Merry Christmas Addickted. Hope Santa brings you all you desire. I just want money. I really do need it. Times are tight you see. Not that it is ever mentioned on the news or anything.
We have a game on Boxing Day. How many of you are going to wake from your slumber to come? I understand if you don't. I doubt I'll have a lot of get up and go. I will attend mind you. I paid for my season ticket after all.
Swindon are the visitors. Sam's suspended. Mooney's injured. Frazer's 50/50. Kelly remains ailed. Akpo could start. Lloyd's replacement is anybody's guess. Izale will be off to Hearts soon. Racon is going nowhere. We'll see about that.
The Robins are decent. They are in the play-off places. Danny Wilson is a good manager. Ex-Addick Peter Shirtliff is his assistant. Billy Paynter scores goals. Charlie Austin has begun to. Jonathan Douglas has notable nous. Kevin Amankwaah has a stomach issue. A late fitness test awaits him.
We are at home. We should win. We should concede fewer goals than last week. We should keep a solid grip on second place. I should learn to write.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
No taming of Lions' roar
That was a nervy, exciting, raucous, nailbiting and ultimately frustrating afternoon but one that I won't forget in hurry. Drawing 4-4 at home against a side who played the majority of the contest with ten men was disappointing but having fought from two down, I am not going to overly quibble.
Due to the delay of trains at London Bridge, I was absent for the opening junctures of the first period. I did, however, hear the Millwall jubilation in response to Steve Morison's initial strike as I was in the Valley toilets, where I was greeted by a bizarre lumpy-green liquid on the toilet bowl but enough of that.
When I did make it to my seat, things got even worse. The corner that preceded our visitors' second should not have been but when you defend like that you deserve to be punished.
The Addicks battled back through two definite penalties, the only surprising element that the sent-off Jimmy Abdou was not joined in the dressing room by Andy Frampton whose lunge on David Mooney for the premier spot-kick did not even warrant a yellow, apparently.
A sumptuous strike from Bailey, below-par defending from us, incisive Millwall penetration, an own goal and five minutes of injury time - the match made for an animated spectacle and culminated with a fair result. Not the right one but a fair one.
I am not going to make a habit of this but huge credit must go to Kenny Jackett's men for the way their red card was used as a spur and not a deterrent and with players like Steve Morison, David Martin and a few other first teamers to come back, they could quite easily gatecrash the play-offs.
As for the Addicks, the lead over Norwich has been cut to four but with the Canaries hosting an invigorated Millwall on Boxing Day, a win over Swindon - which will be hard to accomplish, mind you - could extend that gap once more. If it's half as exciting as yesterday, it'll polish off Christmas quite nicely.
Due to the delay of trains at London Bridge, I was absent for the opening junctures of the first period. I did, however, hear the Millwall jubilation in response to Steve Morison's initial strike as I was in the Valley toilets, where I was greeted by a bizarre lumpy-green liquid on the toilet bowl but enough of that.
When I did make it to my seat, things got even worse. The corner that preceded our visitors' second should not have been but when you defend like that you deserve to be punished.
The Addicks battled back through two definite penalties, the only surprising element that the sent-off Jimmy Abdou was not joined in the dressing room by Andy Frampton whose lunge on David Mooney for the premier spot-kick did not even warrant a yellow, apparently.
A sumptuous strike from Bailey, below-par defending from us, incisive Millwall penetration, an own goal and five minutes of injury time - the match made for an animated spectacle and culminated with a fair result. Not the right one but a fair one.
I am not going to make a habit of this but huge credit must go to Kenny Jackett's men for the way their red card was used as a spur and not a deterrent and with players like Steve Morison, David Martin and a few other first teamers to come back, they could quite easily gatecrash the play-offs.
As for the Addicks, the lead over Norwich has been cut to four but with the Canaries hosting an invigorated Millwall on Boxing Day, a win over Swindon - which will be hard to accomplish, mind you - could extend that gap once more. If it's half as exciting as yesterday, it'll polish off Christmas quite nicely.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A look ahead to.....Stockport
I like to pride myself on my footballing knowledge but I must admit that I was not particularly au fait with Stockport's runners and riders. That was until I became their boss on Football Manager and I am now somewhat of a County connoisseur.
But I didn't just broaden my knowledge of the club on that incredibly-addictive computer game, I made a bloody good impact as well.
In three seasons at the helm, I guided the Hatters to two respectable mid-table finishes and in my final campaign before I resigned and took charge of Preston - a decision I would later live to regret - I shocked the world and took the modest men from Greater Manchester to the League One play-off final.
Alas, promotion was not to be and we were edged out by Leyton Orient, a result that will always sadden me. Nevertheless, I had left my mark and with Croydon Addick battling financial restrictions, an ageing squad and an impatient chairman at Deepdale - not that I'm bitter of course - Stockport began to flounder once again.
While the real-world Hatters are languishing at at the opposite end of the table to my promotion-chasing crew, the two teams do bare some similarities. Attacking midfielder Carl Baker was a lynch pin of mine and so has he been in Gary Ablett's men's torrid start to the season, notching half of County's 16 league goals.
On-loan Chelsea starlet Liam Bridcutt also became a fundamental component of the Stockport team under my management and has been equally intrinsic to Ablett. The 20-year-old midfielder has shaken off an injury he picked up at Wycombe last week and should battle the Addicks on Saturday.
Bar goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams and defenders Michael Raynes and Johnny Mullins - the latter suspended this weekend - I had my players and Ablett has his. Mine were significantly more effective. County head into this game having lost their last seven league matches and sit bottom of League One. Trouble indeed.
Their last three home games have been deferred due to bad drainage and copious amounts of rain but we are reliably informed that the contest will go ahead this Saturday.
Recent form says we should absolutely pulverise them but the Northwich Victoria fiasco shows that we cannot take anybody lightly. Portuguese returnee Jose Semedo should give us some necessary away-day pungency, while with the pitch bound to be far from tip top, Akpo Sodje's power could be more practical than the dexterity of David Mooney.
Whatever the finer details of the team, I do not expect an upset. It's not like they have management aficionado Croydon Addick pulling the strings.
But I didn't just broaden my knowledge of the club on that incredibly-addictive computer game, I made a bloody good impact as well.
In three seasons at the helm, I guided the Hatters to two respectable mid-table finishes and in my final campaign before I resigned and took charge of Preston - a decision I would later live to regret - I shocked the world and took the modest men from Greater Manchester to the League One play-off final.
Alas, promotion was not to be and we were edged out by Leyton Orient, a result that will always sadden me. Nevertheless, I had left my mark and with Croydon Addick battling financial restrictions, an ageing squad and an impatient chairman at Deepdale - not that I'm bitter of course - Stockport began to flounder once again.
While the real-world Hatters are languishing at at the opposite end of the table to my promotion-chasing crew, the two teams do bare some similarities. Attacking midfielder Carl Baker was a lynch pin of mine and so has he been in Gary Ablett's men's torrid start to the season, notching half of County's 16 league goals.
On-loan Chelsea starlet Liam Bridcutt also became a fundamental component of the Stockport team under my management and has been equally intrinsic to Ablett. The 20-year-old midfielder has shaken off an injury he picked up at Wycombe last week and should battle the Addicks on Saturday.
Bar goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams and defenders Michael Raynes and Johnny Mullins - the latter suspended this weekend - I had my players and Ablett has his. Mine were significantly more effective. County head into this game having lost their last seven league matches and sit bottom of League One. Trouble indeed.
Their last three home games have been deferred due to bad drainage and copious amounts of rain but we are reliably informed that the contest will go ahead this Saturday.
Recent form says we should absolutely pulverise them but the Northwich Victoria fiasco shows that we cannot take anybody lightly. Portuguese returnee Jose Semedo should give us some necessary away-day pungency, while with the pitch bound to be far from tip top, Akpo Sodje's power could be more practical than the dexterity of David Mooney.
Whatever the finer details of the team, I do not expect an upset. It's not like they have management aficionado Croydon Addick pulling the strings.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Why so annoyed?
If that was a bad afternoon, long may they continue. I heard a few grumbles - we were lucky, we didn't play very well - who cares, we won and we did it in true promotion style.
The last two matches have been as important as the goal-littered battles with MK Dons and Bristol Rovers by showing that we have the mental capacity to grind out results - fundamental traits of a successful team.
That's not to say there weren't any concerns as it was obvious that we missed Semedo. The incoming Racon looked lost for large portions of the game and like I said beforehand, I would rather Spring had played.
Racon is better going forward - as his consistent giving away of free-kicks showed - and we appeared to lack a bit control in the middle of the park, something I felt the less-expansive Spring could have given us.
But that's just me being pernickety as for the most part it was fine. The Shrimpers played well and had a lot of possession but we only looked in significant danger once and Elliot's strong intervention quickly thwarted that.
The spectacle was not a particularly pretty one but if similar performances keep us on course for the Championship, I’m sure the moans and groans will swiftly evaporate.
The last two matches have been as important as the goal-littered battles with MK Dons and Bristol Rovers by showing that we have the mental capacity to grind out results - fundamental traits of a successful team.
That's not to say there weren't any concerns as it was obvious that we missed Semedo. The incoming Racon looked lost for large portions of the game and like I said beforehand, I would rather Spring had played.
Racon is better going forward - as his consistent giving away of free-kicks showed - and we appeared to lack a bit control in the middle of the park, something I felt the less-expansive Spring could have given us.
But that's just me being pernickety as for the most part it was fine. The Shrimpers played well and had a lot of possession but we only looked in significant danger once and Elliot's strong intervention quickly thwarted that.
The spectacle was not a particularly pretty one but if similar performances keep us on course for the Championship, I’m sure the moans and groans will swiftly evaporate.
Friday, December 04, 2009
A look ahead to.....Southend
Professional was how Parky described the win at Brighton and you have to feel that more of the same will be too much for Southend on Saturday. Our Essex-based visitors are no mugs but having been dispatched by lowly Tranmere and high-flying Norwich in their previous two encounters, the Shrimpers will not head to the Valley in a confident frame of mind.
Considering the financial horror stories that have emanated from Roots Hall this season, Seasiders chief Steve Tilson has done remarkably well to keep his men clear of trouble. Other than their talented manager, the Blues also have the goal-scoring ability of Lee Barnard to thank for their mid-table position, though unless he starts receiving some kind of back-up, the Shrimpers may still sink down the division.
French midfielder Jean-Francois Christophe will be suspended this weekend after collecting one yellow card too many, a situation the Addicks can sympathise with, having lost Jose Semedo for the same reason.
It is not clear who will replace the Portuguese, however. Parky could opt for the more attack-minded Jonjo Shelvey or Therry Racon, but I would expect a more like-for-like switch with Matt Spring coming into the side.
Unless Frazer or Kelly are fit, there should be no more alterations and unless Southend play out of their skin, I see nothing but a comprehensive home victory.
Considering the financial horror stories that have emanated from Roots Hall this season, Seasiders chief Steve Tilson has done remarkably well to keep his men clear of trouble. Other than their talented manager, the Blues also have the goal-scoring ability of Lee Barnard to thank for their mid-table position, though unless he starts receiving some kind of back-up, the Shrimpers may still sink down the division.
French midfielder Jean-Francois Christophe will be suspended this weekend after collecting one yellow card too many, a situation the Addicks can sympathise with, having lost Jose Semedo for the same reason.
It is not clear who will replace the Portuguese, however. Parky could opt for the more attack-minded Jonjo Shelvey or Therry Racon, but I would expect a more like-for-like switch with Matt Spring coming into the side.
Unless Frazer or Kelly are fit, there should be no more alterations and unless Southend play out of their skin, I see nothing but a comprehensive home victory.
Monday, November 30, 2009
A look ahead to.....Brighton
Another piddly stadium here we come. This time it is the Withdean, and having frequented the ground quite often during my time at University, I can confirm that it is as horrible as its reputation suggests.
Therefore, you would imagine visiting teams would be overawed by its crapness and that the Seagulls would have a pretty good home record. You imagine wrong. Albion - now managed by Gus Poyet - are having a torrid time on their own patch this term, having lost six of their nine home league games.
Things were not easy there in the FA Cup on Saturday either, with only a late winner edging the south-coast outfit past Rushden & Diamonds in a five-goal thriller. Who has that much trouble against a non-league side?
It is not a new turn of events, though, as such derisory home results last season almost cost Albion their League One place and it looks as though they could be in even bigger jeopardy this time around.
Poyet - who would be thoroughly likable if not for the Dennis Wise connection - started his managerial career with a result I think all Addicks enjoyed - a 3-1 win over Alan Pardew's Southampton. That bright beginning was quickly obliterated, however, with heavy losses to Leeds and Norwich, and Albion could slip back into the drop zone if other results conspire against them in midweek.
I usually make long-winded references to our opponents' danger men in these previews but this time I'm going to keep it short. They are not very good at the back but can be a handful up front.
With Richardson and Youga struggling, our defence could be a mix of regulars - Dailly and the suspension-free Sodje - and squad men - Omozusi and Basey - but while probably not a top-notch rearguard, you would hope they could deal with a relegation-threatened team. The possible return of Elliot would give me more confidence, though. Either way I think we'll win, just not that handsomely.
Therefore, you would imagine visiting teams would be overawed by its crapness and that the Seagulls would have a pretty good home record. You imagine wrong. Albion - now managed by Gus Poyet - are having a torrid time on their own patch this term, having lost six of their nine home league games.
Things were not easy there in the FA Cup on Saturday either, with only a late winner edging the south-coast outfit past Rushden & Diamonds in a five-goal thriller. Who has that much trouble against a non-league side?
It is not a new turn of events, though, as such derisory home results last season almost cost Albion their League One place and it looks as though they could be in even bigger jeopardy this time around.
Poyet - who would be thoroughly likable if not for the Dennis Wise connection - started his managerial career with a result I think all Addicks enjoyed - a 3-1 win over Alan Pardew's Southampton. That bright beginning was quickly obliterated, however, with heavy losses to Leeds and Norwich, and Albion could slip back into the drop zone if other results conspire against them in midweek.
I usually make long-winded references to our opponents' danger men in these previews but this time I'm going to keep it short. They are not very good at the back but can be a handful up front.
With Richardson and Youga struggling, our defence could be a mix of regulars - Dailly and the suspension-free Sodje - and squad men - Omozusi and Basey - but while probably not a top-notch rearguard, you would hope they could deal with a relegation-threatened team. The possible return of Elliot would give me more confidence, though. Either way I think we'll win, just not that handsomely.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
A look ahead to.....the rest of the season
With no Addicks game this weekend - fully due to our own ineptitude of course - I thought I would take the time to investigate how prepared we are for the rest of the 2009-2010 campaign.
The knockout competitions have come and gone and while extended runs would have hauled some much-needed spondulix into the kitty, there is now nothing to distract us from the promotion assault.
Tuesday's clash with Bristol Rovers was a perfect example of where we are as a team - too good for most in League One when we have our brains in gear, but still not great at standing up to the rigours of pressure.
Defensive Sodje's absence was a blow but considering Basey, Llera and Omozusi would not be in our first eleven, rearguard lapses should not come as too much of a surprise. Football is of course a squad game but if we can get a regular back five of Elliot, Richardson, Dailly, Sodje and Youga - while lacking a little pace - should be a pretty solid defensive unit. Another centre-half in January would be nice, though, just to give us some depth.
I have no real worries about the midfield, where we appear to have a good mix of grace and guts. The first-team five - Sam, Bailey, Semedo, Shelvey and Racon - are about as good as you get at this level, even though there is still a quandary as to where to best position them and which one will have to warm the bench alongside super-sub Wagstaff and the dependable Spring. For me, it's Racon on the left and Shelvey in the dugout. Sorry Jonjo, but them's the breaks.
And finally the strikers. At the start of the term we were heavily reliant on Burton, but with Mooney and attacking Sodje breaking the typical Charlton rule and proving to be shrewd loan acquisitions, we now have options. We'll have even more if McKenzie gets fit and McLeod gets good - an unlikely scenario I grant you.
The noises coming out of the Valley suggest Mooney and Akpo are likely to extend their stays in SE7 - the latter possibly even permanently - and if we can keep a talented array of strikers for the whole season, the arduous task of promotion will be made slightly easier.
It's alright analysing the Addicks but we must not ignore the teams chomping at the bit to overtake us. Colchester are pesky and don't seem likely to go away - a footballing equivalent of Jedward if you like - rejuvenated Norwich are our most likely challengers and despite their inconsistencies, we must not discount MK Dons and Huddersfield. Even efficient Swindon could have a say.
But - while trying not to render my last paragraph pointless - the most important thing is for Parky and the boys to focus on themselves. Forget the fun going on around us, win our home games, draw our away ones and hey presto, we will probably be a Championship team once again. Simples.
The knockout competitions have come and gone and while extended runs would have hauled some much-needed spondulix into the kitty, there is now nothing to distract us from the promotion assault.
Tuesday's clash with Bristol Rovers was a perfect example of where we are as a team - too good for most in League One when we have our brains in gear, but still not great at standing up to the rigours of pressure.
Defensive Sodje's absence was a blow but considering Basey, Llera and Omozusi would not be in our first eleven, rearguard lapses should not come as too much of a surprise. Football is of course a squad game but if we can get a regular back five of Elliot, Richardson, Dailly, Sodje and Youga - while lacking a little pace - should be a pretty solid defensive unit. Another centre-half in January would be nice, though, just to give us some depth.
I have no real worries about the midfield, where we appear to have a good mix of grace and guts. The first-team five - Sam, Bailey, Semedo, Shelvey and Racon - are about as good as you get at this level, even though there is still a quandary as to where to best position them and which one will have to warm the bench alongside super-sub Wagstaff and the dependable Spring. For me, it's Racon on the left and Shelvey in the dugout. Sorry Jonjo, but them's the breaks.
And finally the strikers. At the start of the term we were heavily reliant on Burton, but with Mooney and attacking Sodje breaking the typical Charlton rule and proving to be shrewd loan acquisitions, we now have options. We'll have even more if McKenzie gets fit and McLeod gets good - an unlikely scenario I grant you.
The noises coming out of the Valley suggest Mooney and Akpo are likely to extend their stays in SE7 - the latter possibly even permanently - and if we can keep a talented array of strikers for the whole season, the arduous task of promotion will be made slightly easier.
It's alright analysing the Addicks but we must not ignore the teams chomping at the bit to overtake us. Colchester are pesky and don't seem likely to go away - a footballing equivalent of Jedward if you like - rejuvenated Norwich are our most likely challengers and despite their inconsistencies, we must not discount MK Dons and Huddersfield. Even efficient Swindon could have a say.
But - while trying not to render my last paragraph pointless - the most important thing is for Parky and the boys to focus on themselves. Forget the fun going on around us, win our home games, draw our away ones and hey presto, we will probably be a Championship team once again. Simples.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A look ahead to.....Yeovil
Supporters appeased, it is now time to get the away form back on track. It has been two-and-a-half months and seven games since the Addicks garnered an away victory - when they smashed four past Tranmere - and after the abject displays at Colchester, Southampton and especially Northwich Victoria, our travelling supporters deserve to be treated.
Yeovil, though, are on an upward curve. Terry Skiverton's men only mustered two wins from their opening dozen league fixtures but have been victorious in three of their previous four, with a 4-0 reverse at Elland Road the only blip.
The Glovers boast a motley crew and can call upon the experience of 36-year-old ex-Brighton defender Nathan Jones - who also acts as Skiverton's assistant - and veteran former Bristol City winger Scott Murray, as well as the youthful exuberance of their on-loan Tottenham trio - defender Steven Caulker, midfielder Ryan Mason and striker Jon Obika.
Town's hero last weekend, however, was ex-Ipswich striker Dean Bowditch. Tipped for great things during his early days at Portman Road, the 23-year-old failed to deliver in East Anglia and after a series of loan spells was released by Roy Keane this summer. A shoulder injury has disrupted Bowditch's Yeovil career thus far but after scoring the winner against the Shrimpers on Saturday, he could be a thorn in our side.
As for the Addicks, keep the same team I say, safe in the knowledge that Shelvey, McKenzie, Sodje number two and Wagstaff can give us some added impetus if necessary.
Last weekend was tremendous but accruing three points from a titchy stadium and an unfancied team will show the doubters that we do indeed have the stomach for the promotion fight.
Yeovil, though, are on an upward curve. Terry Skiverton's men only mustered two wins from their opening dozen league fixtures but have been victorious in three of their previous four, with a 4-0 reverse at Elland Road the only blip.
The Glovers boast a motley crew and can call upon the experience of 36-year-old ex-Brighton defender Nathan Jones - who also acts as Skiverton's assistant - and veteran former Bristol City winger Scott Murray, as well as the youthful exuberance of their on-loan Tottenham trio - defender Steven Caulker, midfielder Ryan Mason and striker Jon Obika.
Town's hero last weekend, however, was ex-Ipswich striker Dean Bowditch. Tipped for great things during his early days at Portman Road, the 23-year-old failed to deliver in East Anglia and after a series of loan spells was released by Roy Keane this summer. A shoulder injury has disrupted Bowditch's Yeovil career thus far but after scoring the winner against the Shrimpers on Saturday, he could be a thorn in our side.
As for the Addicks, keep the same team I say, safe in the knowledge that Shelvey, McKenzie, Sodje number two and Wagstaff can give us some added impetus if necessary.
Last weekend was tremendous but accruing three points from a titchy stadium and an unfancied team will show the doubters that we do indeed have the stomach for the promotion fight.
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