Charlton at 12/1 looks tempting

[The Bohemian]

Five of the last ten winners of League One were relegated the previous season. This would suggest there is an even money chance that either Charlton, MK or Bolton will do the business this time around.

For those of us who like a punt this could offer the opportunity to land a decent return, given Charlton and MK can be backed at 12/1 and Bolton at 15s.

Closer scrutiny reveals that only Doncaster won the league having finished rock bottom in their relegation year and they were only 4 points below Coventry, so hardly marooned. Unlike Bolton, who finished last season 9 points adrift and still give the impression of a club in crisis.

I rate Karl Robinson and was surprised at his failure to keep MK in The Championship. I expect his team to be in the mix again but I can't ignore the fact that he has no Dele Alli in his ranks this time around and his signings, to date, look less than inspiring. He's also had to deal with "once a Blade" Kyle upsetting his applecart.

Which leaves us with Charlton who may just have bottomed out from their own plummet and seem very serious about getting back up first time. Spending £800k on 25 goal, Nicky Ajose from Swindon is a statement of intent and Russell Slade looks a smart, second choice as Manager. At 12/1, a £10 each way bet would still return £40 if the Addicks finished behind The Blades in 2nd or 3rd place.

Whilst, my insane optimism still justifies The Blades as worthy favourites, at this stage, 13/2 isn't a great price and there's still time for us to sell some family silver and scupper things before the big kick off. In which case, Charlton could be the ones to capitalise.

 

[wizadry]

I think Scunny could have a good go this year, along with us. I know I know, I'm fucking bonkers.

 

[Harry's Game]

I think the top two will come from out of Charlton, Millwall and MKD. Bolton I am not so sure about.

 

[Hartley Hare]

I will have my usual monkey on us.

At 13/2 I might just make a modest return given I am already £2,500 out of pocket.

HH

 

[Ricky]

I got £20 each way on them at 20/1!

They look strong, and now have another £3.5m in the bank from selling Pope and Gudmundsson. Slade's a reliable L1 manager and they'll definitely be up there.

MK Dons will be up there too but I don't think they've got it in then to dominate the league. Not outstanding in any department.

Millwall will be no more than a play off side, they have a questionable, inexperienced manager, they've lost Beevers and they haven't made any inspiring signings so far. Could lose Gregory too.

Bolton should be OK but with Parkinson in charge they're unlikely to be dominant and will probably end up in the play offs. They look strong on paper though. They'll lose a few but they're apparently signing Gordon Greer to parnter Beevers at the back, and that will be a very strong pairing.

As it stands I have Charlton and MK Dons as the top two, with us in the play offs with Bolton, Millwall and Peterborough/Bradford/Bristol Rovers.

 

[Damski]

Dons and Bolton will be nowhere. Charlton will be aiming for top 2. I can see Millwall getting up in the mix, too. I hope we are at least top 6 but... You know.

 

[Jehovah]

I fancy Burton

 

[Barney]

Scunthorpe surprise package in 2nd.

 

[FriethBlade]

Good summary bohemian....the counter argument to Charlton is there is massive discord amongst their fan base and if they don't make a good start they might implode.

I have a feeling an outsider might do it as I don't think any of the favourites look that strong. There is quite a decent record of sides going straight through division two then division one in consecutive seasons and this year I think it might be Bristol Rovers who do it. Oxford have lost their 2 best players, Northampton have lost their manager and best player but Rovers have kept Matty Taylor (Leeds wanted him) and look like a team going places with a young progressive manager

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I think Charlton are a good shout to win it.


I fancy us, MK, Bradford, maybe Posh/Millwall to be in the next pack.


There’s often a dark horse from the promoted teams too. But Northampton have lost Wilder and Holmes. Oxford have made a good signing in Nelson but lost O Dowda and Roofe. Perhaps it will be Bristol Rovers as they had a prolific striker last season and have the beast Parkes at the back. They also finished the season in inspired form.

 

[Bladepicker]

As it stands I have Charlton and MK Dons as the top two, with us in the play offs with Bolton, Millwall and Peterborough/Bradford/Bristol Rovers.

I'd go with that apart from I don't see MK Dons having a good season (could just be wishful thinking mind) and think Northampton rather than Rovers could be this seasons' 'Burton'.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

I'd go with that apart from I don't see MK Dons having a good season (could just be wishful thinking mind) and think Northampton rather than Rovers could be this seasons' 'Burton'.

Wonder what other fans think of us . Maybe for 5 seasons we have been favourites but always blow it at the end of the day .

First 10 games will show who will be in the running . Shit or bust yet again .

Read somewhere we will finnish 8th .

 

[Bladepicker]

Wonder what other fans think of us . Maybe for 5 seasons we have been favourites but always blow it at the end of the day .

First 10 games will show who will be in the running . Shit or bust yet again .

Read somewhere we will finnish 8th .

Bradford fan at works as us as top 2 - we are and always will be a big fish at this level even if we have crap players and no pot to piss in and therefore, fans of other clubs will always see us as one of the main promotion candidates.

This season is the first I am not bullish about in thinking we will walk the league (I honestly believed we would win the division in each of the last 5 seasons) - but I am pretty confident we will be top 6 under Wilder and, given last season and the rebuild and dross removal he has been given, will be a successful campaign for me. We obviously won't go up because it's the play offs.

 

[Darthblade]

As the squad stands today, I can't see us troubling the top two at all and we may just scrape into the top 6 if one or two of the relegated teams don't get off to a good start.

I reckon 4/5 decent players needed for a decent crack at promotion, including GK, CH, CM, CF, and a winger.

UTB & FTP

 

[1980]

I got £20 each way on them at 20/1!


Millwall will be no more than a play off side, they have a questionable, inexperienced manager, they've lost Beevers and they haven't made any inspiring signings so far. Could lose Gregory too.

Our 'questionable' manager guided us to a higher placed finish than Sheffield United have managed in the last 4 seasons in League One - having had to sort out the complete mess that Lomas & Holloway left him. That is to say, getting rid off a load of over-the-hill, unmotivated & highly paid bad apples; and starting again with a core group padded out with promoted youth team players.

Harris very nearly kept us up too - but run out of games, thanks to that complete clown Holloway.

So, don't really get where you are coming from.

Beevers is a big loss - but, Webster was the brains at the back & the real difference. Hutchinson seems like a decent enough replacement for Beevers, in fact you could argue he comes with a tad more pedigree.

Gregory is happy at Millwall - because he likes working with Neil Harris. This is because Gregory says it is great to work with a manager who has been on the exact same journey as himself. Gregory is grateful that Millwall took the chance on him & that Harris turned him from a player looking out of his depth a bit into a prolific striker at this level after one summer of coaching. The club has said if someone meets our valuation (£2m) then we would let him progress his career. Rotherham fell well short of this. And I cannot see many others gambling on that kind of money after one good season in League One.

The situation seems to be that Gregory is happy at Millwall working with Harris & feels he is part of something that could be good / but knows that the club is happy to let him go if a good offer comes in & he wants to test himself at a bigger club / and the club are under no pressure at all to sell, and so are happy to stick to their guns.

"they haven't made any inspiring signings so far." I think this is where Sheffield United are going wrong. Looking for big signings for a big club. Not really working out is it though.

I think Harris has been very shrewd with our signings - we were 3rd highest scorers in the division last season, and with Morison & Gregory up front we will be real threats again - Harris has gone out and brought in two pacey, aggressive wingers. Yes, being from Southend & Plymouth they may not get the pulses racing - but as a football manager & ex striker prolific at this level, Harris knows that those types of wingers are ideal for the likes of Morison & Gregory.

The fact that we finished 4th, got to the Play-Off Final and were one of the form teams after Christmas suggests not much needs tweaking. The only first teamer we have lost (& look likely to lose) has been Beevers. Harris has gone out and replaced him with what seems a like for like player. And then brought in two wingers. Plus it seems that we have another load of good kids coming through - one of the benefits of being a London club and having a lot of potential stars on your doorstep.

I think Play-Offs is a must & should be achieved. But, I would think anything but top 2 would be a bit of a failure really.

As for Charlton - they are selling off their best players and still have many backroom vacancies. The owner is a bit of a loon and that money will be spent on other things before experienced players. The chairman believes in bringing through kids & selling them for a profit to create a totally sustainable club. Admirable - but not sure it works in trying to win promotion out of the killing zone that is League One.

I would imagine from going on past summers that the 3 players they have brought in are to shut the fans up - as they keep protesting. And that they will sell anyone worth anything & replace with kids or players from the owner's network.

I think the strong teams next season will be us (Millwall), MK Dons, Bradford City, Scunthorpe United, Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield United and Bristol Rovers. Peterborough United, Port Vale & Bury as the dark horses.

 

[I should coco]

"they haven't made any inspiring signings so far." I think this is where Sheffield United are going wrong. Looking for big signings for a big club. Not really working out is it though.

You know how to twist the knife, don't you?

Good reasoned post though and your 'strong teams' look pretty reasonable although I'd still have Charlton in the mix.

 

[BushBlade]

Our 'questionable' manager guided us to a higher placed finish than Sheffield United have managed in the last 4 seasons in League One - having had to sort out the complete mess that Lomas & Holloway left him. That is to say, getting rid off a load of over-the-hill, unmotivated & highly paid bad apples; and starting again with a core group padded out with promoted youth team players.

Harris very nearly kept us up too - but run out of games, thanks to that complete clown Holloway.

So, don't really get where you are coming from.

Beevers is a big loss - but, Webster was the brains at the back & the real difference. Hutchinson seems like a decent enough replacement for Beevers, in fact you could argue he comes with a tad more pedigree.

Gregory is happy at Millwall - because he likes working with Neil Harris. This is because Gregory says it is great to work with a manager who has been on the exact same journey as himself. Gregory is grateful that Millwall took the chance on him & that Harris turned him from a player looking out of his depth a bit into a prolific striker at this level after one summer of coaching. The club has said if someone meets our valuation (£2m) then we would let him progress his career. Rotherham fell well short of this. And I cannot see many others gambling on that kind of money after one good season in League One.

The situation seems to be that Gregory is happy at Millwall working with Harris & feels he is part of something that could be good / but knows that the club is happy to let him go if a good offer comes in & he wants to test himself at a bigger club / and the club are under no pressure at all to sell, and so are happy to stick to their guns.

"they haven't made any inspiring signings so far." I think this is where Sheffield United are going wrong. Looking for big signings for a big club. Not really working out is it though.

I think Harris has been very shrewd with our signings - we were 3rd highest scorers in the division last season, and with Morison & Gregory up front we will be real threats again - Harris has gone out and brought in two pacey, aggressive wingers. Yes, being from Southend & Plymouth they may not get the pulses racing - but as a football manager & ex striker prolific at this level, Harris knows that those types of wingers are ideal for the likes of Morison & Gregory.

The fact that we finished 4th, got to the Play-Off Final and were one of the form teams after Christmas suggests not much needs tweaking. The only first teamer we have lost (& look likely to lose) has been Beevers. Harris has gone out and replaced him with what seems a like for like player. And then brought in two wingers. Plus it seems that we have another load of good kids coming through - one of the benefits of being a London club and having a lot of potential stars on your doorstep.

I think Play-Offs is a must & should be achieved. But, I would think anything but top 2 would be a bit of a failure really.

As for Charlton - they are selling off their best players and still have many backroom vacancies. The owner is a bit of a loon and that money will be spent on other things before experienced players. The chairman believes in bringing through kids & selling them for a profit to create a totally sustainable club. Admirable - but not sure it works in trying to win promotion out of the killing zone that is League One.

I would imagine from going on past summers that the 3 players they have brought in are to shut the fans up - as they keep protesting. And that they will sell anyone worth anything & replace with kids or players from the owner's network.

I think the strong teams next season will be us (Millwall), MK Dons, Bradford City, Scunthorpe United, Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield United and Bristol Rovers. Peterborough United, Port Vale & Bury as the dark horses.

Good post but losing a POF can sometimes have an adverse effect. It doesn't necessarily follow that you can continue last season's success. I think Ricky may be saying Neil is 'questionable' because you probably should have won the POF. He hasn't achieved anything yet. That's all.

Agree about Charlton. Slade has been a manager for years and has never won a promotion. To break his duck at a club like Charlton (as they are now) would be some achievement.

It's going to be a tight league this season, really hard to predict, where any team can beat any other team. My dark horses are Oxford and Oldham but both of those could end up being relegated. As for Vale, no idea. Huge gamble pursuing a strategy that hasn't really been tried before at this level.

 

[Ricky]

Our 'questionable' manager guided us to a higher placed finish than Sheffield United have managed in the last 4 seasons in League One - having had to sort out the complete mess that Lomas & Holloway left him. That is to say, getting rid off a load of over-the-hill, unmotivated & highly paid bad apples; and starting again with a core group padded out with promoted youth team players.

Harris very nearly kept us up too - but run out of games, thanks to that complete clown Holloway.

So, don't really get where you are coming from.

Beevers is a big loss - but, Webster was the brains at the back & the real difference. Hutchinson seems like a decent enough replacement for Beevers, in fact you could argue he comes with a tad more pedigree.

Gregory is happy at Millwall - because he likes working with Neil Harris. This is because Gregory says it is great to work with a manager who has been on the exact same journey as himself. Gregory is grateful that Millwall took the chance on him & that Harris turned him from a player looking out of his depth a bit into a prolific striker at this level after one summer of coaching. The club has said if someone meets our valuation (£2m) then we would let him progress his career. Rotherham fell well short of this. And I cannot see many others gambling on that kind of money after one good season in League One.

The situation seems to be that Gregory is happy at Millwall working with Harris & feels he is part of something that could be good / but knows that the club is happy to let him go if a good offer comes in & he wants to test himself at a bigger club / and the club are under no pressure at all to sell, and so are happy to stick to their guns.

"they haven't made any inspiring signings so far." I think this is where Sheffield United are going wrong. Looking for big signings for a big club. Not really working out is it though.

I think Harris has been very shrewd with our signings - we were 3rd highest scorers in the division last season, and with Morison & Gregory up front we will be real threats again - Harris has gone out and brought in two pacey, aggressive wingers. Yes, being from Southend & Plymouth they may not get the pulses racing - but as a football manager & ex striker prolific at this level, Harris knows that those types of wingers are ideal for the likes of Morison & Gregory.

The fact that we finished 4th, got to the Play-Off Final and were one of the form teams after Christmas suggests not much needs tweaking. The only first teamer we have lost (& look likely to lose) has been Beevers. Harris has gone out and replaced him with what seems a like for like player. And then brought in two wingers. Plus it seems that we have another load of good kids coming through - one of the benefits of being a London club and having a lot of potential stars on your doorstep.

I think Play-Offs is a must & should be achieved. But, I would think anything but top 2 would be a bit of a failure really.

As for Charlton - they are selling off their best players and still have many backroom vacancies. The owner is a bit of a loon and that money will be spent on other things before experienced players. The chairman believes in bringing through kids & selling them for a profit to create a totally sustainable club. Admirable - but not sure it works in trying to win promotion out of the killing zone that is League One.

I would imagine from going on past summers that the 3 players they have brought in are to shut the fans up - as they keep protesting. And that they will sell anyone worth anything & replace with kids or players from the owner's network.

I think the strong teams next season will be us (Millwall), MK Dons, Bradford City, Scunthorpe United, Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield United and Bristol Rovers. Peterborough United, Port Vale & Bury as the dark horses.

Where do you get 'big signings' from 'inspiring signings'? Worrall and Wylde are OK but they're top 6 players rather than top 2 players. And if you actually look who we're signing now we're not going for the types you mention, as we have in the past.

I say Harris is questionable firstly because he is simply inexperienced, and secondly because you should've been in the top two last season without a doubt but only really threatened to get there when it was too late. Barnsley shouldn't have been able to beat you so easily either.

You've also lost Chris Taylor who is a good player.

 

[Deaneandagana]

Agree about Charlton, think they've invested both significantly & wisely - think they'll do a Wigan.

As for us, can't decide - seen it & heard it all before, game changing investment etc etc, like Wilder & what he stands for, am hopeful but no more.

An outside bet, would be Gillingham, like Justin Edinburgh & what he's doing - had we not appointed CW wouldn't have minded him.

 

[Rodley]

Our 'questionable' manager guided us to a higher placed finish than Sheffield United have managed in the last 4 seasons in League One - having had to sort out the complete mess that Lomas & Holloway left him. That is to say, getting rid off a load of over-the-hill, unmotivated & highly paid bad apples; and starting again with a core group padded out with promoted youth team players.

Harris very nearly kept us up too - but run out of games, thanks to that complete clown Holloway.

So, don't really get where you are coming from.

Beevers is a big loss - but, Webster was the brains at the back & the real difference. Hutchinson seems like a decent enough replacement for Beevers, in fact you could argue he comes with a tad more pedigree.

Gregory is happy at Millwall - because he likes working with Neil Harris. This is because Gregory says it is great to work with a manager who has been on the exact same journey as himself. Gregory is grateful that Millwall took the chance on him & that Harris turned him from a player looking out of his depth a bit into a prolific striker at this level after one summer of coaching. The club has said if someone meets our valuation (£2m) then we would let him progress his career. Rotherham fell well short of this. And I cannot see many others gambling on that kind of money after one good season in League One.

The situation seems to be that Gregory is happy at Millwall working with Harris & feels he is part of something that could be good / but knows that the club is happy to let him go if a good offer comes in & he wants to test himself at a bigger club / and the club are under no pressure at all to sell, and so are happy to stick to their guns.

"they haven't made any inspiring signings so far." I think this is where Sheffield United are going wrong. Looking for big signings for a big club. Not really working out is it though.

I think Harris has been very shrewd with our signings - we were 3rd highest scorers in the division last season, and with Morison & Gregory up front we will be real threats again - Harris has gone out and brought in two pacey, aggressive wingers. Yes, being from Southend & Plymouth they may not get the pulses racing - but as a football manager & ex striker prolific at this level, Harris knows that those types of wingers are ideal for the likes of Morison & Gregory.

The fact that we finished 4th, got to the Play-Off Final and were one of the form teams after Christmas suggests not much needs tweaking. The only first teamer we have lost (& look likely to lose) has been Beevers. Harris has gone out and replaced him with what seems a like for like player. And then brought in two wingers. Plus it seems that we have another load of good kids coming through - one of the benefits of being a London club and having a lot of potential stars on your doorstep.

I think Play-Offs is a must & should be achieved. But, I would think anything but top 2 would be a bit of a failure really.

As for Charlton - they are selling off their best players and still have many backroom vacancies. The owner is a bit of a loon and that money will be spent on other things before experienced players. The chairman believes in bringing through kids & selling them for a profit to create a totally sustainable club. Admirable - but not sure it works in trying to win promotion out of the killing zone that is League One.

I would imagine from going on past summers that the 3 players they have brought in are to shut the fans up - as they keep protesting. And that they will sell anyone worth anything & replace with kids or players from the owner's network.

I think the strong teams next season will be us (Millwall), MK Dons, Bradford City, Scunthorpe United, Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield United and Bristol Rovers. Peterborough United, Port Vale & Bury as the dark horses.

Who's doing your valuations?! Che Adams is definitely worth £5m after one average season at The Lane!

 

[FriethBlade]

Charlton lost 2 of their best players to Burnley this week and the fans hate the board...not for me at their current odds

 

[Booker4]

I think Scunny could have a good go this year, along with us. I know I know, I'm fucking bonkers.

I agree that Scunny will be handy, especially if they keep top scorer Madden. I think Oldham might be dark horses for the play offs. Made some smart signings Charlton have a bit of Danny Wilson in charge in Russell Slade. Never got promoted in his career and its a big ask to get Charlton up and running again after all the negativity from recent seasons. I reckon Play offs for them and similar for Bolton.

 

[wizadry]

I agree that Scunny will be handy, especially if they keep top scorer Madden. I think Oldham might be dark horses for the play offs. Made some smart signings Charlton have a bit of Danny Wilson in charge in Russell Slade. Never got promoted in his career and its a big ask to get Charlton up and running again after all the negativity from recent seasons. I reckon Play offs for them and similar for Bolton.

Don't let Bobby.H hear you mention Scunny, he won't like it.

 

[1980]

Where do you get 'big signings' from 'inspiring signings'? Worrall and Wylde are OK but they're top 6 players rather than top 2 players. And if you actually look who we're signing now we're not going for the types you mention, as we have in the past.

I say Harris is questionable firstly because he is simply inexperienced, and secondly because you should've been in the top two last season without a doubt but only really threatened to get there when it was too late. Barnsley shouldn't have been able to beat you so easily either.

You've also lost Chris Taylor who is a good player.

Ricky, I find that inspiring & big are interlinked when talking about football signings. Now, if you had said 'inspired' then that would make more sense. But, even then, how do you know a signing is going to be inspired until the end of the season?

For example, when Millwall signed a 32 year old lower league journeyman striker in Paul Moody & a out of favour defender from Watford called Sean Dyche I doubt very much that our then divisional peers went 'oh, those are some inspiring signings'; us Millwall fans certainly didn't. However, it turned out that there were inspired signings - as Moody was the ideal player to bring on the young Neil Harris, and Dyche (as he has proved managing Burnley) is a born leader. Millwall went on to storm the division & very nearly got a back to back promotion to the Premier League.

I think for a signing at little old Millwall to prompt a Sheffield United fan like yourself to go 'oh, that is an inspiring & exciting signing' we would need that signing to be 'big'. Maybe Tim Cahill returning, or splashing out a few bob on a player like Ajose - which is why many probably think Charlton will do well...as that 'big' & therefore 'inspiring' signing has seemed to masked the fact that they are shipping out anyone that is any good.

I guess my point was (and we discussed this last pre-season) is that Millwall seem much better able to cope with building a promotion winning team at this level compared to Sheffield United; who are weighed down by expectation - which is what I was alluding too about trying to make 'big' signings, both in terms of manager & players.

Indeed, you say Harris is inexperienced and questionable. However, he knows how Millwall ticks, he knows how lower league players tick. Millwall's best sides at this level have been built by inexperienced managers - George Graham (first job in management), Keith Stevens (Millwall legend & first job in management. The teams they built either went on to get promoted to the top flight or come very close. Probably because they were built by men who understood the club. Harris is in the same mould.

Harris got us to 4th last season, having nearly kept us up at the back end of the season before - surely this has added to his 'experience'; and in a positive way. I would be completely horrified if we got rid of him for the more 'experienced', let's say, Nigel Adkins or Phil Brown.

And why on earth do you think Harris failed in not getting us to finish in the top two? I would have put Wigan Athletic, Sheffield United, Barnsley, Coventry City & Bradford City as clubs that should be finishing above us last season.

Millwall let go 18 players last summer, including the likes of Chaplow, Woolford, Dunne, Bailey, Shittu, Fuller & Hoyte. And brought in 5 players. 4 on frees & one where we bought out the remainder of his contract (Steve Morison). One of the 5 was for the development squad (Mbulu). I would hardly suggest that this level of transfer activity, and following on relegation, would suggest that we were a club that absolutely should accept automatic promotion and nothing else.

Indeed, our goal-keeper last season was playing his first ever season of league football, as was Thompson, Romeo & O'Brien. I simply cannot accept that Harris getting us to a Play-Off final is a failure & makes him 'questionable'.

And we lost the final to a very good Barnsley side, having lost our best defender in the warm-up and our right-back to suspension. Again, there is no mighty Millwall fall to little Barnsley narrative about the final. I just cannot see that. We were beaten by a decent side high on confidence & who really punished our misfortune in losing Webster & Romeo at the back.

Chris Taylor divided opinion at The Den. He was very hard working - but not as attacking as some would like. Millwall fans have been raised on wingers like Gordon Hill, Doug Allder, Jimmy Carter, Kevin O'Callaghan, Mark Kennedy, Lucas Neill, Steven Reid, Paul Ifill etc. Worrell and Wylde fit that mould more, and will push Shane Ferguson & Fred Onyedinma - who had no competition last season.

 

[Ricky]

Ricky, I find that inspiring & big are interlinked when talking about football signings. Now, if you had said 'inspired' then that would make more sense. But, even then, how do you know a signing is going to be inspired until the end of the season?

For example, when Millwall signed a 32 year old lower league journeyman striker in Paul Moody & a out of favour defender from Watford called Sean Dyche I doubt very much that our then divisional peers went 'oh, those are some inspiring signings'; us Millwall fans certainly didn't. However, it turned out that there were inspired signings - as Moody was the ideal player to bring on the young Neil Harris, and Dyche (as he has proved managing Burnley) is a born leader. Millwall went on to storm the division & very nearly got a back to back promotion to the Premier League.

I think for a signing at little old Millwall to prompt a Sheffield United fan like yourself to go 'oh, that is an inspiring & exciting signing' we would need that signing to be 'big'. Maybe Tim Cahill returning, or splashing out a few bob on a player like Ajose - which is why many probably think Charlton will do well...as that 'big' & therefore 'inspiring' signing has seemed to masked the fact that they are shipping out anyone that is any good.

I guess my point was (and we discussed this last pre-season) is that Millwall seem much better able to cope with building a promotion winning team at this level compared to Sheffield United; who are weighed down by expectation - which is what I was alluding too about trying to make 'big' signings, both in terms of manager & players.

Indeed, you say Harris is inexperienced and questionable. However, he knows how Millwall ticks, he knows how lower league players tick. Millwall's best sides at this level have been built by inexperienced managers - George Graham (first job in management), Keith Stevens (Millwall legend & first job in management. The teams they built either went on to get promoted to the top flight or come very close. Probably because they were built by men who understood the club. Harris is in the same mould.

Harris got us to 4th last season, having nearly kept us up at the back end of the season before - surely this has added to his 'experience'; and in a positive way. I would be completely horrified if we got rid of him for the more 'experienced', let's say, Nigel Adkins or Phil Brown.

And why on earth do you think Harris failed in not getting us to finish in the top two? I would have put Wigan Athletic, Sheffield United, Barnsley, Coventry City & Bradford City as clubs that should be finishing above us last season.

Millwall let go 18 players last summer, including the likes of Chaplow, Woolford, Dunne, Bailey, Shittu, Fuller & Hoyte. And brought in 5 players. 4 on frees & one where we bought out the remainder of his contract (Steve Morison). One of the 5 was for the development squad (Mbulu). I would hardly suggest that this level of transfer activity, and following on relegation, would suggest that we were a club that absolutely should accept automatic promotion and nothing else.

Indeed, our goal-keeper last season was playing his first ever season of league football, as was Thompson, Romeo & O'Brien. I simply cannot accept that Harris getting us to a Play-Off final is a failure & makes him 'questionable'.

And we lost the final to a very good Barnsley side, having lost our best defender in the warm-up and our right-back to suspension. Again, there is no mighty Millwall fall to little Barnsley narrative about the final. I just cannot see that. We were beaten by a decent side high on confidence & who really punished our misfortune in losing Webster & Romeo at the back.

Chris Taylor divided opinion at The Den. He was very hard working - but not as attacking as some would like. Millwall fans have been raised on wingers like Gordon Hill, Doug Allder, Jimmy Carter, Kevin O'Callaghan, Mark Kennedy, Lucas Neill, Steven Reid, Paul Ifill etc. Worrell and Wylde fit that mould more, and will push Shane Ferguson & Fred Onyedinma - who had no competition last season.

You might assume inspiring and big signings are the same thing for many but I'm speaking for myself. For me it has nothing to do with being 'big'.
Of course you don't know exactly how good a signing is going to be, but this thread is about predicting and expectations.

Not only am I basing your chances on the players you've signed, who as I said are IMO top 6 players and not top 2 players (apart from Hutchinson possibly), but also the fact that you've obviously not got a lot to spend.

Charlton have signed players who've done well in L1 and another good player in the form of his life in Ricky Holmes. They have a lot of other decent players at this level and a decent manager. They have sold some good players but they've now got even more to spend - about another £4.5m if they want to.

Millwall had the strongest squad after Wigan last season, and especially if we were going to be the total non entity that we were, they should've been in the top two. A very limited Burton Albion with a very limited manager finished 2nd, that says it all. Only Barnsley were arguably as strong, but only after they signed all their loanees, and they were handicapped by being bottom in December.
A lot of those you got rid of were dross (we should know with Woolford) and it probably gave you a better chance.

 

[1980]

Millwall had the strongest squad after Wigan last season, and especially if we were going to be the total non entity that we were, they should've been in the top two. A very limited Burton Albion with a very limited manager finished 2nd, that says it all. Only Barnsley were arguably as strong, but only after they signed all their loanees, and they were handicapped by being bottom in December.
A lot of those you got rid of were dross (we should know with Woolford) and it probably gave you a better chance.

Did we?

Five of our regular starters were playing their first ever league seasons in Archer, Romeo, Thompson, Fred and O'Brien.

I think Burton finishing second is more of reflection on how bad Sheffield United & Barnsley were for most of the season - not us. We should have had a transitional season - bouncing between 10th and 5th.

I wasn't referring to the quality of the players we released - more than quantity, against what we brought in: 18 out & 5 in (one of which was a development player). That is a big job for any manager to make work.

I think Harris did a superb job in turning the club around last season. Last May we had been relegated and had a squad full of players with very bad attitudes, and had suffered the worst home record in the club's 130 year history.

He recruited an excellent young keeper in Archer, an exciting young winger in Shane Ferguson, a steady left-back in Martin and a decent League One striker in Morison. He coached Gregory to be one of the top strikers in the division, brought in players from the youth team that stepped up to the challenge and by January had got the Lions purring again.

Harris was certainly a gamble last year, and would have come under this 'questionable' banner - but this season? I don't accept that, given what he achieved. But, it's all about opinions I guess.

I used to write for a local paper & have a few good contacts still...and they are no-where near as confident about Charlton as you are; & certainly do not think any of that money will be spent on more players. They believe that the 3 signings have been made to silence unhappy fans, same as with the appointment of Slade (who actually hasn't achieved anything in his career btw). This will allow the owner to continue his experiment - which is selling young players to make the club sustainable, while plugging gaps in the production line with network players from his other clubs.

I think our strength is that our chairmen is very rich - but prefers to use that to prop the club up and keep hold of talent, and spend on wages. There is no value in buying players now - unless you want to throw money away. There is money there to spend, but it has to be the right player - right age & ability, eg we were willing to pay whatever WBA wanted for Chris Wood, but Leicester City matched it & he chose them (shrewdly). However, we can resist selling players on the cheap (Gregory) and pay decent wages to established pros (Morison).

I think we have completed very good transfers myself. Hutchinson is pretty much a like for like replacement for Beevers, but actually with a better pedigree. Worrell & Wylde offer excellent competition to Ferguson & Fred - like you say, they are Top 6 players, and yet we signed them as competition. And I would imagine we will go in for one decent loan player.

Anyways, my reply was more about Harris...rather than our chances. I just thought it was odd to say he was 'questionable' given what he achieved last season & the circumstances he achieved them in. But, I guess that is down to your belief that we should have gone up automatically (many Millwall fans had us down for midtable at best).

 

[CarlMcBlade]

Hens teeth! We are the mighty Sheffield United. We will sweep aside all before us.