we have CM in Pratley who's only quality is in disruption of the opposition. If you are the better team, the better squad, you impose your game on the other team and make them deal with your qualities. Look how many chances Morgan and Shinnie created for us in 30 minutes, why not let one of them start the game and put us on the front foot? Instead we have Pratley who only passes backwards, sideways and gives away fouls. We are literally handing initiative to the opposition at the start of every game and are surprised when they score from it. Yes mistakes are being made, but it's a consequence of where we are on the field and what the mindset is. Do you really think all these individual mistakes have no relation to how we are setting up for games? That we just coincidentally have experienced pro's all making mistakes at the same time?
It's the same thing we have all seen time and time again when we are leading and bowyer goes defensive - the mindset changes, we lose all initiative and then we concede maybe because someone makes a mistake. Bowyer then blames said player for making the mistake, but guess what - if we don't go ultra defensive we don't put all the players under all the extra pressure and we lessen the likelihood of the mistake happening.
Bowyer isn't seeing the relationship between these events and adjusting. He spent most of last 10 weeks playing the blame game and now he's just waiting for his best 11 players to be available again and hoping that we have enough time for them to get us out of the hole currently being dug.
Don't completely agree with this because I don't think today's game went as you said. We were on the front foot... we had 2 chances before Swindon scored, and they scored through a chronic bit of keeping. I also think the decline in Pearce since his return is as bad as I've seen in a player. The Pearce of last year was a good cb... no need to fill during the window. Williams and Millar created good chances.
More generally, Bowyer has made mistakes yes. Smyth at RB being the worst (but that was made with the intention of being on the front foot). Liverpool are struggling without 2 key centre backs... is Klopp suddenly crap?
Sorry, but for me the blame lies more with the players than the manager. Too many are not putting in the effort and quality of which they are capable. Tactically, today's line up should've led to a 3 or 4 goal win. Peterborough was the same, we played well with 2 complete individual cock ups.
I've said before that he's made mistakes.. Playing Maatsen out of position seems to have shot his confidence, same with Gunter. But lose Inniss, Famewo, Doughty, Shinnie from any side for a sustained period... that's a big problem at this level. And he's transformed JFC into a top performer, brought Williams back from the nothing of last year, put faith in Aneke... those count as much in the positive column as the Maatsen debacle does in the negative.
I still don’t think there’s anyone better placed than Bowyer to manage this club with the players we have available, I just struggle to buy into the majority of this team and the way we play at the moment. Really hoping for some light at the end of this mediocre tunnel soon
Lack of consistency that's the problem probably in need of a defensive coach as well to go though various phases of play, work on positioning and transitions.
It's so easy to blame the defense overall bar few errors we defended okay we need to win the midfield battle apart from JFC who has consistently performed box to box we go though stages of no real energy and desire, that 2nd goal people blaming Miller for the tackle he had a fair bit of ground leaving his man to come across to get a foot in the first place in a position where the midfielders or centre backs should be stepping in and winning.
With Shinnie and Morgan coming on we looked more assured going forward with moving the ball quicker also pressed higher up the pitch ultimately defending from the front more and turning over possession higher up the pitch being proactive rather then reactive. I want to see more of that energy the same energy Cullen, Aribo, Gallagher.... Brought into the side.
If you can only win when your best 11 players are available then you're not a good football manager - you just have 11 good players.
Using injuries to the the CB's as an excuse for bowyer over the last 2 months just shows you don't understand what the managers job is. Especially when he's had an open transfer window to address the issue.
We played the 2nd worst team in the league today and we have CM in Pratley who's only quality is in disruption of the opposition. If you are the better team, the better squad, you impose your game on the other team and make them deal with your qualities. Look how many chances Morgan and Shinnie created for us in 30 minutes, why not let one of them start the game and put us on the front foot? Instead we have Pratley who only passes backwards, sideways and gives away fouls. We are literally handing initiative to the opposition at the start of every game and are surprised when they score from it. Yes mistakes are being made, but it's a consequence of where we are on the field and what the mindset is. Do you really think all these individual mistakes have no relation to how we are setting up for games? That we just coincidentally have experienced pro's all making mistakes at the same time?
It's the same thing we have all seen time and time again when we are leading and bowyer goes defensive - the mindset changes, we lose all initiative and then we concede maybe because someone makes a mistake. Bowyer then blames said player for making the mistake, but guess what - if we don't go ultra defensive we don't put all the players under all the extra pressure and we lessen the likelihood of the mistake happening.
Bowyer isn't seeing the relationship between these events and adjusting. He spent most of last 10 weeks playing the blame game and now he's just waiting for his best 11 players to be available again and hoping that we have enough time for them to get us out of the hole currently being dug.
Don't completely agree with this because I don't think today's game went as you said. We were on the front foot... we had 2 chances before Swindon scored, and they scored through a chronic bit of keeping. I also think the decline in Pearce since his return is as bad as I've seen in a player. The Pearce of last year was a good cb... no need to fill during the window. Williams and Millar created good chances.
More generally, Bowyer has made mistakes yes. Smyth at RB being the worst (but that was made with the intention of being on the front foot). Liverpool are struggling without 2 key centre backs... is Klopp suddenly crap?
Sorry, but for me the blame lies more with the players than the manager. Too many are not putting in the effort and quality of which they are capable. Tactically, today's line up should've led to a 3 or 4 goal win. Peterborough was the same, we played well with 2 complete individual cock ups.
I've said before that he's made mistakes.. Playing Maatsen out of position seems to have shot his confidence, same with Gunter. But lose Inniss, Famewo, Doughty, Shinnie from any side for a sustained period... that's a big problem at this level. And he's transformed JFC into a top performer, brought Williams back from the nothing of last year, put faith in Aneke... those count as much in the positive column as the Maatsen debacle does in the negative.
You could also argue that the 5 points we have from the last 4 games, with sightly better performances that the previous month or so, could have been 9 or even 10 if the players had a bit more confidence.
In both themselves and what they are being asked to do if the confused selections, punishment subs and the all round blame game hadn't happened.
The year + bad run has happened because Bowyer is doing exactly the opposite of what he did in his 1st 2 years. Trust the process and success will come.
The process seems to have been discarded for quite some time, and so have the performances.
While we are ripping the sh*t out of everyone, anyone else think Amos needs a rest?
No, could probably do with some competition though. It's not a coincidence that best, recent, 18 months of form from a goal keeper we have had was with a senior keeper on the bench.
Even before that our Number 1 has been better with the likes of Sullivan, Button, Alnwick etc as No 2.
I hate the fact that some Charlton fans think we we are somehow entitled to promotion. That drawing with Swindon is ‘below’ us (it’s frustrating but not terminal). This season was always going to be tough. Relegated in the last minute, ownership chaos, half the squad left (including most of our quality players), short pre season, under embargo for some of the transfer window, late signings under the wage cap, patched up the defence with 2 good centre halves (then both get long term injuries), best player (Doughty) out etc etc. Of course we all want promotion, of course we are not defending well enough, of course we are not taking our chances. But we need to give Bowyer a proper summer window, a full pre season and a proper chance to rebuild. We are on a desperately bad run of form, but sacking Bowyer is not the answer. Let’s give the guy a break and see what he can do. Lenny Lawrence, Alan Curbishley and Chris Powell all had bad runs and ultimately had successful periods because they got the club and got the fans. I am convinced Bowyer is the same... we’ve dropped to this league 3 times in recent history and it took 3 seasons each time to get back up, what’s the big panic now ?
I know the like system is meant to avoid posts like this, but I can't help but quote and say what a level headed post, I wish more of our fans saw it like this.
Some of the names I am seeing on twitter, Cowleys, Cook etc, none of them will get Charlton like Bowyer do and would be off at the first opportunity.
I hate the fact that some Charlton fans think we we are somehow entitled to promotion. That drawing with Swindon is ‘below’ us (it’s frustrating but not terminal). This season was always going to be tough. Relegated in the last minute, ownership chaos, half the squad left (including most of our quality players), short pre season, under embargo for some of the transfer window, late signings under the wage cap, patched up the defence with 2 good centre halves (then both get long term injuries), best player (Doughty) out etc etc. Of course we all want promotion, of course we are not defending well enough, of course we are not taking our chances. But we need to give Bowyer a proper summer window, a full pre season and a proper chance to rebuild. We are on a desperately bad run of form, but sacking Bowyer is not the answer. Let’s give the guy a break and see what he can do. Lenny Lawrence, Alan Curbishley and Chris Powell all had bad runs and ultimately had successful periods because they got the club and got the fans. I am convinced Bowyer is the same... we’ve dropped to this league 3 times in recent history and it took 3 seasons each time to get back up, what’s the big panic now ?
I know the like system is meant to avoid posts like this, but I can't help but quote and say what a level headed post, I wish more of our fans saw it like this.
Some of the names I am seeing on twitter, Cowleys, Cook etc, none of them will get Charlton like Bowyer do and would be off at the first opportunity.
Genuinely intrested but do you think "getting Charlton" is more important than short term/medium term success?
Second question do you think Bowyer stayed because he "got Charlton" or he got paid a reasonable amount, doesn't actually need the job and has a family settled in the area?
Third question if Leeds, Westham, Newcastle or one of the "big six" offered Bowyer their managers job do you think he would stay?
I’ll be honest , i didn’t ever fancy him to convert . There’s something about him that just gives me no confidence in him , i can’t quite put my finger on it but I don’t rate him at all but he ain’t that bad , it’s all a bit confusing
In my position as arbiter of reasonableness I wish our fans would stop identifying our poor run of form as being in any way to do with the manager. Obviously there is a conspiracy against Lord Bowyer. Let's give him till the end of the season when our failure to win much can be re-evaluated and the chance to rebuild will no doubt lead to a successful season - if you disagree you are clearly anti Charlton and want us to fail.
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What a frustrating run though.
But as you say, let's not forget what a year it's been for the club. However, we finally have an owner who has the club's best interest at heart, and an up and coming manager.
Interesting to hear Gallen acknowledge (in the pre-match interview) recruitment being too "forward orientated" of late. Pleased with the forward additions, but that balance needs to be addressed in the next week. Far too vulnerable at the back, and all opponents know it. The main hurdle to that is, of course, the salary cap.
But I believe in Thomas, Bow, Jacko & Gallen. They are the ones to take the club forward in the next few years, even if we do have a few blips here & there. Longevity & stability breeds long term success.
Thankfully, we are still there or there abouts.
I'm confident that we are going to turn the corner in the not too distant future.
I'm beginning to think I'm a fairly rare breed.... An optimistic Addick!
COYR!
The most coherent thing I said on the match thread.
I'm pleased we have Valley pass but I find it difficult to see if anyone is covering when we attack. Not being at the ground is difficult to assess players work rate because you are oblivious to the work off the ball.
I wanted Charlton to play on the front foot and try to get at League 1 defenders and we tried to do that first half but having both Millar and Williams attacking, JFC working hard but not quite on the pace, and Pratley a one man assassin; the 4 midfielders of Swindon had many chances to get the ball out wide and exploit Matthews and Maatsen on the break. The first goal highlighted this by Matthews poor marking and Amos letting in another goal from a hard shot from wide left at the valley.
Millar, my MOM despite his half hearted tackle. Liam was involved in both our goals and the kid can only get better.
You can't have Williams and Millar in the same team because they are bang average at defending. Millar must get the nod to start as he opens up defences.
20% success rate today with shots on Target for Cafc and Swindon had a 33% success rate if we include their shot that hit the post when they were 2-1 up.
20 shots by Charlton is more impressive that the misery total of two goals.
I'm back on the same page as Lee Bowyer after his baffling line ups of the team in Nov and Dec 2020, even though I would have started Morgan to feed Aneke and Schwartz from the start instead of Williams.
4-4-2 is the best formation as we can't seem to master 3-5-2.
We have four strikers who are all capable of scoring. The crossbar challenge was won today by Millar over Aneke as he was further out.
It wasn't Lee fault today that Gunter had to play CB and LB after the injury.
Both CB had tidy games today but having your 3rd 4th and 5th choice CB's to pick from is not ideal.
Doing my Nut in, is still my over riding thought as 20 shots hit bodies, woodwork, wide, saved, hit post or unfairly ruled out for off side. And two shots went in.
Help, I can't do this anymore.....
Until Tuesday
2-2
1-2
1-0
4-4
0-2
0-2
2-2
2-2
5-2
1-1
0-1
2-0
2-4
1-1
W 3 D6 L5
15 points - 1.07 point per game
For 23 - 1.64 per game
Against 25 - 1.79 per game
1.07 per game equates to 49 points in a season, that's near relegation form. 14 games isn't a blip, that's over a quarter of a season. Yes we've had 2 centre backs missing, but surely we should be able to cope better defensively? Especially when we are able to strengthen and Bowyer has chosen not to bring in any defenders. It looks like at least 2 games before Famewo is back, Innis even longer.
Yes there is a cap, but we have an awful lot of deadwood when you consider that Bogle, Smyth, Watson and Maddison (all signed in autumn) were missing today for one reason or another, and how many would be in our AND Bowyer's best 11?
(Source Lee Bowyer)
The Charlton analyst said it was on side according to Lee Bowyer.
Personally I couldn't tell when they replayed it as they didn't freeze the action when the ball was played.
Passive aggressive and delusional. Just bore off
Using injuries to the the CB's as an excuse for bowyer over the last 2 months just shows you don't understand what the managers job is. Especially when he's had an open transfer window to address the issue.
We played the 2nd worst team in the league today and we have CM in Pratley who's only quality is in disruption of the opposition. If you are the better team, the better squad, you impose your game on the other team and make them deal with your qualities. Look how many chances Morgan and Shinnie created for us in 30 minutes, why not let one of them start the game and put us on the front foot? Instead we have Pratley who only passes backwards, sideways and gives away fouls. We are literally handing initiative to the opposition at the start of every game and are surprised when they score from it. Yes mistakes are being made, but it's a consequence of where we are on the field and what the mindset is. Do you really think all these individual mistakes have no relation to how we are setting up for games? That we just coincidentally have experienced pro's all making mistakes at the same time?
It's the same thing we have all seen time and time again when we are leading and bowyer goes defensive - the mindset changes, we lose all initiative and then we concede maybe because someone makes a mistake. Bowyer then blames said player for making the mistake, but guess what - if we don't go ultra defensive we don't put all the players under all the extra pressure and we lessen the likelihood of the mistake happening.
Bowyer isn't seeing the relationship between these events and adjusting. He spent most of last 10 weeks playing the blame game and now he's just waiting for his best 11 players to be available again and hoping that we have enough time for them to get us out of the hole currently being dug.
Williams doesn't get loads of goals and assists but to not see what he can bring to a team, when played in the correct position, is blinkered.
You either play him there, or there is no point having him. He is almost as non versatile as a goal keeper, but he his very good at what he does, if allowed.
Cant recall us playing unchanged team 3 games in a row.
More generally, Bowyer has made mistakes yes. Smyth at RB being the worst (but that was made with the intention of being on the front foot). Liverpool are struggling without 2 key centre backs... is Klopp suddenly crap?
Sorry, but for me the blame lies more with the players than the manager. Too many are not putting in the effort and quality of which they are capable. Tactically, today's line up should've led to a 3 or 4 goal win. Peterborough was the same, we played well with 2 complete individual cock ups.
I've said before that he's made mistakes..
Playing Maatsen out of position seems to have shot his confidence, same with Gunter. But lose Inniss, Famewo, Doughty, Shinnie from any side for a sustained period... that's a big problem at this level. And he's transformed JFC into a top performer, brought Williams back from the nothing of last year, put faith in Aneke... those count as much in the positive column as the Maatsen debacle does in the negative.
It's so easy to blame the defense overall bar few errors we defended okay we need to win the midfield battle apart from JFC who has consistently performed box to box we go though stages of no real energy and desire, that 2nd goal people blaming Miller for the tackle he had a fair bit of ground leaving his man to come across to get a foot in the first place in a position where the midfielders or centre backs should be stepping in and winning.
With Shinnie and Morgan coming on we looked more assured going forward with moving the ball quicker also pressed higher up the pitch ultimately defending from the front more and turning over possession higher up the pitch being proactive rather then reactive. I want to see more of that energy the same energy Cullen, Aribo, Gallagher.... Brought into the side.
In both themselves and what they are being asked to do if the confused selections, punishment subs and the all round blame game hadn't happened.
The year + bad run has happened because Bowyer is doing exactly the opposite of what he did in his 1st 2 years. Trust the process and success will come.
The process seems to have been discarded for quite some time, and so have the performances.
Even before that our Number 1 has been better with the likes of Sullivan, Button, Alnwick etc as No 2.
Some of the names I am seeing on twitter, Cowleys, Cook etc, none of them will get Charlton like Bowyer do and would be off at the first opportunity.
Second question do you think Bowyer stayed because he "got Charlton" or he got paid a reasonable amount, doesn't actually need the job and has a family settled in the area?
Third question if Leeds, Westham, Newcastle or one of the "big six" offered Bowyer their managers job do you think he would stay?
There’s something about him that just gives me no confidence in him , i can’t quite put my finger on it but I don’t rate him at all but he ain’t that bad , it’s all a bit confusing