Now young Charlie has had a lot of praise and criticism from members on this board and now he's nearly had a full season with us, I would like to hear people's opinions on him. Me personally, I like to have him in and around the team but he does very much remind me of Danny Spiller. Just like Spiller he will play anywhere in midfield where he's asked to. He does a lot of running around and can on occassions do the odd naughty late challenge. Technically he may not be the best player we have but seems to be our preferred set piece taker especially from corners (again Spiller was often chosen to take corners too). However Charlie's energy, speed and sometimes even skills can liven up a game. When Spiller was about 22 we rejected a bid from West Ham for £750,000. Could Charlie command a similar fee in a couple of years time? He certainly shows the commitment to the team just like DS did.
His commitment is second to none. On the other hand I feel he isn't good enough for league 1 but should still keep him as back up. Although in the future i feel he will be good enough, mayb a 6 month loan back to league 2? The effort he puts in the brilliant but things such as his positioning are poor, for example he was caught offside more than once against Rotherham and he was in midfield. But that's just little things that can be worked on. But In answer to your article. Should he stay?? Yes!!! Will he be a 750k player?? I don't think so.
It's a very interesting thought and one that could possibly happen in the future. However, not too dismiss it completely but correct me if I'm wrong but weren't we in the Championship when Spiller burst on the the scene at a young age? (Genuine question, not trying to be patronising) If so there is quite a jump between the leagues and maybe one that slightly lessens Allen affect so far. However I personally think he is a very talented boy and have to agree with you that he could easily be worth big money in a few years time. He is the fittest player in the squad and all aspects of his game seem to have improved as the season has gone on, so much so it is often forgotten he is only 19 (maybe 20?) and not about 25-30. Next season I would like to see him go away for a few months to a team like Barnet or Wimbledon in League 2 and play week in week out to really bring on his development away from his dad and have him be used as more than a option from the bench. Don't have a problem with Mad Dog brining Mad Pup to the club as I think it was a very astute move but feel away from the safety net for a little while would do him good as I don't see him as a Charlie Stimson or Blair Sturrock that needs his dad to give him a job and would thrive with a little more freedom. It may sound a little negative but I don't mean it to be as I think he is very talented but think a quick 3 month loan to a decent league 2 club next year would give him that extra boost to make him into that regular starter and hopefully 750,000 player.
As much as Charlie Allen is not the most technical player in the team, he gives an awful lot every game and sometimes you need that in lower leagues . We have what I would call " Flare " players in whelpdale , burton , lee . He is also very good at changing games for example at Morecambe away he came on at half time and we looked much stronger , In my opinion I hope we keep Him
I have no issues with Charlie, although I don't think I have seen the best from him of late. Its difficult for me because I hear a lot of neg stuff about the lad but I try to keep my own unbias focus on things. Is he ready for the step up to league one, I'm not sure. Would I be prepared to take the chance, difficult one, based on Rotherham, No. Based on early season, Yes.
Well a year ago I wouldn't have wanted Fish anywhere near the team. brb wouldn't have wanted Joe Martin ! Look where we are now - I have admitted that Fish ( & Martin, especially going forward ) have been the most improved players in the squad. I too would say that Charlie may not yet be ready to be the midfielder that we need to mount an assault on The Championship - but in a season of consolidation he could develop in the same way as our full backs.
The call for Mad Pup to go on loan somewhere for a short while is a good one. There will always be the perception, right or wrong, that Charlie is only playing league football because of his Dad. He may even believe that himself. Am I right in thinking he has only played for clubs his Dad has managed at the time? So, playing elsewhere for a while would prove to everybody he can play in his own right. Especially if he shines when doing so. He would then come back an even more rounded and confident player.
Professionally, yes Mad Pup has only played for his dads clubs (Gills and County) but spent time at Daggers and Billericay at youth level away from his dad after starting as a kid at Brentford while his dad was there.
At only 21 surely Allen jr should be nurtured by the club? He is far from his peak (statistically speaking) so should only improve consistancy wise. There is no doubt in my mind that Allen clearly the most promising midfielder we have at the club (far better than Dack) and should be developed.
I agree with BSG that we should nurture him. We kept a hold of Crofts, Spiller and Jarvis without loaning them out and I think we should do the same with Charlie, just build him up with games in a Gills shirt. As for the bold statement about him having more potential than Dack, then I'm not so sure.
Very good young player, loads of energy and drive and has been an important part of the squad this season, will only improve with age.
If you work out the points earned by the team per game, for each player per appearance when starting the game, Allen is top. This is a key statistic and a real accolade for Allen.
