Up, Up and Away.

*This is not an advertisement for burglers and other Bermondsey types.  

I spent today pretending to pack.

As a typical bloke, I just watched a bit of TV and then chucked a few clean polo shirts, two pairs of shorts, 3 pairs of swim shorts and a pair of Brazilian Havaianas into my suitcase and then poured the contents of my washbag over the top.

Two beach towels rammed in to keep it all from moving about too much and job done.

I can never understand how some people manage to spend so long on packing.

I did spend quite a bit of time filling my iPod touch with films and podcasts to entertain me on our (Easyjet) flights so I suppose it's all about priorities.

Easyjet permitting, I'm back with a few hours to spare before our season opener against Bournemouth.

I hope I'll be returning to news of a freshly signed, or loaned, 20 goal a season striker.

I'll be the relaxed looking bloke in the East stand, smelling of Aftersun.

Over and Out.

Summer's Here And The Time Is Right

After what feels like an eternity, those of us who work in 'Education', finally packed up yesterday for the Summer.

I'm a little perturbed that the traditional '6 weeks holiday' seems to have been rebranded as the '5 week break'.
In reality, I know most people in our country, (who are lucky enough to still be in work), would cry tears of joy at the prospect of an entire month with only minimal paperwork and a few days of planning on the horizon.

The final week of the Summer term is always the worst.
Leavers Assemblies, Leavers Disco, a final mad rush to get all the assessment information into the correct files, (both paper and electronic) and a rather knackered group of kids all contribute to a very long 5 days.

I woke late this morning, watched a bit of television, nursed a coffee, had lunch and dropped the girls off at Bexleyheath.
I then came home and fell asleep again until very nearly 7.30pm!

Rave on Grandad!

Needless to say, I didn't schlep up the Northern Line to witness the friendly one nought defeat at Barnet.
Apparently, not many others did either as the attendance was less than 900.

I won't be stepping back into my classroom until September 1st so for the first time in ages, I haven't felt guilty about doing nothing with my weekend.

Tomorrow I promise I'll do something but today was that day where it all stretches out in front of you with a myriad of possibilities.

Sometimes I feel truly blessed.

It's Coming Together

After a break that was partly due to being far too busy, and partly to do with not really having any urge to comment on this blog,  I suddenly felt a 'stirring' this afternoon.

The signing today of Christian Dailly for another season was most definitely a step in the right direction and flicked a switch in my brain.

Before today, the return of Johnnie Jackson and Gary Doherty definitely made me feel a little reassured that the club are doing all they can with very limited funds.

Jackson really impressed me in his brief loan period with us last season. 

He looked to be a 'Charlton' type of player and I'm very pleased he's now joined for real.

 Doherty may not be everyones idea of a flashy signing but he most certainly is the kind of solid player we need around the youngsters who are sure to be part of our next squad.

The signing of Alan McCormack from Southend meant nothing to me if I'm being honest. My knowledge of 3rd tier football isn't strong enough to have formed an opinion on him before I heard he had signed.

His appearance at Welling on Tuesday was a secure enough performance, showing there is something there to build on. A poor man's Nicky Bailey perhaps?

Akpo Sodje completed his move from Sheffield Wednesday but as he was here for such a long time last season, it doesn't really feel like a signing. (Neither does the signing of Scott Wagstaff, who I feel could be one of the stars of the coming season.)

I'm beginning to feel a little hopeful, -always dangerous where Charlton are concerned!

So, who's next?

The return of Kyel Reid?

Or even the return of Jon Fortune who was spraying his 40 yard passes around the Park View Road turf on Tuesday? 

One thing is certain. The story of Charlton Athletic is likely to be getting yet more exciting and disappointing chapters in the next few months.

I'm starting to look forward to climbing back on board.