Will it prove a crucial week for Charlton’s season?

The great man (Alan Curbishley) repeatedly said “don’t let the highs be too high, or the lows too low”, but it would take a hard man not to forgive Charlton fans for wearing a cautious, toothy grin at present.

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/

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Published:: 8.27.09 / 1pm

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ShootersHillGuru-Dave Pearce 8.27.09 / 1pm

Good sumation of our situation AFKA. Not going over the top to suggest that this week pre tansfer window could well be critical in our future season. Takeover needs to be concluded that much is certain.

Friend Or Defoe 8.27.09 / 1pm

Personally I think we should just enjoy it why it still lasts and worry about the ifs and buts if and when they occur.

Rob 8.27.09 / 2pm

Good summary, we desperately need to add to the squad as you say & obviously everything depends on what happens with the takeover that has been going on forever.

Think we mustn’t forget though that even if signings don’t materialise (although at the bare minimum I can’t believe we won’t bring at least another centre back in some way or another) keeping hold of key players such as Bailey, Racon, Shelvey & Sam is just as important if it all goes tits up with the takeover.

Sussexmick 8.27.09 / 3pm

I very true statement.

I would rather the window closed today and we kept what we have than face the potential scenario of losing Bailey, Racon, Semedo and Shelvey. They are truly the strength in the squad and the rest of the team have put in excellent effort.

I am most impressed with the 3 additions to the back 4, agree untested by anyone yet, but lets enjoy it for a change, even if it does not last!

BBClaus 8.27.09 / 6pm

It is make or break this week.

Without some signings promotion seems a real long-shot to me. Some of the gaps will be very tough to fill with loans. It seems clear that without a takeover we won’t be spending much money at all, if any.

Depending how things go before the window closes, we could feel like a promotion charge is on, or totally dejected.

Cardinal Sin 8.29.09 / 7am

We have Basey to cover at left-back (and I believe he should be first choice). There is only Mambo to cover two centre-halves and no-one, in my opinion, who can justify playing upfront with Burton which means we are limited to playing 4-5-1 and have no effective goal-scoring striking options without him. Has anyone ever been promoted largely on the strength of a scoring midfield alone?

cafcpolo 9.1.09 / 5pm

Who’s broken CL?

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