Depressed and buoyed I spent some time last night reading through the 'It's all going to hell in a handbasket' thread on Charlton Life and was going to write a post but to be honest I had drunk too much wine and then Dave did a better job this morning.

The thread both depresses and buoys me. Depressing to watch the club I love hurtling back to the dark days of the 80's, one commenter suggesting that it reminded them of the rut that we could never get out off in the Gliksten era. But I am buoyed too by the love and passion of our supporters.

For those of us that care, for those of us that following Charlton is not just about watching football but is deep rooted into our lifes, then we all have a responsibility. Together we can be quite a force, as long as we are together.

Meanwhile our first round Carling Cup opponents will be Shrewsbury Town. The Shrews moved from Gay Meadow to the New Meadow in August 2007 and we go there the week beginning the August 9th.

And finally I see that Nicky Forster has signed a two-year deal with Brentford. At 36 I would have been sceptical of giving the Brighton forward two years. Another loan signing Matt Fry, who never actually got a game, has signed a new contract with West Ham giving weight to the story that he may join us on a season's loan.  ¶ 17:58