I thought it was about time we had one. 12 games in to the season under Lee Bowyer Charlton have 18 points; 5 wins 3 draws 4 defeats 12 games into last season under Gobbo Charlton had 23 points; 7 wins 2 draws 3 defeats 12 games into the 2016-17 season under Russell 'Wow' Slade Charlton had 15 points; 3 wins 6 draws 3 defeats So at this point in the season we are +3 on Slade, and -5 on Robinson. When Slade was sacked after 16 games Charlton had 20 points. After 16 games under Mouth Almighty Charlton had 31 points How many will we have after 16 games this season? Already one member on ITTV has questioned those fans who want Bowyer sacked, asking who would replace him. The answer to the question is obvious; Johnnie Jackson. But the post itself was curious I thought, as I have not yet seen any forum member post that they do want Bowyer sacked. It's possible a few radicals over on CL have already done this, but I haven't been over there lately. So the question I'd like to as is this; If Charlton 's poor form continues for another four games, should Lee Bowyer get the same treatment as Russell Slade? Our next four league opponents are Barnsley (H) Oxford United (H) Rochdale (A) Doncaster Rovers (H) If Charlton only take two points from those games we will be no better off after 16 matches than we were under Russell Slade two seasons ago. That seems unlikely, but let's say we only pick up 4 points? One win, one draw and two more defeats maybe. That would leave Charlton in mid-table, only 2 points better off than we were in 2016-17 and a whopping 9 points worse off than we were under the Talkative One last season. Would calls for Lee Bowyer's head then be justified?
As long as Roland owns Charlton he will be the butt of my anger, and I will state categorically that I will not call for Bowyer to be sacked. Football is all about opinions, and having a different opinion from the manager about, say, the goalkeeping position is part of general discussion, not a call for his head.
Bowyer has two main advantages over Slade. 1. He has an affinity with our remaining fans, as an ex player. He is seen as 'proper Charlton'. 2. Even allowing for the budget limitations he is working under, Bowyer's side tries to play attacking football. Bowyer signed Lyle Taylor on a free transfer. Slade signed Nicky Ajose for £600,000. Slade's side also played without a doubt the most boring, unattractive football I have ever seen from a Charlton side. Regardless of the opposition, Slade set every side up for a 0-0. Remember that infamous Slade midfield - Foley - Jackson- Crofts - Ulvestad. I remember being at Gillingham in that Slade season - the Fat One got abuse from our fans, the likes of which i have rarely heard.
A lot of our fans were glad when Slade initially took over...he replaced clowns like Luzon, Peeters & Fraeye after all. It soon became apparent from his style of football that he was somewhat limited.
It is very premature to put up a sacking thread for Lee Bowyer. But if we don't get promoted this season it will be a failure.
I liked Russell Slade … he put a proper footballing structure in place at the training ground that had been missing since SCP left.
Orient away pre-season Slade gave an interview after the game. Even then you could tell by his body language that things were not right. I did not dislike him either.
His football was marginally more entertaining- not difficult - but he was an even bigger twat. In Bowyer We Trust.
Will go the same way as last season the injuries will take it's toll. I was one of the 1st to take a dislike to robinson but I'm sure the midfield that started the 17/18 season was smashed to bits by november. The thing I find with managers is they are stubborn and don't really change things. I believe at the moment with the defence we have we will let goals in no matters who's in goal, but how long will bowyer give steer. How long will bowyer continue to play the ball out from the back at every opportunity. Bowyer will be found out and for the 15 passes we put together to still be in our half the other team will just sit back and say you can have 100 passes if your not coming out your half. BUT no matter who we have as manger as long as we are left 3 players short every season by the Belgian we are going to find it hard to get promoted. I didn't mind slade but he was so worried about losing when he didn't have to be he'd play for a point. Over the past 3 seasons whoever has been in charge I've lost count of the amount of OPPO fans who've said we've been the best team they've played
There was a great quote from Gobbo on Oxford United Twitter after they landed bottom on Saturday. According to KR, Oxford would be crazy to get rid of him as they are “the best coached team in League 1” It just hadn’t translated into results ....yet.
Regarding Bowyer. He will have my 110% support until such a time that a proper owner gives him a proper playing budget & LB fvcks it up.