Valley Floyd James

Robbed and Hurt

2006-09-09T16:07:00.000+01:00

If I was Jose I would be saying we just won 2-1 as Chelskis 2nd goal should never have been and M. Bent scored a perfectly fine goal, instead we were robbed and went away with nothing.

Chelsea edged an even 1st half and grabbed a goal after just 6 minutes on the clock. Lampard swung in a corner, which Ballack met with a diving headed, Hughes blocked it but it landed at the feet of Drogba who hammered it between the post and Ambrose.

With 13 minutes gone a neat bit of play on the edge of the box found Ballack who drove the ball along the ground with great power only for Carson to make a smart save low to his left.
JFH when clean though only for the ref to wave his flag and then Reid got a knock and Romm joined the action. It only took him a minute to create a chance for DB who headed wide.
Drogba when through our defence and was closing in on the goal but he dragged his shot well wide. JFH got in to handbags with Ballack, just before the whistle went for half time.
We started the better in the second half, but lost Traore after he failed to shake off a knock from the 1st half.
Then with 54 minutes on the clock JFH did what every Charlton fan had been waiting for after some great wide work from Romm he found JFH who skipped a tackle took a touch and curled it along the ground into the bottom corner.

But we were only on level terms for 6 minutes, Diawara when off injured just before Chelski took a corner, which found the head of Carvalho, as the ball flew towards the goal, Faye got a touch but it went in anyway. Drogba looked to have been in the keepers way but the ref let the goal stand.

Marcus came on for Diawara and he put the ball in the net as the clock struck the 72-minute mark, but the ref disallowed it for handball but it clearly came off of his chest.

The ref really decided to put on his Chelski shirt after Kalou threw himself to the ground after the slightest touch from El Karkouri. It was a joke but lucky for us Super Scott was between the sticks and saved Lampards spot kick.

Despite some pressure we could not find an equaliser and Chelski has stolen 3 points from Dowies red army.

Chelski, Bent and New Blood?

2006-09-08T05:10:00.000+01:00

After last seasons displays at the Bridge, a win (unless you are Jose) and a draw, could we be the first team to take all 3 points off of Chelski in there own backyard. I think we have a chance due to Chelski not looking themselves of late and also the fact that we have bought well in the transfer market since the win over Bolton.
Diawara is a godsend at this moment in time with HH, Sorondo, Gibbs and Fortune all missing, he will almost certainly start on Saturday. Souleymane has attributes that are well suited to the Premiership, he has pace, he reads the game well and is an imposing figure in and around the area. While Pouso could get a place on the bench, he is a good all-round midfielder and is Carrick like with the ball at his feet. Chelski also bought well before (well actually after) the window shut by finally ending the worlds most boring transfer saga and signing Cole, but I feel that the loss of Gallas (for me a better player than Cole) could have a big impact of there season.
Chelski are having problems making the new faces fit in with the 4-3-3 they have played for the last 2 seasons and hopefully Dowie can mastermind a plan to take advantage of this. I would personally play a 4-3-3 with Kish, Faye and Ambrose in the middle of the park and Romm, Bent and Reid up top. I feel that this would give us a great chance of getting 3 points.
I think we will get at least a draw if not a 1-0 win, with Bent finding the net.

Speaking of Bent, McClaren proved why he was no ones 1st choice for the England job by leaving out the best striker in his squad (and also the one with the most goals). McClaren may have won but both performances were poor and playing Defoe was a joke topped off by bringing on Johnson instead of Bent. Defoe may have got 2 goals against the mighty Andorra but his general performance in both games was dreadful he looked slow and had poor movement. If Bent had been at boro he would have been starting, the proof of that is Downing who has been less than impressive. Also Lampard should have been dropped by now, he has never been someone I rated and his last 10 games for England have been very poor. The worst thing is Rooney is back now and so Bent will drop further down the pecking order, so unless McClaren wakes up soon Bent will have no hope of playing for England.

With the transfer window now closed, Dowie can only sign free agents and he has been in talks with Diego Tristan (30), he has the physical presence and goal-scoring prowess to be a hit in the Prem but his form has dropped in recent seasons (matching the fortunes of his former club.) Bolton and Newcastle are in the chase as well but if Dowie can talk him around he certainly has the talent to make it. Dowie is also thought to have his eye on Czech forward Marek Heinz as a back up if he fails to land Tristan with a host of European clubs also chasing him.

Dowie Does Diawara Deal

2006-08-29T16:32:00.000+01:00

Charlton look set to sign defender Souleymane Diawara from French side Sochaux on a 3-year deal and for a fee thought to be between £3-4m.
His agent said "Souleymane is going to Charlton as both clubs have agreed a fee, he has had talks and passed his medical at the club. "Souleymane has agreed a three-year deal and he should complete the formalities of the deal soon."
This will be a boost to Dowie as he looks to strengthen his team before the window closes on Thursday. The 27 year-old Senegalese centre back was being chased by other Premiership clubs such as Newcastle and Portsmouth.
Dowie is still thought to be looking for at least one more midfielder (thought to be Pouso) and a striker, with M. Bent and Euell both heading for the exit.

Dazzas Double Delights Dowie (Charlton 2-0 Bolton)

2006-08-27T22:44:00.000+01:00

A display of heart and skill earned Charlton their first 3 points of the season as Bent showed why he should start for England.
In a very entertaining game it was Bolton who had the first clear-cut opportunity as Stelios ran clean threw towards Carson’s goal with 11 minutes gone, he sent El Karkouri the wrong way but before he could do any damage Hughes made a crucial block.
Then a lovely bit of play from Charlton as Jimmy played a defence splitting pass to Ambrose who’s shot was saved, but it deflected to Bent who smashed the ball against Meite on the line, it fell to Ambrose who found the back of the net but he was offside.
The referee then decided to pick on Herman and sent him off for an accidental elbow on Davies, after Davies himself had been attacking our team with elbows from the opening minute.
After half time we made a bright start and El Karkouri rose like a salmon but headed wide, the ref then noticed that El was wearing Traore’s shirt, which was quickly rectified.
The next blunder from the ref came in the 57th minute as Diouf and Faye tangled running into the box and Diouf put his feet together and threw himself to the floor in a clear dive, but the ref said penalty but thankfully he only booked Faye. As Diouf stepped up to take the spot kick to a chorus of boos from a nervous Valley crowd, he tapped the ball to the keeper’s right but Carson saved the day and the shot with a brilliant save then he bounced back up to clear the ball. The save sent the crowd mad with delight as Carson handed out justice.
After Carson’s heroics it was the 10 men of Charlton who took control of the game and after a period of good possession it was Reid who placed a chip into the path of Bent only for Ben Haim to grab his shirt and as Bent hit the floor the ref finally decided to do the right thing and pointed to the spot. Bent placed the on the spot and took his run up, as around 23000 Charlton fans crossed there fingers and went mad as Bent sent the ball flying passed Jaaskelainen.
As the clock struck the 72 minute mark the ref put his glasses on for the second time in the match, when Davies jumped up with Faye and threw a vicious elbow into Faye’s face right in front of the ref, Davies got what was coming to him a red card.
As everyone in the Valley sat on the edges of there seats hoping Charlton could hang on, then Bent beat the keeper to a long ball and lifted it over his head but as the ball came down wide. Then a bit of route 1 action sealed the day, Jimmy flicked the ball into the box and found Bent who took the ball well before releasing a shot while falling which when in-between the keepers legs and made the points save.
Carson got to make another great save before the end as he palmed away a lob from Tal.
All in all it was a great game, despite the ref making a few big errors and big Sam’a thugs lost to a side with more heart and ability than his side will ever have (he claimed after the game that his side should of won and that Davies was an angel and HH was the devil).
Bring on Chelski!

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Undone (Charlton 0-3 Manchester United)

2006-08-24T05:36:00.000+01:00

Well it’s been 2 games and we have yet to win, but it could have been different, on Saturday we could have won if it had not been for a ref who was too quick to send off Djimi (especially considering the tackles by Michael Brown and Ben Thatcher). While if we could of kept our 1st half performance (and luck), it could have been a draw.
In the first half we put in a solid display but we failed to create anything apart from half chances which included a miss fire from Jimmy, a far post header for Dazza and a spell where 2 possible penalties were turned down. United on the other hand had 4 great chances, a shot from Park (well saved by Carson) and a superb Giggs free kick (which hit the inside of the post.) Then a tremendous run and curling shot by Giggs that was well saved by Carson and finally a powerful rising shot from Ronaldo, which hit the crossbar.
The second half opened with hope after Ambrose hit a dipping shot from about 40 yards but it clipped the post. Then disaster, Fortune slipped and let Fletcher into score and from that moment on it was all uphill. United took control and kept possession well, while we lost the ball with in seconds of wining it by always trying for a killer pass.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink did not impress (but he has only played 2 games and maybe he should be coming off the bench as he often looked lost playing in the hole) and was subbed in the 65th minute for M. Bent who also failed to contribute.
As we pushed forward they got stronger and pushed home their advantage with 11 minutes left on the clock, a Brown pass found Saha on the edge of the box, he then turned and smashed the ball past a despairing Carson.
Rommedahl came on too late to change anything but he looked bright and provided much needed width.
United then broke in move that saw Solskjaer left with a gapping goal only for Carson to become superman and stop a certain goal. But 3 minutes later Solskjaer made no mistake after everyone missed a Saha cross, Ole tapped it into an empty net as our defence stood static.
So on to Saturday we march a result against a hot and cold Bolton side would lift the club, but even if we lose it will not be the end of the world as he has to be given time. Dowie has also said he is still looking for 1 or 2 players and hopefully they are a striker and a playmaker.

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Dim Costs Us Win (West Ham 3 –1 Charlton)

2006-08-19T18:02:00.000+01:00

From a Charlton point of view theirs not much I can say about this game, we started slowly as we had been doing all pre-season, then Gabbidon gifted us a penalty with a silly handball, which Bent duly dispatched with ease. We then started to play well and became the better side for a few minutes, until new boy Djimi Traore, decided to pick up a silly 2nd booking for blocking the taking of a quick free-kick (the 1st yellow had come only minutes earlier for a poor tackle on Bowyer.)
From that moment on it was the West Ham show, putting us under unbearable pressure for the rest of the half, but somehow we held out until half time thanks to Carson who was a real hero pulling off a string of good saves.
The second half began the way the first had finished and Dowie’s team talk became redundant after 6 minutes, when everyone in the middle missed a Bowyer cross only for Zamora to tuck it in at the back post.
West Ham kept coming and in the 67th minute a comedy goal gave the hammers the lead. Bowyer’s cross found Zamora who miss hit a shot, which hit the post and trickled over the line as our back line looked on in horror.
After going a goal down we got back into the game and started to play a bit better, but our only real chance came in the last minute, from substitute Andy Reid’s free kick, which found Sorondo who headed a good chance over. Then as the game drew to an end and as we licked our wounds, Carlton Cole came on in injury time with a bag of salt and poured it all over us as he scored with his first touch to make it 3-1.

A Preview of the Coming Season (and the Hammers match)

2006-08-18T05:13:00.000+01:00

Well the new season starts tomorrow at 3pm and there have been a few changes since United took us apart. We have a new leader who goes my the name Dowie and he has made promises of a new attacking style or as one man once said "sexy football." While most of the football pundits regard him as one of the best young managers about, most fans were sent in to hysterics when a certain Simon presented himself as a tangerine Yosemite Sam, as he ranted on Sky Sports News, with the sound bite "I would not issue a writ through my lawyers on a point of principle. I will issue a writ on a point of law because points of principle are expensive as Iain will find out." (or "Varmint, I'm a-gonna blow you to smithereens!" ) As Bugs (that's Mr Murray to you and me) stayed calm and uttered the immortal phrase "Of course you realize, 'DIS means war!" (or words to that effect.) Anyway this all has to go to court where Jordan will lose as he is wrong (in more ways than one), but we all know that already.

The playing squad has improved with a total of 9 new players and Sorondo who has made his loan permanent, the most high profile of which is Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink. The 34 year-old will bring his know how to the Valley and hopefully a few goals, I am looking forward to seeing his rocket launcher like shots. Dowies other main signings are Faye (who will be a force in the centre of the park), Traore (he can sometimes look lost but if he focuses he could prove to be a great buy) and Reid (he will bring flair and a great footballing mind to the team, but he we need time to get fit.) Despite the club having a great set of keepers already Dowie felt we needed another keeper and signed England U21 keeper Scott Carson on a season long loan, while exciting trialist Bolanos has also joined on loan. Dowie said he wanted to make signings for the future and did so in Walton a tough tackling centre back/midfielder (who has gone on loan to Ipswich) and Staunton a defender from Celtic. USA international defender Cory Gibbs also joined on a free, but lost his World Cup place and will be out until November, after picking up a knee injury and having surgery.
But leaving the club are fan favourites Powell and Perry, along with Jeffers (who never made an impact), JJ (a fan favourite for a while until the goals dried up), Bartlett (he gave good service to the club but he was never going to be a starter) and Bothroyd (ok while he was here, but he needed to work harder).

Well this is the bit where the expectations and predictions come in, the thing is how to go about it. I could go for if our season is going to be a movie it would be Snakes on a Plane or go with the usual Charlton will start ok, be ok in the middle and finish badly (forgetting we have a new manager and staff), but end up mid-table.
What I will say is that I expect an exciting season with some good football, my heart says top 6, but I would settle for 17th. So my prediction is top 10 (where over the top hope meets reality) and a cup run (probably to the semis of the Carling cup.)
As for tomorrow, I think we will win 3-1 with a Bent double and JFH opening his Charlton account too.

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Dowie Adds A Winger

2006-08-16T18:12:00.000+01:00

Charlton have signed Andy Reid on a 4-year contract in a deal that will be worth up to £3m.
The talent 24 year-old careered had stalled at Spurs last season and he will be hoping to fulfil his potential at the valley and revive his international career where he has fallen down the pecking order.
He is known for taking a mean free-kick and his meandering runs, he can play down either flank although he prefers the left side and can also be use in the hole behind a main striker.
This signing will delight many fans who know that if he reaches his potential he could be as good as his compatriot Damien Duff.

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Dowie Watches Striker and Other Targets

2006-08-16T04:37:00.000+01:00

Iain Dowie watched the England U21s draw with Moldova last night as he looks to bolster his squad for the coming season, it is believed he would like a new striker and another midfielder.
David Nugent looks to be a target after a glowing report from the Wolves game where the Addicks had a scout, Nugent found the net twice as Preston beat Wolves 3-1. Then last night Dowie took a look for himself, he was probably impressed at Portman Road as Nugent scored a neat header at the far post and claimed the man of the match award.
The 21 year-old striker is well known for his clinical finishing and pace, which make him one of the top target men in the Championship. Preston had hoped to keep the gifted attacker, but should a Premiership team make a firm offer it is believed he would jump at the chance to make the step up. Unfortunately Preston would want a fee in the region of £4m, which maybe beyond Charlton’s financial reach, unless a payment plan of the kind that saw the Addicks land now club captain Luke Young.
He was also there to watch James Milner, but he never made it to the pitch as Dowie would like to take him on a season long loan.
Dowie is also keen on Southampton’s 17 year-old defender Gareth Bale, Dowie is thought to be ready to offer a deal worth £1.5m to the Saints.
As for the midfield situation, Dowie has been keeping tabs on Scott Brown, who caught his eye in the recent friendly with Hibs and Kris Commons. Both would be a huge risk as they are unproven but both would cost under £1m are both are thought to have big futures.

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Rooney and Scholes Miss Match

2006-08-15T18:26:00.000+01:00

The FA have ruled that both Rooney and Scholes will miss 3 games, which includes united’s game at the Valley, this will surely be a boost for Dowie’s men, as we look for our first win over the red devils in the Premiership.

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Carson Joins

2006-08-14T16:43:00.000+01:00

Scott Carson has joined Charlton on a season-long loan, this will conclude Dowies search for a new keeper are missing out on Isaksson and Green.

Hammers Set To Steal Green

2006-08-14T15:30:00.000+01:00

West Ham have jumped the cue and picked up Robert Green from under Dowie’s nose, just like Manchester City did with Isaksson, but most fans are of the opinion that we have enough keepers anyway.
If it were up to me I would move for Kamil Contofalsky who could come on a free from Zenit St Petersburg, we could also do with another striker and a playmaker.

Anyway I am back now and will bring you and a preview of the coming season later this week and hopefully it will be better than the terrible preview seen in this Sundays Observer @ http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1843540,00.html.

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Double the Bent, Exit the Euell (and other gossip)

2006-01-16T02:46:00.000+01:00

After beating the blues on Saturday Curbs has decided to start his spending on Marcus Bent. Curbs has been chasing Bent since the summer and has finally landed his man, he will cost a reported £2.5m. He has only started 7 league games this season for the toffees and only netted a single goal, but his game is more about hard work and last season he lead Everton into the Champions League as a lone front man. He is 27 and hails from London (Hammersmith) so he should not take long to settle.

While Curbs is still looking to change the look of his squad and is looking for a centre-back, his known targets are Knight and Gardner and both would cost in the region of £2m. He is also looking to add to the midfield area, Bowyer is long-term target but Newcastle keep moving the goal posts, while Gonzalo de los Santos is said to be on trial at the club after leaving Valencia earlier this month.
But it remains to be seen if another striker is on Curbs' hitlist after signing Bent, But Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink and Cameron Jerome and still being linked with moves. It may all be decided by who leaves the club during the window.

Out goes long time want away striker Euell who is set to seal a £1.5m move to Birmingham, who also tried to sign him in the summer, but a shoulder injury meant the deal collapsed.

Another Classic? (Preview Vs West Ham)

2005-12-31T09:20:00.000+01:00

Remember it kicks off at 1pm, I only saw it on sky sports news late last night. Anyways after the Newcastle “game” where nothing happen due a bit of snow and the northern nancies giving up, we can look forward to a classic derby. Over our years in the Premiership our home games against the hammer have usually been something to look forward to, a couple of 4-2s and of course that 4-4 (the only other prem game finished 1-1 after a wonder goal by Di Canio).

The Weather – It will feel like 3°, with a good chance of a shower or 2.

Team News – West Ham are likely to be without Yossi Benayoun (groin), Teddy Sheringham (calf) and Danny Gabbidon (knee). While Tomas Repka and Bobby Zamora could comeback into the hammers side.
Danny is suspended while Sorondo is likely to miss out after a very late yet unpunished tackle from Francesc Fabregas. Smertin (Knee) and Thomas (Virus) face late fitness tests. Myhre is likely to keep his place in goal and Fortune should start in defence after stella displays on Boxing Day.

Ref Watch – Poll he is probably the best ref in the league but that is not saying much he needs to keep his head as this could be a hot encounter.

Prediction – I am going for goals, 4-3 to us in a ding dong derby, Bent (2), Ambrose and HH for us and Harewood, Konch and Reo-Coker for them.

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Transfer News

2005-12-29T10:54:00.000+01:00

Franny Jeffers will return to us but could well move to Norwich as part of a £7m deal (with £2m upfront in cash, £1.5m in extras, a further £2m over the next 3 years and will get Jeffers and JJ as well).
Despite Moyes saying that Bent is going now where a deal could be on the cards after talks the move is likely to cost us £1-1.5m and of course the Bowyer deal is looking more and more likely
According to the mirror we could be ready to clear out 6 players to create funds for new signings and we are still tracking Gardner, Andrew Johnson and Niemi.
Euell seems most likely to move on with Birmingham ready to pounce and others including ‘boro and Palarse keeping a close watch.
A big rumour doing the rounds is that Beto (Sporting Lisbon) will join us, a good centre half who is very useful.
While the more unlikely rumours about are that Arsenal are going to move for Andersen and that will use that money to pick up Darren Fletcher from Manu.

Just how much of the above is true and how much Curbs has to spend we will soon find out.

Can the Robins Overcome the Magpies? (Newcastle Preview)

2005-12-28T06:52:00.000+01:00

A hard fort display over Arsenal left us with no points and no cheer, as the ref decided to give Arsenal his backing in nearly every decision he made. From hand balls to elbows and of course Danny bouncing the ball too hard towards an arsenal player so that they could take their ill-gotten free kick.
Anyway another day another game and off we go to Newcastle needing a point if not all 3 to get us back on track and avoid getting sucked into the relegation battle. We could fall to 14th or go up to 10th and we still have a game in hand on nearly everyone in the league. Newcastle are 3 points above us and their form has been far from consistent, against Liverpool they only had 2 shots on goal, while they banged 4 past the Hammers.
Team News – Newcastle will be without Taylor, while Bowyer is suspended after picking up a dubious red card on Boxing Day.
Danny is suspended while Sorondo is likely to miss out after a very late yet unpunished tackle from Francesc Fabregas. Smertin (Knee) and Thomas (Virus) face late fitness tests. Myhre is likely to keep his place in goal and Fortune should start in defence after stella displays on Boxing Day.

A big threat to us is Sherear and his elbows and of course his moaning gob, while in football terms Solano and Owen will be a potent threat. Newcastle’s main weakness is at the back, they have a few good indivuals but they do not work well as a unit. Given is a hard man to beat and without him they could be in the bottom 3.

Ref Watch – Mike Dean, not known for making big errors and has taken charge of 1 Charlton match (our 3-1 win over ‘boro in which he booked HH) and 1 Newcastle match (they won 1-0 over Birmingham and had 3 players booked.)

Prediction- 2-1 to us again a hopeful score line but I think Ambrose will start and will have something to prove at his old club, he will score 1 and set up Bent for the other. Owen will find the net for the home side.

Merry Christmas

2005-12-24T09:11:00.000+01:00

Happy Christmas and A Very Happy New Year

I hope Santa brings you what you wanted (some points) and that you enjoy the day.

Santa is a Charlton Fan (hopefully- Arsenal preview)

2005-12-24T08:23:00.000+01:00

Boxing Day (at 12:45 some people lose track of when games start over xmas) and we meet a team who are also looking for form and have a poor away record to go with our poor home record so this has draw written all over it. Arsenal have kept only 1 clean sheet on the road and have only managed more than 1 goal once in their last 8 away games, while we all know about our home form.
We have had come cracking games with the gunners over the years but in recent seasons the linesman has had more of a say than we have.
Last new years day we lost due to the linesman being completely incompetent after Talal hit that screamer to draw us level.

Team News – Arsenal’s main man Henry (Achilles) will have a late fitness test and Van Persie could be out with a damaged knee but Reyes should return.
We welcome back Euell and Lisbie to a fully fit squad, Bothroyd is fit but is still waiting for an all clear from the doctors.

Boxing day will be a day when the players show they have listen to Curbs and put on a great display or it could be a day when we get found out at the back and are made to look like fools live on sky.
In order to get a good result we should play deep and hit them down the wings. The middle of the park will be a place for bite as without Vieira they are weak in the physical stakes and will fall apart under pressure.

Ref Watch – Local lad Steve Bennett (Oprington) will take charge, he is usually a good ref who will not take any nonsense from anyone.

Prediction – hopefully a hard fort 1-0 win but I can see a 1-1 draw with Ambrose and Pires putting the ball in between the sticks.

January Gossip and Curbs Feels For Fans

2005-12-24T07:56:00.000+01:00

The media have stuck with the summer stories of us being in for Marcus Bent (£1.5m) and Lee Bowyer (around £1m), they would be two welcome faces at the Valley. But David Moyes insisted: “There could well be interest in Marcus when the transfer window opens — but I can tell you now we won’t be selling him.” While another summer link has resurfaced, Anthony Gardner is said to be on his way for around £2m.
We have also been link to Ashton but Norwich are said to want £7.5m for him and so that would be quite unlikely. The Cardiff Echo has linked us with a £2m (£1m upfront and £1m in extras) bid for City’s Cameron Jerome a wonderful young striker how could light up the Valley.
No one knows what Curbs has in the way of funds but the Star (a great source, LOL) has said that the board will put £6m in the kitty.
The way we have been playing of late it is vital to get some fresh blood in this January transfer window here are a few of my ideas top add to the gossip above.

Walter Pandiani is on offer for about £850k and would give us a top quality finisher and a bit of bite up top.

David Prutton a good all rounder who can fill in at the back, but is best in a defensive midfield role. (£1.3m)

Jens Nowotny he is at Leverkusen and is a experienced player who bring strength to our defence and is likely to cost under a £1m after having a few troubles.

Robert Huth a promising young defender and we could land him for £1m.

Kim Kallstrom a great attacking midfielder and a gifted talent, his fee would be somewhere in between £2 and 4m.

Also if we have an unlimited budget I would like to see Robbie Keane, Papa Boupa Diop and Steed Malbranque join but those are rather unlikely targets.

Curbs has spoken out on 2 matters to do with us, the fans, first on how poor we have been and that we have the right to boo due to some very poor performances. "We do it to our fans ever year, we set them up and don't quite follow through," he said."I'll accept any criticism they want to send my way, I pick the team. But hold on, some of the players out there have to take some responsibility and they didn't today when it came down to defending.The fans have been very tolerant but they won't stomach too much more of this. If players are not up for it, change it.”

He also spoke of his anger at the Xmas fixture list which sees the traveling faithful dragged to Newcastle, then back home and finally off to Everton all in the space of 6 days. "Our away games - to Newcastle and Everton - are quite ridiculous for our fans," he raged. quite ridiculous for our fans," he raged. "We're doing 1000 miles in two away trips, which is tough, not so much for us because it's part of what we do, but for our fans it's crazy."

Rumours, News and A Match Too

2005-12-04T05:55:00.000+01:00

First off after having a flick through the papers and websites, which cover transfer news, it looks like January could be a busy month. On the way out could be Hughes, Holland, Bartlett, Bothroyd, Lisbie and Kiely. The most surprising name on that list is that of Deano, he has been linked with a move after failing to regain his place and being very verbal about this, which Curbs took exception too and Curbs put Kiely in his place. Ever since this argument there relationship has been strained and he may well be looking at the exit door.
On the way in according to the rumour mill could be Dean Ashton, Louis Saha, Andrew Johnson, Lee Bowyer, Zoltan Gera and J Lloyd Samuel. There were many after names including stories of scouting missions to countries such as Holland, France, Spain and Brazil. Most fans feel a lack of January action has made a big contribution to our end of season hell. Also of interest to many fans will be the rumour that Curbs will be given a significant war chest for the window in order to help us push on to the next level.
Curbs is ready to sign a new deal in January his current deals only has 18 months to run and he said this just the other day.
"I've got to see what he offers but I am not money-orientated and I haven't even thought about not signing. Over the years I could have got a lot more money elsewhere but that's not my motivation. The way I see it I'm in a job that 15 years ago no one in their right mind would have taken. But now the chairman would have people contacting him if it became available. The truth is I don't what it to go belly-up here. I don't want to have spent 15 years as manager and see all that work go wrong. I know we can't compete with a lot of clubs but we have averaged 10th place in the Premiership over the last five years. Looking ahead, I would like to see our stadium increase its capacity to 35,000. That would be a fantastic achievement and that's part of my motivation. I want to keep things going."
Today we need to end our 5 game losing streak and there is no better place to do it than at home in front of the Sky cameras. Man City are in good form but a win would take us above them and into 8th place.
So lets get behind the boys and I know we pay our money so we can say what we want but do not boo Curbs has done more for this club than most know and he will turn it around.

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Revenge & The Cup (Carling Cup Preview)

2005-11-29T17:18:00.000+01:00

After we beat Chelski our form has gone out of the window and that includes our first away defeat to Blackburn. Tomorrow could be do or die for our hopes of silverware this season (due to our history in cup competitions) and of course the most important thing about winning a cup is they you into Europe.
Injury news – Blackburn are likely to be without Lucas Neill (back) and Tugay (calf).
While Curbs has a near full squad to pick from which will soon include Jason Euell who will play in the reserves tonight. Kiely could get a chance in-between the sticks, Murphy and Rommedahl could return to the team after missing out at Villa.
We will have to keep an eye on Bellamy who will constantly on the move looking for balls from deep.
After our display are Ewood park Curbs should know what to expect and in my opinion we should go 4-4-2 and play pressure football.

Prediction - 2-1 AET Bent and Murphy for us and Bellamy for them.

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We Can Be Heroes (Villa preview)

2005-11-26T05:39:00.000+01:00

Well after a great start to the season we have got ourselves in a slight slump with 1 win in the last 6 league games, but as Curbs points out we were unlucky to lose against Spurs and Bolton and we should have picked up all 3 points against Fulham. The last to games have been well embarrassing to say the least a 4-1 defeat to Blackburn and a lesson from Man U despite Ambrose hitting a screamer.
Villa are sitting 15th in the table and are not looking as strong as they did a few seasons ago, but they have goals in there team with players like Baros, Phillips and Angel. If we go there and play our usual brand or football (hard work and skill), it should be another victory to add to our impressive away form.
Injury news – Villa are at full strength.
Curbs has no new faces back but Kiely could start after last weeks display by Andersen.
Villas main men are Davis a hard working midfield who is capable of putting his name on the score sheet and Baros who is a natural goal scorer who will pounce on any chance in the box.
Today will be a day for our wingers to shine as Villas full backs are looking a little suspect and we can exploit that fact to our advantage.
Prediction time – another away win for our red army 3-1 with Bent bagging a brace and Ambrose also finding the net. Davis will score for the home side.

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January/Jinx/Scum

2005-11-08T11:46:00.000+01:00

First off we lost against Blackburn due to silly errors and a blind ass. ref, on another day we could have won, but alas it was not another day. The match again showed that without 1 key player we can lose that winning touch (although we did beat Chelski without Smertin) and that come January we need to get a few new faces in. Possible targets could be Gravesen, Fryatt and Jerome, while I would like to see us move for South Korean wonder kid Park Chu-young who is keen on a move to England
I don't really care which Premier League team I play for, I just want to play for an excellent team.” Park told Joynews. He continued saying "It's my dream to appear on a stage like the Premier League.” And it would be best to get in now, as his value is likely to rocket during the World Cup.

Apparently we have a jinx and her name is Joanna Taylor (Murphy’s wife), she tells us this is her column that when she goes to games we play badly and lose. Danny told her not to go to games so we would win but she went to the Bolton game in secret (which he saw through) and we lost. Danny had ago at her (which shows how much he cares) and quiet rightly so. But she seemed to take no responsibility for her actions and threw a hissy fit when he bought the matter to her attention. They of course made up, as Danny was never going to be able to change what happen and why fight for too long over something that cannot be changed. Hopefully she has learnt her lesson and we will not be jinxed by her watching eyes anymore.

Finally as I looked in my inbox yesterday night and read the club news letter and was shock by the last item. A fan of Charlton nicknamed here as Mr Judas (although the email contains the twats real name), wrote to the club on Friday to take himself off the mailing list and his reason he is going to support Chelski. He goes on to say he needs to see his team win once in a while (despite our good form this season) and so will no longer be supporting us. This person should be hung, drawn and quartered for leaving a football team is inexcusable for a reason like winning.
Well if that is your attitude Judas then good riddance go enjoy high prices, a mouthy manager, huge debt and more defeats to Manchester United.

Rovers Win Would Be Perfect Gift (Rovers Vs Addicks Preview)

2005-11-05T10:14:00.000+01:00

Today is 3 days before Curbs turns 48 and what a gift it would be to grab our 6th away win just before the international break and the win could send us 2nd.
Blackburn are a lot like Bolton they like to keep the pressure on and use a physical approach to achieve this, also they have a couple of quality players who can punish errors and win games. After last weeks 2nd half show the players owe the fans and Curbs a good display and 3 points.

Team News – Goldie Locks (R. Savage) is to have a late fitness test on a leg injury and what a shame the travelling fans have to miss out on those silky skills (NOT, more like elbows and bitching), while New Zealander Ryan Nelsen also looks to miss out with a knee injury.
We have no new injury worries and welcome back Bent after a bout of Flu.

Blackburn has a deadly duo on the attack in Pedersen and Bellamy they have great pace and both also have an eye for the back of the net. Their defenders and Tugay often look for long balls and quick breakaway opportunities.
Last Saturday we found out what life would be like without Dazza and it was hell, luckily he only missed 1 game and today will be looking to do what he does best work hard and score goals.
There is not clever way to win today it will be a mix of hard work, luck (cos you always need luck) and that bit of quality we have in the form of Murphy & Co.

Ref Watch – After last week’s ref, what a crap ref he was, this week we get Dowd who looks like a mad clerk wandering around the pitch making often silly decisions and missing what right in front of his face (well he is like most refs then). He averages 4 yellows a game and has sent off 1 man in 6 games, he has 3 Charlton names (Vs Spurs Young, Kizzy and Murphy) and 3 Blackburn names (Vs Man U). So today we could see red considering the challenges he booked our players for.

Prediction Time – I am going to go for a 2-1 win with Bent bagging a double and Pedersen finding the net for the home side.

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Poor Performance, Poor Ref, Poor Game

2005-10-29T18:44:00.000+01:00

This seasons most important month looks to be January, as we need at least 1 striker if not 2 as without Bent we looked flat up top and the Refs display was beyond pitiful.
Mr. Clangerberg disallowed a perfectly good goal for handball, but the handball was accidentally as it deflected off another player on to Ambrose’s hand (if it was on purpose why was there no yellow. If he decides to do this then fine but Bolton players seemed to get away with and on couple of occasions it happen in the box. The Ref must have been drinking with some of the decisions including a booking for Murphy when he did very little wrong and did not book a single Bolton player despite some awful challenges.
As for the rest of the game it was a bitty affair in which we should have won with a hat trick from Ambrose, in the first half he found the side netting and of course the disallowed goal. In the second he could have equalised for us after a Murphy free kick found a rising Ambrose who powered a header towards the goal only for Jussi Jaaskelainen to touch it over the bar.
Bolton had first shot came in the 72nd minute when Faye let one fly from 25 yards, it was heading straight towards Andersen, but Spector deflected it towards the opposite corner. Andersen pulled off a great save but it fell to Nakata laid it across the 6-yard box for Nolan to smash it home.
All in all we were the better side but will could and should of played much better and if the Ref had a brain we might be sitting 2nd instead of 5th.
We must beat Blackburn next week to keep on track for a European place and hopefully Bent will be back to full fitness.

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******** Valley Floyd James ********