A 4-0 win!!!
Saturday, 29 August 2009
5 in a row!
A 4-0 win!!!
Tranmere Awayday.
I seem to be returning to a common theme this week.
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Pwoppa Nortee
While the world and his brother are queuing up to tell West Ham and Millwall fans that "There's no place for this sort of thing in football," there are other people rubbing their hands with glee.
Monday, 24 August 2009
Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner?
I'm feeling good.
At the time of writing, Charlton are top of the league, (tier 3 admittedly), England have regained the Ashes and the late Summer sunshine is still poking through the clouds, meaning I don't feel ridiculous while wearing shorts and flip flops.
This afternoon I did something I very rarely do.
I'd had a stroke of luck when I went into school this morning to prepare for the new school year. I was told the building was closing at 1pm so I would have to leave before then. (Shame eh?)
I decided to just go for an amble, for no particular reason or purpose.
When I visit my favourite cities such as Paris, New York, Amsterdam or Brussels, I particularly enjoy just wandering about, taking in the sights, sounds and smells and getting a 'feel' for the place.
Not shopping, not haring around the 'must see' tourist destinations, just being in a place and enjoying it for what it is.
Of course, this is something we almost never do in our home environment, unless we are showing friends from out of town around.
I took the tube from North Greenwich to London Bridge, then exited with no particular plans.
I walked through Hay's Galleria and then took the riverside walk towards Waterloo.
London is truly beautiful in the sunshine. As I strolled along the South side of the Thames, I felt a rush of pride when I saw the legions of tourists taking photographs of the Tower, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, The Golden Hinde, The Globe theatre, Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge, The South Bank Centre and the London Eye.
I was born in London. This is my home. I felt blessed.
I crossed the river at Waterloo and headed towards Trafalgar Square. Apparently, I missed a naked woman who was one of the 2400 people given the chance by sculptor Anthony Gormley of spending an hour alone on the fourth plinth. A fully clothed woman was sitting having a picnic when I got there. (Boo!)
Next, I ventured towards Covent Garden. I generally only ever go there to meet friends in pubs and it was good to just take it easy, without having to worry about being late or that I was going to enter a bar with impeccable timing, just as my companions have emptied their glasses!
As it turned out, I did meet up with friends who were eating al fresco prior to an evening at the theatre, so I sat with them for around 15 minutes before heading off again.
I carried on walking for another 3 hours, finally ending up in the Apple store, Regent Street. (I couldn't help it, -it's like a magnet for me).
I love going to different places, both in this country and abroad but sometimes it's truly refreshing to look at your home turf without the pressures of being busy and having stuff to do.
I love London. It's a 'World Class City' and though it's certainly not perfect, it is a wonderful place.
.......................(Not forgetting here especially).
Saturday, 22 August 2009
C'mon England!
The Wonder Stuff ?
Walsall?
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Orient away-WON!
When we entered Brisbane Road's 'Matchroom Stadium', Crispy remarked that the blocks of apartments on each corner were like the one in the Carlsberg advert. I doubt if Carlsberg had Leyton Orient in mind when they made their beer selling film but I can definitely see how a die hard Orient supporter might aspire to own one of the new build flats.
At one point, a woman came out to make a phone call on her balcony - wearing an apron so maybe her dinner guests hadn't arrived. She seemed slightly surprised to have around 2000 people looking up at her. It all made cries of "You're supposed to be at home!" seem slightly stupid as evidenced by the flags hanging over balconies, many of the supporters were at home.
Despite being roared on by a large following, Charlton went behind in the first half to a Tamika Mkandawire header from a free kick after a foul by Racon.
The referee was making no friends from South of the river, giving fouls for fairly honest tackles but the Charlton players didn't help themselves. Needless heavy challenges were made that the Orient players were only too happy to collapse under and claim their free kicks.
At half time I would very happily have taken a draw. The second half started with Racon being booked, joining Shelvey and Sam walking the thin line.
Charlton were gradually getting on top but some loose work in defence meant that we were always likely to concede again.
On the hour, Jonjo Shelvey managed to place the ball into the bottom left corner from just inside the penalty area.
Three thousand Addicks in the East stand erupted, (plus small pockets of people in the supposedly home section West stand.)
Game On.
With 20 minutes to go, former Charlton target and ex Palace player James Scowcroft was substituted. He had obviously got really tired from all the getting up off his knees after the constant diving and claims of being elbowed. To his credit, Scowcroft had managed to con the referee on numerous occasions so he had done his job well.
It looked as if we were going to have to settle for my earlier hoped for draw but on 83 minutes a woeful back pass was picked up by Deon Burton who cleverly lobbed the onrushing keeper.
2-1.
"We are top of the league!" we sang. (except we weren't, due to being second on goal difference).
An away win, for the second time in a week. What's going on? This isn't how Charlton behave.
9 points out of 9 and the feel good factor is back at The Valley.
Roll on Saturday.
Casual Rating.
A Sergio Tacchini 'Dallas' tracktop for Deon Burton. He looks very comfortable at this level and he took his chance well. His experience will be a huge benefit to some of the younger players who sometimes need to be held back a little.
A Primark novelty slogan tee shirt to the referee who seemed desperate not to be swayed by a 'big' team and their support. A complete homer.
Monday, 17 August 2009
Orient Sold Out
Stanchion 2 Crystal Palace 0
Colin is livid after Palace scored a perfectly good goal but the referee and his assistants didn't see it. (Arf !)
Sunday, 16 August 2009
Buckmore Park
On Friday evening and this afternoon, (Sunday), I finally accomplished something that I've really fancied doing for ages and ages.
I left the comfort of South East London and headed out to what has been described, (not by Paul Scally), as 'the Charlton heartlands' of Mid Kent for some sessions at Buckmore Park.
Lewis Hamilton features heavily on the promotional literature. It may as well have been Lewis coaches and Christine Hamilton for all the skills I showed on my first few warm up laps. It took a while to learn the correct racing lines and the parts of the circuit where a gentle touch of the brakes is necessary. I performed a few pirouettes while the tyres were still warming to optimum temperature but it was all good fun.
There are two classes of karts available for hire. Pro karts and also a Sports version. The Sports versions go a little faster so I opted for the slower version while learning.
On Friday I thoroughly enjoyed the experience but today was even better. I beat / smashed my best lap times from Friday and didn't spin off while trying to push it, though I was knocked off the track twice by an over eager girl who looked like she was desperate to prove something.
If you've even the slightest interest in motor sport, or even just enjoy driving, it is a fantastic experience. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Have virtual lap of the circuit here.
Saturday, 15 August 2009
3 in a row ?
A 4-2 win at home against Norwich, followed by a 3-2 win in our next league game against Wycombe.
Is it possible that Charlton Athletic might manage '3 in a row' for the first time since November 2007 ?
Come On You Addicks !!!
Friday, 14 August 2009
What did I miss?
Well, I'm back home again after a week of doing very little other than sitting around in the sunshine, drinking Mythos beer, swimming, eating Greek food from friendly tavernas and avoiding all contact with home.
I've now got my washing spinning around and I've made sure that Top Cat still remembers me. (above).
I did get updates by text message from our opening game last Saturday but other than that, I've been out of the loop.
So what have I missed?
It would seem that the T*** O*** is still no nearer. The good and bad part of this is we are now in a 'Transfer Embargo', so none of our players will be leaving. Andy Gray seems to be the main player who has had his plans altered due to this situation.
We've won at home in a not particularly convincing fashion after enough chances to be out of sight. (Sounds familiar). A win is a win is a win so we should be happy with the 3 points.
We've been knocked out of the Milk/Rumbelows/Carling/Worthington/Pointless cup. We were never going to win it so most people aren't that fussed despite having enough chances to be out of sight. (Again).
We seem to be in danger of filling around a quarter of the Matchroom stadium for our visit to Leyton Orient on Tuesday. I already have my ticket and it will be my first Charlton experience since the friendly at Welling. To say that I'm up for it is an understatement.
Other than that, it seems I've not really missed much. I won't be heading North tomorrow to Hartlepool but I wish those who are going a safe journey and the opportunity to see an away victory. Remember those???
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Yassou !
Again, I'm wishing everyone a goodbye. (Yassou).
In a few hours I'll be off to Greece for a week of sun, fine foods and too much beer.
In the previous years I've visited this same village, I've got used to wandering around with ONE lovely woman.
"Pretty lady, special price!" rings around my ears, as we do the evening promenade, calling into every leather goods shop and jewelry trading post within a flip flop walking range.
This year it's going to be slightly different.
Not content with escorting one beautiful woman, - I shall be vacationing with THREE!
The two 'extras' would probably rather eat their own weight in lard than spend time with me but it doesn't stop me feeling a little bit like this or this, or even this.
Unfortunately, compared to my companions, I'm more likely to resemble this.
The two youngest, will hope to be spending their time enacting the scenes from Blur's 'Girls & Boys' video while us two older /mature specimens will be dozing under a sun umbrella with a good book!
Yes, it's going to be tough without my broadband, WiFi and daily glances at the Charlton blog sites but I think I'll be able to manage!
I will of course be missing our opening game against the 'Chairboys' of Wycombe.
What an effete nickname! It makes 'Addick' seem quite hard and almost on a par with 'Lions' and 'Tigers'.
My first game of the season will be away at Orient on the 18th August. It seems ages away and by then we could /should have a bit of an idea of how our season is likely to progress. Much will depend on the 'T*** O***' and the ability to retain certain players but we will have seen how Parky wants to set up his players this season.
So, over and out, from me (and the 3 babes!)
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
I'm back - briefly.
Last night I returned to London on the Eurostar after a quick break.
I enjoyed a really pleasant and laid back few days with the extended family in Normandy, then I spent a couple of days in Paris just hanging about.
I've spent lots of time in Paris over the years so didn't feel compelled to go charging around visiting all the 'must sees'.
I did however, watch the sun go down over Paris from Sacre Coeur. It was a beautiful experience shared with around 5000 people who all had the same idea! It ended up being a big free party - some black kids had brought along drums and guitars which they were mixing into the music playing from their sound system. Many people, (not me), danced away with Paris twinkling below.
I also went up the Tour Montparnasse. I'm a huge fan of tall buildings and always make a point of ascending the tallest building in any city I visit. The views were phenomenal. It brought home that we are lacking anything similar in London. We have tall buildings but due to security risks blah blah our highest and most famous buildings are not open to the public.
We do have the wheel on the South Bank but the pressure of enjoying the ride within the 30 minute rotation without feeling trapped or needing a wee means that many people aren't keen.
Yesterday, I sat around reading, people watching and listening to my iPod beneath the Tour Eiffel. (See the picture above).
My playlist included many French tunes including 'chansons' by Etienne Daho, Desireless, Ladyhawke and France Gall. -I'm so bloody cosmopolitan!
After a week away, Charlton Athletic seem to be ever so slightly on a roll. Wins against Ipswich and Bournemouth, plus many of the players we assumed would be off still training at Sparrows Lane has given a sense of hope to many of the Addickted.