I've been asked to have a go at writing a blog and I was sitting here thinking what topic I could write about, then I listened to the 606 podcast and it hit me. As a Charlton fan last season I was dismayed by the performances that I had to endure, you can excuse bad performances if you see the lads showing an effort to do well which last season was missing. Many fans were asking for the younger players to be given a chance and I could see why....out of desperation mainly. They have been with the club a while and so will have Charlton in their blood and show determination to do well, but chucking youngsters into an under performing squad would not have been the right choice. It could ruin their career. It's easy to use loan players as scapegoats as they can pack their bags and go back to their club and forget about what has happened, but then again loan players that come from a higher division club could possibly offer something lacking in the squad. It's a tough decision for managers. As we are all aware Charlton completed many signings before the start of the season and made a couple more when it began, only one being a loan player which is Leon Cort. Speaking in press conferences Chris Powell has made his feelings quite clear towards loan players, as with his permanent signings he wants them to buy in to his ethos. He wants them to be dedicated to the cause because he is concerned as I have mentioned they have their parent club to fall back on. I agree with our manager, I'd rather have players who are under contract at our club with a smattering of youngsters being given a chance. Which as we all know is harder for football league clubs after the decision to reduce the number of players on the bench to 5. This season Charlton remain undefeated after 12 games, which means we are heading the table. Not all games have been smooth this season, Tranmere for example on Saturday was not an easy game to watch! The difference over last seasons squad is apparent as we would have lost that, the players showed a fight and are playing for the badge, club, fans and for their manager! Now if we turn our attention away from Charlton to the England squad, ask yourself this. Are players more concerned about playing for their clubs who pay their wages than playing for England? are the England team going through the same troubles as Charlton were? The England international scene is going through a tough time at the moment and England games do not interest me at the moment. Sad I know. Would it worth for Capello to take a gamble by dropping the world class players to have those who will give 110%? Charlton have not always had the most skill full of players. But with the right ethos, team spirit and management they can come out on top which this season is true. The old Charlton has returned, which has a lot to do with Chris Powell. It's nice to walk away from a game being proud of my club, proud of the players who wear our shirt. Yes some will have a bad game now and then but that ladies and gentlemen is football, and would not give us anything to discuss on boards like this or in the pub. Until next time.
Top stuff again- you make it very easy to read too, which is a testament to your writing style! I also think the ability to hand out longer contracts help too. Players on loan, and one year deals know from January onwards that if things aren't going right that it's not as much there problem. Individuals start playing for themselves so their agents can garner interest, and their priority no longer the club- but their future and family. This summer we've been able to hand out 2 and 3 year deals. The players now have job security and it's in their interests, as well as the club to buy in to CP's vision. It's not just the new players either- contract negotiations for JJ and BWP have started 12 and 18 months before their deals are up. The board are shoeing that if you do well, you will be rewarded... Something Murray couldn't offer towards the end of his tenure. Overall, a happy playing squad generally equals happy fans and club. For the first time in years- we are starting to see this!
The big problem about playing for England is it gets in the way of our precious lads play time - holidays (World Cup) or knobbing other players wives/GF/Bf/Wag/clubbing/snorting coke/shoplifting/fraud.........basically whatever they like. The classic "Dont you who I am" syndrone.
houndal - thanks for that insight, you may not have noticed but I have promoted and published this article, a little restraint in these situations please. thanks brb
Ha, it's just the article has been promoted and therefore gets picked up by other sites. Normally it would not be a bad thing.
Basically I made a post and then a mod comes along and will add Article to the subject and will modify other bits such as added Charlton Athletic into the subject too. That should be enough of a clue
For having a valid opinion on a debate forum?! Bizarre. You better watch yourself Houndal, another yellow card and you could be banned for a couple of games!
Super, I have been called many things (including floppy) but never soppy I am no longer a soppy virgin
