Where to find us now

It's quite a while now since Charlton were in the Premiership and we're now writing a third division diary in the hope of a return to the Championship: Diary

Look for cheap flights to Malaga

Some of the Addickted were disappointed that Charlton's two friendlies in Spain were going to be behind closed doors, although one can understand why managers want to try out new players and combinations without hearing bellowed remarks from fans. I must say that I am also a bit sceptical about how much pre-season games really tell us. Scoring against Welling is not of itself sufficient to convince me that Varney and Dickson are the finished article.

Anyway, for those who enjoy pre-season games, particularly abroad (and they can be fun), the Addickted have been given a new opportunity according to the club's E mail bulletin.

Charlton depart next Wednesday for a week-long training camp in Spain - and Addicks fans now have the opportunity to watch one of the two matches that have been arranged by manager Alan Pardew.

Although the first friendly against Malaga on Saturday, July 21st will be behind closed doors at the training ground of the Spanish club, the second fixture against Marbella will now be open to the public. The game has been scheduled to kick off at 9pm on Tuesday, July 24th, and although ticket prices have yet to be fixed, they are only expected to cost a few Euros. The address of Estadio Municipal is Avenida Ricardo Lucena Sola, 29600 Marbella.

Pards said: 'The idea behind the trip to Spain is that it will enable us to spend more time together and more time on the training ground. We'll be able to walk out of the hotel and straight on to the training ground and that time together will allow us to create the bond and spirit that we'll need for the coming season.'

New site

With the pre-season over, I am shifting posts to the new site: Championship Diary . I will copy posts here for a week or so.

Hopefully, Championship Diary will only last for one year and this blog can then be revived!

Jody Morris main talking point

I wasn't either at Welling or Tooting and Mitcham last night, and I don't have as strong a geographical excuse as the Chicago Addick, but a short summary report is here: Welling

The main talking point among the Addickted seems to be Jody Morris, not so much in terms of the footballing skills of the former Spanner, but his bad boy image. He does seem to have a bit of previous, to put it mildly: Record

Perhaps Charlton with its 'family' image can help him to turn over a new leaf. However, it is a worrying history and I am far from convinced that he is an outstanding acquisition from a football point of view.

Pards plans two more signings

As the Addickted get ready to make the choice between going to the Crown Berger Cup clash at Welling tonight or seeing Nicky Weaver make his debut for the Addicks at Tooting and Mitcham, Alan Pardew has said that he plans to make two more signings to complete the squad that will challenge for promotion:
Pards

Romm on his way at last?

Dennis Rommedahl may be on his way to Spain according to Sky Sports News:
Romm

For me he has been one of the most disappointing players in a Charlton shirt in recent years.

New Windmill Ground aerial views

Some great views of Leamington's New Windmill Ground from the air:
Brakes

Chris Powell interviews

Chris Powell has been doing some interviews on the role of black players in football with Alan Pardew forecasting he will be a manager one day:
Standard
Telegraph

Perhaps one day he will have a managerial role at Charlton?

Charlton may land Sinclair

Charlton are winning the race to land Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair on a season-long loan, much to the disappointment of Plymouth. The Addicks are on the verge of reaching an agreement with the Blues despite interest from a number of Championship rivals, including Plymouth who had him on loan last season. Being able to live in London might be a factor for the youngster.

Sinclair broke a foot at the end of last season on his return from Plymouth which hit his chances of returning to Chelsea's first team. He seems to be rated by Chelsea fans.

Aston Villa are reported to have renewed their interest in Luke Young which seems credible to me. I would give much less credence to reports that Jason Euell may return to The Valley from Boro.

Deano mystery

Always on the trail of a mystery, Inspector Sands has revealed that Deano was attacked and knocked out with a bottle by a so-called Wolves supporter at a pub in Warwick.

What Inspector Sands does not explain is why Deano was drinking at Hobson's Choice on Spinney Hill, not the most salubrious location in Warwick. Why was he not round the corner from where his dad lives at the Simple Simon? I know that he has drank there in the past, as I live not so far away.

Jerome Thomas rumour

The Daily Mirror is claiming that Manchester City are prepared to offer £1m for Jerome Thomas.

My view is that Thomas has never realised his full potential, has been inconsistent, somewhat sulky in manner and inclined to showboat. Having said that, at times he shows real talent and skill. Perhaps Sven and the Massives can develop it. I am not sure whether he would deliver a lot for us in the Championship.

Latest rumours

Middlesbrough are said to be interested in signing Luke Young, while rumours suggest that Diawara might go to Birmingham on a year's loan.

Sources close to the club are saying that there is little substance in the Mullins story, but it still seems plausible to me given (a) that the midfield badly needs strengthening, (b) Curbs doesn't rate Mullins, (c) Pardew does.