Addicks 1 Burnley 1 "Bearing in mind the events of the week and the evident call to arms from all connected with the club, the first half performance was unforgiveable." - Dave at Drinking During the Game.

The whistle blew yesterday evening at The Valley ending our septimana horribilis, and thank the lordy for that, but there were signs that maybe, just maybe that our plucky little Charlton are back. I used to love that song, you know "Charlton are back, Charlton are back, ello." It was always sung with such pride and passion and although the record books tell us that we are on our way down and not back, I think I have seen a chink of daylight amongst the gloom that only Addicks knee deep in adversity can bring.

First of all we had the previously taciturn Derek Chappell join the Charlton Life forum and engage in debate (it is definitely him by the way) and then PLC and club director David Sumners appears on Glynne Jones' email list. Then after the game at the post game press conference, we have Pards talking almost coherently and finally, heart flutteringly, the covered end choir sung their collective hearts out for the boys yesterday.

Of course the players yet again showed their split personalities, according to those at the game, absolutely shocking in the first half but excellent in the 2nd and fully deserving a draw against a team, let's face it, with a much better chance of getting in the play-offs than us. For those of us sat at home out of range of Radio Kent and instead listening to the hilariously biased Burnley commentary team, a draw certainly seemed like a win.

It is probably best not to dwell on the manager's new formula which gave us some much needed new faces but a strange inbalance to the shape of the team, but credit where credits due, he changed it and said something to the eleven that reappeared in the 2nd half which mightily improved their individual and collective performances kicking into a fervent covered end.

The impact of Todorov was obvious, he has a talent that belies this level but unfortunately not often his fitness. The coaching staff need to lock him up in cotton wool because we desperately need him. I'm ecstatic that Moots kept his place and again his partnership with Sam shows real promise. Josh Wright appeared to come out of a tough debut with a lot of credit and as for Varney, well is that now 3 sitters in 3 games?

Following old 'Arry Redknapp dumping Pompey for Spurs, I wonder how that gentleman's agreement to play Martin Cranie in every game now sits? Because that must be the only reason why the loanee started the game at left back surely? I understand he was better in the middle alongside Hudson though and for once he may well have earned another start on Tuesday.

So, after a rough week, I'm a little enthused by some signs that we might have got the old Charlton back, it must have been like the old days yesterday. Addicks clapping the players off after a draw. Well I never. "If you know your history.... It's enough to make your heart go woo woo woah."

Addick thoughts: cafc.co.uk; Charlton Athletic Online; Drinking During the Game; Blackheath Addicted; New York Addick.
Pardswallop: "Reached the bottom of the barrel."
Claret thoughts: "I really don't want to talk about the officials but that's what happened and it was a mistake." - Owen Coyle.
In the press: The Telegraph; Daily Mail; The Times; The Wharf.
Next: Tractor Boys on Tuesday night.  ¶ 23:20