Ambrose and Walker to be added to strikeforce?
I personally take a lot of encouragment from the last two day's work at Charlton Athletic.
75 or so Addicks, including
Inspector Sands, were in Antwerp to witness a much better performance against Belgian side Germinal Beerschot last night. Goals from Walker and Youga giving us a 2-1 win. The official site report is
here.
Misbie got some good press after coming on for an unfortunately injured James Walker. This brings up a couple of questions? Has Walker signed a new contract because he has obviously impressed in pre-season. And does his injury mean the tefal coated Lisbie will be involved at Upton Park?
Benty also got another 45 minutes but the number 1 goalkeeping position is still open to debate with both Andersen and Myhre getting on the field.
The signings of
Djimi Traore and Amdy Faye have not exactly got people jumping out of their new tops (that's if they managed to get one, since the club have sold the box they had!). Both players come with a lot to prove, although at various times during their stays in the Premiership they have impressed. Despite stories that Traore was the butt of every Liverpudlian's jokes, he was there for 8 years under two managers and has more medals on his sideboard than the whole of the Charlton squad can muster. Here is one
Liverpool fan's view. And from I have seen of Faye, he could well be the answer to our central midfield axis problem. Lets face it, a couple of summers back we were signing squad players from Birmingham (Hughes). Faye has to be a step forward in the right direction.
More exciting is this afternoon's decision
to sign Cristian Bolanos on a one year loan deal from
Deportivo Saprissa. This is subject to a work permit and has possibilities of a permanent move.
"He has a good physique and an all-important change of pace. He showed an ability to move quickly with the ball, become almost stationary and then move off again, leaving defenders trailing." - David Pleat in December 2005. (
more)
From what I have been told the 22-year old Costa Rican made quite an impression on Addicks' fans during his pre-season trial and the Central American's signing is evidence of another different direction for the club. I am intrigued to know if this means that ID has Ambrose earmarked as his 6th striker alongside the Bents, JFH, Lisbie and Walker? I wouldn't be surprised.
Talking of Ambrose, him and Darren Bent were today included in the
England U21 squad, meaning that last season's top English goalscorer won't be named in McClaren's first senior squad on Friday. Lets hope that makes Benty even more hungry, but not hopefully for a sandwich!
Still three players are expected to join this week. The latest rumour surrounds the attacking midfielder
Scott Brown from Hibs.