International debuts for Micah Mbick and Conor Coventry, Addicks women win again in WSL 2, Nathan Jones on January transfer window and Farnell's company shut down
The latest review of the week - a round-up of Charlton Athletic news
It’s the latest review of the past seven days - with all the major news involving Charlton Athletic.
Japan’s Rion Ichihara and England’s Micah Mbick battle for the ball
Picture: Alamy
INTERNATIONAL DEBUTS FOR COVENTRY AND MBICK
Micah Mbick and Conor Coventry both made international debuts last week.
Striker Mbick, on loan at Colchester United, played the final 30 minutes of England U20’s 1-1 win over Japan on Friday night.
The Charlton youngster replaced Manchester United’s Ethan Wheatley and was on the pitch when Shea Lacey put the young Three Lions, playing at Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium, into the lead with around 15 minutes remaining.
England boss Ben Futcher said: “Japan are an excellent team at this age group, so I’m really proud of the lads, I thought they were excellent.”
Conor Coventry made his first senior appearance for Republic of Ireland in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Portugal in a World Cup qualifier.
Cristiano Ronaldo had been sent off in the 60th minute before Coventry was introduced to the action, replacing Ipswich Town’s Josh Taylor.
Coventry was an unused substitute as the Irish won 3-2 in Hungary yesterday - Troy Parrott bagging a hat-trick - as they secured a World Cup play-off place.
Tyreece Campbell and Karoy Anderson were subbed on in the second half of Jamaica’s 1-1 draw against Trinidad & Tobago.
They play another World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, when they host Curacao.
Katie Bradley celebrates putting Charlton ahead against Bristol City
Picture: Keith Gillard
ADDICKS POWER ON AT VALLEY
Charlton Athletic maintained their four-point lead at the top of WSL 2 with a 2-0 victory over Bristol City at The Valley yesterday afternoon.
Karen Hills’ side are undefeated in the league this season - posting seven victories from their opening nine matches.
The hosts were a touch fortunate not to concede a penalty in the 11th minute when Gracie Pearse grabbed the arm of City striker Emily Syme.
Charlton took the lead from Katie Bradley’s spot kick in the 50th minute. Marine Dafeur was penalised for strong contact on Karin Muya and Bradley emphatically finished into the bottom right corner of the net, sending City keeper Fran Bentley the wrong way.
Gracie Pearse makes it 2-0 to the hosts
Picture: Keith Gillard
The Addicks doubled their advantage five minutes later. Charlotte Newsham’s header fell nicely for Pearse to produce a first-time left-footed finish.
Bentley denied Bradley a second in the closing stages after the Charlton number seven impressively dribbled past three players before letting fly from 30 yards out.
Charlton are back in action on Sunday in the League Cup when they head to Southampton for their final fixture in Group C. They defeated Brighton in the competition on Wednesday night, Mary McAteer’s 18th-minute goal sealed maximum points.
Picture: Paul Edwards
JONES DISCUSSES NEXT TRANSFER WINDOW
Paid subscribers were the first to hear what Nathan Jones had to say about the January transfer window - with the audio played in Friday’s podcast.
The Welshman was adamant a year ago that there would be no major activity and that proved to be the case as the Addicks made low-key loan signings of Alex Gilbert (Middlesbrough), Tom McIntyre (Portsmouth) and free agent Dean Bouzanis, the latter to provide goalkeeper cover.
The Addicks have made 11 signings since promotion to the Championship.
South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition recently asked Jones about the upcoming window. He told us: “We know exactly what we are going to go for. It won’t be a massive influx of players or exodus. We’re really happy with the squad.
“We had a big window in the summer and you have got to give these players time as well. Some of them have hit the ground running and some we have not seen the best of yet - due to game time and other certain factors. But what we want to do is improve.
“I’ll say to you now that we will try to improve every single window. We have an ownership group and board that are aligned with that and want to do that. So the only thing we’ll do in the January transfer window is strengthen the squad. We won’t go backwards.”
GOUGH DEAL
Picture: Kyle Andrews
Keenan Gough is the latest Charlton Athletic prospect to extend his contract.
The Addicks have not announced the length of the deal, just like when they recently confirmed Alan Mwamba had extended his terms, although they describe it as “long term”.
Injuries have seen the 19-year-old promoted into the matchday squad for Charlton’s recent Championship fixtures against West Bromwich Albion and Wrexham.
Gough made his senior debut as a 75th-minute substitute in the EFL Cup defeat to Cambridge United in August.
“We’re delighted to see another young player commit his future to the football club,” Charlton boss Nathan Jones told the club’s website. “We believe in Keenan, who has done fantastically well for the U21s, and when he steps up with us he impacts on all of our training.
“He’s someone that has been in and around the first-team squad for a little while now, and once again it shows that the academy is producing quality players and one that we’re excited about.”
Gough added: “It’s very exciting and I feel like this gives me a platform to work from now. The target for me is to be consistent now and where I want to get to will happen naturally if I keep working hard.
“The gaffer is so passionate in everything that he does, and I know I can learn a lot from him. He instils that passion and that drive into everyone.
Picture: Paul Edwards
CAREY SHORTLISTED
Sonny Carey had a fine October and it saw the Charlton Athletic attacking midfielder nominated for Championship Player of the Month.
Unfortunately the award went to Coventry City’s Brandon Thomas-Asante, who netted six times and also claimed one assist in October.
Carey, 24, scored in back-to-back league wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town.
Millwall winger Femi Azeez and Derby County goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom were also shortlisted for the award.
Nathan Jones and James Bree were in contention for the manager and player accolades in October.
LONDON SENIOR CUP EXIT
Charlton Athletic U21s saw their involvement in the London Senior Cup end on Tuesday as they were knocked out of the competition by Hanwell Town.
The Addicks trailed 2-0 at the break with Harry Rice and Alfie Pendlebury on the scoresheet for the hosts, who play in Southern League Premier Division South.
Patrick Casey drew Charlton level with a quickfire double in the 68th and 72nd minute.
Mo Bettamer restored the Geordies’ advantage just three minutes later as they progressed to the third round.
FARNELL’S LEGAL FIRM SHUT DOWN
There will have been plenty of Charlton Athletic supporters delighted to read the news that IPS Law, run by Chris Farnell, has been shut down.
The Law Society Gazette described Farnell as “renowned sports lawyer” in their article, although those of an Addicks affiliation probably have different words to describe the club’s one-time solicitor, whose employment was terminated in August 2020.
The Charlton Dossier covers Farnell in great detail here.
“A Cheshire firm run by a renowned sports lawyer has been shut down over suspicions of dishonesty,” reported The Law Society Gazette on November 13. “The Solicitors Regulation Authority revealed yesterday it had intervened to close down IPS Law LLP, based in Altrincham.
“The basis for the intervention was suspected dishonesty on the part of manager and solicitor Chris Farnell. The SRA said Farnell was suspected to have failed to comply with accounts rules and the solicitors’ code of conduct. He has also been suspended from practice by the regulator.
“North west firm Stephensons Solicitors has been appointed as intervening agent to handle the affairs of IPS Law.”
LEDLEY GO-KART RACE
Former Charlton Athletic midfielder Joe Ledley helped conduct a cup draw with a difference which saw the ties decided by race positions in a go-kart race.
The 38-year-old, who made a solitary appearance for the Addicks after arriving on a short-term contract in December 2019, was racing for Cambrian United and finished last.
It means they face Llandudno - Danny Gabbidon crossed the finish line in second spot - in the Welsh League Cup semi-final in early December.
Nathaniel Cars and MG Motor are the sponsors of the competition, which explains the theme of the draw.
Picture: Paul Edwards
Great report Rich.
Given Farnell’s history it is amazing how people still
Engaged his ‘skills’ - hopefully this will now put the end to him working in sport at least and stitching everyone up
Keep pressing Nath on where he is looking to improve in the window. …. You assume midfield and defence ?
Hi Rich, on the podcast you mentioned that you weren't sure what, if anything, Farnell had done for Cristiano Ronaldo. I couldn't remember either, so I had to look it up in the Dossier. Turns out the Renowned Sports Lawyer recommended a tax avoidance scheme to him. It worked so well that Ronaldo ended up in court and got a cool £15m fine 🤣https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37528613/trust-my-advisers-regarding-taxes