Boffin (A*AA and off to Brum Uni for Economics degree) had his cricket called off and we had nieces , nephew and mates son staying with us so had no room in the 9 seater minibus , decided he’d rather slob at home than come to the game . I mean he travelled to Carlisle with his mates but can’t be bothered to come with his family to watch us at home , weirdo , although his brothers are all at each other atm so I do sort of understand. Got to the ground 1pm in the pissing rain and left them all to go in the club shop where a small fortune was spent on shirts . Sat and talked with the softly spoken lovely legend John Humphrey when Petrol Head turned up I introduced him as Charltons best right back in my watching life time (sorry Luke Young ) but added even though he played for palace . He said he’d bumped in to George Shipley in another lounge earlier and we then reeled out all the other new signings of that period . he was brought up near Wembley and featured in a Sunday team at u13/u14 with Kenny jacket , Stuart Pearce , Garry waddock , Gary O’Reilly and they smashed everyone and their manager wrote off to pro clubs to play their youth teams and that’s how he got picked up by wolves at 14 and he’d go and train with them in the school holiday’s before moving up there at the age of 16. Back to the game that’s the first one that hasn’t bored the pants off me , we were excellent and you know there’s more to come. Campbell has beefed up sooooo much , loving his strength. It’s all been said we were a joy to watch and I have a (good) sick feeling in my stomach , we’re definitely going to be in the promotion battle , every win will mean much more than recent seasons , every loss will hurt more due to their rarity , we have what it takes to go up , anything else is aaaaaaaah Even Coventry ran over to where he must have got some proper shit taking corners after we scored the second and give it to some Bolton fans who were outraged and foaming at the mouth that he had the front to goad them back , fuck em northern slaaaags.
16% top two 66% play offs 18% 7th -12th
First time I’ve left there with a genuine smile of footballing happiness for years , it’s time to believe ……
Yeah, bring back the moving %s Ignore the odd naysayer
To add to my comment last night, I recommend everyone reading the 2 interviews on the OS, one from Godden and one from Docherty. They both explain, in different ways, how everyone in the club has bought in to what NJ wants. He is the main driver, and everyone, from players to coaches are on board. Godden says how they put a game plan together last Monday and worked on it all week, he even told Aneke at least 6 times in the week where to put a cross and he would score from it. As I said last night, this squad has a feel about it that defeat isn't an option. You can see from the goal celebrations how together this squad is...long may it continue!
Set off yesterday from Norwich in driving rain 6. Got to my. 88 year old mums in chislehurst at 8.20. me and 10 year old spent 3 hours with her and then off to the valley. He really enjoyed the new fan zone and played 3 matches in The Tussle cage. Brilliant performance. As good as I can remember for some time. Got back to Norwich at 7.30. Both tired but buzzing. Looking forward to the next home game. Trying not to get carried away but after the last few years this is looking like a proper team again. UTA.
I got the train down and back from Norwich for that one. Saw a bloke in Charlton top get off at Diss with what looked like wife and 3 young kids in tow - fair play!
A few years back, we beat Hull 2-1 at home in August with a late winner from Makienok, under the management of Luzon. That was as good as it got that season.
I was also thinking about that game. It’s a measure of how shit the last decade has been that we’re all in raptures over three straight wins, but it’s hard not to get excited. I keep just staring at the League table.
The only goal we have conceded, in the cup, was a wonder shot from way out. We have a great starting point as if you don't concede you don't lose and one goal wins it. Blindingly obvious but no less true for it.
Blindingly obvious to everyone except one.
Yet we are not top & not even in an automatic spot. So please tell me why ? Why are we 3rd if we have scored in every league game AND not let in a goal. Because according to everyone, even Sir Nathan Jones keeping clean sheets wins you titles.
SO. FAR IT DOESNT.
Got to be a wind up surely?
Only you could find a way to moan about 3 wins and 3 clean sheets from 3 games, including 1 over a side expected to contend for automatic promotion.
Great performance all round, so much so I dont think there was a POTM as we won as a team.
My only gripe (about from the goalscoring 😉) is our crossing and free kicks remain awful. As I've said before, if you are using wingbacks then they have to be able to deliver decent crosses. Small seems to have regressed this season as his deliveries now are woeful. Ramsey doesn't try crossing anymore he just cuts in and gives the ball to a midfielder. And as for our free kicks& corners.....jesus what do they do in training. Surely someone else can take freekick or a corner.
Now it might sound churlish to be moaning when we've won our first 3 games & not let goal in, but it would be a better watch if we could actually do these simple things.
A few years back, we beat Hull 2-1 at home in August with a late winner from Makienok, under the management of Luzon. That was as good as it got that season. So I am trying to temper my happiness after yesterday. There's a long road ahead. But we looked good yesterday. Unlike Orient, Bolton came looking to win, and that made for a more open game. But we are looking like a team who will be very hard to beat. Good performances all over the pitch. Really excited- hope this time we are the real deal.
You’re right to rémind us of previous false dawns like that one but I feel more confident now also because of what has been going on behind the scenes. That season you mention was early-stage Duchatelet madness. Now we have a much bigger spread of people providing the financial stability, who have in turn entrusted it to “football people”. Say what you like about Charlie Methven - heaven knows, I did😉 - but when he gave the Dossier that interview and set out what he thought were priorities, one of his biggest themes was fitness/medical. I thought I was being played at first because it sounded like he was addressing one of my many rants on here about it over the years, but no, they finally got the guy from Brighton, and others in, and we can see the results already. No pre-season accidents to speak of, no infuriating hamstring casualties after 10 minutes, and a squad big enough to support NJ’s demanding pressing game.
I already felt encouraged by that in pre-season but was was more worried about the huge call of selling the League’s top goalscorer. But I told myself to wait until the season starts before passing judgement. I still am not sure what the longer term NJ plan is upfront, as we’ve discussed, but we can see the plan overall - and many on here will see it better than I do. Guy Luzon didn’t have a plan, poor bloke. I remember Steve Parish describing him before we arrived at Selhurst to get battered in the League Cup: “Couldn’t believe how young he looked…rabbit in the headlights” .
This lad Dixon didn’t just appear by chance, either. In the last week I’ve been helping out an ex-Lifer on the biz front who has a good view into the boardroom, lets say. Apparently Dixon is a result of their investment in Jamaica ( and he and Anderson were already mates), and they are looking to make similar investments in Africa (where exactly, he didnt say). He credits Methven for the “vision” behind this, but he also said that Rodwell acts as an anchor when Charlie gets too carried away with his visions. So that too starts to sound like a “balanced squad” .
Of course the mood can change quickly, like if we lose at Reading. But it’s the solid foundations and the readiness to let NJ instigate his plan that encourage me. We’ve been crying out for this kind of ownership and leadership for years. Now we have it, and it doesn’t rely on the funds of a “mysterious” type (aka wrong’un) like Kevin Cash.
Set off yesterday from Norwich in driving rain 6. Got to my. 88 year old mums in chislehurst at 8.20. me and 10 year old spent 3 hours with her and then off to the valley. He really enjoyed the new fan zone and played 3 matches in The Tussle cage. Brilliant performance. As good as I can remember for some time. Got back to Norwich at 7.30. Both tired but buzzing. Looking forward to the next home game. Trying not to get carried away but after the last few years this is looking like a proper team again. UTA.
Well done to your lad. He obviously set the standard for the team at 3pm. 😉
Set off yesterday from Norwich in driving rain 6. Got to my. 88 year old mums in chislehurst at 8.20. me and 10 year old spent 3 hours with her and then off to the valley. He really enjoyed the new fan zone and played 3 matches in The Tussle cage. Brilliant performance. As good as I can remember for some time. Got back to Norwich at 7.30. Both tired but buzzing. Looking forward to the next home game. Trying not to get carried away but after the last few years this is looking like a proper team again. UTA.
I got the train down and back from Norwich for that one. Saw a bloke in Charlton top get off at Diss with what looked like wife and 3 young kids in tow - fair play!
I missed the game as I'm in Norwich for a wedding. Gutted to have not been there.
It's the third time I've missed a Charlton v Bolton game at the Valley for a wedding. We rarely beat them and twice when we have (one was the 2 0 in the Prem under Dowie) I have been at a bloody wedding.
The only goal we have conceded, in the cup, was a wonder shot from way out. We have a great starting point as if you don't concede you don't lose and one goal wins it. Blindingly obvious but no less true for it.
Blindingly obvious to everyone except one.
Yet we are not top & not even in an automatic spot. So please tell me why ? Why are we 3rd if we have scored in every league game AND not let in a goal. Because according to everyone, even Sir Nathan Jones keeping clean sheets wins you titles.
A few years back, we beat Hull 2-1 at home in August with a late winner from Makienok, under the management of Luzon. That was as good as it got that season. So I am trying to temper my happiness after yesterday. There's a long road ahead. But we looked good yesterday. Unlike Orient, Bolton came looking to win, and that made for a more open game. But we are looking like a team who will be very hard to beat. Good performances all over the pitch. Really excited- hope this time we are the real deal.
You’re right to rémind us of previous false dawns like that one but I feel more confident now also because of what has been going on behind the scenes. That season you mention was early-stage Duchatelet madness. Now we have a much bigger spread of people providing the financial stability, who have in turn entrusted it to “football people”. Say what you like about Charlie Methven - heaven knows, I did😉 - but when he gave the Dossier that interview and set out what he thought were priorities, one of his biggest themes was fitness/medical. I thought I was being played at first because it sounded like he was addressing one of my many rants on here about it over the years, but no, they finally got the guy from Brighton, and others in, and we can see the results already. No pre-season accidents to speak of, no infuriating hamstring casualties after 10 minutes, and a squad big enough to support NJ’s demanding pressing game.
I already felt encouraged by that in pre-season but was was more worried about the huge call of selling the League’s top goalscorer. But I told myself to wait until the season starts before passing judgement. I still am not sure what the longer term NJ plan is upfront, as we’ve discussed, but we can see the plan overall - and many on here will see it better than I do. Guy Luzon didn’t have a plan, poor bloke. I remember Steve Parish describing him before we arrived at Selhurst to get battered in the League Cup: “Couldn’t believe how young he looked…rabbit in the headlights” .
This lad Dixon didn’t just appear by chance, either. In the last week I’ve been helping out an ex-Lifer on the biz front who has a good view into the boardroom, lets say. Apparently Dixon is a result of their investment in Jamaica ( and he and Anderson were already mates), and they are looking to make similar investments in Africa (where exactly, he didnt say). He credits Methven for the “vision” behind this, but he also said that Rodwell acts as an anchor when Charlie gets too carried away with his visions. So that too starts to sound like a “balanced squad” .
Of course the mood can change quickly, like if we lose at Reading. But it’s the solid foundations and the readiness to let NJ instigate his plan that encourage me. We’ve been crying out for this kind of ownership and leadership for years. Now we have it, and it doesn’t rely on the funds of a “mysterious” type (aka wrong’un) like Kevin Cash.
I couldn’t agree more mate.
Life as you know is a learning experience for us all and maybe Charlie boy learnt a lot at his Sunderland days that we can benefit from.
We are unfortunately are group of supporters that have had to suffer years of idiots or crooks at the helm and understandably this lot were treated with caution when they came in but when you look at the things you mention above in terms of structure and improvements do you think that we finally have an ownership group that we can trust ?
Thought we were great yesterday and Bolton were poor aside from Santos who is the Aneke version of a league one defender.
I think Mitchell might be a new favourite. Sit right behind goal and he's proper old school blood and thunder angry centre back. Jones along side him very composed and calm by comparison but equally effective and played with guile
Mannion just looks so calm and relaxed which is opposite to some of the flappy nerve ridden performances others in that position delivered over the years.
We look solid in defence and Ramsay glides past frustrated forwards and midfielders with ease and purpose often diagonally rather than run 20 years up the line, freeze and do a u turn as many a charlton right back has done hitherto.
Small is a great attacking outlet and we have some player there if he stays and develops under Jones.
Berry and Doherty absolutely ran the show and were everywhere winning everything with Coventry mopping up and linking up play.
Campbell doesn't stop running with his electric pace and has gone from a timid nice shy player to exerting physical presence on centre backs that will leave them knowing they've been in a game as they apply their post match TCP.
Ahadme brings a lot too the team and has great positional sense and has been a very good import.
Looking at Godden, Aneke and Kanu warming up with Leaburn still to come back prompted me to comment to my boy how strong in depth our up top options are (relative to prior years)
The boss man himself has delivered with gusto so far and started a season that's dared me to believe he's assembling a squad seriously capable of getting out of this league as long as he remains with us.
Pantomime or not I love his genuine passion and jumping up and down and racing along the touch line with ever passage of play or inevitable poor official decision like Welsh church going Tasmamian devil. Take note messr Appleton.
Building a very strong connection between the fans and a squad of players each of whom put their bodies on the line and give it their all (effectively) in the games I've seen so far.
Brilliant day and even the sun game out as we garnered our second match winning goal.
Great day out, great 3 points, top atmosphere and a top notch bacon sarnie in the Valley Cafe beforehand.
Can't beat a Charlton day on days like yesterday. 👌
The only goal we have conceded, in the cup, was a wonder shot from way out. We have a great starting point as if you don't concede you don't lose and one goal wins it. Blindingly obvious but no less true for it.
Blindingly obvious to everyone except one.
Yet we are not top & not even in an automatic spot. So please tell me why ? Why are we 3rd if we have scored in every league game AND not let in a goal. Because according to everyone, even Sir Nathan Jones keeping clean sheets wins you titles.
Really enjoyed the game. Had an intensity about it, a real battle and for me that's great football. I don't want to see passing out from the back and 2 teams standing off each other, letting them make safe passes for most of the game and then engaging in a match for the last 15. That was 90+ minutes of hard work, determination and will to win. Brilliant. We play it long and aim to win the second ball or we press them when they play it out- either way, we aim to score from a turnover of possession and it works better than anything else in league 1. Its proper English football.
Ramsey was outstanding and looks a class above. Jones was very good and i like the look of Mitchell - a bruiser, one to have in the trenches with you. Docherty and Coventry - non stop - metronomes with nous and then there's Berry who is super crafty - real know how, very impressed. Adhame (spelling probably wrong, sorry) is clearly there for his stamina and is vital to how we want to press - having somebody who can put in the work week in week out in that role is vital. Campbell looks super sharp and they must have breathed a sigh of relief when he went off - the blend with those 2 is perfect for the intensity and way we want to play with the quality of chucks and Godden to come on and capitalise with a tiring defence. Small and Gillespy are the slight weak links for me. I like Small but think if he comes up again a pacy full back, he struggles. Ghillespy is decent enough but not as dominant as Jones and Mitchell. With Leaburn to return and Kanu and Anderson like coiled springs on the bench, things are looking good.
Word will be getting out now that a trip to the valley isn't the painful experience it has become over the last few years and the crowds will start to build again.Its gonna be a good season. Thanks Nathan Jones for bringing the passion and know how and thanks to the owners / board who appear to be getting things right.
Thought we were great yesterday and Bolton were poor aside from Santos who is the Aneke version of a league one defender.
I thought Santos was poor yesterday. Not only was it his fault for the first goal, but he spent most of the game moaning and not looking like he was enjoying the battle - even our boy ‘Camp Elk’ won battles against him. Which surprised me quiet a bit considering the sort of monster player he has seemed for them in the past.
After reading comments on the Bolton forum about it, it seems like quite a common theme for him - ‘flat track bully’ was how one poster described him.
Reminds me a little of Cole Stockton where fans views of a players ability are totally skewed from how they perform against us, and the snippets and clips you see when they are doing well.
Thought we were great yesterday and Bolton were poor aside from Santos who is the Aneke version of a league one defender.
I think Mitchell might be a new favourite. Sit right behind goal and he's proper old school blood and thunder angry centre back. Jones along side him very composed and calm by comparison but equally effective and played with guile
Mansion just looks so calm and relaxed which is opposite to some of the flappy nerve ridden performances others in that position delivered over the years.
We look solid in defence and Ramsay glides past frustrated forwards and midfielders with ease and purpose often diagonally rather than run 20 years up the line, freeze and do a u turn as many a charlton right back has done hitherto.
Small is a great attacking outlet and we have some player there if he stays and develops under Jones.
Berry and Doherty absolutely ran the show and were everywhere winning everything.
Campbell doesn't stop running with his electric pace and has gone from a timid nice shy player to exerting physical presence on centre backs that will leave them knowing they've been in a game as they apply their post match TCP.
Ahadme brings a lot too the team and has great positional sense and has been a very good import.
Looking at Godden, Aneke and Kanu warming up with Leaburn still to come back prompted me to comment to my boy how strong in depth our up top options are (relative to prior years)
The boss man himself has delivered with gusto so far and started a season that's dared me to believe he's assembling a squad seriously capable of getting out of this league as long as he remains with us.
Pantomime or not I love his genuine passion and jumping up and down and racing along the touch line with ever passage of play or inevitable poor official decision like Welsh church going Tasmamian devil. Take note messr Appleton.
Building a very strong connection between the fans and a squad of players each of whom put their bodies on the line and give it their all (effectively) in the games I've seen so far.
Brilliant day and even the sun game out as we garnered our second match winning goal.
Great day out, great 3 points, top atmosphere and a top notch bacon sarnie in the Valley Cafe beforehand.
Can't beat a Charlton day on days like yesterday. 👌
I thought Santos was poor. Yes he was strong as he always is but he was to blame for the first goal and whilst he did show his attributes, he also showed his weaknesses. I recall Campbell getting past him very easily and him pulling him back.
The only goal we have conceded, in the cup, was a wonder shot from way out. We have a great starting point as if you don't concede you don't lose and one goal wins it. Blindingly obvious but no less true for it.
Blindingly obvious to everyone except one.
Yet we are not top & not even in an automatic spot. So please tell me why ? Why are we 3rd if we have scored in every league game AND not let in a goal. Because according to everyone, even Sir Nathan Jones keeping clean sheets wins you titles.
SO. FAR IT DOESNT.
Hate to break it to you, but the title is not won after 3 games.
The only goal we have conceded, in the cup, was a wonder shot from way out. We have a great starting point as if you don't concede you don't lose and one goal wins it. Blindingly obvious but no less true for it.
Blindingly obvious to everyone except one.
Yet we are not top & not even in an automatic spot. So please tell me why ? Why are we 3rd if we have scored in every league game AND not let in a goal. Because according to everyone, even Sir Nathan Jones keeping clean sheets wins you titles.
SO. FAR IT DOESNT.
Hate to break it to you, but the title is not won after 3 games.
If we carry on like this keeping clean sheets, we will win the title but we can get bad form, injuries or both. So can any other team. We have had a great start but that is all it is at the moment. We are not making defensive mistakes so far and that is such a contrast from last season where you got the feeling, even a sunday league team could score against us.
We have had three clean sheets so far which compares to five for the whole of last season, which was the second worst tally of any team! The worst was Carlisle with only 3 which we have already equalled.
Missed most of the match as stream kept cutting out then just gave up, although got to see Docherty's goal and almost chance set up by Ahadme.
Nice to see a lot more positivity after this one, about the play and players, Ahadme being recognised for he brings and Coventry continues to impress this season.
Have checked the table.and see Stockport and Wrexham up here, I know everyone loves the Hollywood wank fest but reckon they'll fall away as the season progresses, Stockport maybe not so much, with our defence and game plan that the players have clearly bought into (and match) don't think we'll drift too far from the playoff spots over the course of the season, we just look far to organised and assured, we're not over achieving or lucky after these first 3 games.
The only goal we have conceded, in the cup, was a wonder shot from way out. We have a great starting point as if you don't concede you don't lose and one goal wins it. Blindingly obvious but no less true for it.
Blindingly obvious to everyone except one.
Yet we are not top & not even in an automatic spot. So please tell me why ? Why are we 3rd if we have scored in every league game AND not let in a goal. Because according to everyone, even Sir Nathan Jones keeping clean sheets wins you titles.
SO. FAR IT DOESNT.
Got to be a wind up surely?
Only you could find a way to moan about 3 wins and 3 clean sheets from 3 games, including 1 over a side expected to contend for automatic promotion.
Once again, I am not moaning.
I am simply stating a fact. People on here keep saying " clean sheets win you titles" and I have pointed out that we've won all our games by keeping a clean sheet. Now, if "clean sheet wins" win you titles then we should be top. But we're not. We aren't even top 2. So, for the last time, there must be something else that is needed to win you automatic promotion than a clean sheet win.
As they say on exam papers, please show your workings out.
That was the Jones football I was expecting. Win the ball high up the pitch and quickly score from the turnover. Creates you more chances than any creative midfielder would at this level
We were brave and left boltons front 3 man for man with our 3 centre backs. This meant we had 3 central midfielders to Boltons 2 and they just couldn’t play through the middle, lost the ball and we scored twice from it. Any time they went direct our back 3 dealt with it. Brilliant performance without the ball and an amazing transformation from Holden/Appleton where we didn’t look like we had any sort of plan without the ball
The only goal we have conceded, in the cup, was a wonder shot from way out. We have a great starting point as if you don't concede you don't lose and one goal wins it. Blindingly obvious but no less true for it.
Blindingly obvious to everyone except one.
Yet we are not top & not even in an automatic spot. So please tell me why ? Why are we 3rd if we have scored in every league game AND not let in a goal. Because according to everyone, even Sir Nathan Jones keeping clean sheets wins you titles.
SO. FAR IT DOESNT.
Got to be a wind up surely?
Only you could find a way to moan about 3 wins and 3 clean sheets from 3 games, including 1 over a side expected to contend for automatic promotion.
Once again, I am not moaning.
I am simply stating a fact. People on here keep saying " clean sheets win you titles" and I have pointed out that we've won all our games by keeping a clean sheet. Now, if "clean sheet wins" win you titles then we should be top. But we're not. We aren't even top 2. So, for the last time, there must be something else that is needed to win you automatic promotion than a clean sheet win.
As they say on exam papers, please show your workings out.
Stockport have kept 3 clean sheets and are top of the table.
The only goal we have conceded, in the cup, was a wonder shot from way out. We have a great starting point as if you don't concede you don't lose and one goal wins it. Blindingly obvious but no less true for it.
Blindingly obvious to everyone except one.
Yet we are not top & not even in an automatic spot. So please tell me why ? Why are we 3rd if we have scored in every league game AND not let in a goal. Because according to everyone, even Sir Nathan Jones keeping clean sheets wins you titles.
SO. FAR IT DOESNT.
Got to be a wind up surely?
Only you could find a way to moan about 3 wins and 3 clean sheets from 3 games, including 1 over a side expected to contend for automatic promotion.
Once again, I am not moaning.
I am simply stating a fact. People on here keep saying " clean sheets win you titles" and I have pointed out that we've won all our games by keeping a clean sheet. Now, if "clean sheet wins" win you titles then we should be top. But we're not. We aren't even top 2. So, for the last time, there must be something else that is needed to win you automatic promotion than a clean sheet win.
As they say on exam papers, please show your workings out.
golfaddick: Ends his point in capital letters.
also golfaddick: I am not moaning.
Anyway, cannot grumble with your workings out. Congratulations on winning league one Stockport.
Comments
Ignore the odd naysayer
They both explain, in different ways, how everyone in the club has bought in to what NJ wants. He is the main driver, and everyone, from players to coaches are on board. Godden says how they put a game plan together last Monday and worked on it all week, he even told Aneke at least 6 times in the week where to put a cross and he would score from it.
As I said last night, this squad has a feel about it that defeat isn't an option. You can see from the goal celebrations how together this squad is...long may it continue!
And a few more rating Ahadme ahead of him. Would be curious if anyone could attempt to justify either of those observations.
Our defensive structure looks sound and the press will have a lot worse teams flustered.
Very promising for the season ahead.
These guys have got me staying up to 2am again.
As the second went it it was well worth it.
You can see that Jones is dragging the entire squad up to 'elite' levels as he puts it.
Great for Docherty to smash over in after Berry grabbed the late winner last week.
Coventry was everywhere and his distribution was solid as well.
Adhadme was constantly initiating the press and pointing for where the winners were to close down.
Loving it.
Only you could find a way to moan about 3 wins and 3 clean sheets from 3 games, including 1 over a side expected to contend for automatic promotion.
NJ seems to have really built a team spirit.
Of course the mood can change quickly, like if we lose at Reading. But it’s the solid foundations and the readiness to let NJ instigate his plan that encourage me. We’ve been crying out for this kind of ownership and leadership for years. Now we have it, and it doesn’t rely on the funds of a “mysterious” type (aka wrong’un) like Kevin Cash.
It's the third time I've missed a Charlton v Bolton game at the Valley for a wedding. We rarely beat them and twice when we have (one was the 2 0 in the Prem under Dowie) I have been at a bloody wedding.
I think Mitchell might be a new favourite. Sit right behind goal and he's proper old school blood and thunder angry centre back. Jones along side him very composed and calm by comparison but equally effective and played with guile
Mannion just looks so calm and relaxed which is opposite to some of the flappy nerve ridden performances others in that position delivered over the years.
We look solid in defence and Ramsay glides past frustrated forwards and midfielders with ease and purpose often diagonally rather than run 20 years up the line, freeze and do a u turn as many a charlton right back has done hitherto.
Small is a great attacking outlet and we have some player there if he stays and develops under Jones.
Berry and Doherty absolutely ran the show and were everywhere winning everything with Coventry mopping up and linking up play.
Campbell doesn't stop running with his electric pace and has gone from a timid nice shy player to exerting physical presence on centre backs that will leave them knowing they've been in a game as they apply their post match TCP.
Ahadme brings a lot too the team and has great positional sense and has been a very good import.
Looking at Godden, Aneke and Kanu warming up with Leaburn still to come back prompted me to comment to my boy how strong in depth our up top options are (relative to prior years)
The boss man himself has delivered with gusto so far and started a season that's dared me to believe he's assembling a squad seriously capable of getting out of this league as long as he remains with us.
Pantomime or not I love his genuine passion and jumping up and down and racing along the touch line with ever passage of play or inevitable poor official decision like Welsh church going Tasmamian devil. Take note messr Appleton.
Building a very strong connection between the fans and a squad of players each of whom put their bodies on the line and give it their all (effectively) in the games I've seen so far.
Brilliant day and even the sun game out as we garnered our second match winning goal.
Great day out, great 3 points, top atmosphere and a top notch bacon sarnie in the Valley Cafe beforehand.
Can't beat a Charlton day on days like yesterday. 👌
Ramsey was outstanding and looks a class above. Jones was very good and i like the look of Mitchell - a bruiser, one to have in the trenches with you. Docherty and Coventry - non stop - metronomes with nous and then there's Berry who is super crafty - real know how, very impressed. Adhame (spelling probably wrong, sorry) is clearly there for his stamina and is vital to how we want to press - having somebody who can put in the work week in week out in that role is vital. Campbell looks super sharp and they must have breathed a sigh of relief when he went off - the blend with those 2 is perfect for the intensity and way we want to play with the quality of chucks and Godden to come on and capitalise with a tiring defence. Small and Gillespy are the slight weak links for me. I like Small but think if he comes up again a pacy full back, he struggles. Ghillespy is decent enough but not as dominant as Jones and Mitchell. With Leaburn to return and Kanu and Anderson like coiled springs on the bench, things are looking good.
Word will be getting out now that a trip to the valley isn't the painful experience it has become over the last few years and the crowds will start to build again.Its gonna be a good season. Thanks Nathan Jones for bringing the passion and know how and thanks to the owners / board who appear to be getting things right.
After reading comments on the Bolton forum about it, it seems like quite a common theme for him - ‘flat track bully’ was how one poster described him.
Reminds me a little of Cole Stockton where fans views of a players ability are totally skewed from how they perform against us, and the snippets and clips you see when they are doing well.
We have had three clean sheets so far which compares to five for the whole of last season, which was the second worst tally of any team! The worst was Carlisle with only 3 which we have already equalled.
Nice to see a lot more positivity after this one, about the play and players, Ahadme being recognised for he brings and Coventry continues to impress this season.
Have checked the table.and see Stockport and Wrexham up here, I know everyone loves the Hollywood wank fest but reckon they'll fall away as the season progresses, Stockport maybe not so much, with our defence and game plan that the players have clearly bought into (and match) don't think we'll drift too far from the playoff spots over the course of the season, we just look far to organised and assured, we're not over achieving or lucky after these first 3 games.
Great result.
I am simply stating a fact. People on here keep saying " clean sheets win you titles" and I have pointed out that we've won all our games by keeping a clean sheet. Now, if "clean sheet wins" win you titles then we should be top. But we're not. We aren't even top 2. So, for the last time, there must be something else that is needed to win you automatic promotion than a clean sheet win.
As they say on exam papers, please show your workings out.
We were brave and left boltons front 3 man for man with our 3 centre backs. This meant we had 3 central midfielders to Boltons 2 and they just couldn’t play through the middle, lost the ball and we scored twice from it. Any time they went direct our back 3 dealt with it. Brilliant performance without the ball and an amazing transformation from Holden/Appleton where we didn’t look like we had any sort of plan without the ball
also golfaddick: I am not moaning.
Anyway, cannot grumble with your workings out. Congratulations on winning league one Stockport.