Small shocked by fans booing, Addicks women go top of WSL2, Konchesky's 'frosty' relationship with Curbs and Powelly back in coaching post
The latest review of the week - a round-up of Charlton Athletic news
The review of the past week touches on Charlton Athletic Women going top of WSL 2, Thierry Small left surprised by his reception from Addicks fans at Deepdale, Chris Powell back in football and Tom Pell making a Premier League move.
Thierry Small celebrates scoring Preston North End’s opening goal - his shot took a heavy deflection off Amari’i Bell
Picture: Kyle Andrews
SMALL SURPRISED BY CHARLTON ABUSE
Thierry Small described it as “a shame” that he got a negative reception from Charlton Athletic fans in Saturday’s Championship match at Preston.
The Addicks lost 2-0 in Lancashire - check out the post-match pod and talking points.
Small left Charlton in the summer following League One play-off final success. He turned down a new contract, which manager Nathan Jones discussed here, to sign a long-term deal with North End.
He was booed every time he touched the ball with the travelling support also chanting ‘there’s only one greedy bastard’.
“It was a shame, if I’m being honest with you,” said Small. “But I also understand it is football. I’ve got a lot of time and respect for them. Even though they wanted to boo me and not be nice, I understand that it’s football.
“If I’m being honest, I didn’t really expect to be getting that much abuse. I understand it’s part of the game and it’s football. I’ve got a lot of time and respect for Charlton as a club and the fanbase.
“Obviously, it didn’t really feel nice getting booed but I had to do a job on the pitch. I’m a Preston player now and I love being at Preston. You’ve got to put all your emotions aside and just get the job done and that’s what I’ve done.”
Charlton’s four match unbeaten run was ended. They had collected a solid point at Derby County on Tuesday night - check out the post-match pod and talking points prior to their trip to a windswept Deepdale.
“It was a cagey game,” said Addicks centre-back Lloyd Jones after Saturday’s match. “I don’t think the conditions helped but it was the same for both sides.
Lloyd Jones
Picture: Kyle Andrews
“That’s the difference in the Championship - the first goal can be crucial in these types of games.
“I’m really frustrated about the result. There was nothing in it until the first goal. It’s just fine margins - it (the Small goal) has taken a deflection.
“We’re still in a good place. We’ll have to take the hit, have a few days off and then get ready for Sheffield Wednesday.
“I’m absolutely loving this level - playing against better players, better stadiums and bigger crowds. I’ve done okay so far but want to keep improving.”
Jodie Hutton scored twice for Charlton at Sunderland on Sunday
Picture: Keith Gillard
TOP OF THE PILE
Charlton Athletic have a three-point lead at the summit of WSL 2 after a 2-0 victory at Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.
Karen Hills’ side have collected 13 points from a possible 15. The Addicks are unbeaten in the league since November, a run of 16 matches.
Jodie Hutton scored both of their goals at the Stadium of Light, one in each half.
Charlton had five shots on target compared to the hosts’ one.
Hutton put the Addicks ahead in the 19th minute. Her shot from the edge of the box beat the despairing dive of Sunderland goalkeeper Grace Moloney.
Hutton doubled the advantage on 68 minutes. Mary McAteer spotted Hutton’s run on the left of the penalty area and put in a cross to the back post which was headed home by Charlton’s number 12.
The Addicks are back in action on Sunday when they are at home to 10th-placed Sheffield United (2pm).
Onel Hernandez is on a short-term contract at Charlton Athletic
Picture: Kyle Andrews
HERNANDEZ WAITS FOR DEBUT
Onel Hernandez signed a short-term deal with the Addicks last week - full lowdown on the Cuban winger can be found here.
The 32-year-old, who had been training with the south Londoners before putting pen to paper on Monday, travelled for the matches at Derby County and Preston North End.
Hernandez did not make the 20-player matchday squad for the fixture at Pride Park but was a substitute on Saturday afternoon. He joins the list - compiled by the excellent CAFC Stats & Facts - to be a substitute but not feature for the club.
TRIO MAKE JAMAICAN SQUAD
Tyreece Campbell, Amari’i Bell and Karoy Anderson have been selected by Jamaica for their next round of World Cup qualifiers.
The Reggae Boyz head to Curacao on Saturday before a home match against Bermuda on October 15.
Jamaica are top of Group A and have a 100 per cent record after two games.
PELL’S PREMIER LEAGUE MOVE
Charlton Athletic academy manager Tom Pell has landed a job at a Premier League club.
The Addicks confirmed on Thursday that Pell will leave his position in December. He was appointed to that role in May 2022. Prior to that Pell spent 16 years at Cambridge United.
Steve Avory, who stepped down as academy director in September 2024 after nearly 25 years working for Charlton, will help with finding a replacement. Avory has remained in an advisory role.
“The club would like to thank Tom for his hard work and commitment since his arrival and wish him every success in the future,” said Charlton in a statement on their website.
“Charlton have begun the process of recruiting a new academy lead and are fortunate to be able to draw on Avory’s experience and knowledge as part of that process.”
WALSALL ROLE FOR POWELLY
Chris Powell is back in football after accepting an interim coaching role at League Two club Walsall.
The former Charlton Athletic manager and left-back had been out of work since leaving Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season.
It means that Powell will be working with Addicks striker Daniel Kanu, who is on a season-long loan at the League Two high-fliers.
“A few weeks back I received a phone call and it was Mat Sadler,” Powell told Walsall’s official website on Monday, when his appointment was confirmed.
“We’d seen each other before at various functions, football dinners but nothing too deep. We had a good chat, he told me what was happening and if I’d be interested.
“It piqued my interest and we spoke a few times on the phone. I came in and had a chat with him for a couple of hours and then I came in the following week to watch them train but from a distance and eventually I said yes it would be a good idea for me to come in and add to what they already have.
“There’s a good culture here, a good environment and when I’ve watched them train and watched the games on my iPad, because I thought it was best to look from afar, but I really like what I see and hopefully the way things are going they can carry on for the team and for the football club.
“I love watching games, I was at West Brom v Leicester on Friday night but there’s nothing like being on the touchline, there’s nothing like improving people, improving players and being with a group that has a common goal.
“The club wants to achieve something and hopefully I’ll have a small part in that but the bigger picture is trying to improve people, players and the football club as a whole.”
KONCHESKY: I HAD ACRIMONIOUS ADDICKS EXIT
Paul Konchesky has talked about his exit from Charlton Athletic in 2005 - and how his “frosty” relationship with Alan Curbishley came back to bite him.
The former Addicks left-back was a guest on Undr The Cosh podcast.
Konchesky, 44, became the youngest player to debut for Charlton at the age of 16 years and 93 days.
The academy product was capped by England during his time in SE7.
But a frustration over a lack of game time led to him joining his boyhood club West Ham United in July 2005 for a fee of £1.5million.
Konchesky told Undr The Cosh that Sunderland’s attempts to take him and Scott Parker on loan were knocked back at one point, adding “the money wasn’t quite right”.
“He (Curbishley) is quite stubborn,” said Konchesky. “He believes everything he thinks is right. It was a bit his way or that’s it.
“I had that taste (of first-team football) and it probably happened too quickly at 16. I backed myself to play.”
Asked if the split with Curbishley was amicable, Konchesky replied: “No. It was frosty. I wanted to play and we had a falling out. I’d play well and he would leave me out. I was always knocking on his door.
“I loved my first 10 months at West Ham. It is my club and we got to a cup final. Pards (Alan Pardew) took me there. The second season started not great and they got rid of the manager. There was lots of ‘he might be [next], he might be [next]’. F*** me, I’m hoping he (Curbishley) isn’t the manager. If he comes I’m f*****.
“When he came he said it was a clean slate. I know it is f****** not. I probably didn’t help by saying ‘I don’t want to play for you - I want to leave’ at Charlton.”
Konchesky was also asked for his thoughts on Danny Mills.
Mills was sold by Charlton Athletic to Leeds for £4.1million in 1999. A big profit on the nominal sum paid to Norwich City just 15 months earlier.
“He was a bit Marmite,” said Konchesky. “You either love him or you don’t. He was all for himself, it’s probably how he had a career.
“He had energy to burn. It felt like he had about 15 coffees every 10 minutes.
“He was busy as f***. He was constantly on people’s cases but probably couldn’t back it up, he wasn’t an unbelievable player.”
AMISSAH DEAL
Charlton Athletic have signed midfielder Reuben Amissah to add to their academy ranks.
The 19-year-old had previously been on the books of AFC Wimbledon.
“I’m very happy to sign for this big club and I just can’t wait to get started,” Amissah told the club’s official website.
MARTIN SACKED BY WINGS
Former Charlton Athletic loanee Lee Martin did not last long as Welling United manager.
The Wings appointed the former Manchester United youngster in the summer.
But Martin, who spent time with Charlton in the 2010-11 League One season, was sacked on Thursday after just 13 matches in charge.
“Lee has given his absolute all to the role since joining us in the summer and we’re naturally disappointed that we have had to make the decision to part ways,” said the Isthmian League Premier Division club.
“While we’re working hard on stabilising the club behind the scenes, with some exciting developments to be announced in due course, it’s vitally important that we prioritise stabilising matters on the pitch to ensure we start climbing up the table.”
Welling were 20th at the time of Martin’s dismissal, taking three points from a possible 18.
I’m disappointed we booed him. Was a part of our run to Wembley and it’s cringey the side of the fan base that have goldfish memories..
Some fans weren't happy with Small goal celebration, but if we give stick we have to take it too. He clearly didn't move for less money!
Konch sounds a little bitter and sounds like he still holds a grudge! Young lad prev at Wimbledon strange we've picked him up no one else!