Carlisle weren’t too bad, all things considered. We’ve played worse teams this season. Just shows what a weird league this is.
Coventry is very good, and Wickham looked really sharp.
No Tuesday game, so an opportunity to take stock.
Did Wickham look ‘really sharp’ ? I must have been watching the wrong human being
I was expecting someone who would be way off the pace having not played for so long, like Ladapo maybe, but was impressed with his touch.
I’d like to see a compilation of his contributions (9 or 10 in his 20 minutes?) because they nearly all came off - except for the attempted bicycle kick, but even that was worth trying from the position he was in. Certainly good a few oohs and aahs from the CE.
Will have a closer look when the full match replay is up on Tuesday.
Anyway, if that’s what he’s like after not playing for donkeys, then I’m really looking forwards to seeing what he can do with a game or two under his belt.
And I don’t see why so many people emphasise the negatives, rather than the positives. Someone even criticising him for not contributing defensively. A bit like saying, ‘that Alfie May, he’s ok, but I’m seriously worried that he won’t win many headers’.
Share games with the wife now and after my run of ten winless games, it was her turn yesterday and 3 points duly arrived.
Groan (even more than normal) next time you see me…
Ooh the perils of marrying a proper Addick. Mrs Stig on the other hand hasn't been to Charlton for so long that I had to explain what a tunnel jump was when describing Alfie's big slapstick moment.
Having seen the highlights, was their first goal technically an own goal from Isted? It looked like he pushed the ball onto the post and in.
With a keeper it would only be deemed an own goal if the shot wasn’t on target.
The guy sort of hooked the ball into the top corner, and Isted couldn’t quite scoop it out. It was a bit of a freak goal really. Or a very nice finish, I’m not sure which.
As for the game, I think many of us were a little disappointed, because after such a tough run of games, and some very good performances, I think we were all hoping to see a bit of an exhibition, and a win by at least two or three goals.
I’m not sure if it was Carlisle playing well, or us not really having the energy to continue the recent energy levels & aggression, or whether it just showed how far we still have to go to be a top six side. Maybe a mixture of all three?
Vital win, but as others have said, our squad needs a major rebuild
Those not good enough or do not offer any value, in my view, must leave the club.
I know I am off topic, but watching today, I thought what a job NJ has to get us into the promotion push next year.
The problem will be Andy Scott, who is clueless on recruitment, given the chaotic nature of our squad.
NJ looks a proper manager, but the sorting out of the squad need to start in early May.
It is a massive challenge, but below is my take on it
Must keeps
- Small - EDG - ConCov - May - Leaburn - Kanu - Dobbo [if he plays like today and wants to stay] - Anderson [ he will get better]
Loans - please sort out the mess !
The rubbish loanees can all go back to their parent club The rubbish we have loaned out - that’s a huge issue/problem
Not good enough, so must go
Goalkeepers - Isted and AMB Thomas - get rid Edun - get rid Ladapo - get rid Bakinson - get rid Hector - get rid Ness - sell or loan out Chin - sell or loan out L Watson - get rid
The “never fit”, so must go
Taylor Ramsey Chuks Camara
Jury’s still out….a risk
Ghillesphey T Watson Jones Wickham [ his fitness will be the problem]
Youngsters not quite ready, so loan out?
Asiimwe - needs game time Campbell - need game time Henry - last chance saloon
Never let them wear the shirt again [if they are still on our books]
Payne Fraser Deejay Mcgrandles Kirk Fiorini
Big Diddy were you drinking when you wrote that ? Firstly have a look at the players who's contracts are up in July, your get rid list includes loanees, we won't have to 'get rid' they return to the parent club as the loan is over, that includes Camara who is in your 'never fit so must list. Just one more thing, I know you stated sometime ago that you don't attend games but it might be a good idea to get down to the Valley but when you do don't look for Charlie Kirk, he left the club in December.
I was there today - as soon as Apples was sacked, I returned.
Note the comment “[If they are still on our books]” - I was not sure about some of them as our squad is so chaotic.
The point of my post was to highlight the problem with Scott.
I will agree with you on that. I have never been a lover of this 'I buy the players and you select the team' ethos, I'm sure there are successful models but we have sacked two managers and the individual who put a poor as piss squad together is still getting paid. I have convinced myself with no evidence whatsoever that Jones took the job on the proviso that he was involved in all aspects of incomings and outgoings and a good thing too if that's the case. And welcome back Diddy, glad you feel its right to return.
Was it Coventry who played the ball to Kanu for his goal? If so very reminiscent of the pass he made against Derby when Kanu won the penalty. Developing a good understanding.
It was May
When he hit that pass I went ‘No, May!’ I thought he was too far from Kanu, who was too isolated. Oops.
Carlisle weren’t too bad, all things considered. We’ve played worse teams this season. Just shows what a weird league this is.
Coventry is very good, and Wickham looked really sharp.
No Tuesday game, so an opportunity to take stock.
Did Wickham look ‘really sharp’ ? I must have been watching the wrong human being
I was expecting someone who would be way off the pace having not played for so long, like Ladapo maybe, but was impressed with his touch.
I’d like to see a compilation of his contributions (9 or 10 in his 20 minutes?) because they nearly all came off - except for the attempted bicycle kick, but even that was worth trying from the position he was in. Certainly good a few oohs and aahs from the CE.
Will have a closer look when the full match replay is up on Tuesday.
Anyway, if that’s what he’s like after not playing for donkeys, then I’m really looking forwards to seeing what he can do with a game or two under his belt.
And I don’t see why so many people emphasise the negatives, rather than the positives. Someone even criticising him for not contributing defensively. A bit like saying, ‘that Alfie May, he’s ok, but I’m seriously worried that he won’t win many headers’.
That was me. I think when protecting a one-goal lead, expecting a centre forward to engage at the halfway line isn't too much to ask, and he didn't look able to do that. Maybe he was under orders not to, but it still worried me a bit when their players had agency quite so high up the pitch in the last few minutes.
Probably the worst five goal thriller I’ve ever witnessed. Dire game. Zero quality on show. But a win is a win is a win and we are surely now pretty much safe from the dreaded R word. Highlight of the day was Alfie landing on his arse attempting a bootless tunnel jump. We could argue that a lamentable Carlisle dragged us down a level or plead tiredness after a pile of games in short order. Or maybe we’re just a mid tier side in a piss poor league.
Anderson turned in a performance of Charlie Kirk levels of competence, the difference being that young Karoy clearly gives a f••k. He should have been rested today and hopefully will be hence forward. Other than Alfie and Kanu (why does Charlotte continually refer to him as “Canoe”?) that was a team full of 6 out of 10 performances. But it was good enough and that’s the main thing.
Notable assist from agent Lavelle. Nice chap.
Anderson wasn't great but a three on the player marks thread? You really are a silly billy.
It's not really anyone's job to critique anyone else's player marks. We're all entitled to our opinion. Well, except ronniemoore.
NJ has done a magnificent job changing a team where losing was the norm to a team very hard to beat. I would also like to praise the owners who despite misjudgements on certain recruitments have continued to put their hands in their pockets to get the reinforcements required to steer the club to safety.
This. We can all question the motives of the owners but there is absolutely no doubt that if they hadn't of put their hands in their pockets in January to bring the likes of Coventry, REG, Gillesphey, Small etc in and even more importantly dug even further into their pockets to sack Appleton and bring NJ in, we would really have been up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
- I never felt too worried about where the goals were gonna come from. Carlisle looked suspect and like they were setting their stall out to defend as soon as we had possession in anything resembling an attacking area. Took a couple of good finishes and a mistake from Lavelle for us to get the three goals we needed but hey, we got them. Results are what matter right now.
- The penalty was a foul in the box and a bit of a soft one. Gillesphey wasn't really thinking I don't think. Their opener was... weird. I don't really know how the bloke even got the shot away, let alone how it went in. It wasn't deserved and I'm glad we responded as we did.
- Thierry Small will eventually have things click and look like prime Roberto Carlos for one game - all the stuff he tries will come off. But that might be a while away! Very pleased to have him about; he's got a very good attitude.
- In general this side shows a lot of willing and a lot of teamwork, rather than trying to shine as individuals. The cultural transformation has been excellent under NJ.
- Terell Thomas has had quite the renaissance - he's gone from "okay squad player" to "he has to start", for me. I'd have Jones over Gillesphey, for the time being. Rarmani Edmonds-Green looks like he could be part of a good team next season. If we were going to seriously challenge for promotion... I don't know about Tennai Watson. But then we've got Kayne Ramsay who we don't know enough about.
- I like all of Dobbo (obviously), Coventry and Karoy Anderson. But Karoy is not currently good enough to be part of a promotion-pushing team, imo, and I think Dobbo/Coventry are quite similar. I'd want a CM that brings something different - be that a Camara/Bakinson type (neither imho are quite good enough), or be it a twinkle-toes playmaker sort of player. Yesterday there was a decent understanding in the centre of the part but I didn't quite see enough to be convinced we'd unlock defences again and again, which the best teams do.
- Love you Alfie May. Love you Dan Kanu. Can't wait to see what happens when Leaburn is fit, eventually. We're pretty sorted up front imho, adding in Chuks into the mix (touch wood).
- I think we need a new keeper but don't mind if that's further down the list of priorities.
Lots to be positive about and to build on, and I don't think we've got a bad foundation for next season. Here's hoping we can finish this one strongly!
I rather hope anybody who does player marks is consistent with their own internal judgements and thoughts across the season. Some are always easy to please, some are much harder to please, but taken across a season from everybody I am convinced the end results are a pretty accurate reflection of our players.
Win ugly, job done, as for Anderson, felt he was off it from the moment he got booked
Well as you might expect from a 19-year old who knows people criticised his previous performancé and then gets a quite ridiculous booking from an inexperienced ref looking to “stamp his authority”. Then being penalised twice more for daring to tacklé and to top it off, being blocked off by the sodding ref when he had a break on.
People should give him a break, especially after that inane booking.
It's the manager's job to see he's not on his game and deal with the situation. I don't see anyone having a dig at a 19 year old.
I don't think there's any evidence that the owners aren't doing their bit now - scott's performance, yes, but as far as investment, we have a very bloated squad now that must be costing a lot - if all 6 of our strikers were fit, we'd have 3 of the best target men and 3 of the best finishers in the league - we also have an abundance of central defenders and midfielders - as NJ says, the squad needs trimming in places and and adding to in others and i have every confidence that he'll get that right in the summer and next season we will be at the top end. I think our job now is simply to get behind it, help fill the stadium and help roar the team on.
Vital win, but as others have said, our squad needs a major rebuild
Those not good enough or do not offer any value, in my view, must leave the club.
I know I am off topic, but watching today, I thought what a job NJ has to get us into the promotion push next year.
The problem will be Andy Scott, who is clueless on recruitment, given the chaotic nature of our squad.
NJ looks a proper manager, but the sorting out of the squad need to start in early May.
Out of interest, who recruited Nathan Jones?
Jones would have been recruited by those above him - Warwick and Methven.
I think the owners look as though they will spend - my gripe is not about them, but is about the senior team here. If Jones is now making key decisions on recruitment, what is the point of Scott?
Just need very good scouts to check out targets and report.
My point is about the piss poor recruitment that has led to us flirting with relegation this year - that must never happen again, so it will start with how we do in the next window, not wait until the ends of the window to pick up whoever is left in the market
NJ has done a great job, but we still look like a mid table L1 team, with a few really good players.
That is why the club needs to change recruitment [and retention] and it needs to start in May.
I rather hope anybody who does player marks is consistent with their own internal judgements and thoughts across the season. Some are always easy to please, some are much harder to please, but taken across a season from everybody I am convinced the end results are a pretty accurate reflection of our players.
Many marking systems remove some of the extremes. Like the 10s and the 2s or threes, in order to prevent vote rigging. I think they do that in the Olympics figure skating, and maybe diving. Or am I imagining that?
I rather hope anybody who does player marks is consistent with their own internal judgements and thoughts across the season. Some are always easy to please, some are much harder to please, but taken across a season from everybody I am convinced the end results are a pretty accurate reflection of our players.
Many marking systems remove some of the extremes. Like the 10s and the 2s or threes, in order to prevent vote rigging. I think they do that in the Olympics figure skating, and maybe diving. Or am I imagining that?
I am sure they do. Nevertheless I would leave our system alone, even if I feel annoyed by somebody giving what I believe to be a stupidly harsh or a stupidly fawning mark.
Probably the worst five goal thriller I’ve ever witnessed. Dire game. Zero quality on show. But a win is a win is a win and we are surely now pretty much safe from the dreaded R word. Highlight of the day was Alfie landing on his arse attempting a bootless tunnel jump. We could argue that a lamentable Carlisle dragged us down a level or plead tiredness after a pile of games in short order. Or maybe we’re just a mid tier side in a piss poor league.
Anderson turned in a performance of Charlie Kirk levels of competence, the difference being that young Karoy clearly gives a f••k. He should have been rested today and hopefully will be hence forward. Other than Alfie and Kanu (why does Charlotte continually refer to him as “Canoe”?) that was a team full of 6 out of 10 performances. But it was good enough and that’s the main thing.
Notable assist from agent Lavelle. Nice chap.
Anderson wasn't great but a three on the player marks thread? You really are a silly billy.
It's not really anyone's job to critique anyone else's player marks. We're all entitled to our opinion. Well, except ronniemoore.
For some on here it's a regular hobby to comment on other people's marks.
I once got an inbox from someone saying my mark for one player was wrong. They weren't even at the game!
I don't think there's any evidence that the owners aren't doing their bit now - scott's performance, yes, but as far as investment, we have a very bloated squad now that must be costing a lot - if all 6 of our strikers were fit, we'd have 3 of the best target men and 3 of the best finishers in the league - we also have an abundance of central defenders and midfielders - as NJ says, the squad needs trimming in places and and adding to in others and i have every confidence that he'll get that right in the summer and next season we will be at the top end. I think our job now is simply to get behind it, help fill the stadium and help roar the team on.
Doesn't have to be asked, it's what supporters do.
It’s quite bad tbf - completely understandable why he struggles to get a long term contract anywhere. Bouncing from club to club who need a short term solution. I think Chuks might end up going the same way once his deal here runs out.
Last season Wickham proved his fitness with a decent spell at Forest Green, followed by an unsuccessful period at Cardiff, where he still featured regularly.
Unlike Chuks, his major injury issues do seem to be in the past
First match at Valley all year. Not pretty but a wins a win. Loved Alfie’s tunnel jump. Love NJ. The man has passion. How did we convince either Alfie or NJ to join us???
BTW please can someone explain the words to Alfie and Kanu’s songs please?
Is there a songs page on here?
Saturday night and I like the way you move.. Daniel Kanu… scores all the time and he’s Charlton’s 29… Daniel Kanu…
Dobedobedobedumdobedoo , running past defenders scoring 1 or 2, Looks good (looks good), looks fine (looks fine) Alfie May is on my mind and he’s charltons number 9 singing.. (repeat)
Share games with the wife now and after my run of ten winless games, it was her turn yesterday and 3 points duly arrived.
Groan (even more than normal) next time you see me…
Ooh the perils of marrying a proper Addick. Mrs Stig on the other hand hasn't been to Charlton for so long that I had to explain what a tunnel jump was when describing Alfie's big slapstick moment.
There were supporters who haven't missed a Cafc 23/24 season home game who couldn't remember what a Tunnel jump was 🙄🦸🏻♂️
A scrappy game lacking in any great skill, but I found it reasonably entertaining. A very important result that gives us breathing space. I think a win against Fleetwood will be enough to keep us up - I can't see the bottom four getting to 47 points. I hope we can maintain the intensity until the end of the season. I think it important we finish on a high and hopefully carry that form into next season.
I thought Carlisle looked okay, and certainly didn't look like a team cast adrift at the bottom of the league. I have seen worse this season (excluding us)!
Great to see Alfie May back in the goals and enjoying his football. Kanu also had another great game.
It’s quite bad tbf - completely understandable why he struggles to get a long term contract anywhere. Bouncing from club to club who need a short term solution. I think Chuks might end up going the same way once his deal here runs out.
Last season Wickham proved his fitness with a decent spell at Forest Green, followed by an unsuccessful period at Cardiff, where he still featured regularly.
Unlike Chuks, his major injury issues do seem to be in the past
I'm still puzzled as to why Wickham hasn't had a club all season.
OK, I get clubs could be a bit cautious of his injury record..... but he had a full playing season last year, so unless big wage demands were the issue, I would have thought he'd have got fixed up at some club by the end of the summer transfer window.
Right now he must be relieved to be playing again and have a job at last.
Comments
Why not?
- I never felt too worried about where the goals were gonna come from. Carlisle looked suspect and like they were setting their stall out to defend as soon as we had possession in anything resembling an attacking area. Took a couple of good finishes and a mistake from Lavelle for us to get the three goals we needed but hey, we got them. Results are what matter right now.
- The penalty was a foul in the box and a bit of a soft one. Gillesphey wasn't really thinking I don't think. Their opener was... weird. I don't really know how the bloke even got the shot away, let alone how it went in. It wasn't deserved and I'm glad we responded as we did.
- Thierry Small will eventually have things click and look like prime Roberto Carlos for one game - all the stuff he tries will come off. But that might be a while away! Very pleased to have him about; he's got a very good attitude.
- In general this side shows a lot of willing and a lot of teamwork, rather than trying to shine as individuals. The cultural transformation has been excellent under NJ.
- Terell Thomas has had quite the renaissance - he's gone from "okay squad player" to "he has to start", for me. I'd have Jones over Gillesphey, for the time being. Rarmani Edmonds-Green looks like he could be part of a good team next season. If we were going to seriously challenge for promotion... I don't know about Tennai Watson. But then we've got Kayne Ramsay who we don't know enough about.
- I like all of Dobbo (obviously), Coventry and Karoy Anderson. But Karoy is not currently good enough to be part of a promotion-pushing team, imo, and I think Dobbo/Coventry are quite similar. I'd want a CM that brings something different - be that a Camara/Bakinson type (neither imho are quite good enough), or be it a twinkle-toes playmaker sort of player. Yesterday there was a decent understanding in the centre of the part but I didn't quite see enough to be convinced we'd unlock defences again and again, which the best teams do.
- Love you Alfie May. Love you Dan Kanu. Can't wait to see what happens when Leaburn is fit, eventually. We're pretty sorted up front imho, adding in Chuks into the mix (touch wood).
- I think we need a new keeper but don't mind if that's further down the list of priorities.
Lots to be positive about and to build on, and I don't think we've got a bad foundation for next season. Here's hoping we can finish this one strongly!
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wisdom_of_Crowds
Nevertheless I would leave our system alone, even if I feel annoyed by somebody giving what I believe to be a stupidly harsh or a stupidly fawning mark.
I once got an inbox from someone saying my mark for one player was wrong. They weren't even at the game!
Unlike Chuks, his major injury issues do seem to be in the past
Dobedobedobedumdobedoo , running past defenders scoring 1 or 2,
Looks good (looks good), looks fine (looks fine) Alfie May is on my mind and he’s charltons number 9 singing.. (repeat)
There were supporters who haven't missed a Cafc 23/24 season home game who couldn't remember what a Tunnel jump was 🙄🦸🏻♂️
I thought Carlisle looked okay, and certainly didn't look like a team cast adrift at the bottom of the league. I have seen worse this season (excluding us)!
Great to see Alfie May back in the goals and enjoying his football. Kanu also had another great game.
OK, I get clubs could be a bit cautious of his injury record..... but he had a full playing season last year, so unless big wage demands were the issue, I would have thought he'd have got fixed up at some club by the end of the summer transfer window.
Right now he must be relieved to be playing again and have a job at last.