Birmingham C.- Charlton Athletic [r]

Reads like a great victory!

I can't wait to watch the tape at home tonight.

I recently became a Charlton fan. I am third generation American on my Dad's side -- from Maidstone in Kent. Felt that Charlton was the closest PDL team geographically. Like the manager a lot.

So, gents, what is an Addick anyway? Thanks in advance.

 

I thought Curbishly would go to Spurs a few weeks ago, but they`ll need to double his wages for him to go now. It would have been 4 away wins on the bounce for Charlton, but we (Villa) stole a win last month squeezing out a 2-1 from somwhere. They will finish seventh-Tenth. Don`t know about the Addicks nickname though. I don`t think anyone in Kent supports Charlton, they`ll all be Arsenal fans.

 

Don't think I could support Arsenal. Don't get me wrong. They play some interesting and exciting football at times. I like it when they are on with their passing game and building up from the back.

But, well, I don't care for Wenger. He is a bit too "french" for me. Sometimes a little to arrogant.

Besides, I prefer to root for the underdogs. I cheering on Arsenal would be like rooting for the Yankees or the Lakers. Uncomfortable for me.

I also support the KC Wizards, though I wish I could get them to change the name. Something more regional, like Scouts (we have an Indian Scout sculpture in KC) or the Pioneers, or the Blue Birds (Missouri State Bird) or the Meadow Larks (Kansas State Bird).

I wish Curbs could manage KC in the MLS. Much better than Gansler.

 

If we're the Yankees, then who are Manchester United?

Anyway, I think the other guy is underestimating the Addicks a bit...they're only a point out of 4th place as it stands right now, and if they can do this with half the first-choice side out...well...then someone prove to me that this isn't a side that can finish in 4th or 5th place.

If Dean Kiely played anywhere else, he may not have had to retire from international football...Given's good and all, but this is a guy who's been consistently good even when he hasn't had much in front of him.

 

What a game!

Parker was truly amazing. Yes, he should get a nod for England.

And though I support the Addicks, I thought the goalkeeping on both ends was fantastic.

Now if Curbs can get his strikers to finish. No offense to anyone, but that should have been 4-1. Chances wasted by the strikers. I know there have been injury problems.

So, who is coming back that I should keep my eye on as far as strikers go?

Also, did anyone see the foul on Fish when the Frenchman scored on that header for the Blue? Another Blues player ran interference and clearly held Fish down on the leap.

And since I am a newbie, can someone tell me how many teams from the EPL get into Champions League and how many into the UEFA Cup? I think Charlton, if they continue to play this well, will have their first run in the UEFA Cup next year.

 

I disagree. Dugarry's goal was good...there's always some jostling and pushing in the box when a cross is sent in...this IS a physical sport.

That said, I believe 4 go to the Champions' League (though the 4th place team has to go through a qualifying round), and I believe 5-6-7 get automatic places into the UEFA. Also, the FA Cup winner (or runner-up, if the winner is going to the Champions' League) makes it in, as well as the Fair Play League (least yellow/red cards) winner.

Striking-wise, they're missing Shaun Bartlett (former South African international), Kevin Lisbie (had a fantastic hat trick against Liverpool before getting hurt), and Carlton Cole (promising youngster). They're seriously working with their 4th and 5th-choice strikers at the moment.

As for the Addick thing, the story I heard was that it's a reference to the fish and chips sold around their old ground (The Valley is actually only a few years old)...Haddock is the most common fish used for that, and with the English pronounciation, it's becomes 'addick. So, you get the Addicks.

 

Welcome to bigSoccer hartley!

Despite being a Charlton fan all my life I am not completely sure about the derivation of "Addicks" although I'm pretty sure it comes from "haddocks" as someone else mentioned.

Also someone mentioned people in Kent supporting Arsenal. This is a curious assumption since Kent is southeast of London and Arsenal are in North London. In fact, people in Kent who are close to London could support any of the London teams although Charlton would be the closest team. People further out may support Gillingham or Maidstone.

Charlton are looking really solid right now although they have not been getting good play out of the front line without Bartlett, DiCanio and Lisbie. Parker's performance on Monday should convince anyone that he deserves a place in Endland's squad. His stamina is phenomenal and his tackling tenacious but what really sets him apart is his ability with the ball. He looks very comfortable running upfield and making the correct pass.