Bright days at Charlton

Monday, 11/07/2011

by Dan Tyler, Shoot's Charlton blogger

Charlton kicked off their 2011-12 campaign with the traditional pre-season opener at Welling United. The result was a convincing 3-0 for the Addicks with new singings Michael Morrison and Danny Green on the scoresheet.

Chris Powell opted to field two different sides each half, and what struck me as a supporter is the age and freshness of the side compared to last season.

The average age stood at 22, and with nine of the Reds 11 new summer captures featuring  and impressing, the Charlton that drew 0-0 with Hartlepool to finish 13th just eight weeks ago, now seems lightyears away.

Prior to the match Powell wrapped up the singing of centre half Morrison from Sheffield Wednesday. I think this could prove a shrewd buy, as I have always said centre half is a position which really needed to be improved.

Yes he didn't have the greatest time at Wednesday, but he is strong, good in the air and was playing for Leicester in the Championship this time last year.

Alongside Morrison, Exeter captain Matt Taylor signed on a free transfer. He is considered to be one of the best defenders in the football league and another shrewd singing by Powell who has added that much needed steel to the backline.

The only negative of the week was that of the departure of Jose Semedo. The midfield man signed for Sheffield Wednesday this week, but as I mentioned before it is a deal which confused me. We are both in the same league and we are seem to be investing more than the Owls, so I am slightly surprised he went there considering he “loves London and Charlton so much,” according to Jose in April 2011.

However I would like to wish him well as he was a great servant for the club during his four years here. At first he was not the most gifted but slowly improved. I know its a cliche, but he truly gave 100% in every game and was a leader at times when many went missing.

So goodbye Jose, but I think and hope you will regret your decision come next May.

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