Sunday 21 January 2024
Yesterday’s game at Burton was a huge disappointment. Charlton dominated the first half, but defensive lapses put another dent in the renewed optimism, that came with signing new players, and defeat became inevitable. Michael Appleton seems at a loss as to how to fix this weak defence. He can play his two new centre backs on Tuesday but will it make a difference? Can he survive if we go down to another defeat?
A new manager now would come in to a squad they hadn’t been involved in selecting, so it would be back to square one as far as ‘building for the future’. I was no fan of Appleton’s appointment but would rather see him turn this around than see more disruption at the club, but he has a mountain to climb to bring the fans back on board.
A mountain to climb too for the team to move clear of the relegation zone which is fast catching up! Games away at Blackpool, home and away to Derby (even without them having Corey Blackett-Taylor if rumours are true), Bolton and Portsmouth would all be difficult fixtures even if the side was playing well. Maximum points in the home games to Northampton and Lincoln and away at Reading (assuming it isn’t disrupted by their beleaguered fans) are surely essential.
A return to the Championship for Charlton Women this afternoon.
12.00 Charlton Women v Blackburn Women
Let’s hope we get some cheer from this one. Results elsewhere will be important too.