Scunthorpe

The Scunthorpe Telegraph has done a nice piece on Charlton, even referring to us as a club formerly challenging for a Champions League place, which I suppose is true, but not many of us really expected it. They point out that both clubs had failed in the close season to hang on to their star strikers Bent and Sharp, although we got a few shed loads more cash than they did.

I must be one of only a handful of Addicks who has ever been to Scunny, having lived in Beverley near Hull many years ago.

Of course Scunthorpe is famous for the little ditty that goes something like:-

"If Typhoo put the tea in Britain, who put the c*** in Scunthorpe". Its only in the last few years that Scunthorpe has managed to get through work internet filters.

To learn a bit more about our the town of our first opponents in the Championship click here. And if anyone is planning a night out for the away game. Or meeting the Scunny girls in the local Travel Lodge.

Scunthorpe United are 107 years old, promoted from division 3 last season, they could be regarded as one of the less glamorous clubs in England. based way oop north, they joined the Football League in 1950. Not the best supported club in the Football League, despite winning their divisional titles for the last two seasons they have averaged under 6,000 and their highest transfer fee paid out is £175,000 in 2000.

Varney Injured

Reports from Vital are that Varney has turned his ankle. Hopefully nothing serious and there is no Club confirmation, but in recent seasons both Parker and Young have been out of action for a few months after turning there ankles. At the moment reports are its a 3 week layoff.

Tevez goes down

I can't help it, I love Brazil and Brazilians. My first World cup that I really remember was 1970, the World cup of the beautiful game - Pele, Tostao, Rivelino, Jairzihnio et al. Ever since then I have been a fan of Brazilian Football (or are we now required to say Soccer), even when they play like thugs - 1974 - I watch them through Pele tinted glasses. Whereas Argentina, I can't stand. Even though I missed the Ratan incident in '66, I was on Cub camp in Folkestone, that had a major impact on me, then followed the "Hand Of Dog" and cheating with drugs, let alone the Malvinas. So whenever I see Argentina play even if they are playing the beautiful game as it should be played, I still can't stand them.

Last night in Venezuela the final of the Copa America was played out between beautiful game Argentina and organised "cynical" Brazil. Argentina had got to the final scoring something like 16 goals and conceding 3 in 5 matches. Brazil had struggle through the groups, losing their first game to eventual third placed Mexico. Argentina were red hot favourites to remove the crown of the America's (The USA had turned up, although one would question whether they actually competed) from the Brazilian holders.

Tevez was amongst the Argentinian stars and had shone through the tournament, ably covering for the loss of Crespo, who pulled a hamstring scoring from the penalty spot.

So the final was set up, how many would Brazil lose by. Brazil played a horrible game, giving away cynical free kicks and time wasting, but they stifled their more creative rivals and in the first half scored an early goal from Baptiste, late of Arsenal and an own goal in the 40th minute. Tevez was no where to be see, the Brazilians snuffed out the Argentine attack - Using the Thatcher strategy no doubt. Brazil scored a third in the second half.

Its sad that the creators of the beuaty in the beautiful game could not win through their heritage, but needs must and if it means playing mean to beat the Argies so be it ... roll on South Africa 2010.

Konchesky's front door in two years

Knock knock

Who's there

Alan

Alan Who

Alan Curbishley

I'll pack me bags then

Its Regs Son

Its no great surprise that Reg's son and Todorov won the vote to lead the line in the up and coming season, followed by Iwulemo who impressed down at Tooting the other day. The antipathy for Marcus means that most of the addicted would prefer James Walker to lead the line than Marcus, the former picking up 6 votes and the latter only 2.

We have to remember that Varney is unproven at this level and as such is a risk, as fans we should not be putting too much pressure on his shoulders. Bents perfromance at Tooting was reported as much more positive than we have seen, so maybe Pards and he have come to an agreement or he is playing for his transfer, or Tooting were so rubbish it was impossible not to shine.

After the midweek friendlies, Pards indicated that Todorov needed to sharpen up and hopefully the coaching staff can work on that, after all it was only the opening game.

Still waiting on todays result from the behind closed doors game against a Chelsea XI, not currently in the USA.

With 151 votes cast Luke Varney polled 60, Todorov 52, Iwulemo 33, Walker 6 and Bent 2.

One year ago today....

The decline began as Dowie made his first big signing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, according to Sky Sports, however it looks like they got it wrong by one day and it was yesterday. Anyway to remind you what the Fat Boy had to say:-

"It's going to be a big challenge but I think it was the right move for me.

"Charlton is a club that is moving in the right direction, upwards, and that wants to achieve things. I'm just delighted that I got the opportunity to be part of it.

"I definitely have the hunger (presumably for doughnuts) and I definitely think I have two more years in me (Just not this one). At the moment I feel like a little boy getting a bit of candy and I'm very happy and just ready to go.”

Fat Eddy Murphy, he's just a fat Eddy Murphy

Concerns Over Weaver

Ok he had a barny with the Covered end when he was a teenager and the following year got an ear full from Kins when he returned to the Valley and failed to save a penalty, since then whenever he has visited the Valley he has received rutual abuse, I can get over that. But I have a concern with Nicky Weaver. In his interview on the Official site Nicky says unashamedly

"The fans gave me plenty last season but it was all light-hearted I thought; it made me laugh and wasn't anything I found offensive."

So 24,000 fans singing "Nicky Weaver takes it up the ar*e", did not offend our Nicky. Is it not offensive because this true, or he is thick skinned, or deaf. I think we need to know.