RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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After a discombobulating week of anxiety over club sale speculation and frustration at the lack of midfield reinforcements, it was a relief to experience competitive football again.
That frustration eased when Nathaniel Chalobah signed a one-year deal with the Addicks. Now with the further midfield loan signing of Timothy Ouma from Slavia Prague, it gives supporters even more reason to feel optimistic about the club's options in that area.
Chalobah made an immediate impression in Charlton's Carabao Cup first-round tie at Cheltenham Town.
Charlton looked resplendent in their fetching purple third kit and, on paper, possessed too much quality for the League Two side. Apart from spells at the beginning of each half, that proved to be the case as three fine goals secured a deserved victory.
The Addicks showed real class in turning defence into attack, combining pace, power and control. Chalobah provided the composure and experience expected of him, while Sonny Carey contributed a goal and an assist.
Midfield was widely regarded as one of our weaker areas last season, so seeing Chalobah, Carey and indeed Conor Coventry influence the game so quickly was particularly encouraging.
With Ouma now added to the squad, competition and depth in the centre of the pitch appears considerably healthier now.
Forward play has also been a concern, but goals for Tyreece Campbell and Matty Godden should provide both players with a valuable confidence boost as the new campaign begins.
I was delighted with the result, especially after the disappointment of last season's early cup exit at Cambridge United, when Charlton were beaten by lower-league opposition with a weakened side.
Some may argue that this match did not matter, but given the disjointed pre-season and the continued rumblings around the club's ownership, this victory was the perfect tonic before Saturday's league opener against Derby County at The Valley.
And of course, we have been rewarded with a plum EFL Cup tie at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in the second round.
Charlton put the game against Cheltenham beyond doubt with a three-goal burst in just 16 minutes, helped by winning the ball back and attacking quickly in transition.
The one negative was Will Mannion's poor goalkeeping for Cheltenham's goal.
Goalkeeping coach Stephen Henderson has work to do to restore confidence in Mannion and Thomas Kaminski, with consistency between the posts essential this season.
So with manager Nathan Jones revealing he still wants to bring in someone to challenge Rob Apter on the right side and still the possibility we will see departures, we nevertheless feel we are in a better place now to take on the rigours of a second Championship season.
The Valley should be rocking on Saturday.
Buckle in and get ready for the ride.
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