The surviving Charlton (Charlton Athletic F.C.)

Member Name: andycharger

Product:	Charlton Athletic F.C.
Date:	07/05/02 (47 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good performance on the money

Disadvantages: Lack of ambition and tactics

I take my hat off to Charlton Athletic. I really do because they survive in the top flight of English football from year to year thanks to hard work, determination and a lot of shrewd buying from their excellent manager, Alan Curbishley or "Curb" as he is known has made some great sales and purchases in the difficult world of Premiership survival that keeps Charlton fighting at the top.

In Today's modern world of football, you need money to make it. Although not the richest of clubs, Charlton prove time and time again that they have the will and survival skills to make it in the Premiership.

Behind Curbishley is a great backroom staff. Keith Peacock handles the day to day training with Curb as does the first team coach and Ex West Ham player, Mervin Day.

While on the field are some very good prospects for the future as well as some already proven talent.
In Goal is the dependable Sasa Ilic Vying for his starting role against upcoming Ireland international Dean Kiely.
In front of the goalkeepers are fellow Irish international, Mark Kinsella and other famous internationals such as South Africa's Mark Fish and England's very own Chris Powell.
Add to these players like Scotland's Graham Stuart, Richard Rufus and Jason Euelle and you have a very tidy side.
I think that they learned a few lessons last time they were up in the premiership.

Ipswich had a dizzy season last year and managed European glory this year but did not plan enough for top flight football and have to come back down this year. They would do well to follow Charlton's lead. They have learned from the experiences of yo-yoing between divisions and the pitfalls that lie there.

I do feel that the squad needs to be strengthened and some more world class needs to be added. It is becoming increasingly hard for teams to make it and survive.

Their ground is becoming a very nice structure. The Valley was becomi
ng delapidated over the recent years and did not fit in with its modernistic approach. In fact certain areas still required modernisation after Bradford in 1985. This year has seen the opening of a very nice new stand. Well deserved by the patient fans.

Tactically they do not strike me as the most exciting team to watch. I remember watching a typical Charlton match last season between themselves and Leicester. It was long ball tactics with the hope of someone being on the other end. This is not going to win titles as they are lacking creativity. They do however seem to have a strong faith in thier defence and goalie, judgin by their workrate!

The future looks bright now for charlton. The club look like they are in a position to strengthen their side over the summer while maintaining their premiership status. Lets hope that they bring a fresh breath tactically with them.
I want to see teams like Charlton continue to thrive.

Summary: