Spector could be one of the best It wasn't quite what we were hoping for was it? But I think every Charlton fan would welcome Chris Powell back into the fold, he will definitely help re-ignite that 'Charlton attitude' in the dressing room and the club is a fine home for him to start his coaching career. I had the pleasure of spending a week with him and his family once in Sardinia, and I witnessed at first hand what a top bloke he is.

I am hoping that Powell and Youga are not included in Curbishley's quota of "five senior players" because in my mind we still need a centre back, a midfielder and a striker and that's only if no one else leaves.

Also officially announced today was Jonathan Spector's one-year loan from Manchester United, first picked up by Ken and pounced on by some media here.

I have read a lot of disatisfaction about the signing of Spector because it is said that we should be giving our own young players the opportunity first. I agree with this but I think you will find that Spector is a hell of a better player than Barry Fuller and he is two years younger.

In the States, Spector is one of three players alongside Freddy Adu and Eddie Gaven, that the US Soccer Federation truly believe can go on to become three of the best players in the world. This is not an idle threat. Millions of kids play 'soccer' here and they are afforded some of the best coaching conditions in the world. It is only a matter of time before a young American player bursts onto the world scene like we have seen in Africa and Asia.

Both Adu (16-years old) and Gaven (18) play in the MLS but Spector, after being spotted at the IMG Soccer Academy in Florida by United, decided to move to Manchester to become part of the famed Carrington academy. Although he has already played for the country of his birth, he also holds a British passport.

It's interesting reading a couple of interviews (one here) with Spector on ESPN Soccernet that he can clearly play anywhere. Up until he was 17, he always played striker. At the The Florida academy he got converted into a centre-half. Fergie, who like Curbishley loves players who are adaptable decided to play the right-footed Spector at left back last season.

I personally think this is a great acquisition, just like Kieran Richardson was for the Baggies last season, and of course it gives Charlton, if only for a season, a nice Chicago link. Watch out for regular Spector watches on What was the score?  ¶ 19:35