Problems On and Off The Pitch

Before we address matters on the pitch a brief word on events off it. Without wanting to comment on events that are subject to legal proceedings it once again seems as though the behavior of a minority of so-called Manchester United fans has crossed the boundary of what is considered acceptable. The whole story, as reported on the CAFC website, leads Charlton to believe that there is no other conclusion than a ban on United fans the next time they visit The Valley. They have been asked politely, on numerous occasions, to comply with ground regulations and have refused to do so whilst at the same time causing considerable trouble and injury to others. Assaults on staff, both physical and verbal, are not acceptable and neither is racist abuse. However, I'd like to next time round see a dramatic reduction in Utd's allocation, to around 1,500, and a dramatic increase in the amount of Police and stewards in attendance but only if Utd agree to pay for the extra cost of such an operation. If that game passes without incident then the following year the allocation can be slightly increased and so on and so on. Drastic measures are called for but if the Board ultimately advocate that a total ban is what is required then I support Charlton completely in this course of action.

Back to more mundane, but equally concerning, matters and this time on the pitch. It is now plainly obvious that we cannot persist with 4-5-1 at The Valley but it is equally obvious, and painfully so, that we do not possess another striker capable of playing alongside Bent, even if one were fit. However, that doesn't mean we don't have another player capable of performing that role. Step forward Darren Ambrose. Having played up-front in his Ipswich Town days Ambrose could be the answer to the problem; at least until the transfer window opens. Composed on the ball and tricky with it, he possesses an eye for goal that all our other so-called strikers do not. Alongside Bent, or perhaps just behind him, Ambrose would provide Bent with both support and chances to convert as well as chipping in with a few of his own. Another alternative would be a switch to 4-3-3. Thomas and Ambrose to support and provide for Bent which will ensure that the midfield trio, so important to our game, can remain intact. Away from home however I would persist with 4-5-1. Five wins and a solitary defeat from six away games is a fantastic return and there is no reason why this successful system cannot continue to bear considerable fruit away from The Valley.

The next five games will shape the ultimate destiny of our season. Away games at Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic squeezed either side of home games against Man City and Sunderland all provide more than adequate opportunities to get some points on the board. Eight points or more will see us enter the Xmas/New Year period in the top eight at least and looking forward to every chance of European qualification. Six points or less will see us looking nervously over our shoulders at the closing pack and a season of mid table mediocrity. In between is a chance of progress in the Carling Cup and a place in the last eight that victory over Blackburn Rovers would provide. After that who knows what may happen. The next month will be very interesting indeed.