Missed Goals and Empty Glasses

Hot Shots and Hot Dogs

2006-08-03T14:53:00.000+02:00

Bloody Hell !!! It's been more than 2 months since my last post. How time flies when you're doing other than watching, well listening, to the league every week.

So Jimmy's in, Darren's cut his finger and Iain organised a barbecue. Let's hope that following the Welling debacle, he was able to give a roasting also (not in the Carlton Cole sense obviously).

That combative midfielder to take the pressure off the defence has apparently arrived, although after being out of the country so long I've absolutely no idea whether Amady Faye will prove to be this person. Time will tell I guess. Between initially drafting this entry and today has passed ooh, about a week I guess and we've also signed Traore and Bolanos. I've read good reports of the latter from our 'friendly-goers' and he seems an exciting player, if we can find that balance in the middle of the park the we've the wingers and frontmen to cause damage.

So today I scanned the sports webpages and I now see Stevie no-forehead Gerrard is having his autobiography serialised... EH ??? I'm quite a fan of football biogs/autobiogs but only when the player HAS STOPPED BLOODY PLAYING !!! Rooney, Lampard and now Gerrard - Fuck off and at least try to be worthy of an autobiography. It's fast becoming my pet hate..... I just can't wait for the new season to start to take my mind off it, enough!!

Rearing its Ugly Head

2006-05-31T22:35:00.000+02:00

I don't mean our new manager, I'm talking the petty jealousy of Simon 'Spandau' Jordon.

As I thought way back when, we have managed to entice Iain Dowie to The Valley and you know what? I'm fairly happy about it, in fact more than happy after hearing the press conference yesterday. I think the appointments of Reed and Robson show a very brave approach and I'm already feeling confident about next season; obviously though this will depend on the purchases made before then as today both Bothroyd and Chrissy Perry departed from our gates. 4 strikers and 1 defender have gone in the last week, that's a hefty hole we have without considering the defensive midfield priority we have.

One thing I've noticed about yesterday was both Richard Murray and Iain Dowie mentioning the words 'entertaing football', I guess that the last few seasons have taken their toll on everyone concerned. As Dowie mentioned, they are large shoes he finds himself stepping into but I honestly believe he'll do it. I'm not kidding myself expecting Champions League qualification but I do think we'll see more expansive football played next season.

Going back to my point of the 4 strikers disappearing, I've just got this feeling that he's maybe planning on playing Rommedahl as a striker; I've just got it in my head. For the right wing we've Thomas, Sam and if necessary Ambrose. I know at the moment the left lookks weak but if he plays Thomas there, as there's nothing worse for full-backs than a winger cutting in on his best foot, then I think Sam will get a chance. Ambrose possibly as the attcking midfielder and Romm and Bent forming a striking partnership - perhaps Dowie remembers THAT quality finish.

'Tis all for now, I just thought I'd share my thoughts with you. Off to Tuscany this weekend so I'll raise a (large) glass to you all and to Charlton, let's see what the summer brings eh.......

"He might be lightweight,
he might be a Dane,
but Rommedahl
has just scored again........."
Nah, I'll leave the songwriting to Morrissey.

Hunting Head Honchos

2006-05-04T23:41:00.000+02:00

Looking back at my last post I guess I sort of got my wish in that the endless rumours and doubts have now been put to bed and we're now in the market for a new manager.

Curbs - you are a Charlton legend, between you and the board you've got us to where we are now. You're a good man, an honest man and one that certainly deserves to go out with your head held high. Well done son, take a bow and look back on the last 15 years with a great deal of pride and satisfaction.

The new manager has a large shadow to step out of, I hope he manages to do so, I hope also that we, the fans, give him time to do so. I honestly don't feel instant rewards will be gained, in fact we could very well struggle a tad whilst the new broom is sweeping. I won't say the 'R' word because I still believe the core of the squad is too good for that, then again I didn't expect both Boro and Villa to be where they are in the league, although the UEFA Cup final for the former is an achievement even if they have spent a kings ransom over the last 10 years getting there.

Stevie Coppell will (surely) want see how the Reading team he built fare in the Prem, I'd be more than surprised if he didn't. Irrespective of the coaching badges Phil Parkinson has, I'm not convinced the senior members of the team will be sufficiently impressed to afford him the respect due. I fear the appointment of Mick McCarthy, more so if he brings Gary Breen with him. I'm plumping for Dowie, I don't think Palace will get to the play-off final and I reckon, if offered, he'd be tempted to come. I'd even allow him to bring that cheating, diving git Johnson with him if he so wished. Let us see what unfolds eh...............

Charlton and the Sea

2006-04-11T22:57:00.000+02:00

Not a plagiarism of the great Hemingway book.........

Saturday I was on the Ligurian coast (Celle Ligure - very nice, recommended) and I received updates via text of the Fulham match. For the first time in an age I really didn't give a toss - I can't explain why. I don't know whether it's the Curbishley situation, the loss against Boro or just end of season blues; I found my grilled squid and my wind-bitten walk along the seafront (bloody cold on Saturday) much more interesting and I've not felt like that for a long, long time, I put it down as a one-off. WRONG !!!

This afternoon we were coming back to Switzerland in the car and again, I was updated by text. Pompey 1-0 up. Oh really? Do you think I could feel at least in some part remotely upset / pissed off / a tad annoyed? No, again it was as if I'd received a message regarding Chester City or somesuch. Don't get me wrong, I'm over the moon we won (HH up front, nice one Curbs, worked a treat) but I'm also quite looking forward to the end of the season. I want this managerial roundabout bullshit out of the way and if it means we start the new season with a new manager, so be it.

That's gone and done it

2006-03-30T23:04:00.000+02:00

I was hoping Boro, sorry 'Boro, were going to pee all over my Swiss confederates (as in united in a confederacy - CH - Confederazione Helvetica) , concentrate on getting themselves up the table and leaving us to whoop their asses in the 1/4 final replay - Oh how wrong I was........

They've left themselves an Alpine foothill, OK, mountain to climb without the advantage of an way goal, or indeed snowshoes - it won't be easy. Pity because to me they are England's last bastion in Europe. "What about Arsenal" I hear you cry..... Nah, I dislike the fact that the Arsenal that played the other evening was NOT an English team. I personally couldn't give a toss about this years' Chumps League as Wengers policy does not represent English football. The only positive to come from Wenger's practice is the fact that we picked up Jerome Thomas (Bring it to Jerome) for £100K - Absolute bargain - merci monsieur ! The time has come to take your 11 imports over to your G14 superleague (18 members remember...); goodbye, au revoir, ciao e buona notte.

Oh before I forget, well done Charlton for the free coaches up to The Riverside.

Happy Clappers and Begrudging Booers

2006-03-27T22:49:00.000+02:00

Not only was I not there but I didn't even get to listen to the game yesterday, these bloody Sunday kick-offs completely balls-up my plans no end. Alas, couldn't be helped and I managed to see 10 minutes of highlights this evening on Valley Vision - great goal Scotty by the way, it was Southampton all over again but my first thought was why the hell did we give him so much room, he had an acre in front of him to shape and shoot. Apart from that, WELL DONE LADS !!!
Regarding young Parker I see he had an (obvious) mixed reception. Showed a good touch by putting his hand up to the North Stand by all accounts (Bowyer likewise). I was pissed off when (and how) he left us but it's all water under the bridge now, time to forgive and forget, especially when he ends the game on the losing side.

Good to see Bothroyd getting in on the act, if just for confidence' sake. I read a fair amount of views regarding the lad; many are not over-enamoured with him, laziness seemingly a trait of his. I don't think he's ever going to be in the 20-goal-a-season bracket but his build and height mean that we have a ready-made replacement for Bartlett. Just a thought...........

So, what's new? Absolutely bugger all, apart from the fact that SPRING HAS FINALLY ARRIVED. Saturday and Sunday both topped 20° which, given the long cold winter we've had this year, was an absolute gift. Another month should see t-shirt time arriving. I even venture into the mountains when there's no risk of freezing my arse off. Ski? Me? HaHaHa !!!

Currently losing 3-0................

2006-03-18T17:33:00.000+01:00

This is not easily listening, in fact it does become more difficult the less we seem to compete which I understand we're not, Steve Brown informs me so. It's not that I expected a different result but I do at least want to hear that the game has NOT been a stroll in the park for the Arse. Roll on Thursday; I would gift Arsenal another 3 goals for a CONVINCING victory against 'Boro - I'd prefer to continue this cup run.

Speaking of gifting goals and points, I wonder what the fallout will be later following the West Ham v. Portsmouth game - the Hammers are being hammered but what can you expect; how the hell can you justify the scheduling of their games? They will obviously prioritise and today they've fielded a weekend team, someone in the F.A. needs a kick up the arse. It now seems to be the authorities devaluing the most famous cup competition in the world.

Only one Thomas Mhyre.........

And now for something a little different......

2006-03-16T14:35:00.000+01:00

Avoiding a Charlton-related post, that is my intention.

When commencing with this blog, I entered the sub-header of "It's not just about Charlton; it's not just about drinking" - HA! What a load of old tosh. I have yet to contribute anything other than Charlton related posts since the start, apart from slight diversions into wind-farms, giant squids and a bout of flu.

This now presents me with a problem O patient reader. With that sub-header I've dug a hole for myself SHOULD anyone wander on here expecting something other than football / beer. You see my giving up the delights of central London to come to live in Switzerland has created a new world for me resembling Groundhog-day. Upon stepping out of the car and walking towards my office, the girls in the shoe-shop wave to me; Mario the barman waves to me; the chemist waves to me and the only thing that changes in this daily routine is how I'm dressed. I've gone from being surrounded by 8 million bods to about 50,000 but I am content and when I go back to London, it takes great effort to avoid my patience levels return to their pre-Switzerland zero rating.

You may be asking "what the hell are you plying me with this useless information for? Quite rightly. My point is that as much as I wish to regale you with countless anecdotes of my daily expat life, as well as keeping up my (our) team's interests, I just don't, for your benefit.

Another reason I've kept the blog (until now) topically restricted, is my slow and gentle entry into the world of keeping a blog and getting my head around the habit of putting ideas down where they can be read, scrutinised and indeed rubbished by the whole world but hey! I guess it beats secret diaries.

So, whenever you (whoever you are) come on here expecting to read yet another slant on the Addicks and instead you find me whittering about all sorts, you'll know why.

Twiddled Thumbs and Superstars' Arses

2006-03-15T23:10:00.000+01:00

My blog has remained quiet recently, I've just no time at the moment but I won't complain as there's nothing worse than boredom.To start, let me hark back to Sunday for a minute or two. Reading various reports in the media and opinions on the NA board, it seems we played dreadfully for the first half and came out a new team (well, 2 substitutions actually). It's good to see Curbishley prepared to make changes before the 80th minute so Alan, if you reading; more of the same please when they need a kick up the 'arriss. By all accounts we had just two real goalscoring opportunities and Benty put them away with aplomb - SVEN, ARE YOU WATCHING???? He MUST go to Germany and I dont mean Oktoberfest. Whilst on the subject of Darren Bent, that old faithful Football-Rumours.com informs us that Lyon are tabling a bid for €19M ...... I'd say that's about the £12M mark I suggested a few weeks ago which leads me to ponder whether Gerard Houllier reads my blog occasionally ??

Moving on to another of my recent pearls of wisdom; that being the potential signing of Jermaine Beckford having been sat squarely on its arse as he's just signed for Leeds. I will follow the player's' progress with interest in the months to come. I don't class it as a non-ambitious to scour the lower leagues when I see the signings of the likes of Danny "Splinters in my Arse" Murphy wanting away at the drop of a hat, or the drop of nice signing-on fee after he's put in a few good games and more than a few poor ones for us. I see 6 clubs whom we will never compete with financially yet one of those, Spurs, has made strides this season following a fair few signing from the Championship (Fatty Reid not included), there's no reason we can't implement that same scouting and signing policy, especially as our youth system hasn't produced a regular first-teamer probably since John Fortune.

Singing Wrinklies and Non-League Stars

2006-03-10T14:51:00.000+01:00

So, from the safe haven of my Swiss bedroom, I shall be listening to the F.A. Cup along with countless other expats and you know what? I'm bloody glad that I won't be there to witness the somewhat embarassing and ultimately cringeworthy live rendition of "Amarillo" by some pensioner. I'm confused by the whole issue, as in I'm not exactly sure what the club are trying to achieve by organising such - atmosphere??? Jeez, if we want to use that word surely Russ Abbott would've been a better bet. In fact a pissed Delia Smith would've been better entertainment for the troops prior to kick-off. I don't really want to be reminded that ultimately, all we did was to scrape a point against a team fighting (and losing) the battle for relegation, near neighbours or not. It is a tad sad.

Moving swiftly along, call me a football romantic but one piece of news which caught my eye this week. Charlton are apparently one of the clubs looking at Wealdstone star Jermaine Beckford, who's hit 32 goals this season. I would love it no, really love it if we unearthed another Robin Friday, maybe (just maybe) less the acid before a game. I love seeing success stories such as DJ Campbell's rise from non-league to (for the moment) Premier league in less than a year. This is what football's about, not some over-rated defender whingeing over a new contract worth £120,000 A WEEK !!!! Rant over.

The Middle Way

2006-03-07T10:21:00.000+01:00

Today's Charlton oriented news contains the return of Smertin to Russia. I guess that in some way, shape or form Dinamo Moscow will compensate us, even though the loan deal was to expire in the summer. We then look at the Murphy transfer, giving us 2M and freeing up a boatload of wages. Curbs MUST be eyeing midfield replacements already, he must be.

Now, I've been advocating the purchase of Kevin Nicholls at Luton for at least 6 months. Ex-Charlton, now with experience up to and including Championship level, I'm more than convinced he could be the one to shore up the midfield, leaving the likes of Ambrose, Thomas etc. to do that which they do best - get forward at every opportunity and create the service that the strikers require. After all, the alternatives are very few and far between. Sidwell will be coming up with Reading. Jagielka, although a defender can play a great holding role but, again, will most probably be coming up with the Blades. We did hear rumours of Bullard wanting out of Wigan and a return to London but that was when Wigan 'enquired' after Jagielka and were given a firm 'NO'. I can't see Jewell parting with "Jimmy the Hair" until he has a decent replacement.

Yep, I'd be happy if we bid and signed Kevin Nicholls. Go to it Curbishley.

You'll Never Score Alone

2006-03-04T19:53:00.000+01:00

I never realised Ambrose was playing, the only time Stevie Brown mentioned him was to say he's not playing himself into the game. Surely after the 70th minute Thomas should have been introduced on the left. What do I know, as I write Powell is on in place of Ambrose - a good defensive move. It doesn't sound a pretty game from the Charlton point of view but a point is a point; at Anfield it's also a big point. Leaving Bent isolated doesn't pay dividends but I guess if you don't concede, you can't lose.

It's now Sunday evening, back in the land of the living (following Friday's session) and 24 hours to reflect on the game. Well done lads !! You see we will be critisised, even by our own fans, for being negative but; and yes this is important, we were playing a side currently 2nd at home where they've lost just once this season. It wasn't that long ago that a piss-poor game of football was witnessed at the Valley when West Brom came down and done exactly the same thing. It stops the rot and sometimes is absolutely necessary if only to breed confidence in the squad.

I'm a massive fan of attacking football, don't get me wrong. I long for a return to those first five games of this season when we seemingly scythed open opposing teams. I have even discussed the positives in dropping down a division to witness football as it once was played, even by us. Then reality bites and I remember dreaming of getting out of the First Division when we were there. Looking at the likes of Leicester and thinking, "Yeah; mid-table Prem and an occasional good cup run would do me" - alas for these barren, boring times. This could very well be that season of the mid-table finish and the (very) occasional good cup run. If it happens I'll take it and be content.

The Day After the Night Before

2006-03-02T21:53:00.000+01:00

So, the anti-climax to the appearance of Darren Bent happened today. Poor Benty. We know he didn't set the world alight but then give me the name of someone who has, on their debut. The media, barring the Telegraph, almost hung him out to dry today. I said last night that I thought he deserved to be on that plane to Germany and, 24 hours later, I still believe so. What gets to me is that everyone is proclaiming Judas Defoe as the 4th messiah; well, the 4th England striker actually but, if I'm not wrong, he has scored 1 (ONE) goal in 15 or so matches. Fookin' ace that!!! Let us hope that Benty will continue to impress at Anfield on Saturday, 40,000 gutted Scousers is exactly what you need to see on a Saturday afternoon, it's kind of good for the soul. "Dey do dat dare dough don't dey, eh? eh? eh?"

Moving swiftly along, BBC tells me that plans for an enormous wind farm in Cumbria have been thrown out due to being "unsightly". OK Farlesworthy, take stock before launching into a tirade................. Surely, SURELY alternative power must be explored and exploited where possible. We know damned well, being English, that England, especially the North West is especially windy; it's famous for it. I realise that constructing 27 wind-turbines nearly 400 feet tall is not exactly aesthetically pleasing on the eye but I haven't seen too many protests hanging about outside traditional coal, oil and gas power stations with big, fat cooling towers or long, tall skinny chimneys - far, far worse on the eye and chucking out horrific amounts of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. It's like advocating a diet of Mc D's and Sunny Delight for all kids under the age of 12. Oh, I forgot Cumbria has that Meccah of tourism, Sellafield; such a beautiful piece of engineering architecture.

Finally for today, the Liberal Democrats have elected Sir Menzies Campbell as leader. Following the various closet outings over the last 2 months by the Lib Dems we are told that Menzies is a "safe pair of hands" - does that mean he has actually kept them to himself one wonders ????

Cool Running but beware of da Foe

2006-03-01T23:31:00.000+01:00

We rescued victory from the jaws of defeat. Some inspired, yes inspired subs by the Svenster, counting Crouch to be one of them. Well done lads; I don't have to be politically correct here because, as far as I know, there were no lasses on the pitch tonight.

Allora, where do we start? Obviously my eyes were on 'Dazza' for the evening, in a football kind of way. Service in the 1st half wasn't the best but although a player MUST play to his strengths, I feel a little more movement from Wor Dazza would've done his chances no harm at all. It's all very well playing off the shoulder but the Uruguay defence were not giving anything away this evening; I feel a few times he could have made himself more available - fortunately or not, England do not play like Charlton.

On to the second half and he acquitted himself very well. Most unfortunate with a few of his runs as his timing was spot on. Unlucky on occasion and really chased that ball down.

Overall I was impressed with the debut, and feel that he must remain in Sven's plans for Germany, he DOES offer something different from Defoe and, if Sven perseveres, that will come to the fore sooner or later. A less static defence would have been put to the sword I feel tonight.

If I may just bring us away from football one second, BBC informs me today that alcohol really IS good for you. Well, they didn't actually say that but apparently cancer-causing chemicals have been found in soft drinks. Bad news if you've hopped on the wagon of late but fully justifying my New Years resolution NOT to give up drinking. I somehow feel at ease amongst these titbits of habit-changing information, coupled with the fact that water meters are going to be introduced in Kent leaves only the option of drinking beer, although quite how that affects me over here in Switzerland is another matter - I'm working on it.

Non straight starters and Jules Verne's revenge

2006-02-28T22:32:00.000+01:00

My dear blog,

What a conundrum we find ourselves in; we being Charlton fans that is. Darren Bent is set to start tomorrow against Uruguay which, in fairness, we should be ecstatic about and I am BUT; how much will this put him in the window and, should offers flow in the summer as we believe, how much will the board accept? I know it has been discussed but we could end up in May with an England striker who, by then, has put away 25 goals.

Now I know everyone has there price, I mean you can have me for a few bottles of Greene King Vintage Suffolk Ale and a Melton Mowbray pork pie but I've seen figures such as £8 Million bandied about - eh ??? I know I'm biased and I want whats best for my club and to me, £8 Million doesn't but his left peg, let alone his right and his head. Should the worst come to the worst, Charlton board; I implore you, nothing less than £12 Million will suffice. We need to replace him, shore up the midfield and defence and it won't come cheap.

Dear reader, let us divulge for a moment and think seafood. BBC News today informs us that a 28 foot, (8.62m) giant squid is on show at the Natural History museum - I can't help it, I really can't but I can't help wondering what a fantastic 'Fritto misto' that would make. Yes, a bugger to batter I must admit but you'd have squid rings until 2009.

Anyway, today was (is) Carnivale here in southern Switzerland but the urge to dress up or crossdress has passed me by this year. Maybe because it's so bloody cold this winter but my previous experiences of hiding an hipflask full of tequila in my underwear when entering the carnival just doesn't appeal at the moment. Either it needs to warm up or I need bigger pants........

Sit dahn luv, I'll make you a nice cuppa tea.....

2006-02-25T17:55:00.000+01:00

What a change from yesterday, temperature back to normal and I'm pretty much on the go again - Swiss Pharmaceuticals, that's what you need.

Well, that game was a bag o' shite really. Terrible listening soothed only by a couple of Switzerland's finest; Feldshlosschen Urtrub unfiltered beer and, I must confess, a cup of Twining Ceylon Orange Pekoe tea - no P.G. Tips 'ere mate !

I lie !! Actually I forgot to add the game was made bearable in the main by reading the blog of TheGirl. Faceless Lady; whoever you are, you made me chuckle to the core. Thanks a million, I shall be looking in regularly. I'm just sorry you seem to take so much shit from those you work with.

Tonight, we; that is the girlfriend and I, intend to cure our ills with a bottle of Barolo. An English stew is also on the menu but it obviously needs preparation the Keith Floyd way - absolute bloody legend the man, legend. I'll bagsy the crustier dumplings........

Thermometer, water and various aches

2006-02-24T23:17:00.000+01:00

Well, how time flies. Terrible that I should let almost a whole month fly without publishing. Even the 8 day holiday in Fuerteventura can't account for all that time.

So, you ask; how was it? A bit bleedin' cold if you ask me. It remained grey for 4 days but the cold air was ever present. You can imagine my joy at returning and within 3 days being laid up in bed with influenza and high temperature; however, I will admit to it being much of my own fault as I really should NOT have gone swimming in the sea before wandering around with a cold wind to boot. Enough; I will not complain, at least about my condition.

So tomorrow the formidable Villains come to play: Aston Villa; a little bit of the Tottenham about them, they should be challenging but they don't but now at least they have the manager with the most excuses should they indeed not. Anyway, I'm going for a 2-2, being ever the conservative in these things. Before I slope off, I must admit being please with the comments from Curbs regarding the (re)introduction of Euelly. Let's hope he can prove a few doubters wrong before too long.

Oh, one last thing: FORTY THREE MILLION QUID !!!!!! Now we could definitely get into Europe with that.............

The Virgin Blogger

2006-01-31T06:37:00.000+01:00

30.01.2006 - My first blog and we're off and running. I just felt compelled to write, I guess it's nervousness over the transfer window closure. Are we to see another Blomquist or Jeffers in at 11.58 tomorrow evening, after (hopefully) taken 3 points off the Baggies? Let's hope not eh ?
New? Absolute zilch for the main. Latest rumour is Jimmy Bullard but that I would take with a shovel of that white stuff you sprinkle on yer chips. The Murphy rumours persist and Hey!, why not, after all the man who was pulling the strings earlier in the season seems to be pulling his pud at the moment. We can't afford the Murphy's of this world not playing. Let's just hope he's not bitter.
So, Brentford in the cup? Best opportunity we've had since the year Millwall got to the final. I want to get excited but I just keep thinking of Leicester and Gillingham - the negativity hits me like a Lisbie miskick into Row Z. Oh well, 3 weeks to concentrate on the league first.......
Although I've named this Blog "Missed Goals and Empty Glasses" it won't be just football and alcohol related - really, anything that raises it's head above the parapet is game. That being said, football wise the next 24'ish hours involve anxious waiting, so I may be biaised.