Dog reporters gear up for big match

Hooch and Ivy in fitness training

Our dog reporters are already gearing up for one of the biggest matches in Charlton's recent history against West Ham in ten days' time. 'All our dog reporters are up for it,' commented senior match analyst Hooch the Pooch. Hooch and new recruit Ivy have been working together on a programme of fitness training.

However, Hooch is far from convinced that Ivy is ready for such a big occasion. 'She is still an excitable young dog and, not knowing the historical significance of Alan Curbishley, she might bite him on his way to the dugout. Another area she has to work on is her relationship with Juneau the Soccer Cat.'

Nevertheless, Ivy is seen by Hooch as having great potential. He revealed that for the first time a human trainer has been hired for 1:1 personal training with the Belgian Shepherd. 'She is working mainly on obedience training and not barking at other dogs rather than specific football related skills.'