Clearly all that lot will go (with the possible exception of Bover) and more besides, but I wouldn't call any of them "second string" because I don't think we are relying on any of them to replace a first-team regular who might be unavailable, unless we have a freakish number of injuries. Sullivan, Cort, Evina, Hughes, Pritchard, Wagstaff, Hayes and Haynes are our second string (plus whatever loanees are passing through) and they are certainly good enough to be "second strings" for Div One. There are few players better than those who are not appearing in their Div One club's first team. We couldn't expect any player more accomplished than them to remain content stuck in the reserves (especially as there isn't a regular reserve team). As for the Championship, that is another story. A few months back I thought we had around eight players who could do well in the Championship. After our recent run of form I am not so confident.
I think it was significant sending Bover and Tosan out to spain on loan and I reckon we will keep both of these if the end of term reports form their loan club comes back positive. Occasionally I check on the match reports (they can be found in English of a form) and both seem highly regarded. Don't disagree with the rest but hope we don't have another wholesale clear out as per last summer.
I'd say our midfield needs strengthening. Not competitive enough in the centre and not pacey enough out wide.
I've not been impressed with Bover every time I've seen him. Seem's Conference quality at the very best. I haven't seen enough of Tosan Popo so can't really comment. The rest I'd agree with.
As a regular watcher of the U18s for 20 years i feel that Tosan Popo is not good enough.I have also seen Bover on about 4 occasions and i feel he is not up to playing in the Championship.In reply to Eddie Firmani's post i also feel that Hughes,Haynes and Evina are not good enough for a top rated Div 1 side,let alone a side that should be aspiring to get out of the Championship.The core of our side with Morrison,BWP,Kermy,Hollands etc is good,but we need to raise the level of the fringe players.
I'll take your word as gospel then Dick, as I've only seen Popo against Welling pre-season, and then a few sub appearances (Millwall pre-season, Preston in the cup etc) as far as I can remember. I've seen Bover about the same number of times as yourself, and I agree completely, he's too lightweight, has very poor vision and doesn't seem confident in his own ability. I disagree though in regards to Haynes, I feel we've yet to see what he really offers up front. He seems wasted on the wing, but he's torn defences apart when used as a super-sub. I'm undecided on Evina, I've seen him have some very good games, and one or two very poor ones. Hughes is okay at steadying a League One level midfield, but if we were to get promoted to the Championship, I'd only like him to stick around as he seems decent in the changing rooms and could possibly help with coaching.
I heard Alonso was actually okay, but his passes did'nt rouse any interest from the players around him. Dartford are my non league team, so happy for them as it will mean much more to Dartford than Charlton if they go on and win the final. However, the general impression I got was that we let ourselves down badly, and that if we do put a lot of these players on the market, teams like Dartford won't want them. Euell is a player I have fond memories of, but I thought he was awfull against Halifax, and really, I can't imagine the sort of crisis at the club that would be eased by his presence. Good servant and all that, but well past his sell by date.
I take it you disagree FHB in regards to Popo? Personally I'd be interested to hear more about our youngster, who will make the grade etc As for Euell, its ironic that there's a common consensus on here that he's well past it, when at the start of the season we were drooling at the prospect of signing him, and saying he would tear league one defenses apart
I don't disagree, Dick. I only said they were plenty good enough to be "second strings", to stand in for the regular choice for a match or few as necessary. You cannot expect to bat all the way down the order in a Div One squad. Evina is still only 20. He has a lot of experience in first-team League football for one so young and plenty of time to develop, if not with Charlton then at some other club. He played a lot for Oldham in Div One at the age of 19 and they offered him a contract but he claimed that he wanted to stay in the London area. I am sure clubs like Brentford or Orient would give him a chance if we don't want him.
For the future Oliver Muldoon is very impressive,has got a touch of the Steven Gerrard's about him.Semi Ajayi is a tall and quick Centre back in the mould of one of my heroes Richard Rufus.Ade Azeez and Tobi Sho Silva have got pace to burn but are still a bit raw and their decision making needs to improve.Callum Harriott and Jordan Cousins are nearest to the first team.But Callum is injured at the moment otherwise i think he would be pushing to be in the squad.We have got a very good squad of players who play the game in the right way.To watch the U18s at the training ground you have to produce some proof that you are a Charlton fan.This is to keep the scouts away.
Perhaps i am being a bit unfair on Evina,but i have not been impressed with him.But he is still pretty young and it can't be easy not playing any reserve football.This is a big problem for the squad players.They are expected to be up to speed ,when they are required for the first team but they have played very little football.
I gather it is not only scouts Dick (one game at Sparrow's just before Christmas there was scouts from 5 Champ/Prem teams on the sidelines) but also to keep some undesirable 'player agents' away.
[video=youtube;MmgNtkN1zwQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmgNtkN1zwQ&list=UUtekIQqvKF69m-oUT9qWgbw&index=1&feature=plcp[/video]
