It was Henry Ford who proclaimed that "Coming together is a beginning, staying together is a progress and working together is success." Whilst there has certainly been a 'coming together' it is unclear whether the new parts Chris Powell has purchased will combine to produce a well oiled machine or a cut and shut that falls apart by mid November. However, with a pre season of comings and goings almost over, Charlton fans are welcoming the new term with a sense of excitement and optimism; though for some, trepidation lurks not far behind. The fact that Powell was active in the transfer market in May has ensured that most of the squad are on first name terms. The late arrivals of Andy Hughes and Ben Hamer aside, the new players have had enough time to gel off the pitch and there certainly appears to be a good team ethos created by all the management. On a personal level I am excited by the signings of Danny Green and Dale Stephens. Both clearly have footballing ability, but also seem able to mix it when necessary. The new centre back pairing of Matt Taylor and Michael Morrison also hopefully have those qualities, but in reverse. Clearly Powell expects all his players to play the game his way. In Bradley Wright Phillips, Charlton have a 20 goal a season striker. However, he also has the potential to be a 20 goal a season sulker. His goalscoring opportunities will surely increase with improved service but so has the expectation that he is a team player and needs to do his fair share of the dropping short and running into dead ends. In a repeat of last season's opener, Charlton welcome Bournemouth to The Valley. The Cherries earned the respect of many last year, punching above their weight and finishing sixth. Certainly Powell was impressed enough to pluck two of their established players from them and big things are expected from Danny Hollands and Rhoys Wigigns this year. My prediction for this game is a nervy and jittery 2-1 victory. Having shed the concerns that he is 'too nice' to be a manager, Powell needs to rid supporters of their concerns over his managerial ability. Behind him he has a board who have put their money where their mouth is. This is his team now. Only time will tell if Charlton will drive off with the League One trophy.
Very Good write up and I agree with pretty much everything you say. As for the result for this coming Saturday, im going to go for a repeat of last seasons opener. 1-0 80th minute goal from BWP. Its the first game of the season with expectations high, a lot of first game nerves with a lot of players not wanting to make any mistakes. So im thinking its going to be a tight game!
Lovely piece, Sir John. I'm going for a 2-0 win and a decisive performance. Bournemouth aren't going to make it easy for us, but I think it's going to be very difficult for them to re-create their form of last season, having lost so many key players.
Loada pressure on us in this opener to the campaign others may of written us off BUT our fans expect promotion. Given the fickleness of our support if we go a goal down then the fans will get on the teams back..0 0 after 50 mins and same reaction. Anything less than victory on sat and the valey faithful will not be happy. I`m nervos for this one BUT will say 2 0 and off to a flyer for the Addicks.
i'm going for a 3-2 win and a very similar game to the Wycombe one that kick started the 09/10 which will see us take an early 2-0 lead although I feel a couple of defensive howlers may cost us as this brand new defence learns to play as a unit. BWP, Hollands and Stephens to get the goals for me.
Think its gonna be a tight game - Bournemouth will take a 1-0 lead into Half Time / will be 3-1 Charlton at Full Time
Great write up... I'm going for a goal blitz 4-3 to us Addicks!! BWP x2 Jackson x2... Lets get this party started!!
An early goal will lead to a comfortable 3-0 or 3-1 scoreline. Alternatively, nil nil at half time, with lots of nerves on display, with one goal settling it either way...
Nice write up John, although surely a preview rather then a review? 2-0 for me. Comfortable in my oppinion.
All the sensibly optimistic scores have been "taken" by other posters so I am going to say 4-0 (BWP, Hayes, Benson scores twice as sub).
I think you are going to find Bournemouth a right handful - probably a 2-2 draw....but good luck anyway!
Bournemouth have been raided of most of their best players, and whilst they've still got a decent side, I reckon Charlton will be too strong. 3-0 is my guess.
Can't see us keeping a clean sheet, defence looks too jittery and we don't know who the 'keeper is going to be. BUT, a win is on the cards. 1-1 HT, 2-1 FT. Morrison, BWP for us.
I think B'mouth are going to be more than up for this. That said- you'd like to think our quality, players like BWP, Stephens, Hollands, JJ etc will be too good and wear them down. I'm going to go for a feel good factor 3-1.
