We asked Lennie Lawrence who, with hindsight, would be the first three names he would put on his teamsheet from his time as Charlton manager, and asked you to try and match it.

Of the 51 entries, two of you failed to match any, 19 matched one player, 26 of you matched two players and just four of you matched all three. Sadly one of them was Mrs AFKA and she still isn’t talking to me after telling her she wasn’t eligible to win the prize !

The top three that Lennie gave was as follows:

1. Peter Shirtliff
2. John Humphrey
3. Robert Lee

Congratulations to Andrew Skinner, Welling who emerged victorious from the draw of the final three. He didn’t supply a photo so you can guess that he is no oil painting.

The breakdown of votes were as follows:

John Humphrey – 32
Bob Bolder – 29
Peter Shirtliff – 26
Robert Lee – 25
Colin Walsh – 8
Mark Aizlewood – 5
Mark Reid – 4
Steve Gritt – 4
Nicky Johns – 3
Jim Melrose – 3
Carl Leaburn – 3
Andy Peake – 2
Steve Thompson – 2
Derek Hales – 2
Colin Pates – 1
Paul Williams – 1
John Pearson -1
Alan Kernaghan -1
John Robinson – 1 (WTF ??)

Thanks to everyone who entered, and also to Green Umbrella Publishing for supplying the prize.

“Lennie” is out now, available from all good bookshops and also via our Charlton Life Amazon link.

Lennie has now penned the story of his rise from school teacher to football manager, recounting the many tales along the way.

Charlton Life is now offering you the chance to win a signed copy of ‘Lennie’.

We asked the great man the following question:

“looking back from all the time you managed Charlton, who on reflection would be the first three players you would put on your teamsheet’.

How to enter

All you have to do is send an email titled ‘Lennie Competition’ to:

afka_smudge@hotmail.com

with your three guesses of whom Lennie is likely to have said by 6pm Sunday 1st November.

All entries with three correct players will be entered into a hat and publicly drawn on Monday 2nd November. In the event of no entry correctly guessing all three, all entries with two correct names will be entered. The winner will be announced on Monday 2nd November. All entries to include full name and town of residence.

****

Many years ago Lennie Lawrence threatened to write a book about his time a Charlton. There was certainly enough packed into his nine year spell at the club, including winding up orders, high court visits, numerous Chairmen, promotion, play-offs, relegation and of course ground sharing and the Valley Party to warrant one if not more volumes.

So when the news of his autobiography leaked it was met with some anticipation. Surely, we hoped, it would be better than the last ex-Addick manager’s effort. And despite having the same ghost writer as Curb’s tome it is, but in some ways it is just as frustrating.

As a Charlton fan I would have been happy for the tale to start and finish with his time with the Addicks but the reality of publishing means that Middlesbrough, Bradford, Luton, Cardiff and Bristol Rovers also get a look in. But a warning to any Plymouth, Lincoln or Grimsby fans;  you can read all the bits about your club in a few minutes while standing in the local book shop. I wouldn’t recommend you investing £15.

The balance of coverage of his time at Charlton compared to most of Lennie’s other clubs is fair but there are surprisingly few anecdotes or tales. All the key events are there but anyone who has ever heard Lennie talk about them with his wit and insight will be disappointed. Paul Miller is let go for spitting and that is it. John Pearson and Mark Aizlewood suddenly appear in opponents Leeds play-off side but with their departures from Charlton having gone unmentioned. The three games against Leeds deserved more but the drama isn’t brought out. The 1983 season end, loser goes down game v Bolton is described, rightly, by Lennie as “one of the most significant matches in the history of Charlton Athletic” but without a proper explanation of just why.

The book moves along quickly and the season by season format is easy to follow. Lennie is generous in his praise of players, coaches and directors he has worked with and his description of his working relationship with Sam Hammam is fascinating. I would have liked to have had a lot more about Lennie, the man, as well as such an experienced and much travelled manager’s views on the nature of management and the role of the Director of Football than was allowed for in the, almost bolted on, final chapter. One quote however made me think immediately of Phil Parkinson and what he is currently trying to achieve:

“man management is also an important ingredient of the job. You can do what you like with the players throughout the week in terms of coaching, tactics and training, but they have to want to go out on a Saturday and play for you. They can play for the Club and the shirt and their family and friends. All of that, but they have to want to play for the manager”.

The editing leaves something to be desired. A few stories seem to be missing a set-up before the punch line, and I thought the Valley Party polled 14,838 votes not 14,839 but that is a minor quibble. It is an enjoyable read that reminds you that “Houdini” has worked his magic at so many clubs, rarely with any money to spend, as well as having a few freely admitted minor disasters along the way.

One major disaster though was thankfully avoided. Lennie reveals that he was very close to being offered the manager’s job at Millwall but thankfully for Lennie’s legendary status the Millwall board decided that Steve Claridge would be better suited for the Lions.

How right they were.

Keep your eyes on the Charlton Life Forum next week, for a chance to win a copy of Lennie.

But at last it appears that the speculation can finally be brought to a close.

For now, there will be no celebration of Arthur Day in the lounges, no sales of turbans, keffiyeh or sex toys in the superstore, and no return of Chinese internationals on the pitch. And it is also fair to assume Bill Curbishley’s band will not be launching their comeback tour on The Valley pitch.

After months of seductive coaxing to a plethora of consortiums, it appears that not one of them were either prepared to make the jump beyond tentative interest, or that the bar set to repay director loans was unrealistically too high. It is unlikely we will ever know the truth in that respect.

Instead, what we do have is a defining, internal reorganisation, which has provided some additional finance to keep the club above water until next summer.

With the club previously governed by two boards and a small army of directors, there has been an amalgamation to form a new governing body (Charlton Athletic Group), consisting of just 7 of the current directors, and an additional independent non-executive director. The additional fresh investment is reportedly spread across the board, to the tune of £7m.

So what exactly does it mean ?

Initial thoughts are never normally the most accurate at assessing a situation, so note this is entirely based on immediate reaction, despite the fact this outcome has looked increasingly likely over the past 3-4 weeks. But even though there appears to be a conclusion (for now), it is tainted with confusion, and as with most things of this nature, carefully leaves more questions than answers. The attention is always in the detail, and not all the details appear to be forthcoming at present.

But let us not disguise though that one particular answer we do get is undoubtedly the most important to supporters. After months of speculation regarding administration and key asset sales, the short-term viability of the club is very much assured.

The hints had been there, from the lack of panic sales in the transfer window, and by Parkinson highlighting last week the reduced chance of sales in January. This additional investment will undoubtedly give the club short-term financial viability, allowing the playing side to compete, hopefully in a promotional campaign, without the backdrop of negative speculation.

We also know the definition of the governing aspect of the club is now more streamlined and uncomplicated. There is a chair and vice chair of one entity, and that Richard Murray now has more friends (either by number or financial influence) within that group than Derek Chappell. Equally, Sir Maurice Hatter’s continued financial influence appears to be growing additional weight. Everybody now appears to know where they stand.

We also know from its highlighted nature, that after calls to streamline the management level of the club, Steve Waggott has made it through to Bootcamp. The future of others is yet to be known.

Importantly, we also know from the equally highlighted “attracting new investment into the club continues to be our primary objective” that this is not the formation of a new order, or a group with plans or desires to take our club forward in the long-term. This is effectively a holding committee, one in a position to provide additional finance, and that presumably believes there is a greater return (either to the club or themselves) if this process can be re-instigated further down the line.

There is also the confirmation that the asset sales to directors, announced towards the end of last season, and what sat uneasily with a number of supporters, will now not be concluded. This is a real positive that the club retains key assets.

So there is no denying that the announcement carries a lot of positive angles with it. The ideal timeframe for real change has arguably passed for now, and we are entering a part of the season where stability is undoubtedly preferable.
But the announcement does however raise a number of questions. Notably why, if as suggested the additional finance has been across the board, has this process been allowed to drag on for such a long period, and why a board that has largely been uncohesive, now believe they can successfully work together.

Why have senior board members, who publicly made it very clear only a few months ago that the well of the current board was completely dry when resorting to pension funds to support the club, decided to and been able to inject further money into the club ?

Why if the asset sales to key directors announced six months ago really were essential to short-term funding, has it emerged that these deals were not concluded ? If it was essential, surely the requirement of that funding would have been needed by now ?

How is the additional £7m being supplied, and in what form ? Is it fresh money ? Is it in shares, or in the form of loans which further increase the existing debt the club holds ? Is it the cancellation of some existing debts ? If they are loans, at what rate in a low interest rate environment are they to be repaid at ? Are the previously deferred interest payments on existing loans remaining deferred ?

How much has a positive start to the season influenced people who have previously said the was no more money to input, to suddenly find more money ?

I am sure there are many more questions that the announcement will prompt. Whether they or the ones listed above, are important or not, is largely irrelevant now. Stability has been provided, and all takeover talk can finally be banished.

For now.

Six weeks ago when the idea of a Supporters’ Trust was floated it was greeted with generally positive response. Even those who were sceptical mostly took a “let’s wait and see” stance. The organisation that oversees the 140 trusts across the UK was amazed that 50 people would turn up for an initial meeting such was the response.

Back then the season was yet to kick off and fans, bruised and blooded by the preceding few years, were worried about what the season would bring. Some new but unproven players had arrived, all on free transfers, the star players were regularly being linked with moves away while the transfer window seemed a long, long way off.

The manager who had overseen the final few months of our relegation season was still in charge and beyond ever more outrageous rumours little was known about any proposed takeover or who would be running the club next year, next month or even next week.

So it was perhaps fertile ground to suggest that fans start to act, to organise and prepare themselves for an uncertain future.

But a few weeks on the mood has changed. The team is winning and winning well, gates have held up and that much maligned manager is winning over even some (although by no means all) of his fiercest critics.

So has the need for the Trust gone?

It’s the team that we go to see and if they are winning playing the type of football they are then what is there to worry about? Even the pies taste better when you are top of the league.

Success on the pitch is what every fan wants but to sustain that success in the long term that we need stability and growth behind the scenes.

Over the summer fans often said how far removed they felt from their club and that they no longer felt listened to. We still don’t know who will be running the club or what the aims or motives will be of any new investors.

It maybe that new owners, or even the old ones if it is they who stay in control, will be in tune with the fans and be able to deliver the long term success, stability and growth that we all want and in a way that we as fans feel is in line with our traditions. The “Charlton way” that is so often referred to.

But that doesn’t mean that ordinary fans shouldn’t have an active part in shaping that future and be independently organised in such a way that they can call to account the board of the Club and influence the direction it is taking either now or some time in the future.

There has already been an initial meeting of fans. The next step in an open public meeting where fans can vote to decide to start the process of forming a Trust.

That meeting is taking place next week on 15th September starting at 7.30 pm.

The Venue is the Conservative Club in Charlton Church Lane just a few minutes from the Valley.

All Charlton fans, and especially those who have their doubts or want to question the idea of setting up a Trust, are welcome.

A trust is not an easy or quick solution to all the challenges that face the Club but it is a model that has worked well elsewhere. From the likes of Man Utd and Rangers to Lincoln and Brentford the Trust model has been taken up.

At some clubs the aims is to own and run the Club, such as at Brentford. Other clubs have secured a directorship of the Club through gaining a large enough shareholding. Others work with their clubs to foster better relationships with the community or to influence decision making over pricing and facilities. At some Clubs the Trusts have played a big part in a monitoring the actions of the owners to ensure that they are working in the best long term interests of the Club and not themselves.

These are just some options. A Charlton Trust would have its own aims. What those aims are will be decided by the fans themselves but being Charlton fans we will do doubt do it in our own special way.

Come to the meeting, bring your sceptical friend with you, and have a voice.

Our blog is a platform that will consider contributions from all Charlton supporters. If you have the desire to pen a piece, or ideas for contributions, please contact AFKA at afka@charltonlife.com

After nearly four months to assemble their squad, clubs scramble around like a panicking teenager on the day before a new term, desperately trying to source uniform, books and a geometry set at short notice, whilst starting the homework they have had six weeks to complete.

Sky Sports devote huge resources akin to a General Election, announcing the transfer of a Sunderland squad player on  par to a moon landing, while expectant fans religiously press F5 on their favourite news sites praying for a positive update, whilst wishfully thinking ‘he could have done a job for us’ at every other clubs’ incoming moves.

Nowhere is the novelty greater highlighted than with the managers themselves, with all forms of methodical planning disappearing out the (transfer) window. In relation to most transfers, months are normally spent scouting, painstakingly studying the pros and cons of potential targets ability, strengths, weaknesses and character, whilst enquiring whether there is a Russian school nearby to educate said target’s offspring, or a respected spa to entertain the WAG in tow.

Yet on transfer window day all forms of research and long-term considerations are instantly dismissed, with clubs frantically launching a fax and mobile phone assault as the criteria widens by every hour. As the deadline approaches, an ability to possess two feet in general working order and no other pressing engagements on Saturday’s, become a sound gauge for a successful signing.

Experienced managers, those who remember when a good ol’ fashioned wheel and deal were a fundamental part of football management, thrive in these instances. In years to come, it is far more likely that Harry Redknapp will have the last day of the window named in his honour than any grandstand marking his memory. Harry and Daniel Levy must surely be the ultimate Deadline Day marriage.

Hope of excitement is not just contained to the cash-laden Premiership, though expectations are more realistically managed in the lower echelons, and more pertinently carry the fear that the star striker is about to be sold to plug finances, and bolster Wigan’s substitute bench. As long as the best players remain, lower leaguers are simply happy to see absolutely anyone arriving, as it suggests their club is not about to go into administration any time soon. And If you have previously heard of the acquisition, then that is double the jackpot.

Wind-up merchants equally flourish on Deadline Day. South East London was a buzz on whispers that a rejuvenated Charlton were boosting their squad with the addition of a player from Real, with Champions League experience under his belt. Amazingly, said player did duly arrive, but hopes of Guti or Diarra drifting over the Woolwich Ferry were crushed by confirmation that the new superstar hailed not from Real, but Welsh League side Rhyl. The Champions League experience amounted to a twelve-goal qualifying round drumming by Partisan Belgrade.

It wasn’t just The Valley where the silly season was in evidence. Airport baggage handlers, taxi drivers and hotel receptionists suddenly become the most well-connected jobs in the land for a twenty-four hour period. Suddenly ‘Uncle John’, a baggage handler at Liverpool airport, helped load the expensive luggage of an Italian superstar into a Goodison Park-bound taxi at exactly the same time that Heather’s niece Kathryn, who doesn’t really know anything about football and isn’t one to gossip, checked the same Italian into a West London hotel for a meeting with a Mr Kenyon. None, however, could beat the Severn Bridge toll worker, who whilst accepting change and lifting the barrier was asked by Jermaine Beckford how much further it was to Cardiff. The same Jermaine Beckford spotted twenty minutes earlier buying a pasty in the Bolton High St outlet of Greggs.

Of course, 99% of the rumours prove to be false, and that is what gives the day its main attraction. Gullible fans, who dared to believe the rumours carried some modicum of truth and raised their expectations to unrealistic levels, express frustration that their club didn’t make enough effort to get (non-existent) deals over the line. Their disappointment with their club, and disillusion with ‘football in general’ restored to the earlier levels.

But Sky’s roving reporters surely get the thinnest end of the wedge. Camped for eternity in the cold like a deranged rock fan holding a vigil outside their favourite artist’s hotel, they begrudgingly slip away from Man City’s training ground with disappointment that football’s latest bottomless pocket had failed to lure Barrack Obama on a lucrative four-year deal. Camera and microphone safely returned to the van, it’s now off to Boundary Park to cover the Johnson’s Paint Trophy Northern Section tie between Oldham and Accrington, holding a candle of hope that Sven will be there scouting, whilst undertaking loud telephone calls to free agents Maradona and Paul Gascoigne.

The window may well be transparent, but that does not stop it becoming a platform for unrealistic perspectives.

Following a treacherous three seasons, a 100% record at this stage was not on even the most optimistic Addick’s radar. Last week’s late winner at Leyton Orient in front of a large, vociferous following was one of those sublime moments of being a football fan that has been sadly missing from our repertoire for a number of years.

Phil Parkinson deserves recognition for his part in the impressive opening. Amid a summer of uncertainty and a miniscule transfer budget, a strong team ethic appears to have been forged. Committed performances have been rewarded with victories, and our system has been structured to emphasise the strength of our midfield. The three defensive signings, acquired for a collective bag of peanuts, appear astute acquisitions at this early stage, while a clearly fitter and confident Neon Deon has been a shining light, with superb work-rate and improved hold-up play rewarded with goals.

But no one is getting carried away.

Joy of the current league table is tempered by the realism that there will be far tougher opponents ahead than those we have so far encountered, coupled with the knowledge that there are still glaring holes in our squad that will be magnified when injuries occur. A lack of cover at centre half and left back, and the absence of a penetrative goal-scoring striker still need to be addressed.

However, whether we will be in a position to make those additions is anyone’s guess. The transfer window closes in just five days, and with an uncompleted takeover rivalling The Mousetrap in the longest-running stakes, the chances still appear balanced on whether we will be adding or off-loading in the next few days.

What happens off the pitch in the next week is likely to have far more impact on our season path than Saturday’s game at Tranmere.

AFKA’s articles can also be found on the Evening Standard’s website http://londonfootball.standard.co.uk/charlton/

However, unless you were one of the 323 foolhardy souls who made the trip, there is little to get overly despondent about. There is no disputing that a win would have done wonders for our fragile confidence, but the League Cup is well down on our priority list this season. With half our first team ruled out by injury, the risks of completely decimating our squad at such an early stage were too great. League games come every few days over the next six weeks, and we need all our resources to be able to give us a platform.

Saturday’s opener against Wycombe offered some cautious optimism for the season ahead, before a frantic final period equally highlighted the frailties that dogged us last season. In some instances, the parallels to the tail end of last season of an efficient, effective midfield sandwiched by a goal-shy strikeforce and an uncohesive defence susceptible to pace, were unnervingly uncanny. Fortunately on this occasion, lower quality opposition were unable to fully unwind our earlier dominance.

Hopefully the tense finale was largely a result of the knocks three-quarters of our backline suffered, but the lack of a confident, reliable goalscorer is likely to be an ongoing element that will negatively infringe on our season unless addressed before the end of the transfer window.

It is a fair assumption that Wycombe Wanderers are unlikely to be challenging for the title this season. Whether Charlton will is still very much to be seen, but the opening two games have shown that weaknesses still require urgent attention.  Phil Parkinson’s next moves in the transfer market will certainly be his most important.

This weekend’s trip to Hartlepool is likely to prove a far sterner test than the too-respectful opposition Wycombe provided. Controlled, tempo-dictating football at a sun-kissed Valley is enjoyable to watch, but unrealistic to expect on our travels. The ability to react to more abrasive elements, both on the football and weather front, have been a noticeable Achilles heel in recent times, and are instances where we have to show not just the right physical approach, but mentally as well.  Its yet to be seen whether we have those qualities.

AFKA’s articles can also be found on the Evening Standard website http://londonfootball.standard.co.uk/charlton/

Fourteen blissful weeks of contentment are soon to be replaced by the nine-month slog of frustration, despair and elation in varying quantities.
 
Over the past three months I have enthusiastically admired the fair play of golf and cricket, coupled with the raw determination for limited reward of athletes and swimmers. But the appreciation of those idealistic values will shortly fade again as i wholeheartedly throw my financial, emotional and vocal support behind the overpaid, over-rated and under-appreciative.
 
Does that sound bitter ? Perhaps, and I appreciate it is hardly a ringing endorsement of enthusiasm for the road ahead. Football has always been my passion, and Charlton has fast grown into becoming almost my religion. But that does not disguise the indifference i now feel towards the structure of the modern game, those that govern it, and those that compete at the highest level. And it would be churlish of me not to state that the recent demise and financial uncertainty at Charlton has equally clouded my enjoyment of the wider picture.
 
Whilst the top table now debate £80m transfer fees and potential earnings of £250k a week, the peasants out in the dimly-lit wings have been scrambling over the discarded scraps. Though the stark difference between the elite and the rest serves as a painful reminder of aspects of the game that have accelerated my disillusionment, ironically it is the lower end of the food chain that i naturally feel more realistically aligned to. The travesty is to reach such levels of comfort, it has taken a painfully grim road.
 
So what will the next nine months bring for me ?  Hopefully a reignition of my love of the beautiful game. Where i cast aside my concerns of greed and commercialism, and simply learn to enjoy again the skill, athleticism and ability of the top levels of the game.

And closer to home, to see Charlton once again in some form of progression, no matter how small the steps; To enjoy the energy and effervescence of young, home grown players such as Shelvey, Elliot, Solly, Basey and Tuna breaking through, and trying to establish themselves in the professional game; to see players in the twilight of their career such as Christian Dailly take on responsibility and become a committed, influential asset; to see players with undoubted natural ability such as Racon and Sam firmly establish themselves as key, recognised players of the team; to see a recognised goalscorer arrive or emerge, and provide the needed consistency at the top of the pitch.
 
But above all else, to see a group of individuals combining to provide a cohesive unit with a strong ethic. A team that works for each other, has no egos, and who approach games with not just the ability to outplay opposition, but a determination to outwork them as well.
 
No demands for mega-buck signings, an oil-rich backer or promotion at the first attempt. Just a rebuilding club, getting back to basics and giving their all for the shirt. Matters off the pitch will continue to remain a nervous concern, but it is what happens on that hallowed turf that impacts most on our emotions.
 
Come on you reds !

AFKA’s articles can also be found on the Evening Standard website http://londonfootball.standard.co.uk/charlton/

A visit to Park View Road for the annual Welling fund-raiser has in recent years been like visiting a nan you rarely see; you look forward to it and have fond memories from your childhood, but give it an hour and you can’t wait to get away.

Charlton displayed their new kit and sponsor for the first time. The kit appeared a slightly crisper version of the Millenium, kit with a vertical white band down the side, while the new sponsor krbs (Kent Reliance Building Society) looked from a distance to be either Kurbs or Krabs, depending on how your mind operates.

Elliot’s pound-shedding boasts were certainly backed up with a clearly more trim and agile appearance.

Charlton had by far the better of the first half; a powerful Mambo header from a corner was disallowed, with only the referee in the ground feeling that the young giant was guilty of climbing. A good interchange on the right saw Sam pull back from the byline to Dickson, who from a yard out and with the goal at his mercy fired directly at the bewildered keeper. A number of other half chances could easily have been taken but cutting edge was clearly lacking and the opening eleven ended their work goalless.

Of those from the first half, Spring and Stavrinou were neat and tidy in the middle, Sam was relatively busy down the right, Tuna appeared completely passed by on the left, Dickson and Burton had good movement and there could possibly be a potential of a partnership there, but hitting the target is what its all about. At the back, Mambo did little wrong but Llera didn’t give the greatest of first impressions. Slightly cumbersome, and more distribution errors than successes lent the impression it was more Bobby Ball than Bobby Moore. Big lad though, and certainly looks like he will be a physical presence. Fortune could fit nicely beside if he signs.

All change player-wise in the 2nd half, a couple of non-impressing trialists were thrown into the mix, and we upped the tempo from the KO. A ball across the box saw Wagstaff fire impressively across the keeper into the top right corner. That sadly proved to be the best spell. Welling scored from an identical cutback to the one Dickson missed, and after that the game become a lot more even, with plenty of huff and puff, but no clear cut chances. Wagstaff looked more into a game than i have seen before, Shelvey looked his usual stylish self, and seeing a centre half pairing of Samedo and Basey showed just how short we are in that area, though the pair did little wrong.

Hopefully this was the game that the players needed to just get a run into their legs. But i’m sure we said that last year. And the year before.

Phil Parkinson didn’t say after the game “Its an impressive start. You really got to give it to the lads to get themselves up to this level after just a week of training.”

“Everyone knows there are no easy games in football any more, and not even Manchester United would approach a trip to Park View Road without trepidation. It was backs to wall, but we’ve proved that we are no pushovers and i’ve just left a very, very happy dressing room”

“I won’t get carried away. I’m not suggesting anything crazy like we might actually win a game at some stage. But i think it was clear to everyone of those leaving the ground that this could be the start of something special. And that something special could well possibly be a behind closed doors friendly with Thamesmead Town”.