I was hoping nobody would come in for him and MA would have a change of heart but he's off to Southend. Back to beer and barbecue now.
Am I correct in thinking it is in the talks stage at the moment. Although like you Lenny, I was hoping no one would come in for him.
Be interesting to see how this one runs! Southend United have no money and have to rely on loans and free transfers!
Just seen that both Gillingham and Southend have failed to reach an agreement, so he might be staying after all.
From this link I think Scally is being a bit harsh on Charlie Lee, we have seen the best out of him on many occassions, especially the epic 5-4 win against Hereford. I would be more than happy to see Lee in a Gills shirt again next season. http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/sport/Lee-deal--3271/
Wonder if he will stay now, I don't see that he will play that much if he does which is a shame but he is an asset that we don't need as he is paid a high amount as it seems so he is a luxury and with other midfielders available who are in the team ahead of him and are not paid as much then it is a waste to keep him even though I really like him. I just don't think that we have ever seen him at the same level as he was playing as when he was on loan, but saying that maybe he is the type of player that we need in League One, we will just have to see what happens. He has had his good games and I really do think that he is a great player and I would like him to stay however if he is on one of the highest wages at the club then there is no point keeping him as that could be freed up and used elsewhere. http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/sport/Lee-deal--3271/
don't think scallys being harsh at all. when he came here on loan he looked like a heck of a player week in week out hence why we were all so keen to sign him. since hes been with us full time we've seen glimpses but never the consistent (as) high performances
I'm hoping that being on the TL gives him the kick up the arse he needs TBH. I would love it if he came back determined to prove his worth to MA and fight for his chance to be a part of what could be a great season. There's no doubt he has the ability, it's up to him to show it.
Him and Whelps were continually being dropped at Peterborough before we signed them. I saw Charlie come on when he was sub for the posh, and he picked up a card in the first few minutes he was on. He went to the Paul Scholes school of tackling, and you just can't get away with it in this day and age,so he's always going to be a bit of a liability and after they've picked up that first yellow, it affects the rest of the game . Because Charlie (and Hess was too) so full bloodied in the tackle,take that away ,and they are not so effective
Thing is though its quite hipocritical of many Gills fans to criticise a tough tackling midfielder, because lets face it, we love them! Most of the best players that have appeared in a Gills shirt have been the ones willing to put their foot in. Even in my short time as a Gills fan I've seen people like Hess, Paul Smith, Mark Saunders, Alan Pouton, Andrew Crofts, Jack Payne and Charlie Lee all willing to put their foot in. The first three of that list are Gills legends, other postions such as centre back have seen us have Ashby, Hope, King and Barrett show that they love a tackle and us Gills fans have loved them for it. I think we need someone like Charlie Lee to capture the imagination of the fans, there is nothing worse than seeing a midfielder being afraid of making a tackle and just standing there (Adam Miller). Charlie adds a bit of flair, he has a good shot on him and yes he gets yellow cards, but that means he's committed to the cause.
But the game has changed a lot since those players were around, and you can't put your foot in like you used to be able too. How many cards did Barrett pick up last season? Not many, because he knows how to do it, and Charlie Lee doesn't and as soon as Charlie gets a card,(which he seemed too every time he played ) his efficiency went down by 50% because another one and he would be off. Yes, Charlie is quite skilful,takes a good throw and scores a few goals, but he can't do any of that if the manager is scared to play him because of his tendency to get easy cards. The answer is in the players own hands, but as in every job, some people can't or won't change because they don't see the error of their ways.
Martin has told the BBC he doesn't want Charlie to leave ,but there are other reasons hat he won't go into. Wages? http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23802408
Thought as much myself. We must have given him a considerable chunk to drop down to League Two given he was a better player than League Two standard.
