Thursday 29 December 2011

Eurosport: West Brom v Man City (26/12/11)

Manchester City failed to score in the Premier League for the first time this season in their goalless stalemate at the Hawthorns on Boxing Day.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/premier-league/2011-2012/west-bromwich-albion-manchester-city-453864.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/27122011/58/premier-league-baggies-hold-leaders-city.html

Monday 26 December 2011

Eurosport: Wigan v Liverpool (21/12/11)

A great goalkeeping performance from Ali Al-Habsi gave Wigan a share of the spoils with a goalless draw against Liverpool.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/premier-league/2011-2012/wigan-athletic-liverpool-453910.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/22122011/58/premier-league-resilient-wigan-hold-liverpool.html

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Eurosport: Blackburn v Bolton (20/12/11)

Blackburn were condemned to the dreaded 'bottom at Christmas' spot in the Premier League after a 2-1 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Bolton.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/premier-league/2011-2012/blackburn-rovers-bolton-wanderers-453876.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/21122011/58/premier-league-bolton-leave-blackburn-bottom.html

Rhoys Wiggins post-Oldham (17/12/11)

The left-back discussed Charlton holding onto their five point lead at the top of League One after being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Oldham.

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/9427273.Wiggins__At_least_Charlton_are_still_five_points_clear_after_Latics_draw/

Thursday 8 December 2011

Eurosport: Champions League Group Stage Finale (06/12/11 & 07/12/11)

First, Barcelona sent BATE crashing out of Europe.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/champions-league/2011-2012/fc-barcelona-bate-borisov-480139.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/06122011/58/champions-league-barca-b-thrash-bate.html

The following day, Real Madrid defeated Ajax in controversial circumstances to put the Dutch champions in the Europa League.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/champions-league/2011-2012/ajax-real-madrid-480098.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/07122011/58/champions-league-madrid-send-ajax.html

Socrates: a legendary career in photos

On one of my recent editorial cover shifts for Eurosport, I was asked to put together this tribute after Brazillian legend Socrates passed away earlier in the day:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/article/79001/

Eurosport: Fulham v Liverpool (05/12/11)

Clint Dempsey scored a late winner as Fulham shocked Liverpool with a 1-0 win at the Cottage.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/premier-league/2011-2012/fulham-liverpool-453833.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/06122011/58/premier-league-fulham-end-liverpool-run.html

Tuesday 6 December 2011

Eurosport: Juventus v Cesena (04/12/11)

Juve left it late, but eventually put a pair of goals past Cesena to return to the top of Serie A.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/serie-a/2011-2012/juventus-cesena-467149.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/04122011/58/serie-juve-return-top-cesena-win.html

Saturday 3 December 2011

Eurosport: Crystal Palace v Derby County (02/12/11)

Friday night football from the Championship between two sides struggling with their league form. It ended 1-1, but both teams were able to break some long-running ducks for goals and points.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/championship/2011-2012/crystal-palace-derby-county-454444.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02122011/58/championship-palace-derby-stop-rot-draw.html

Friday 2 December 2011

Eurosport: League Cup QFs (29/11/11)

Chelsea went out to Liverpool with their second defeat to the Reds at Stamford Bridge in ten days.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/league-cup/2011-2012/chelsea-liverpool-490750.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30112011/58/league-cup-liverpool-send-chelsea-crashing.html

Charlton break the streak (28/11/11)

Charlton defeated Huddersfield 2-0 at The Valley to extend their lead at the top of League One to seven points - and hand the Terriers their first defeat in 43 regulation league fixtures.

My brief match report and the thoughts of Addicks boss Chris Powell for the News Shopper are here: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/9389763.Addicks_end_Terriers__lengthy_streak/

Eurosport: A hard day's work (27/11/11)

Full day shift in the office on live sports, starting with the afternoon kick-off between Siena and Inter, won by the visitors in the dying stages.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02122011/58/championship-palace-derby-stop-rot-draw.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/27112011/58/serie-inter-leave-late-sink-siena.html

Up next was tennis, with Roger Federer retaining his ATP World Tour Finals mens title with a thrilling victory over a game Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Game-by-game updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/tennis/livematch/492917.html

The full report was left in the hands of Reuters as I moved straight on to Serie A match number two, a Milan crushing of Chievo.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/serie-a/2011-2012/ac-milan-chievo-467159.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/27112011/58/serie-milan-coast-chievo-win.html

Sunday 27 November 2011

Eurosport: La Liga double bill (26/11/11)

Real went into a 6 point lead at the top of the table with a 4-1 derby win over nine-man Atletico Madrid.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liga/2011-2012/real-madrid-atletico-madrid-458707.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/26112011/58/liga-real-claim-madrid-derby-honours.html

The lead was consolidated when Barcelona slipped up at Getafe, falling to a shock 1-0 defeat.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liga/2011-2012/getafe-cf-fc-barcelona-458704.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/27112011/58/liga-barcelona-humbled-lowly-getafe.html

Thursday 24 November 2011

Eurosport: Champions League Matchday Five (22/11/11 & 23/11/11)

Two games, fifteen goals - and two very happy La Liga representatives.

First, Real Madrid hit Dinamo Zagreb for six - but conceded their first goals of the campaign in the process.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/champions-league/2011-2012/real-madrid-dinamo-zagreb-480101.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/22112011/58/champions-league-real-hit-zagreb-six.html

24 hours later, Valencia recorded their best ever European result, thumping Racing Genk 7-0.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/champions-league/2011-2012/valencia-cf-racing-genk-480102.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/23112011/58/champions-league-seventh-heaven-valencia.html

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Eurosport: Sevilla v Granada (31/10/11)

Granada caused a massive shock, coming from behind to win their first top flight away game in decades against local rivals Sevilla and move from the bottom of the table in the process.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liga/2011-2012/sevilla-fc-granada-cf-458723.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/01112011/58/liga-granada-humble-sevilla.html

Eurosport: A bit of Italian, a bit of Spanish... (30/10/11)

A pair of 1-0 wins on the final Sunday of October. First came Udinese's home win over Palermo.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/serie-a/2011-2012/udinese-palermo-467188.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30102011/58/serie-di-natale-fires-udinese-win.html

Later that afternoon, Racing recorded their first win of the season at home to Real Betis.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liga/2011-2012/racing-santander-real-betis-458710.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30102011/58/liga-racing-notch-first-win-season.html

Monday 24 October 2011

Powell looks for another unbeaten run from Charlton

Eurosport: La Liga double header (23/10/11)

Roberto Soldado came to the rescue once again for Valencia with a late equaliser at home to Athletic Bilbao.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liga/2011-2012/valencia-cf-athletic-bilbao-458841.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/23102011/58/liga-soldado-salvages-point-valencia.html

Following the 1-1 draw at the Mestalla, Levante climbed to the summit of the top flight for the first time in their 102-year history with a 3-0 win away to Villarreal.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liga/2011-2012/villarreal-cf-levante-ud-458843.html
Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/23102011/58/liga-levante-soar-la-liga-summit.html

Monday 17 October 2011

Eurosport: Serie A double header (16/10/11)

Two reports, not a single goal! In fact, only Bologna scored (0-2 winners v Novara) in SIX Italian games that day.

First was the midday kick-off between Cesena v Fiorentina:


Following that was league leaders Juventus' trip to Chievo:

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Eurosport: Bulgaria v Wales (11/10/11)

Both sides were out of the running for Poland & Ukraine come the final group stage, but the winners of this one would avoid the Group G wooden spoon. Gareth Bale scored the only goal as Gary Speed's side ended their fruitless campaign on a high, and momentum may well be on their side when the road to Brazil 2014 begins.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/euro/2012/qualifying/bulgaria-wales-368976.html

Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/11102011/58/euro-2012-qual-wales-bulgaria.html

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Exclusive interview w/ Eric Bristow

With the Bullseye theatre tour coming to Catford on Saturday, I got the chance to ring up Eric Bristow about the event and his legendary career.

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9296873.Bristow_to_bring_darts_nostalgia_to_Catford/

Monday 10 October 2011

Addicks striker loving life after cancer scare

Speaking to Charlton's new striker Yann Kermorgant after the draw at home to Tranmere: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9296445.Addicks_striker_loving_life_after_cancer_scare/

Charlton U18s 2-0 Southampton U18s (08/10/11)

A Joe Pigott penalty and Semi Ajayi's first goal of the season made it three wins on the bounce for the Young Addicks. Match report here: http://www.cafc.co.uk/page/academydetail/0,,10267~2477409,00.html

Sunday 9 October 2011

The MLS Transatlantic #3 feat. Mike Ammann


The 2011 Major League Soccer season is fast approaching its climax. I haven't blogged on the subject since said season began in the Spring. It seemed like a fitting time to break that duck - with the thoughts of a very special guest, an 'MLS Original', if you will...

Eurosport: Andorra v Republic of Ireland (07/10/11)

A comprehensive 2-0 win over the joint worst footballing nation in the world set the Republic of Ireland up for a winner-takes-all final group match with Armenia for a spot in the qualification playoffs.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/euro/2012/qualifying/andorra-republic-of-ireland-368826.html

Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/07102011/58/euro-2012-qual-ireland-cruise-andorra-win.html

Sheffield United 0-2 Charlton (01/10/11)

Goals from Bradley Wright-Phillips and Yann Kermorgant put Charlton five points clear at the top of League One last weekend. Report is here: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9283134.Addicks_extend_lead_with_Blades_victory/

Meanwhile, Michael Morrison told us after the game how the back line were growing together as a unit: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/9283849.Morrison__Solid_defence_key_to_Addicks_success/

Sunday 2 October 2011

Eurosport: AC Milan v Viktoria Plzen (28/09/11)

The surprise Czech champions put up a fight, but Milan were eventually able to pick up a 2-0 win on Champions League group stage Matchday 2.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/champions-league/2011-2012/ac-milan-viktoria-plzen-480138.html

Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/28092011/58/champions-league-milan-ease-win-viktoria.html

Addicks battle for draw at Dons (27/09/11)

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9274509.Addicks_battle_for_draw_at_Dons/ for match report of the 1-1 stalemate at stadium:mk - we also caught up with keeper Ben Hamer on settling in at SE7: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9275304.Hamer_sees_room_for_improvement/

Sunday 18 September 2011

Eurosport: Siena v Juventus (18/09/11)

Juventus continued their perfect start to the new Serie A season with a 1-0 away win at Siena. They'd opened their new stadium competitively with a 4-1 win over Parma the weekend before and look a far cry from the disappointing side who missed out on Europe completely last year.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/serie-a/2011-2012/siena-juventus-467257.html

Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18092011/58/serie-juve-top-win-siena.html

Millwall v West Ham (17/09/11)

Opting to forego travelling to follow Charlton from the press box, I instead took the media angle around the corner as Millwall hosted rivals West Ham.

Match report from the goalless draw can be read here, while Millwall boss Kenny Jackett's thoughts on his side's fourth straight league game without scoring are here.


Eurosport: Villarreal v Bayern Munich (14/09/11)

Bayern Munich kicked off their attempt to escape the 'Group of Death' in style with a comfortable 2-0 win at Villarreal.

Match updates (minus the second half which seemed to disappear on a night full of errors for the Yahoo Eurosport servers): http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/champions-league/2011-2012/villarreal-cf-bayern-munich-480061.html

Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/15092011/58/champions-league-bayern-begin-win.html

Monday 12 September 2011

Double win Saturday for Addicks

September 10th 2011 - a good day to be a Charlton fan.

It started around midday at Sparrows Lane with a 3-2 victory for the U18s against Aston Villa: http://www.cafc.co.uk/page/academydetail/0,,10267~2448352,00.html

Hours later, the senior side were celebrating a 2-0 win at The Valley against Exeter, after which Chris Powell discussed the loan market and the upcoming Carling Cup clash against Preston: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9245430.Addicks_boss_on_verge_of_loaning_players_out/

Eurosport: Milan v Lazio (09/09/11)

After strike drama, Serie A finally kicked off on Friday evening in exciting fashion (no, really) as champions Milan fought back from two goals down to salvage a draw against a game Lazio side.

Match updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/serie-a/2011-2012/ac-milan-lazio-467270.html

Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/09092011/58/serie-milan-draw-season-opener.html

Tuesday 6 September 2011

Owls horror over for Addicks defender

Michael Morrison gives his thoughts after playing for his new club Charlton against old club Sheffield Wednesday: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9234330.Owls_horror_over_for_Addicks_defender/

Friday 2 September 2011

Eurosport: Wales v Montenegro (02/09/11)

Wales finally got off the mark in the qualifying campaign for Euro 2012 and gave England's chances of making it to the finals a huge boost by defeating Montenegro 2-1.

Match Updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/euro/2012/qualifying/wales-montenegro-368973.html

Full Report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02092011/58/euro-2012-qual-wales-finally-mark-montenegro-win.html

Another forgotten foray...

...this time into the world of snooker, as the legends of the sport brought their successful tour to Catford at the end of May.

Full review of the fun and festivities can be found here: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9053475.Snooker_legends_thrill_Catford_crowd/

Friday 26 August 2011

Eurosport: Tottenham v Hearts (25/08/11)

With the game wrapped up in a 5-0 first leg win for Spurs, this was little more than a run about for the youngsters of both sides.

Match Updates: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/europa-league/2011-2012/tottenham-hotspur-heart-of-midlothian-471384.html

Full Report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/26082011/58/europa-league-spurs-march-group-stage.html

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Shopper pieces during the week...

After Saturday's 2-2 draw with Scunthorpe, Powell admitted there'd be changes for the re-arranged Carling Cup game a few days later against Reading: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9208389.Addicks_to_ring_changes_for_Royals_game/

And one of those changes, Bradley Pritchard, was on cloud nine after a superb full debut for the club as the Addicks shocked the Championship side with a 2-1 win: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9212448.Pritchard_goes_to_the_ball_for_impressive_Addicks/

Sunday 21 August 2011

Eurosport: West Ham v Leeds (21/08/11)

Entertaining Championship scrap between two promotion contenders ends 2-2 thanks to a dramatic last minute equaliser.

Matchcast: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/championship/2011-2012/west-ham-united-leeds-united-454528.html

Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/21082011/58/championship-leeds-deny-west-ham-death.html

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Colchester v Charlton, 16/08/11

Three wins in three, and a first ever win at Colchester - courtesy of Bradley Wright-Phillips.

A full match report for the News Shopper is here: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9198897.Addicks_continue_perfect_start_at_Colchester/

And the post-match views of the two-goal hero in the 2-0 win are here: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/9199630.Goal_hero_Wright_Phillips_pleased_Addicks_have_hit_ground_running/

Monday 15 August 2011

Eurosport: Real Madrid v Barcelona (14/08/11)

My second Clasico for Eurosport after last season's Copa del Rey final, this time in the first leg of the Supercopa between said Copa winners (Real) and the team who nonetheless got the better of them in the other two majors, the league title and the Champions League, Barcelona.

An entertaining 2-2 draw leaves it all to play for at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Matchcast: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/supercopa/2011-2012/real-madrid-fc-barcelona-458686.html

Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/14082011/58/la-liga-real-barcelona-draw-first-leg.html

Notts County v Charlton, 13/08/11

You can't beat a trip to Nottingham on a Saturday. Especially if your side win. Makes the post-match hot wings and curly fries in Hooters all the better.

My first Shopper match report of the season took place at Meadow Lane: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/9194627.Addicks_hold_on_to_conquer_Magpies/

And with two goals in the opening two league games, Scott Wagstaff had plenty to discuss after the game: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/9195374.Wagstaff__I_m_going_nowhere/

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Eurosport: Germany vs Brazil (10/08/11)

My tennis detour lasted 24 hours, as the following day I was back on football duty. The game? A friendly contest between two superpowers of soccer.

And despite their record against Brazil being a poor one, Germany more than deserved their 3-2 win with Mario Gotze extremely worthy of his first international goal in what was a great first start for his country.

Can't wait to see him live at Westfalenstadion in November - if he stays at Dortmund...

Matchcast: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/international-friendlies/2011/germany-brazil-428232.html

Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/10082011/58/euro-2012-qual-impressive-germany-brazil.html

Tuesday 9 August 2011

Anyone for tennis?

A last-minute opportunity for an extra Eurosport payday arose. Only thing was, it was Andy Murray v Kevin Anderson in the Montreal Masters.

Anderson shockingly put away Murray in straight sets with little over an hour of court time 6-3 6-1, and the gory details can be found here:

Matchcast - http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/tennis/livematch/467826.html

Full report - http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/09082011/58/murray-crashes-montreal-opener.html

Charlton v Bournemouth, 06/08/2011

It was deja vu all over again as the 2011/12 League One season kicked off. Once again, Charlton drew Bournemouth at home for the curtain raiser. This time, they won by triple the score.

Adding to the occasion was the tremendous experience for me to call the game as lead commentator on the club's video highlights on CAFC Player. Oh, and of course a few words with the Addicks after the result for News Shopper.

Manager Chris Powell was hopeful Rob Elliot would remain at the club after his clean sheet performance in goal: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9183043.Powell_not_giving_up_on_Elliot_stay_just_yet/

Meanwhile, new signing Danny Hollands had mixed feelings after debuting against his former club: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9183278.Hollands__I_was_right_to_quit_Bournemouth_for_Charlton/

Sunday 7 August 2011

Preseason 2011 part four: And finally... Eurosport!

I managed to squeak in a Europa League qualifying game to report before the season propertly kicked off again, covering Fulham's goalless first leg encounter at RNK Split for Eurosport.

Matchcast: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/europa-league/2011-2012/radnicki-split-fulham-463249.html

Full report: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/29072011/58/europa-league-fulham-hold-first-leg-draw.html

Saturday 6 August 2011

Preseason 2011 part three: Shopper or Hopper?

Of course, no pre-season would be the same without a series of articles for the local rag, which most lower- or non-league clubs always seem to think is called the 'News Hopper'.

Starting with the 0-0 draw at Woking on July 23rd, I spoke to young pro Yado Mambo about life on the fringe: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/9158184.Mambo__This_is_a_massive_year_for_me/

Meanwhile, manager Chris Powell was upfront about Paul Benson's aborted move to Notts County: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/9158004.Addicks_boss_waits_for_striker_to_decide_future/

Not that he was lacking replacement options if the deal had been done - Powell at the time was running the rule over Toulouse Academy graduate Alexis Honore: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/9158134.Powell_gives_French_striker_more_time_to_impress/

And Charlton legend Jason Euell, top scorer for 3 straight seasons between 2002 and 2004, was also in the hunt for a return to SE7: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/9158797.Euell_keeping_options_open/

The hunt for another striker, despite Benson deciding to stay, continued when Powell admitted (after some goading from yours truly) that Grzegorz Rasiak was in attendance at Charlton v Den Bosch and would be given a chance to prove himself worthy of a deal: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/9162211.Powell_weighs_up_Rasiak_deal/

And a handful of Addicks fans in attendance at Hayes Lane on July 27th witnessed the first goal by Euell in a Charlton shirt in five years as a CAFC XI thumped Bromley 4-0: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/9166184.Addicks_fringe_players_impress_at_Bromley/

It was Millwall duties for me at the friendly game between the two sides on July 30th, held in testimonial to Lions stalwart Alan Dunne. Manager Kenny Jackett was pleased with the 4-3 win a week before the new season was due to start: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/millwall/9170885.Jackett__We_re_ready_for_new_campaign/

Jackett also had high hopes for long-term injury absentee Shaun Batt to return before 2011 was over: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/millwall/9170804.Batt_close_to_return_to_action/


Wednesday 3 August 2011

Preseason 2011 part two: CAFC XI exhibitions

Youth friendlies weren't all I ended up doing for cafc.co.uk - the summer marked the return of CAFC XI's!

At Bromley on Wednesday, July 27th and at Carshalton Athletic the following Tuesday, August 2nd, I provided "CommenTwittery" on the social networking site and a full match report the following day on the official website.

Bromley report: http://www.cafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10267~2403873,00.html

Carshalton report: http://www.cafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10267~2408728,00.html

Follow me on Twitter @liamhappe

Monday 1 August 2011

Preseason 2011 part one: Charlton U18s

Early summer was good. Really good. But it was lacking something. Ah yes, football.

That said, pre-season is the busiest time of the year and this was no exception. With the 2011/12 campaign about to get underway, it's time to store up some links!

The Charlton youth side played four friendlies at Sparrows Lane. In chronological order:

First came Gillingham U18s on July 16th, which the Addicks won 5-3.

Then a midweek afternoon visit from Oxford, who went down 7-3.

The following Saturday saw their only defeat of the four games, a narrow 2-1 loss to Millwall.

Finally, on July 30th they welcomed Brighton - managed by CAFC legend Steve Brown. They won 3-2.

Tuesday 14 June 2011

Oh, and before I forget...

...I also did an interview for Euro Football Zone on Charlton's Academy, which can be read here.

Friday 3 June 2011

VIDEO: Charlton Live v CAFC Press (16/05/11)

The Crossbar Challenge:

5-a-side match:


Wednesday 25 May 2011

Sunday 8 May 2011

Eurosport: One mad week

Hectic isn't the word for the last 7 days as I took on four games for Eurosport. Makes up for the impending lack of work over the summer, I guess.

Firstly, there was the La Liga Monday kick-off between Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/la-liga/2010-2011/rcd-espanyol-athletic-bilbao-393677.html
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02052011/58/la-liga-espanyol-overcome-athletic-bilbao.html

Then on Wednesday it was upset time as Inverness CT defeated Celtic:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/spl/2010-2011/inverness-caledonian-thistle-celtic-381650.html
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05052011/58/spl-super-caley-deal-celtic-title-blow.html

Thursday was the day Sporting Braga won an all-Portugese Europa League semi to set up an all-Portugese final, their first ever European final to boot:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/europa-league/2010-2011/sporting-braga-benfica-384054.html
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05052011/58/europa-league-braga-edge-benfica-final.html

And on Sunday, Celtic made amends for the midweek defeat to keep their title hopes alive at Kilmarnock:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/spl/2010-2011/kilmarnock-celtic-441970.html
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/08052011/58/spl-celtic-stay-title-race-killie-win.html

Wednesday 4 May 2011

Walsall 2-0 Charlton, 30/04/2011

Final away trip of the season for the Addicks, and it was defeat to Walsall which at the very least, made it almost impossible for Bristol Rovers and their diving player-manager to survive:

Preview article:
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9001905.Elliot_and_Wagstaff_return_at_Walsall/

Match report:
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9002001.Struggling_Saddlers_see_off_Addicks/

My MEN debut

Charlton v Rochdale on Bank Holiday Monday saw me contribute my first work for Manchester Evening News, who needed a local journo to help out over the Easter weekend.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/rochdale/s/1418935_charlton-3-rochdale-1

Sunday 17 April 2011

April Catch-Up

A week in Las Vegas, Nevada meant a slight fall behind with archiving links, though a fresh blog or two in the next couple of weeks should make up for that. Expect another MLS musing as well as my thoughts on the fabulous 'Action Heroes' boxing card from Golden Boy Promotions at the MGM Garden Arena, my first live American boxing experience.

Anyway, here's the rest of the Charlton-related links, starting with my trip up for the away game against Rochdale:

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8940223.Reid_dropped_for_Rochdale_clash/

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8940284.Out_of_sorts_Addicks_lose_again_at__Dale/

Next, the Addicks finally ended their winless run at home to Leyton Orient. I joined Charlton Live colleague Terry Smith in the gantry for official club video commentary for this one, but got the thoughts of unlikely goal scorer Jose Semedo following the 3-1 victory:

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/8951616.Semedo__I_want_to_stay_at_Charlton_for_life/

Thursday 24 March 2011

MLS: A Transatlantic View Of 2011


Major League Soccer continued its uphill struggle for acceptance in both the world football scene and as a domestic sport with the beginning of their 2011 league season last week.

The nation's growing contingent of soccer fans and investors will see the new campaign as their opportunity to bounce back from the heartbreak of missing out on hosting the 2022 World Cup.

And with an expansion of teams, the return of the reserve league and more significant restructures to financial caps and contract laws, it's difficult to argue that the loss of the showpiece tournament to Qatar has derailed America's long term plans to build their profile.

Sunday 20 March 2011

Powell feels for fans after Daggers defeat

CHARLTON’s winless run continued with a 2-1 defeat away to relegation-threatened Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. Read more

The game also saw me provide co-commentary and analysis for BBC Radio Kent alongside Jamie Hill, my second opportunity to do so this season after teaming with Jamie for the 1-0 win over Colchester in February.

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Addicks fight back to halt losing run

CHARLTON ended a run of four straight defeats with a 1-1 draw at home to Tranmere on Saturday afternoon.
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/8892163.Addicks_fight_back_to_halt_losing_run/

Although his equaliser was eventually attributed to Bradley Wright-Phillips, Miguel Llera still had plenty to be positive about following the final whistle:
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/8892647.Llera_eager_to_stay_at_The_Valley/

Wednesday 2 March 2011

Powell: No talks with McCarthy


CHRIS Powell denied that Charlton have made an approach for West Ham striker Benni McCarthy.

The Addicks have been linked with a move for the out-of-favour striker, and are now short in that department after allowing Pawel Abbott to return to Poland.


But although Powell definitely hopes to wrap up two loan signings this week, he explained McCarthy may not
be one of them.



Read more here.

Friday 25 February 2011

My Champions League reporting debut

After starting freelancing for Eurosport at the beginning of Feb, the door was open to report on a much broader range of football events. But I didn't imagine that within a month I'd be covering Inter Milan v Bayern Munich in the Champions League for a major sports media website.

Here's my live text updates from during the game:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/champions-league/2010-2011/internazionale-bayern-muenchen-384246.html

And my full match report:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/24022011/58/champions-league-late-gomez-strike-sinks-inter.html

Wednesday 23 February 2011

Football For A Fiver, 19/02/11

While a late capitulation on the pitch ended the football for a fiver scheme at The Valley on a sour note, manager Chris Powell was nonetheless overjoyed at the turnout of over 24,000 fans for the game and hopes the club aren't far away from returning to similar attendances in the future.

He also had plenty to say on the state of his current squad and the potential of new additions from the loan market.

Links:
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8865460.Boss_wants_returning_Valley_fans_to_come_back_again/
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8865407.Powell_steps_up_loan_search/

Thursday 17 February 2011

Premier League Darts at the 02, 10/02/11

For the second year running, the Premier League Darts season kicked off in Greenwich at the O2.

Of course, I just had to take advantage of my local accreditation and pop down for a gander.

Full story: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8855999.Taylor_rocked_by_Lewis_defeat_at_O2/

Pawel Abbott ready to begin again at The Valley

Two injured strikers, a knock at half-time and a rousing Chris Powell team-talk.

It didn't take much to turn the Pawel Abbott of the Swindon home game to the Abbott who wowed the home fans with his endeavour and link play against Peterborough.

He scored what would turn out to be the winner in a 3-2 thriller against the Posh, and after the game gave a tremendously frank interview about his tough start to life at Charlton and the feeling of not being selected to even travel with the squad the previous week in Yeovil.

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8850632.Abbott_ready_to_begin_again_at_The_Valley/

Wednesday 9 February 2011

The final forgotten works, Dec 2010

Right, I've managed to track down the final few bits of work that were lost in the shuffle of my lack of internet access.

On December 11, Charlton's Under-18s completed a superb league double over Arsenal with a 3-0 win at Sparrows Lane. Match Report

And shortly after Christmas, the senior side drew with league leaders Brighton at the Withdean. Match Report

The two points dropped against Gus Poyet's ten-man side frustrated then-manager Phil Parkinson - the post-match interview with Parky can be found here.

Tuesday 8 February 2011

Eurosport

My freelancing took a new turn on February 5th when I arrived at Eurosport UK's Feltham offices to provide live updates of Wigan v Blackburn in the Premier League.

Said updates are here (and yes, the 'expert' player ratings are indeed mine!):
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/premier-league/2010-2011/wigan-athletic-blackburn-rovers-381372.html

With a formal match report, byline and all, here:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/07022011/58/premier-league-wigan-win-seven-goal-thriller.html

Personally, I think the match report is worth a read for the reader comments at the bottom alone...

Gift of the gab?

Charlton v Colchester on February 1st 2011 marked my debut on radio commentary.

I joined the excellent Jamie Hill on BBC Radio Kent medium wave as well as CAFC Player, providing summary and analysis to his expert play by play and joining him in sheer confusion as a controversial series of decisions saw the referee disallow a Colchester goal shortly before new signing Bradley Wright-Phillips netted the real only goal of the game.

BWP gave his first interview as a Charlton player after the game:
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8827696.Wright_Phillips_delighted_after_debut_goal/

Chrissy Powell, Chri-ssy Powell...

A 24 hour spell of speculation. A grand announcement. A preliminary meeting with his new squad at Sheffield Wednesday. A magical first week in charge at training. And then, the homecoming.

Charlton defeated Plymouth 2-0 on January 22nd in Chris Powell's first game in charge. The reception from the usually bitter and jaded home support both before and after the result was something else.

Post-match, Powell discussed putting together his back room staff:
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8808523.Powell_keen_to_keep_coach_on_board/

While loan signing from Liverpool Nathan Eccleston discussed his victory-sealing goal in the final minute, Jonjo Shelvey and more:
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8808433.Liverpool_striker_makes_instant_impression/

Caretaker Peacock endorses fellow Addicks legend Powell

After taking temporary charge for the cup defeat at Tottenham and a league draw at Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton hero Keith Peacock explained why Chris Powell was the perfect choice in his mind to become the new permanent boss:

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/charlton/8793854.Peacock__Powell_s_the_right_man_for_the_job/

The dreaded vote of 'confidence'

Following the takeover of Charlton Athletic at the turn of the year, new chairman Michael Slater gave manager Phil Parkinson his full backing at his first press conference hours before Charlton played host to Swindon:

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8767071.New_Addicks_chairman_ready_to_back_Parky/

Unfortunately, the game followed the same template as the preceding month of fixtures since the takeover was initially made public. After the 4-2 home defeat, Parkinson sounded like a defeated man:

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8767289.Parky__We_lacked_fighting_spirit/

And true enough, he was fired the following day.

A tremendous effort at the manager's job in the face of numerous roadblocks and obstacles was compromised by the inevitable pressures of an incoming new owner and ended by what frankly was sheer hypocrisy.

Thankfully, the new board's next moves were a positive sign that this nasty piece of business was more an initial, necessary separation from the past than a worrying omen of what was to come.

2011 - A belated blogging beginning

Thanks to a big move from Mile End to New Eltham in November and the rather casual approach Sky have taken to installing decent broadband, my consistency in updating this blog took a nosedive.

A few pieces of work in December are out there somewhere, but I'm going to simply crack on with backdating the first few weeks of the new year - starting here with my coverage of the New Years Day thriller in Colchester, Phil Parkinson's penultimate game in charge of Charlton.

Match report:
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8765983.Addicks_draw_six_goal_belter_in_Colchester/

Parkinson's post-match reaction:
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/8766031.Parky_fuming_over_two_controversial_decisions/

Parky on new chairman Michael Slater:
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/football/8766035.Addicks_boss_to_meet_new_chairman_next_week/