The Addicks are currently 15 games into the 2016 – ‘17 Sky Bet League 1 season and they’re struggling to get early points on the board, just like their previous season in The Championship.
During the first 15 games in the 2015 – ’16 Championship season, Charlton won four, drew three and lost seven whilst this season is slightly better, it still doesn’t make good reading – won three, drawn eight and lost four. Getting the all-important three points is still a problem for the South-East London side.
Where are the problems coming from?
You don’t have to be a Charlton Athletic follower to know that there’s issues with the club’s owner, Roland Duchâtelet, the chief executive Katrien Meire and the fans. This brings unnecessary tension on the pitch for the Addick players which appears to be affecting their overall playing style.
Speaking to talkSport on 27th of October, Meire attempted to clear up a few of the outstanding issues. Despite the apparent hatred towards him, it seems the owner Duchâtelet wants to resolve the club’s problems: “He will stay, we haven’t had offers but the club is not for sale, so it is quite simple.”
One particular annoyance which The Addicks fans are facing is the revolving door of managers, with eight bosses being hired and fired during Duchâtelet’s two-and-a-half year reign. Meire believes the club “have learnt from their mistakes” by hiring Russell Slade, who she described as “the boss” and is having the final say on transfers.
Open Door
This is seen as a good move for the Addicks as unlike the pervious managers who haven’t had any managerial experience in Britain, Slade has been managing in the British leagues since 1994.
Finally, Meire ended the rare interview saying that she’s determined to make this work and that she’s even invited the major Charlton fan supporters group CARD (who I spoke with last season https://risingeast.co.uk/no-talent-skill-fight-say-angry-charlton-fans/) “to come and talk”.”
“This war can only be solved by talking to me. They refused, but the door is always open, as dialogue and action is the way forward.”
Charlton Athletics’ next game is Saturday against 23rd place Chesterfield. If all results go in their favour, the South-East London side can move seven places up to 10th in the league.
