Almost nonchalant? Some other Addicks news surrounds the viability of shirt sponsors Allsports. The flailing company are thought to be up for sale for around £50m but with high street retail stores suffering there have been no takers.

Indeed last time I was in one of their stores it looked outdated and a mess. The Manchester based company once made profits in excess of £30m but with little venture capital interest it does not look good. Wyn Grant is following the situation closely at Addicks Diary.

On Saturday morning my brother woke me with a text reading: "Shit, got Chelsea in the next round." It was enough to make me fall back asleep and only this morning I remembered it. With Jose Mourinho participating in every competition to win it, unlike Arsenal and Man Utd previously, it looks like it might be another season when an early League Cup exit blots our copybook. But, would you bet against us at the moment?

Concerns that Alex Ferguson will recall Chicago Addick Jonathan Spector back to Old Trafford because of their defensive injuries have been squashed by Curbs. "He has come here to gain experience and nothing can happen until December anyway." (more)

The media here are following Spector's progress closely, there has been a noticable increase in 'soccer' press coverage since America's qualification for next year's World Cup and Spector is hopeful of making a return to his family roots in Germany.

"It would be especially important for me because I have a German background. We still have family over there," said Spector, whose mother immigrated to Chicago from Germany at the age of four.

"In pre-season, he looked perhaps our best defender, he's just waiting for his opportunity. I'm sure when it comes along, he'll grab it." Curbishley said. (full article)

Finally, just a word on the performance yesterday. It was a joy to listen to the radio and hear us come out of the blocks so quickly, playing fast attacking football. It was clear from reading the quotes during the week after the Chelsea game that Curbs and the players were looking ahead and not back and we moved on with our spirit and confidence intact.

We had the benefit of another game within a few days and players were rested and players came in as Hartlepool were dispatched, while other Premiership clubs stuttered.

I feel a new Charlton this season, almost nonchalant. I like it, I like it a lot.  ¶ 15:51