Saturday 13 January 2024
I pondered over the reference to ‘888’ at the Fan meeting on Wednesday. This was depicted as how the management team see a future first team squad shaping up over the next year or so. Somewhere in the recess of my mind I recognised 888 and a quick Google search revealed it as ‘888 Casino’ so yes going down this particular route might well be a punt! Maybe it should be 8888 with the final 8 being the number of players likely to be injured or underperforming at any one time! I do see merit in presenting to academy players a good level of opportunity to break into the first team. It is definitely the most likely source of additional talent, and future income as players eventually move on (hopefully only after a few years of making a significant contribution to the future of their parent club).
Yesterday’s signing of Conor Coventry looks to be a promising one, let’s hope the paperwork is completed on time and he makes the squad for tomorrow. Given that he will presumably only be meeting his team mates for the first time yesterday, is it too big a risk to start him? An important decision for Michael Appleton or maybe Curtis Fleming will have views on this as he joins the club as Assistant Head Coach. He seems to have had a lot of experience in coaching and as a caretaker manager on a few occasions.
A signing too for the women’s team, Gracie Pearse from Tottenham on loan until the end of the season.
A late signing of 23 year old left sided centre back Macaulay Gillesphey from Plymouth Argyle means he will be sat in the stand watching the game tomorrow afternoon but should sharpen up competition for places amongst the current cohort of centre backs!
This morning there is the game that can now be considered a warm up to the upcoming FA Youth Cup match (now scheduled for Wednesday 17 January at 7.00 pm). Will be interesting how each club decide to pick their team for this one, maybe keeping a few surprises back!
11.30 am Charlton u18s v Bristol City u18s.
I’m looking forward to this afternoon’s game. Whatever team we put out are going to be in for a difficult game against high flying Posh but sometimes adversity brings out an inner steel. My optimism stands firm, at least until 5.15 pm!
I’ll be back in our Airbnb in Aberdeen after a brisk walk of 2.5 miles to David Lloyd Club for a yoga class and a return walk of a similar distance. Should just have time to put the kettle on and plug my iPad into the TV before the team is announced at 2.00 pm. So much for Charlton TV to squeeze into the 45 minute pre-match show.
3.00 pm Charlton Athletic v Peterborough United
COYR