tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81216632012-01-27T12:09:47.299Z"A sentimentalist is simply one who desires to have the luxury of an emotion without paying for it." (Oscar Wilde)New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.comBlogger8931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-45860194648124156302012-01-11T21:14:00.005Z2012-01-11T21:42:30.196Z

"I didn’t have a clue about the winner. I’ve not seen him all year and I didn’t know anything about him or what he was capable of." (Mo Farah, Aug 2011)Some quotes from Chris Powell in the News Shopper piqued my interest this week.In particular, I have to take issue with his comment that, “I see the Hillsborough fixture as just another game in our season.”Now to be fair to Powell, he may be

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-53971802427412713212012-01-08T21:06:00.011Z2012-01-08T22:45:51.000Z

"There are known knowns, there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns, that is to say there are some things we know we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns - there are things we do not know we don't know."(Donald Rumsfeld, Feb 2002)The relief that we didn't actually win at Fulham was palpable (enough indeed to encourage me to write a rare blog post), and now

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-77932550548024486722011-12-08T17:24:00.004Z2011-12-09T10:00:42.056Z

Peter Croker, the last surviving member of Charlton's victorious 1947 FA Cup winning side passed away today and with him a small part of the club died too.Football historians are well-aware that the advent of the Second World War explains why Charlton are relative 'also-rans' in domestic football.However back-to-back FA Cup final appearances straight after the end of war did maintain some of the

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-89652068195968718742011-11-30T18:06:00.006Z2011-11-30T18:25:44.475Z

The club website has quietly and briefly confirmed the departure of Jeff Vetere as technical director.His appointment had rightly generated a reasonable degree of excitement, given the stature of clubs where he had previously worked.Indeed a very well-connected football contact of mine described him as a 'genius'.In the brief period during which he was reconnected with the club, his role was so

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-73240374949966337832011-11-30T17:59:00.004Z2011-11-30T20:29:03.898Z

I believe Charlton are the only side in League One for whom I cannot make the following statement with at least 95% confidence: “They will not generate more than 100 points.” (New York Addick, 2 Aug 2011)Lest I be accused of being in a state of perma-negativity, I draw the attention of the jury to the above statement made before the season even started.Indeed with the team now on course for 111

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-55611517749717274122011-11-21T11:25:00.003Z2011-11-21T11:49:47.762Z

For the second time in the past three seasons, I made the relatively short trip to this often forgotten part of West London, wedged as it is between the M4 and the river.A couple of main stand tickets had fallen my way courtesy of a Brentford staff member, so I took up a terrific vantage point close to the directors’ box (indeed close enough to confirm that under no circumstances would I mess

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-66655838277220676522011-11-18T13:18:00.006Z2011-11-18T19:07:56.784Z

In life, it's sometimes important to simply accept that someone can do something much better than you can.Despite writing numerous posts that attempt to address issues relating to Charlton's finances, this outstanding blog is a must-read for anyone interested in the topic.Indeed his (or her) articles are always exceptionally well-researched, regardless of which club it relates to, and this one is

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-31921983580246023442011-11-03T20:42:00.009Z2011-11-04T09:12:36.501Z

'Intelligent footballer.' It's surely one of those modern oxymorons like 'non-iron shirt', 'pleasant flight' or 'underpaid banker'?Or maybe not it seems in Charlton's case. The current squad contains three players with degrees (Alonso, Hughes, Pritchard), as well as one more who certainly attended university (Taylor), although I cannot find firm evidence that he graduated.However I should begin

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-64368839262336347702011-10-16T09:05:00.008+01:002011-10-16T14:04:03.598+01:00

hubris ('hju:bris) n. 1. pride or arrogance; 2. an excess of ambition, pride etc., ultimately causing the transgressor's ruin.Perhaps it is too simple to mistake an extraordinary lack of urgency for hubris, but that was my overriding feeling after making the short trip across Hertfordshire.You could tell within five minutes that the home side were 'up for it', every ball was challenged for as if

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-37350142972643342492011-09-26T20:42:00.007+01:002011-09-26T21:00:15.742+01:00

As promised two blog posts ago, nine points from Charlton's next three games were assured and so it came to pass.A pleasant two weeks in New York took in the superb US Open mens singles semi-finals, as well as the more sombre tenth anniversary of 9/11.Sadly the club hasn't offered me a suitably attractive financial incentive not to attend MK Dons, although my effect on the team may be neutralised

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-45000200995503546912011-09-13T23:51:00.006+01:002011-09-14T14:06:12.209+01:00

Chris Powell has made his 19th signing of the season, bringing in much-needed striker cover in the shape of Yann Kermogant. The last ball kicked by the Frenchman in English football was a missed play-off penalty for Leicester at Cardiff in 2010. And it wasn't just any old penalty miss. Displaying typical French flair (surely arrogance? - Ed.), he chose to try a delicate chip which was saved

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-88459394848284793632011-09-08T02:15:00.002+01:002011-09-08T02:21:48.057+01:00

"But I'm a substitute for another guy,I look pretty tall but my heels are high." (The Who, 1966)I'm starting to think that I might be the problem.Whenever I get to watch the Addicks (whether live or on TV), we are usually mediocre, at least to my critical eye.  I'm now in New York for a fortnight so we should be good for the next nine available points, but I regret to report I've just bought

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-11131719600583538872011-08-19T17:40:00.006+01:002011-08-19T21:14:09.460+01:00

Three wins, seven goals, three solid performances, nine points, joyous fans returning home down the A12.....this is Charlton we're talking about isn't it? (pinches himself). Ever the realist, one could point out that the above paragraph might just as easily have referred to the start of season 2009/10. On that occasion we had followed up a slightly nervy home win over Wycombe, with two

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-17541929986448167522011-08-11T20:21:00.007+01:002011-08-12T08:05:19.083+01:00

The only positive thing to come out of this week's shameful events, is that Charlton are still in the Carling Cup. I read an interesting analogy this week which argued policing was akin to banking. Essentially both are built on a fundamental lie. In the banking case, if all depositors asked for their money back at once, they could not have it. In the policing case, if there is criminal

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-461594402403947982011-08-06T18:30:00.004+01:002011-08-08T21:30:51.887+01:00

When writing post-match blogs, I am consious that the vast majority of readers will have seen the game so I will keep this brief. In short it was a very positive afternoon, but not necessarily in the way you might imagine. The day began with a surprise with Elliot confirmed as keeper, and Hamer not even on the bench. It is hard to believe Powell wants three senior keepers, so something has to

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-72443277154517859732011-08-05T17:59:00.003+01:002011-08-06T07:28:57.849+01:00

The summer break from football usually drags on (especially in a year with no international competition), but this time Charlton fans were happy for some respite after the humiliating end to last season.However the general mood has rapidly evolved from pessimism to optimism (perhaps irrationally so), as fifteen new players agreed terms to wear the Addicks shirt. As I tried to explain last week,

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-68720716602882885422011-08-02T17:39:00.008+01:002011-08-02T21:19:12.763+01:00

Sporting Index have finally published their 2011/12 League One points total spreads.Interestingly, whilst Charlton are typically 4th favourites to win the League One title with the traditional ‘fixed odds’ bookmakers (behind Huddersfield, Sheff Weds and Preston), they are firmly placed 2nd in the Sporting Index hierarchy with a spread offered of 75-77.This may seem somewhat anomalous, although

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-9053075130113188122011-07-29T16:21:00.007+01:002011-07-30T08:12:37.024+01:00

In my last post, I sought to explain how the club might be financed and my thoughts on the likely strategy of the new owners.Since then there has been considerable transfer activity which I would argue (albeit less than impartially) has generally been consistent with these predictions, although I will elaborate further below.However amongst the understandable optimism at the direction in which

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-70218896137441162802011-06-16T21:57:00.007+01:002011-06-17T06:40:50.301+01:00

Film makers are known to use the description, "..based on a true story..", permitting them a degree of artistic flexibility, whilst they fill in the gaps in their knowledge.As I explained in my last post, I received information about Charlton's takeover which greatly enhanced my understanding of how things might pan out from here.In addition I’m fortunate to be in regular communication with a

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-22136303528177870692011-05-09T20:05:00.006+01:002011-05-09T22:32:49.230+01:00

"Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose."It's not like me to go over five weeks without blogging, but as I suggested in my last post, there really wasn't much to add to the depressing chain of events.Indeed I managed to go for a two-week holiday in early-April without even missing a Charlton goal. I did use my time away productively however, sipping a Pina Colada whilst patiently poring over

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-25054587736224716752011-04-01T20:50:00.004+01:002011-04-01T21:12:23.858+01:00

I think the legendary cricket commentator Brian Johnston once said that the best at his craft knew when to say nothing, because everything the viewer needed to know was already apparent.If us bloggers are somewhat akin to commentators, then my increasingly irregular posts might best be explained according to the template above.What can be added to the rich tapestry woven by eleven winless games

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-70789430121006963702011-03-26T19:37:00.005Z2011-03-26T20:35:55.130Z

As others have already reported, I learned today that fellow Addick blogger Paul Weaver (also known as Charlton North Downs) tragically passed away last month.He suffered a heart attack whilst playing tennis, which is particularly upsetting as we had chatted and emailed each other a number of times about our shared love of the sport.Indeed in one of those emails he told me, "Tennis is fantastic

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-69862543027090817572011-03-20T19:15:00.008Z2011-03-21T06:51:16.031Z

"However 4 or even 6 points from the next two games would make everyone feel better about themselves, though of course then a really tough set of seven consecutive fixtures begins." (New York Addick, 11 Mar 2011) When I wrote the above words, it genuinely never even occurred to me that we might conceivably lose our next two straightforward looking fixtures.With 21st placed Walsall currently on

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-10840415961340595782011-03-11T12:12:00.003Z2011-03-11T13:10:39.891Z

It was only a couple of weeks ago that I was writing that automatic promotion was still in Charlton's hands. Now the team is on its knees, and our season is virtually over.Perhaps we should merely be thankful that if Chris Powell's team had picked up the points it deserved rather than the points it actually got, we'd have a very serious relegation battle on our hands.As a result the new Board

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-67147236278222235622011-03-06T23:26:00.005Z2011-03-07T09:05:15.541Z

Charlton bloggers are busy people, and the games are coming thick and fast.Even Chicago Addick has been known to do a couple of hours work in his Bermuda bolthole, before returning for some more underwater spear fishing.With Charlton facing a massive six-pointer at MK Dons on Tuesday, I'm pleased to offer my fellow bloggers this handy ready-made post-match report.Bloggers need only decide if they

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-12966090000453486512011-03-04T17:10:00.009Z2011-03-04T17:37:46.744Z

Perhaps the only positive thing coming out of Tuesday night, was the knowledge that a perfect opportunity to return to winning ways would present itself just four days later.The attendance could be truly dire (the actual one that is, not the published one), and is bound to be worse than the previous Saturday season low of 14,436 against Notts County.A comment on my last post accused me of being a

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-29961160811195007512011-03-02T20:35:00.006Z2011-03-02T22:06:28.050Z

The night is supposed to be darkest just before the dawn, but wasn't Chris Powell meant to be the dawn?There was an air of inevitability about last night's defeat, and that is what should concern our new owners the most.The lowest gate of the season was not helped by the fact that the likes of me took one look at the weather forecast, considered the aforementioned inevitable, and gave it a

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-20555778428885600782011-02-24T19:27:00.003Z2011-02-24T20:29:24.055Z

The Sky cameras will follow the Addicks to the tidy surroundings of Meadow Lane, where the only certainty in an unpredictable season will be the terrible state of the pitch.Man City almost became a cropper on it before £27m striker Edin Dzeko spared their blushes. As Charlton fans know from the London Broncos days, sharing a pitch with a rugby team is not conducive to lush surfaces, and Colin

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-82394532872665822102011-02-18T16:16:00.003Z2011-02-18T16:19:42.564Z

Charlton’s run of good fortune finally ended at Hartlepool, although with fixtures still to come against Bournemouth, Southampton (twice) and Huddersfield, automatic promotion remains in our hands.The largest gate of the season will be the reward for the club’s brave £5 ticket offer, although the presence of the extra people (many of whom will presumably be first-timers) adds to the pressure on

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-20050256436822249982011-02-17T17:18:00.003Z2011-02-17T18:20:11.568Z

I was fortunate enough to procure a ticket for Arsenal vs. Barcelona last night, my first visit to the Emirates. Having watched Barca mesmerizingly complete their 684 passes, it’s clear to me that football played this way is elevated to an art form. Remarkably they contrived to lose the match nonetheless.Just to put those passes in context, if you assume that the ball is only in play for 70

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-25815766692428128392011-02-13T20:11:00.004Z2011-02-13T21:03:56.533Z

Post-match opinion after Saturday's bizarre 3-2 win, will likely be divided depending upon whether your love of Chris Powell is unequivocal or not.If the former, you will acknowledge that he hasn't had enough time to change Parkinson's direct style, but point to his half-time motivational teamtalks and tactical nous that have earned a fourth win in a row (all 7 goals have been in the second

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-74118625245587575232011-02-10T19:55:00.006Z2011-02-10T20:37:09.246Z

"The only sure thing about luck is that it will change." (Bret Harte)Three average performances under Chris Powell have remarkably produced nine points and three clean sheets.Fans thus find themselves delighted at the progress on the pitch, but aren't quite sure what if anything has actually changed yet.The short answer is 'probably not very much', with the exception of the acquisition of a

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-4728554874780781662011-02-04T20:47:00.002Z2011-02-04T21:18:47.199Z

With all due respect to our cider-drinking friends from Somerset, it's fixtures like Yeovil away which sum up why we need to get out of League One at the earliest opportunity.Synonymous with FA Cup shocks and led into the Football League by Gary Johnson less than a decade ago, it's no surprise that the teams have only met five times.A stunning Akpo Sodje goal earned the Addicks a point in

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-91015380734972943522011-02-01T15:20:00.004Z2011-02-01T15:23:51.347Z

Thanks to Saturday’s postponement, Chris Powell continues his relatively gentle introduction to managerial life with a home game against fellow 38-pointers, Colchester.Both clubs have lost fewer games than Bournemouth in 2nd place, but too many draws (8 and 11 respectively) have consigned the Addicks and U’s to 8th and 9th position instead.In light of Crawley Town’s FA Cup exploits, it’s worth

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-21891020945028283992011-01-28T20:04:00.005Z2011-01-28T20:37:06.452Z

Charlton last met Rochdale in League action during the season of my birth in 1973/74, although an FA Cup tie in 2005 was considerably more recent.Goals from Hughes (2), Fortune and Murphy sealed a comfortable 4-1 win, although not before Grant Holt would signal his potential with a goal to claw the score back to 2-1.Located within 20 miles of Man United, Man City and Bolton, 'the Dale' have been

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-71325796882247300392011-01-21T14:22:00.002Z2011-01-21T21:05:01.289Z

"He's not the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy!" (Life of Brian)The Messiah has returned, or at least a popular capable left-back turned inexperienced coach.Unfortunately I won't be present for the Second Coming (or is it the Fourth?).Instead I will be in Florida, ironically staying at the exact same resort where I learned that Alan Pardew had taken over in Dec 2006.There was a sense of optimism

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-87007998699432806652011-01-14T19:34:00.003Z2011-01-14T21:42:04.778Z

"Faith means not wanting to know what is true"(Frederick Nietzsche)I'm not a religious person. Perhaps if I was more inclined to have faith, I'd find it easier to join in with the mass Chris Powell love-in taking place.Having read several reasoned views over the past couple of days, I'm beginning to understand why the Board has made the appointment, although I don't agree with it.Some

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-26274149048599212422011-01-13T21:05:00.010Z2011-01-13T22:17:50.220Z

It seems the lunatics really have taken over the asylum.Given that both the Daily Mail and Sky reported Eddie Howe was about to be confirmed boss on Tuesday, the latest rumours about Chris Powell may be more of the same.If not however, it is simply not possible for Chris Powell to be the best available candidate, and remember only judge a decision at the time it's made.If we couldn't persuade

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-45147251207072378972011-01-09T20:50:00.002Z2011-01-09T21:18:51.086Z

This afternoon's FA Cup tie was an odd one. It threatened to develop into a fascinating encounter, but a devastating ten minute spell rendered the final third of the game flat and meaningless.Despite the surprisingly upbeat performance by the Addicks, it is easy to get carried away.Spurs played an extremely weakened side. Indeed their starting midfield comprised two holding midfielders (

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-46931078687151378582011-01-07T19:41:00.005Z2011-01-07T20:22:01.882Z

"Hi Gavin, it's Dad." "Hi Dad, it must be late over there?" "Yes son, but listen I need you to do me a favour." "Of course.." "I need you to pray extra hard for Charlton, we need all the help we can get."An imaginary conversation of course, but even divine inspiration may not be enough as a dishevelled Addicks side take on rampant Spurs in a year that ends in one. Thankfully 'Arry has promised to

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-28397758770166799652011-01-04T17:53:00.006Z2011-01-04T21:21:26.422Z

Joking aside, I didn’t expect Parkinson’s executioners to be quite so ruthless, but they’ve absolutely made the correct decision this morning. There will quite reasonably be some fans who will question whether Michael Slater was knowingly telling fibs when he publicly backed Parky in his first interview, but ultimately it’s an irrelevant issue.In the club’s brief website statement today, it was

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-83759982778534519062011-01-03T19:49:00.008Z2011-01-03T21:11:25.169Z

The CAFC email server has been close to breaking point in the past couple of hours.Luckily despite new owners, the password remains 'IHATESIMONJORDAN' for now so I was able to sneak a look at this evening's traffic:From: parky@cafc.co.ukTo: arry@spurs.co.ukSubject: RE: Record scoreI believe it was Arbroath 36, Bon Accord 0.Why are you asking?ps - any chance of a sneak preview of your team

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-78023667339773533762011-01-02T18:46:00.005Z2011-01-02T19:56:18.216Z

Firstly, very happy and prosperous New Year greetings to all of my esteemed readers.When you have young kids, New Year's Eve loses some of its old joys. Regardless of how late you stay up until or how much you drink, they're still going to wake you up at the same time.Indeed, I couldn't even muster the strength to stay up until midnight in order to run the traditional 100 metres at the stroke of

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-69244728758355719742010-12-31T15:10:00.002Z2010-12-31T15:59:32.423Z

Charlton started 2010 in 2nd place in League One with 48 points from 24 games.We will end the year in 3rd place with 33 points from 20 games, so 2010 could hardly be considered a vintage year, but we will begin 2011 with new owners and thus cautious optimism.The name of Michael Slater was a new one, but rumours about Tony Jimenez's involvement turned out to be true. No sign of Dennis Wise though

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-28920569300644670252010-12-28T18:59:00.004Z2010-12-28T19:57:47.588Z

Weather and fussy referees permitting, Charlton will take the field on Wednesday night for their first League One away fixture since 13 November.Brighton is one of the country's most pleasant large seaside towns, but the Withdean Stadium on a damp foggy Wednesday night does not show it in its best light. Much has been written about Sunday's postponement debacle, and it is pointless speculating

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-75866863159337978522010-12-23T19:07:00.005Z2010-12-23T19:56:33.549Z

Whilst it's perhaps appropriate that we face the Saints during the festive season, most Addicks fans have their minds on far more important matters.When the offer for Baton 2010 Ltd was confirmed on 2nd December, it was anticipated that the acquisition would be completed by Christmas Eve ie. tomorrow.Although one particular individual with Millwall connections has been the focus of numerous

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-31595625901031594052010-12-17T10:51:00.003Z2010-12-17T10:53:27.535Z

After more than three hours without a goal, Charlton will battle the elements and holiday traffic to arrive in Teeside for a game that has every chance of being postponed. I guess my feelings towards any Addicks making the trip fall somewhere in between admiration and pity, but those who made the trip in the much warmer month of August 2009 were rewarded with a comfortable 2-0 win.Although I run

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-86275561177436652342010-12-12T19:03:00.008Z2010-12-12T20:10:58.228Z

A cognitive bias known as 'outcome bias' focuses on the tendency to judge a decision by its eventual outcome, instead of judging it based on the information available at the time it was made.In a footballing intepretation, there is a tendency to judge managerial prowess solely in terms of results (especially in the short-term), rather than the process that preceded those results.Seen in this

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-22155363156176532132010-12-10T17:35:00.008Z2010-12-10T17:40:52.743Z

Charlton are likely to start Sunday’s game outside of the promotion places given the queue of teams behind us, but there would be few excuses if we don’t reclaim 2nd place by 4pm.Walsall arrive at The Valley in a sorry 24th place, a promising start to the season ruined by an awful run of just 2 wins in 15 League One games. However a brief glance at the types of attendances the Saddlers attract

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-62178709814707678242010-12-09T12:23:00.003Z2010-12-09T12:41:13.586Z

Given that I live 15 miles from Luton and there's been a hard frost every night this week, I'd considered a postponement of tonight's game to be likely.However I've seen no mention of a pitch inspection, and with somewhat milder temperatures forecast for later today, I guess it's going ahead then.Unfortunately I'll only be watching via an ESPN subscription (to be set up minutes before kick-off,

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-71307827976451247852010-12-02T20:31:00.002Z2010-12-02T20:54:48.696Z

I was disappointed but not surprised by today's World Cup decision.My sons will be 9 and 11 respectively in 2018, perfect ages to experience the amazing experience of the World Cup.....in Milton Keynes.Now I'm conscious that by the time we might conceivably win the right to host the tournament again, I'll be 57 years old.Realistically despite the usual English arrogance about the 'unique'

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-32168900533988441302010-12-02T20:06:00.002Z2010-12-02T20:27:23.049Z

As if merely in passing, Charlton's ugly new website confirmed a bid for the club has been accepted by the current owners, Baton 2010 Ltd.Pending due diligence, the deal could be completed by Christmas.Ironically despite the fact that this is the news we've been waiting for, there's actually not very much to say.Most fans are comforted by the fact that Peter Varney is fronting the bid, but it's

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-634523420421439742010-12-02T19:48:00.003Z2010-12-02T20:06:15.574Z

I attended an awesome Arcade Fire gig at the O2 Arena last night, and it got me thinking about Johnnie Jackson.The Canadian group are a mesmerising experience live, and despite the soulless surroundings of the O2, you felt like they were playing in your front room by the end. They were even rocking in the upper tier.Only one band in the world would get me to traipse through the snow and organise

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-87266980612273075242010-11-26T15:34:00.001Z2010-11-26T15:35:45.524Z

Charlton’s 2nd Round FA Cup tie against Luton Town must be at some risk of postponement due to a frozen pitch, so we may find ourselves in the 3rd Round draw by default. However notwithstanding the fact that I might secretly yearn for a replay as it would be a short 25min drive from my house, the tie undoubtedly represents a golden chance for a shot at possible 3rd Round glory. We could do with

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-53670064562830429412010-11-24T12:35:00.004Z2010-11-24T12:38:56.119Z

An energetic and lively performance by the Addicks was only good enough for a point last night. We have already played considerably worse this season and picked up wins.Bristol Rovers were spirited and occasionally dangerous on the break, but by the time Paul Benson deservedly notched us level, the away side were almost defending in Blackheath so deep had we pushed them back.Lee Martin was the

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-74926871586716118102010-11-22T16:55:00.004Z2010-11-22T17:00:22.546Z

Charlton finally won a home game by a scoreline other than 1-0, although like those previous victories it was a close-run thing again. The Addicks have secured four victories in the final five minutes of matches this season (Yeovil, MK Dons, Notts County, Carlisle), whilst also securing a useful point at Plymouth.They’ve also given up three late points (Exeter, Dagenham & Redbridge), but the net

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-71593899826309545842010-11-18T20:23:00.004Z2010-11-18T20:48:06.375Z

Amidst the disappointment of Tuesday's performance, it's easily forgotten that we somehow actually won. The sign of a good side perhaps?We certainly seem to be a (very) good side away from home, scoring seven more goals on the road than the next most prolific travellers.At The Valley it's an entirely different story, with 1-0 being the only scoreline that we have managed to win by (six times in

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-8004486887213143622010-11-17T09:30:00.002Z2010-11-17T09:32:58.425Z

With my spirits lifted by the news about Prince William, I opted to attend the game in the end, although my joy was tempered by the fact that it's just so hard these days for young couples to save enough for a deposit on a first home.What I witnessed was surely the most inglorious qualification for the 2nd Round in the FA Cup's famous history, the Addicks will face Luton or Corby in ten days time

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-47633802778203218002010-11-16T12:26:00.012Z2010-11-16T12:41:42.488Z

"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too." (Rudyard Kipling)I’m not sure if Phil Parkinson is a fan of Kipling, but he may well be based upon exceedingly good recent results.He didn’t so much ‘keep his head’ as ‘change his team’, the catalyst for a quite

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-27298894654319183642010-11-12T01:58:00.003Z2010-11-12T02:57:27.316Z

Four clean sheets in a row and two wins from Wembley. The 'Parky Out' brigade are notable by their absence.I'm not really firmly in the 'Parky In' bridgade to be honest, but the last three weeks have shown just how dangerous short-term decisions can be based upon what in truth was a single poor home performance.After that Brighton game I looked at the next four fixtures with trepidation, yet

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-20097078410087142282010-11-09T02:00:00.002Z2010-11-09T02:44:32.530Z

I'm a Waitrose man myself, but it seems that Sebastien Sainsbury's proposal of marriage has failed to persuade Richard Murray to walk down the aisle (geddit?).Sainsbury had very subtly indicated his interest in the club, by becoming director of a newly incorporated company called Charlton Athletic 2010 Ltd. However it seems proof of funds were not forthcoming, which combined with plenty of

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-72570336878986377592010-11-05T13:34:00.004Z2010-11-05T14:13:29.582Z

An away tie at Barnet would ordinarily have been a perfect one for me (my parents live up the road), but instead I'm sat here jet lagged 6,000 miles away in San Francisco.By the time the game takes place however, I'll be onboard a Virgin America flight to New York which thanks to their wi-fi facility, should mean I'll be able to listen to commentary at 35,000 feet, a new Charlton-supporting

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-58282812407319341922010-10-31T18:55:00.002Z2010-10-31T19:31:15.849Z

The 'Parkinson Out' brigade have gone awfully quiet, and for once I can take some comfort for having not jumped aboard the bandwagon after the Brighton defeat.We are only a point away from an automatic promotion place, but the extreme compression of the League (13 teams separated by just 4 points) implies that the margins between success and failure are wafer thin.With an average of 1.57 points

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-72097359463870179612010-10-29T10:54:00.004+01:002010-10-29T13:57:13.587+01:00

Although this fixture is probably about as glamorous as League One fixtures get, I'd not realised that the two sides actually hadn't met in the Premiership since 1998/99.The Owls were relegated in season 1999/2000, so the Addicks leapfrogged them by winning Division One, and did not meet in League action again until meeting in the Championship in 2007/8.To show how these things ebb and flow, it

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-29869817112930750512010-10-22T09:46:00.003+01:002010-10-22T09:48:37.393+01:00

Carlisle has been the scene of memorable moments in our history; tomorrow's events are more mundane but important nonetheless.Last season we were well-beaten in Cumbria, and the defeat was a sharp reality check from which we never returned to the form that had seen us arrive with 29 points from 14 games.Saturday's humiliation at the hands of a well-drilled and confident Brighton side felt like a

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-26084561677550545362010-10-17T20:40:00.004+01:002010-10-17T22:37:32.948+01:00

The knives are out for Phil Parkinson in a big way, and the sudden change in sentiment is really quite remarkable.Unfortunately his team's timing could not have been worse. Firstly he infuriates the most loyal of all (the fans that travel away), by sending out a team to be humiliated at Brentford, in front of a sizeable travelling support.Then just two weeks later, his side are thumped 4-0 in

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-573748979434305362010-10-15T11:14:00.006+01:002010-10-15T11:16:49.033+01:00

The biggest game of the season takes place in front of what should be the biggest crowd of the season, despite the silly restrictions on ticket sales imposed by the club.Seagulls and Addicks are after all kindred spirits, bonded by a shared hatred of Crystal Palace.I won’t be attending sadly having just been abroad for ten days, and instead will take my 3-year old to an exciting local FA Trophy

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-74916153661275758752010-10-11T23:11:00.012+01:002010-10-12T10:25:06.877+01:00

However if there's one thing that winds me up when I tell someone I'm a runner, it's the inevitable question, "Have you ever done a marathon?" I haven't and don't intend to. (New York Addick, Nov 2009)As the above quote emphasises, despite being a keen runner I'd tended to view the marathon as bordering on the dangerous, if not downright insane.Running of the more genteel type (in distance terms,

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-55978357332595672572010-10-08T02:57:00.004+01:002010-10-08T03:29:42.881+01:00

A brief preview on this occasion, as it's 10pm here in New York and I've still not shaken off the jet lag.I will turn 37 on Saturday (John Lennon would have turned 70 incidentally), and whilst three points would be a terrific birthday gift, I would 'imagine' it might require a massive improvement from the Brentford game which by all accounts was a shambles.Despite being one of pre-season

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-29004822949964232832010-09-30T20:29:00.002+01:002010-09-30T21:11:23.903+01:00

No-one sensible leaves Charlton matches early to beat the traffic. If games only lasted 85 minutes, the Addicks would have drawn with both Notts County and MK Dons, and earned a valuable point at Exeter. Early leavers meanwhile would have missed a two goal finish at home to Dagenham, as well as Chris Solly's smart late finish at Leyton Orient.Margins are extremely thin in football, and it's

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-1606715867028319932010-09-29T09:29:00.006+01:002010-09-29T10:36:10.955+01:00

As the second half of last night's match drifted towards what seemed an inevitable conclusion, I began to plan what I'd hoped would be a witty post-match blog post.When Paul Benson completes a mortgage application and is asked for his job function, I speculated that he would put 'link-up man' not 'out-and-out goalscorer'. Unfortunately this is almost certainly what Pawel Abbott would write too,

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-61973995326864690482010-09-24T10:45:00.004+01:002010-09-24T12:09:50.240+01:00

All being well, I will land back at Heathrow on Saturday morning after a busy week in New York. Although the weather here has been variously described as 'glorious' (sunny, mid-80s), it has left me cowering in the shade panting like a overheated dog. I'm not a hot weather person, and it reminded me just how little I have missed it since moving home. I consider the UK's mild weather to be its

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-74129619249739297402010-09-16T19:49:00.003+01:002010-09-16T20:21:38.683+01:00

At this stage last season, the Addicks had already accumulated 18 points, yet last Saturday's rather fortuitous win has left us on a mere 10 this time around.They say the sign of a good side is winning without playing well (not true of course), and whilst we can thus take comfort from our position tucked in behind the League One leaders, the expected bedding down time for our new-look side is

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-41931775894243669202010-09-09T19:42:00.002+01:002010-09-09T20:14:19.896+01:00

During the mid-1990s, the country's oldest professional club were regular opponents for the Addicks, but this will be the first competitive fixture for over fifteen years.Clashes between the sides usually promised goals, with the last four encounters showcasing 19 goals alone, including two 3-3 draws at Meadow Lane and a 5-1 home win at The Valley.The teams are equal on seven points, but the

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-32043287286308182722010-09-03T12:12:00.004+01:002010-09-03T12:26:18.371+01:00

Exeter would hardly be considered a hotbed of sport, but with its rugby team (Exeter Chiefs) enjoying promotion to the Guinness Premiership, the local football team has temporarily lost bragging rights.The Grecians maintained their belief in passing football under young snappily-dressed manager Paul Tisdale last season, and were rewarded with survival by just a point. Defeated just four times at

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-54978967403847218892010-08-27T09:32:00.005+01:002010-08-27T10:09:50.898+01:00

After Saturday's sharp reality check, the Addicks face their toughest-looking challenge of the season when they travel to much fancied Huddersfield.Fixtures against Huddersfield maintain a romantic element thanks to events at The Valley in 1957, but most fans would accept a dull 1-0 victory if it can somehow be eked out.Charlton earned four points against the Terriers last season, including a

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-76622612132791093442010-08-24T21:52:00.007+01:002010-08-25T06:56:37.138+01:00

The recording of the extraordinary shareholders' meeting (available on CAFC Player), provides some remarkably frank insights into the club.As a shareholder, I was entitled to attend so listened to the recording with considerable interest. Murray promised more disclosure now that the Plc obligations are gone, and he did not let us down.Without wishing to detract from the excellent 'live' summary

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-3672873013698409082010-08-21T21:23:00.002+01:002010-08-21T21:53:08.299+01:00

I usually opt for the West Upper on a match-by-match basis, but for no particular reason I again tried out the West Lower where my old Premiership season ticket was once located.So imagine my delight when a minute before kick-off, Charlton's suspended midfielder Jose Semedo sat down two seats away from me alongwith who I assume was Miguel Llera's dad and young son.When the Portuguese squeezed

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-34778738700540100862010-08-19T20:04:00.004+01:002010-08-19T21:02:33.505+01:00

With no more than two games played in League One, only three clubs can claim a 100% record and at least one of those will end tomorrow.Led by their acidic rookie boss Paul Dickov, few expect Oldham to be competing in the upper echelons by the end of the season, but their early results command respect.Admittedly Tranmere and Notts County are hardly amongst the division's heavyweights, but then

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-80923911631573002032010-08-18T19:31:00.002+01:002010-08-18T21:07:44.513+01:00

My fascination with non-League football dates back to the mid-1980s, when Barry Fry's flamboyant Barnet side was causing a stir on Underhill's sloping pitch.Indeed for anyone unsure if they are still in love with the beautiful game (as opposed to the glitzy Sky interpretation of it), I urge you to revisit a non-League ground to tap into your primitive urges.Most stadiums are as ramshackle as

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-37071858708864484602010-08-13T22:11:00.003+01:002010-08-13T22:59:23.286+01:00

Even before this game kicked off, I couldn't hide from the fact that I felt more energised about the Addicks than I had in many years.So much so that my vociferous celebration of Chris Solly's goal woke up my youngest son, when previously he'd have slept soundly so emotionally uninvolved have I felt for some time. "You woke him up, you go up and settle him," said the wife."No you go sweetheart,"

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-29948081935289263592010-08-12T11:03:00.008+01:002010-08-12T11:09:31.862+01:00

I’m not quite sure what to make of Tuesday’s bizarre exit from the Carling Cup.The sight of Pawel Abbott and Lee Martin tearing the Shrews apart in just a few first-half minutes was encouraging, but some of the subsequent defending was truly abysmal.If you haven’t seen it, brace yourself and click here.The ‘reward’ for winning on Tuesday would have been a trip to Stoke in the 2nd Round, just

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-61670051604034965912010-08-09T20:40:00.002+01:002010-08-09T21:02:09.833+01:00

The Addicks haven't visited this quaint corner of Shropshire since April 1986, when their promotion push was temporarily halted after a 2-1 defeat. Shrewsbury are now managed by Graham Turner after a volatile 14-year run as both Hereford manager and Chairman (never needing to fear the dreaded vote of confidence).They now play at the new Greenhous Meadow rather than at the previous ground whose

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-79301299427241487922010-08-07T21:26:00.007+01:002010-08-07T22:07:51.372+01:00

"Some debts are fun when you are acquiring them, but none are fun when you set about retiring them." (Ogden Nash)The club today published more details of the exact terms of the deal struck with Richard Murray a couple of weeks ago.The situation can be summarised as follows:- the club received an offer in Aug 2009 but due diligence revealed the consortium could not provide sufficient proof of

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-64762649580134091322010-08-07T20:09:00.005+01:002010-08-07T22:34:18.708+01:00

"Have we done cherries?""We done them.""Red and black?""Yes."(Monty Python, 1969)For the third consecutive season, the Addicks pulled off an opening day home win although today's conditions felt more like November than August.On a personal note, it was a nice start to my charity bets with £32.50 going to a good cause thanks to the correct scoreline.Parkinson opted for a conservative looking 4-4-2

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-76775012111293451172010-08-06T15:49:00.008+01:002010-08-06T15:57:44.855+01:00

Another season, and another opening day home fixture against a newly promoted side, the fourth in succession.In a rather strange way (which might be deemed almost Calvinist), I have come to terms with our lowly existence and feel rather emboldened by it.I thus find myself looking forward to tomorrow more than any of the previous three opening games, each of which I also managed to attend.In 2007/

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-78792700749257772032010-08-04T20:15:00.007+01:002010-08-05T11:23:50.180+01:00

In early October, I will be running the Chicago Marathon.Despite having been a keen runner for many years, this will be the first time I've attempted the iconic 26.2 miles.In an unusual post-credit crisis form of corporate hospitality, I was offered a free entry to the race (I'd have preferred the usual US Open tickets but anyhow).Given that Chicago is one of the five 'marathon majors', as well

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-78805446590626331262010-08-01T20:07:00.003+01:002010-08-01T20:29:10.767+01:00

Despite Watford being my nearest League club, the wife did not issue my visa until 2.30pm leaving me just thirty minutes to get to the game.Somehow I made it, and chose to sat in the sparsely populated Rous Stand rather than join the 250 or so Addicks that were camped in the Vicarage Road end.Parkinson again opted to start with a 4-5-1 formation, with Jose Semedo clearly the holding midfielder,

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-81101589132441391022010-07-27T20:19:00.008+01:002010-07-28T06:52:19.460+01:00

I thought it was curious that Richard Murray appeared to be the only Charlton director present at Barnet on Saturday.However now it seems clearer, because surely the best news to have emerged from the club since May 2006 was quietly released on the website tonight.In terms of the club's fightback from the lowly position in which it finds itself, I find myself quoting Winston Churchill: "Now this

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-91435238480432050152010-07-25T20:28:00.002+01:002010-07-25T21:00:45.401+01:00

Underhill is a curious ground. With its sloped pitch and seven different stands and terraces, it certainly can't be accused of being soulless.Unfortunately with just one division separating the two clubs, they are the type of surroundings that Charlton may increasingly have to get used to (especially so based on this hopefully irrelevant performance).After the disappointment of the World Cup, I

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-25440553337136003732010-07-14T21:11:00.003+01:002010-07-14T22:08:25.679+01:00

Preseason news from The Valley has been deflating, but hardly surprising.The club had gambled that our stint in League One would be as brief as possible, but this possibility took off with Nicky Bailey's penalty.Back in May, I wrote: "Some appear to believe that administration is an inevitability, but this ignores the fact that the debts are largely owed to the same people (ie. the directors) who

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-50752723439539142142010-07-14T19:35:00.006+01:002010-07-14T21:09:54.687+01:00

"It's not every day that you get to be affectionate around something German. It just doesn't seem to happen that often." (Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm")Ever since Germany's sparkling opening win against Australia (the first of a trio of games in which they'd register four goals), I have found myself thinking of my hero Larry David's quote above.He was referring to a dog not a football team,

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-72617531906907053972010-06-28T20:13:00.010+01:002010-06-28T22:02:05.882+01:00

The England team visited an orphanage in Bloemfontein today. “It’s heartbreaking to see their sad little faces with no hope,” said Jamal, aged six.England is clearly not the best in the world at playing football, but arguably we are the best at writing about football.Anyone scanning today's newspapers will thus have reviewed a fabulous range of explanations for our demise, most of them quite

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-15976266399414069582010-06-13T21:35:00.005+01:002010-06-13T22:10:02.451+01:00

The campaign against the World Cup 'vuvuzela' began with a whisper, but now ironically threatens to become a cacophony of sound.Initially I enjoyed their incessant buzz, but now they are utterly ruining the tournament.Germany gave a footballing masterclass tonight. A sublime display of penetrative pacy football.They were everything that we were led to believe England would be, but weren't.But

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-72681101531404804742010-06-13T08:49:00.004+01:002010-06-13T09:25:30.078+01:00

The suspense is finally over. The agonising build-up is now complete.Yes folks, we now know the winner of Junior Apprentice, the ever so slightly annoying (surely precocious? - Ed.) Arjun.Meanwhile a few thousand miles south, the World Cup got under way with a cracking opening fixture followed by four rather ordinary ones.England's result and performance was fairly predictable. The technical

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-13923557192909693662010-05-24T15:21:00.004+01:002010-05-24T22:14:00.286+01:00

What have Shaun Bartlett, Mark Hudson and New York Addick got in common? Yes that's right, they've all scored on their Valley debut.As mentioned on my previous post, I fulfilled a lifetime's ambition by playing football on the hallowed (albeit bone hard) turf this morning.Unfortunately despite yours truly claiming an assist for the first goal, and scoring the second, our team ran out 4-3 losers

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-5382396819429845232010-05-21T11:43:00.007+01:002010-05-21T22:34:31.640+01:00

I will fulfil a lifetime's ambition on Monday, when I take to the field at The Valley for Football Aid.The match will kick off at an ungodly 9.30am presumably on police advice, to discourage players from drinking heavily before the game.Given the distance I live from the stadium and the rush-hour traffic, I'm tempted to stay overnight in the vicinity.I'm not a good footballer. Any personal

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-75997938784879918272010-05-18T23:48:00.010+01:002010-05-19T03:48:38.270+01:00

Whilst those Addicks fans present at The Valley were having their hearts ripped to shreds, I was desperately trying to follow events from New York via email updates from my Dad.Fully 35 separate emails pay testimony to the ups and downs of an extraordinary night, although as implied on my previous post I am rather unmoved by the eventual outcome.Firstly victory last night we now learn, would only

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-17563479807046051332010-05-14T10:47:00.007+01:002010-05-14T11:07:00.173+01:00

Thanks to the events of May 1998, the play-offs will always hold a special place in the heart of Addicks fans. However despite the excitement evidenced by Charlton’s allocation of tickets selling out within hours, promotion to the Championship would not have anything like the same impact on the club.Revenues in the Championship would barely be higher (perhaps a 10% increase in attendances, and a

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121663.post-20582174068965846352010-04-28T13:49:00.003+01:002010-04-28T13:59:30.944+01:00

The news that Addicks starlet Jonjo Shelvey has moved to a top Premiership side is unsurprising, but the timing of the deal is odd given he will not be available for the play-offs.It does however lend credence to the view that Phil Parkinson’s apparent reluctance to utilise the player, was in large part due to a desire to protect from injury the club’s most valuable intangible asset.However if so

New York Addickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08557761313491796984noreply@blogger.com10