Spurs friendly Many of us have been underwhelmed by Charlton's list of pre-season friendlies (see bottom). Last year I broke with tradition and went to the Bournemouth game because I was at home, my son wanted to go and I was Charlton starved but I haven't bothered with friendlies for 20-odd years and this summer's serving have to be the least attractive in a very long time.

Yet, we find out it could have been very different if the club chose to accept Tottenham's offer of a game at The Valley. The cost of hosting the game, which one assumes would include a hefty match fee in Spurs' favour was deemed too excessive. This despite what I would think could have been a 10-12,000 attendance at an average price of a tenner a pop.

Back in the dark days pre-Selhurst we played all manner of top teams in pre-season but I suppose the costs, despite the distinct possibility of crowd trouble was not a factor. It certainly underlines to those that still think we can go out and 'buy' players that we tread financially a very, very thin line.

It also begs the question why Spurs are insisting on an upfront payment if true. After watching the circus that is the England squad this weekend, my despisal of all things Premier League is growing by the day!

Yesterday the club announced that "a number of Charlton staff have been formally placed at risk of redundancy." This after 14 staff got made redundant a year ago. Why the club didn't make all the sacrifices together 12 months ago is strange as I don't see what winning promotion would have greatly added to our income.

Markedly the departure of Moots, Waggott, Sports Scientist Nick Davies, Jonjo and the soon to leave Nicky Bailey still has dragged the club out of the doo-doo. My thoughts go to those that earn a fraction of what the players do, and put in a ruddy lot more effort and now face a very uncertain few weeks.

The number of players that are actually contracted to play for us at present (I reckon) is only 12 and that includes Nicky Bailey! However today Alex Stavrinou did sign a year's contract although I did read that AFC Wimbledon have enquired about taking him on loan. 8 players contracts remain unresolved.

Pre-season friendlies
AFC Wimbledon (a) - Saturday, July 10th (3pm)
Welling United (a) - Tuesday, July 13th (7.45pm)
Kettering Town (a) - Saturday, July 17th (3pm)
Bedford Town (a) - Wednesday, July 21st (7.45pm)*
Barnet (a) - Saturday, July 24th (3pm)
Bromley (a) - Wednesday, July 28th (7.45pm)*
Watford (a) - Saturday, July 31st (3pm)
* Slated as a Charlton XI match  ¶ 16:11