Interview with an Opposition Fan
#12 - Charlton Athletic

Welcome to this week’s edition of Interview with an Opposition Fan. Each week, myself and Razza699 scour for opposition fans to answer the questions we put toward them in the build up to the subsequent fixture.

On Saturday Latics make another trip down to London, this time to The Valley to face newly relegated Charlton Athletic. Razza found some Addicks fans to find out their opinions ahead of the game...

1) So after the departure of Pardew you brought in Parkinson. Were the fans happy with his appointment? Are you looking forward to a full season of him in charge?
- Mixed feelings in the fan base as a whole. Whilst the initial appointment may have been by default performances improved even though results didn't through various circumstances so personally I'm happy and the dignified way he handled a difficult close season has improved his stock even amongst his detractors.
- No. Most of us wanted Dowie back.
- At the time I don't think most were no, but as the games went on we started seeing a different element that had been installed into the mess that he inherited from AP. He brought in a couple of decent loans and got the team fighting and playing for the shirt again -although of course it was all too late, the damage was done. He handled himself very well over the summer with his hands tied in regards to transfers due to takeover 'deals' that fell through. Made some tidy free transfers and has got the team looking like a unit again - all this has won a lot of the fans over and I think the general attitude is that he's the man for this season.
- To be honest, when Parkinson was appointed, although it was a relief to get rid of Pardew, many Charlton fans, including myself were unsure of the appointment. However, Parkinson has begun to show his talent in League One and there is growing optimism under his leadership.
- No, not at first. His record overall in recent years is nothing special, but his record with us after Pardew was shocking. This was mostly because he was left with an odd bunch of players and too many loanees. We are warming to him now, but his contract is up in June, so it will be all about results.
- Parkinson wasn't the new broom the club required to kick start our season cos he was pardoo's assistant/coach for 22 months and he failed to halt our decline he took over with us 3rd bottom and took us down bottom by a country mile. I would say most fans wouldn't have been happy with his appointment. A full season with him in charge will make it easier to give a better judgement on him as a manager but for me the jury is still out but 'his' team has started like a dream this season.
- 1. No the fans weren't happy with the appointment of Parky, but the vast majority were just glad to see the back of Pardew! As Parky was his No.2, the fans wanted a new man with new ideas.

2) How was your transfer activity in the window? Did you sign many players? If so, how have they been?
- Takeover uncertainties affected our transfer activities but we signed three centre backs on Bosmans who have so far done a decent job at this level.
- Disappointed with all of the signings - hoping that we manage to get a plethera of loanees in as the season progresses.
- As previously stated, our summer was taken up with all kinds of Takeover rumours and supposedly 'done deals' that saw us unable to purchase or sell anyone, but we brought in a few free's in areas that needed it. Frazer Richardson from Leeds at right back has started the season well and has been the first choice throughout, Miguel Llera (CB) was captured from Mk Dons and although gets amongst it and works hard, he is prone to key errors and has been dropped in recent games after a dreadful display against Colchester. Christian Dailly looks to be the best of the lot. The much needed experience and organisation he has brought to the defence has been second to none, in turn this has improved the performances of a much criticised at times Kelly Youga at left back. Sam Sodje has re-joined us much to the delight of many Addicks and played his first full game at Leeds and looked an absolute rock. Him & Dailly will be a formidable partnership. Luke Holden & Leon McKenzie are the other two but are yet to make their debuts.
- The signings made in the summer were seemingly well thought through and have shown effectiveness thus far. The experience added in the shape of Christian Dailly and Deon Burton has been critical to adjusting to life in the lower leagues, while talent such as Sam Sodje, Frazer Richardson and Miguel Angel Llera have all assisted in bolstering our defence.
- We signed Llera, a centre back from MK Dons, and Richardson, a full back from Leeds. we also signed Leon Mckenzie (yet to play), and the 35 year old Christian Dailly. Our former loanee Sam Sodje was also signed as a free agent. Llera had an excellent start, but was out-muscled at Colchester and lost his place to Sam Sodje (not available against Oldham). Richardson has been superb - a former Leeds youth and team Captain, he is a remarkable catch. Dailly has a real will to win and has given us a bit of character at the back. Sodje made his debut at Leeds and was superb.
- Parky has signed a few players with no money and for me Richardson, Sodje, Dailly look good signings but Llera looks a liability.
- The new signings were all freebies due to the club's money problems following two quick relegations. Richardson & Dailly have settled in well, Sodje was already known to us having had a loan spell previously and we've yet to see McKenzie or Holden play. Our other signing Miguel Llera has divided the fans! He can ping a 50/60 yard pass, but as a centre half his main duties are to defend and he has yet to impress me so far.

3) After just relegation last year, are you looking forward to having a go at promotion this year? Do you think you are strong enough for League One and a promotion push?
- If we can consistently play our "first 11" we have a chance of a promotion push but we do not have anything like the same quality in reserve.
- A year of stability is needed. Our squad is very weak for this division - and I'd be happy with mid-table mediocrity.
- After 2 relegations in 3 seasons I think it's safe to say we were hoping to be at the other end of the table! We had to start in the manner that we did, get the winning mentality back and Parky has drilled that in to the team and they've responded magnificently. After watching the opening 11 games I personally think we are IF we can keep the squad in good shape. We have a relatively small squad and although we have players with the ability to come in to the side i get the feeling we wouldn't be as strong. We opened with the season the same starting line-up for the first 6 games and won them all. As long as we can beat the teams we feel we 'should' be beating i think we can make a major push. We've played some of the 'bigger' sides in this division in recent weeks and i personally think we can go well this season. Colchester an exception!
- Personally, I think that we are good enough, although I know that the feeling of optimism isn't particularly widespread.
- Charlton will definitely be in the top 3 of this division - probably in the top 2.
- Promotion is a must for us this year because I fear we'll only get a crack of one season with some of our better players so we need to go up now. Our strength and depth is going to be what sees us struggle unless we get really lucky with injuries and suspensions ... so far so good.
- I hope we are strong enough! On paper we look it, but as we know too well that means naff all!! It's an even more physical league than the Championship and we prefer to play football. Before the season started I would've accepted the Play-Offs as our main target given where we have come from and the strength of our rivals. However, we've made such a good start that automatic promotion is looking a possibility...fingers crossed!

4) Are there any teams in particular you are looking forward to playing or not playing??
- Southampton was one for the "Pardew factor" Millwall in a masochistic way after years of not playing them, Leeds as arguably the best side in the division.
- Last night’s JPT game against Barnet was the one I'd been waiting for excitedly for weeks. The close proximity to the Latics home game has caused me problems sleeping.
- The local South London of course springs to mind in Millwall we haven't played them competitively for a few years. Gillingham will be fun. We've played Saints, Norwich & Leeds which would be 3 of the sides you'd be worried about playing and we drew all 3 so it's good to get them out of the way with something to show. We are more likely to struggle with some of the Northern away games. Carlisle, Huddersfield etc. Final game of the season is at your place; hopefully we'll have something to celebrate by then.
- Although we have already played them, Leeds were obviously one of the sides I was looking forward to playing, given their reputation and arguably similar reputation to ourselves. The local derbies against Millwall are bound to be cracking games too. As shown against Colchester however, we do tend to struggle against the more physical long-ball merchants in the league.
- Millwall are old rivals of ours and we have difficulty beating them - it's our local derby, so yes and no!
- Not really looking forward to playing anyone in this league, no disrespect but when you've been eating at the top table and find yourselves down here a trip to Oldham doesn't have the same appeal as going to Old Trafford (even though we have a better chance of winning!!) not looking forward to playing Millwall there's no upside, if we beat them, so what they are a two bob club, if we lose, the muppets who haven't said a word for years will start piping up....
- Personally I hate playing Millwall as the atmosphere is usually horrible. I'm looking forward to playing Gillingham in the hope that we stuff them and shove their Chairman's words back down his throat!

5) What has been your general style of play/tactics this year? Are you likely to change them for the visit of Oldham Athletic?
- 4-5-1(4-1-4-1). With a record of won 7 drawn 3 lost 1 no need to change at present.
- Strong defensively with the long ball hoof to our 6' 4" striker Burton. 'Parky' has suggested he may change it round this Saturday.
- We play a 4-5-1, but with one playing just off the striker. It's been the same the whole way through the season and has it's pro's and con's. Deon Burton plays up front on his own and is very good at holding up the ball and bringing the wide players into play. Richardson & Sam work very well down the right wing together as do Youga & Bailey on the other side. Our counter attacking this season has been of a high quality and opposing teams have said how dangerous we can look when going forward. Therry Racon & Jose Semedo in the centre mid are top class at winning the ball back and playing the right passes. We will be playing the same system against you.
- When playing Colchester, the BBC London commentator referred to us as the 'Arsenal' and Colchester as the 'Bolton', and I think that summed it up well. We have a technically gifted midfield who likes to keep the ball on the floor and play attractive football, maybe a departure from the norm in this league. I'm sure that we will not look to adapt the style of play for Oldham.
- There won't be a change of tactics for Oldham. Charlton will use short passes and fast wing play, to get the ball in front of goal.
- 4-5-1 which years ago in the premiership wasn't exciting enough, is now the greatest thing since sliced bread.
- I doubt we will change our tactics as they've worked for 10 games out of the 11 league games so far. We like to pass the ball about, as our midfield is our strength.

6) You currently lie 2nd after the draw to Leeds were the fans happy with this? Are the fans aiming for 1st or 2nd?
- After losing 3-0 at Colchester earlier in the week most were very happy to draw at Leeds. As fans we would like automatic promotion but the long in the tooth amongst us are all too aware of the squad weaknesses referred to above.
- Gutted about the Leeds game. We always anticipate a 4-0 drubbing of any team we play who are undefeated at this stage of the season. Our current league position is a false one as we've only played the bottom 9 teams and will get turned over once we come up against a class opposition.
- The draw away at Leeds was a very good result. I think that most fans would have thought automatic promotion would be out of reach this year, given the disastrous season we had last time out, but I like to think the standard of football we are beginning to see will encourage the fans and the team that we are capable of bouncing straight back.
- Yes we were generally happy. The game could have gone either way and a draw was a fair result. We will probably be first or second all year.
- I think most fans are confident of winning the league , think Leeds may stand in our way though.
- Great result at Leeds and as a pessimistic/realistic fan one that I was very pleased/surprised with.... of course we will be aiming for the top two but a play off place and promotion won’t be bad either!
- Yes every fan I know was very happy with the point at Leeds. Not many teams will do that this year! I'll happily take 2nd spot now!

7) Who are Charlton’s key player/players? Who should the Oldham fans keep an eye on?
- Hard to single out any one player. It really has been a team effort. Midfield is where our strength lies.
- Our Spanish centre half who is strong in the air and has already scored three goals - with a particularly tasty one at Colchester. Watch out!
- Jonjo Shelvey is our 17 year old prize asset who you will pick out as the Gerrard type figure running box to box, but I think Therry Racon & Semedo (if he's fit) are our two 'key' players who maintain a solid midfield, Racon is very skillfull player with the ball at his feet. Semedo is a rock. The Rock in fact. Lloyd Sam on his day will cause nightmares for any Left back, it's just whether it's his day or not!
- Sam Sodje, if he plays, will be a handful for your strikers. He is a big, strong centre back, who plays a bit dirty, and is more than willing to put his body on the line.
- Jonjo Shelvey has become one of the most highly rated youngsters in the country, and deservedly so. One of the best, if not the best set piece taker as the club, and the playmaker in the team, Shelvey will sit in front of our midfield, feeding Burton, and is not afraid to have a go from distance.
- Nicky Bailey, captain marvel, is once again proving himself to be a very capable goalscorer. Despite playing out of position on the left-hand side of midfield, his work rate is phenomenal, is dangerous in the air, and can strike a ball superbly.
- Lloyd Sam will be too fast for you guys, and if Jose Semedo is fit again we will dominate the midfield.
- Christian Dailly has been immense at the back and bailey's goal threat from midfield is pretty awesome ...
- For me Therry Racon (No.8) is our best player, he has everything a modern day footballer should have...good ball skills, pace, awareness, stamina, tenacity and an eye for goal. Having said that Jose Semedo has had a fantastic start to the season playing in the DM role, however he has had a pelvic injury for the past couple of weeks.

8) Who do you think will win League One this season? Any outsiders or surprises?
- Leeds will be there or thereabouts I just hope we are too!
- No chance. My money is on Tranmere - as long as they keep hold of Barnsey.
- I think Leeds with a fully fit squad will be hard to stop, I'd like to think we can push them but with a few injuries we could struggle to keep up. Bristol Rovers have showed decent early form after losing Lambert but I'm dubious whether they can keep it up. Norwich will come on strong and will be right up there. There are so many teams that could finish in that top 6 including you.
- I'd like to think we would be in for a shot at the title, but I think that, given Leeds' outstanding home record, they will finally earn the right to go up this year, and as champions.
- The top 3 will be Charlton, Leeds and Norwich - the dark horse is Colchester.
- Leeds will win it closely pushed by Norwich
- Leeds look strong enough this year, with us, Norwich & Huddersfield challenging. My surprise pick would be Colchester...I don't like their style of the long ball game, but it gets them results.

9) How do you think Oldham will do this season?
- Top half possible play off place. They always seem to be there or thereabouts.
- Champions.
- You've made a decent start, beating MK Dons & Southend can't go un-noticed but also the home defeat to Hartlepool can't either! Not sure how you've been playing but I see you're unbeaten in 4 so Saturday won't be easy. I would expect you to be in the shake up for the play off's come the end of the season.
- Oldham have started well, and may even be an outside shot for a play-off place, but I can see them slipping into mid-table obscurity by May.
- We found that stability of management is priceless. A club needs to find the right guy and backroom staff - who are all focussed on success for YOUR club, and then back them all the way. Oldham have had too many changes in recent years, and are now recovering after a poor start to the season. This will be a stabilising year for you, with a mid-table finish.
- They'll be top half and maybe a sneaky playoff spot.
- I think if you'd had kept Lee Hughes, his goals would've made a difference and possibly pushed you into the Play-Offs. Now I think you will finish mid-table...so long as you keep hold of Chris Taylor in the January Transfer Window...he looks a very good player whenever I have seen him.

10) And finally, what score do you think the game will be on Saturday?
- I hope we win it but it will be tight so 1-0 or 2-1.
- A truly exciting end to end game - 0-0
- Tight game I reckon, 1-0 Addicks :-)
- I think if it was at Oldham it may be a different story, but we need to get back to winning ways in the league, and following Tuesday's 4-1 win over Barnet in the JPT, I can see Charlton running out 3-1 winners, with goals from Bailey, Shelvey, Burton, and a consolation from Abbott.
- Charlton will win 2-0.
- 1-1
- I think we will win 2-0. Good luck for the rest of the season!.....after Saturday of course!


Many thanks to those Charlton fans who took part this week. Despite being initially disappointed with the hiring of Parkinson as manager, Addicks fans will happily take any spot as long as it gets them out of League One. But can Latics halt this by going an additional game unbeaten and travelling back North with all 3 points?...

Cheers Ste,

Very pleased with the response from the Charlton fans this week , especially that funny bugger who's answers are the second answer in each question

I thought that too, especially his answer to Question 4.

Good stuff.

love reading these threads charlton fans answers there question really well

hopefully 3 points for oldham if not the game turns in to a draw i will be happy.

yep a real good set of answers this week!

yeah, sarky little sod