Charlton have sacked manager Russell Slade, meaning that with his replacement, the club will have had seven managers since 2014.
With this season now well underway, it’s been a sub-par performance from Charlton Athletic. This has seen the South-East London side maintain a mid-table position in League One, despite pre-season hopes of a swift return to Championship football.
Russell Slade was the man charged with the task of revitalising the relegated Charlton side when he was appointed in June but it’s ended badly. The Addicks have crashed out of both the EFL Cup and the Checkatrade Trophy whilst managing to progress in the FA Cup, reaching the second round.
There has also been a significant amount of unrest off the pitch, with the fans growing increasingly hostile towards owner Roland Duchâtelet for his alleged mismanagement of the club.
Lack of Goals
One of the key problems Charlton have been facing this season has been the lack of goals. In the 16 league games played so far, the club have only managed to score 18 goals. This return of goals is a stark far cry from the 37 goals League One leaders Scunthorpe United have converted in 17 league fixtures.
Top scorer Ademola Lookman currently sits on five goals in all competitions whilst summer-signing Nicky Asoje has only hit the back of the net on three occasions.
The absence of a prolific finisher has cost Charlton big this season with the chances being created but with the finishing not quite there.
Slade’s replacement will be hoping to recruit a clinical striker in the January transfer window to help his side work towards their promotion push during the second half of their campaign as the current void has hindered all hopes.
Too Many Draws
As Charlton have only lost four times in their 16 league fixtures, an observer would be forgiven for thinking they were flying high and pushing for promotion. This is misleading, as they have also only managed to win four.
By reaching a stalemate in eight of their League One fixtures, Charlton have found it difficult to accumulate enough points to be challenging the teams at the top half of the table.
Charlton have experienced a 1-1 draw six times this season, proving that a lot of their games tend to be tight with little margin for error.
A positive from this is that by avoiding defeat so often, the side demonstrates an adequate level of resilience but the one point earned from a draw is hugely unsatisfying compared to the potential three.
On Their Travels
Away form has also been a serious cause for concern this season, with the team clinching victory just once on the road in eight attempts.
Any team that hopes to be challenging for promotion must be able to gain points at home but must also be able to pick up points on their travels. Eight points from eight away games has been unsatisfactory and the players will be aiming to change their fortunes.
Gritty
Despite the early season doubts, it is easy to forget that it’s only mid-November and Charlton have 30 more league fixtures to play as well as a potential cup run if they manage to overcome MK Dons in the FA Cup second round.
The recent 3-0 loss away at Swindon Town was the first time the team has conceded more than two goals in one match all season and this is a testament to the gritty defensive displays shown at The Valley and on the road.
Optimism should be high for the remainder of the season if they can get either Lookman or Asoje firing on a weekly basis or if they can secure the signature of a free-scoring finisher.
Charlton currently sit in 15th position, six points away from the final play-off spot with a game in hand on most of the teams above them.
Obtaining a play-off place should be the minimum target for Charlton and it’s certainly achievable should they be able to take their chances and score those all-important goals.