Thetownend.com

This needed doing. 4D being a bit tardy for the start of the new season.
So, competitive soccerball is back on Saturday.
Can’t wait and looking forward to it.

Five consecutive first round exits and counting, but maybe an opportunity to prevail against a troubled opponent.
Should be a good test against one of the “big” clubs.

With limited income hopefully the aim will be to progress and land a televised tie.

I guess that there will still be scope to shout “Forwaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrddddd” at the screen for those who need to.

Charlton's remaining squad looks absolutely tiny, even assuming they're all fit. Could be an odd game.

Charlton's remaining squad looks absolutely tiny, even assuming they're all fit. Could be an odd game.

This was how Charlton lined up for last nights FLT match at Wimbledon which they lost 2-1 after being 1-0 up.

Down to bare bones with just 4 subs from a possible 7 named.

(https://i.postimg.cc/bv7LNvYv/Untitled.png)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHC20bSAGSQ

Nice to see them playing back in Wimbledon at the new plough lane

That's Loftus Road in Shepherds Bush.....

It loos lime it but a few suttle differences if you look closely and quite abit smaller

Its definitely Loftus Road, Plough Lane isn't ready till back end of October.

You're right and I stand to be corrected

Don't worry you can sit down.

Nice to see them playing back in Wimbledon at the new plough lane

We'll need to keep an eye on the Turkish Messi, although he doesn't look to have kept up the form of his Walsall days.
Remember this?

http://swindon-town-fc.co.uk/MatchCentre.asp?MatchID=20170115

The wife is taking me away for the weekend for my birthday to a little cottage in Lower Heyford but, as long as the WiFi is alright, I’ll be tuning in for the first time on iFollow.

Because of Charlton’s off the pitch issues and their current squad, I reckon a 2-0 win. Reckon Smith will score  :sherlock:

We'll need to keep an eye on the Turkish Messi, although he doesn't look to have kept up the form of his Walsall days.
Remember this?

http://swindon-town-fc.co.uk/MatchCentre.asp?MatchID=20170115

With six months of pent-up frustration and no-one else to shout at, I expect it to be extremely busy on here.

I'm a complete newbie to IFollow, but I just registered and paid £10 to watch vs Charlton.

Is it easy to join the stream using a button or something, and are you limited to watching on PC or laptop, or is it possible to play it through a smart TV?  Thanks guys.

iFollow is easy to use, just log in and click on the watch game link, I watch through a browser, Firefox or The Edge.

As far as I know you cant play through a smart TV unless you do it via the TVs browser, I also don't think you can cast from mobile to TV, you certainly never used to be able to. That could be wrong though :)

Can you watch on an iPad

Yes - or at least I could last season

Can you watch on an iPad

I am unable to answer that as I don't own one, but I understand you can.

iFollow is easy to use, just log in and click on the watch game link, I watch through a browser, Firefox or The Edge.

As far as I know you cant play through a smart TV unless you do it via the TVs browser, I also don't think you can cast from mobile to TV, you certainly never used to be able to. That could be wrong though :)

When I'm allowed, I plug the laptop into the TV with an HDMI cable, and pretend we're the featured game on The Big Match.

yeah I have my PC linked to my TV via HDMI cable if I wish to watch on the 60 incher, most of the time I watch on PC though so it doesn't interfere with the rest of the familys TV watching.

Wow 60 is big I've only got 42 inch

I wanted the 65 inch but the wife wouldn't allow me to get it, it was only £50 more and we have space on the wall...just. I was over ruled.

You need to put your foot down and tell whose boss😁

Cheers 👍 Who does the commentary?

Cheers 👍 Who does the commentary?

The boss told me exactly who is the boss!

The commentary is the BBC Wiltshire commentary thats on the radio, but there is often a few seconds delay between the commentray and the pictures. Sometimes you hear we have scored a goal and you haven't actually seen it go in yet.

We’re as long as 2/1 with some bookies. Looking at the mess they’re in, good value.

The boss told me exactly who is the boss!

Wow for a home team against a (currently) basket case of a club who lost their first fixture yesterday is really long odds.

We might get through a cup game - might.

You married a Parisian too did you?

Oooh.

A competetive match day thread. Exciting.

I'm going to miss it; I'll be on a beach somewhere. Or in a pub.

Snap. I would have made an effort to watch had it been allowed. Just have to wait until the Rochdale game to get my fix.

Swindon v Charlton | Sat 12 Sept | 3pm KO | Match Preview

Football League Cup - 1st Round

Swindon Town v Charlton Athletic
Saturday 12th September 2020 ... 3pm Kick-Off
Referee: Brett Huxtable (Devon)

Introduction
As we enter our ninety ninth season in the Football League has there ever been such uncertainty surrounding this historic Football club? - Of course we've been minutes from worse outcomes yet once again the troubles that surround Charlton Athletic just refuse to go away... There is an opportunity to focus on matters on the pitch now though, this Saturday we travel to fellow League One side: Swindon Town for what'll no doubt be a brief spell in the League Cup.

It may be a competition little will care about, but its a chance to see and support this great club on the field (where matters should be taking place!!), surely thats whole point in this current fight for the club?

The Opposition
Name: Swindon Town | Manager: Richie Wellens
Last Season: League Two (Champions) - EFL Cup: First Round

The mess that COVID created last season means that our opening salvos in the 2020/21 season involve cup competitions, already we've seen an impressive display from the youngster in the EFL Trophy, now its a chance for the First Team to get some much needed minutes in what'll be the last chance before we travel to Crewe on the opening day of the League One campaign next weekend.

Swindon Town themselves returned to League One partly thanks to the points per game method which would see them only completing thirty six games, yet that decision wouldnt change their placement and with a game in hand on those around them its difficult to tell if they were going to fall away, with the second highest Goal Difference, you'd think not... Its meant though that whilst the Addicks were fighting for their Championship surival, our opponents on the other hand havent played a competitive game since March (a 2-0 defeat at home to Forest Green Rovers) so may well be more rusty compared to their South London opponents!!

Changes have been made to the squad with Jack Payne joining on a free transfer from Lincoln the pick of the bunch, the one time highly rated prospect at Southend has struggled in recent years and will be looking for a fresh start in Wiltshire!!

Charlton Team News
As always lets get the easy news out of the way first... Dillon Phillips so dependable last season will no doubt want a return to the Championship, the shot stopper has already signalled his intent to return to that level so wont appear in a Charlton shirt until a new contract has been signed. As a result we'll be seeing Ben Amos with Ashley Maynard-Brewer as the Goalkeeping options for the foreseeable future!!

Its in defence thats the overall concern; Deji Oshilaja and Ben Purrington are our sole options at the back at present what with Jason Pearce now out for six weeks - It means that Darren Pratley will surely start at the back with George Lapslie continuing to show his versatility at Right-Back... Further forward and there will be hopes that Alex Gilbey will earn his first start in Charlton colours, the signing from Franchise was absent from our pre-season friendly in Surrey last weekend due to stomach problems!!

Amos
Lapslie | Oshilaja | Pratley | Doughty
Gilbey | Forster-Caskey | Morgan
Williams
Bonne | Washington

Substitutes Bench: Maynard-Brewer | Vennings | Oztumer | Dempsey | Davison

Prediction
Lee Bowyer has already admitted that this particular fixture will be used as nothing more than a Pre-Season friendly and with our depleted squad / transfer embargo its the wisest approach to take - Cup competitions this season are nothing more than a distraction sadly and should be removed from what'll become a congested calendar as quickly as possible... A win may well boost morale but a winnable fixture against Crewe Alexandra next weekend should remain the ultimate focus on the pitch!!

Tuesday nights Mickey Mouse cup will be available.

all that deal means is that any game on sky will be broadcast on ifollow at the same time, where as before they werent

I think (barring injuries) that we will line up as....

                     Kovar
Caddis     Baudry  Fryers       Hunt
                Grant
                        Doughty
Payne              DJ            J Smith
                  T Smith

did Baudry not get an injury at the weekend?

I think that line up, although it wouldnt be an aerial threat would be a defenders nightmare.

Grant can sit and do what Grant does, Doughty won't have to move around a lot just act as playmaker and let DJ/Payne/J Smith do the leg work, all have loads of pace and close skills and Tyler up front is very fast too.

Doughty won't have to move around a lot just act as playmaker and let DJ/Payne/J Smith do the leg work,

Whenever I read such things (and I think the same) it reinforces the strange idea in my head that Doughty is some sort of immobile veteran, he is only 27!!

Oh he is by no means an immobile veteran but moving fast is not in his game, he has never had pace but he can read a game so well and if others can do the running for him that leaves him free to start attacks.

Wellens dropped him last season for what he saw as a lack of effort, which TBF he came back and in the 2nd half of the season he was tackling players and looked the sort of all round player everyone knows he can be.

Charlton Athletic boss confirms some of his starters for EFL Cup tie at Swindon Town

Darren Pratley will start Charlton’s EFL Cup match at Swindon Town on Saturday.

And Addicks manager Lee Bowyer has also confirmed that Ben Amos, Alfie Doughty, Jake Forster-Caskey and Macauley Bonne will also come back into his side.

Pratley sat out Tuesday’s EFL Trophy tie at AFC Wimbledon.

But he is set to come into central defence with Charlton down to one established centre-back – Deji Oshilaja – due to injury to Jason Pearce (knee) and the exit of Tom Lockyer, who signed for Luton earlier this week.

Pratley played in the backline in Saturday’s 3-0 friendly reverse at Crystal Palace.

Bowyer is desperate to sign players but the transfer embargo means he only has one slot to fill in the 23-man squad.

“Pratley will come back in and the three lads on the bench that came on the other day will start,” said the Addicks boss. “We’ll be a lot stronger.

“But I said after the [Wimbledon] game that it’s not like we left 11 at home – we left four and two were injured.

“We’ll bring Ben [Amos] back in goal.

“[Alex] Gilbey has just been struggling with his stomach but that seems to have settled down now and we’ll see over the next couple of days if he gets through it. Chuks [Aneke] should be back training. Both of them won’t start but will hopefully be on the bench.”

I think the team will be ssme that started at Bristol City

RW has said Frenchie won't be risked.

Good point and nobody would have dropped Hoddle in his day who never run a lot, couldn't tackle or head the ball😁

Doughty's tackling last season, like Hoddle's, even though welcome always saw my heart in my mouth

Doughty's tackling often led to bookings for him with poor timing, not a forte of his to say the least!

6 yellows and a red card are testiment to that!

But saying that from Christmas onwards his tackling did improve a lot.

Interesting stat.

For a player who is neither hard nor dirty.

It was good to see him putting himself about.  Although his eye for a pass was matchless, we had enough midfield creativity for any suspension not to be too critical.

Off topic, I know, but I wonder how that compares with Grant or Lyden?

Off topic, I know, but I wonder how that compares with Grant or Lyden?

Not sure but here are some figures from last season in L2. Grant appears in every one.

Tackles Won
1.    Mohamad Sylla • Oldham Athletic    71
2.    Ebou Adams • FG Rovers    62
   Jay Harris • Macclesfield    62
   Josh Sheehan • Newport County    62
   Anthony Grant • Swindon Town    62
6.    Perry Ng • Crewe Alexandra    60
7.    Ibou Touray • Salford City    59
8.    Mike Jones • Carlisle United    56
9.    Harry Pickering • Crewe Alexandra    53
10.    Tom Hamer • Oldham Athletic    49
   Alex Gilliead • Scunthorpe Utd    49

Interceptions   
1.    Ben Richards-Everton • Bradford City    59
2.    Mohamad Sylla • Oldham Athletic    58
3.    Greg Taylor • Cambridge Utd    57
4.    Anthony O'Connor • Bradford City    56
5.    Jordan Tunnicliffe • Crawley Town    55
6.    Aaron Martin • Exeter City    54
7.    Mike Jones • Carlisle United    53
   Scot Bennett • Newport County    53
   Fiacre Kelleher • Macclesfield    53
10.    Anthony Grant • Swindon Town    51

Fouls Committed   
1.    Ryan Bowman • Exeter City    82
2.    Joss Labadie • Newport County    74
3.    Jamille Matt • Newport County    69
   Josh Gordon • Walsall    69
5.    Lee Angol • Leyton Orient    68
6.    James Hanson • Grimsby Town    64
7.    Frank Nouble • Colchester Utd    62
   Anthony Grant • Swindon Town    62
9.    Vadaine Oliver • Northampton    60
10.    Paul Lewis • Cambridge Utd    59

Fouls Drawn   
1.    Ebou Adams • FG Rovers    149
2.    Charlie Goode • Northampton    88
3.    Josh Sheehan • Newport County    83
4.    Anthony Grant • Swindon Town    82
5.    Joss Labadie • Newport County    75
6.    Perry Ng • Crewe Alexandra    73
7.    Dominic Bernard • FG Rovers    71
8.    Danny Rose • Mansfield Town    68
9.    Luke Hannant • Cambridge Utd    65
10.    James Vaughan • Bradford City    62

The Oldham lad seems decent and dosen't give fouls away

He plays in France now for Laval.

I can't say I remember him as most Oldham teams have been boring over the years but the stats don't lie and he was obviously good in that position

I’ve got my new Spartans top ready for the game tomorrow!

Ey?

Η Swindon Town Football Club είναι ένας επαγγελματικός ποδοσφαιρικός σύλλογος του Swindon, της περιοχής του Wiltshire και αγωνίζεται πλέον στο League Two. Ιδρύθηκε σαν Swindon AFC το 1879, μετατράπηκε σε Spartans το 1880 και εν τέλει σε Swindon Town το 1883. Η έδρα της είναι το County Ground, που έχει χωρητικότητα 15.728 θεατών και αγωνίζεται εκεί από το 1896.

Me too. Copy and paste job!

Originally the club were called Swindon Spartans before morphing into STFC.

The worst ones are those that you have to explain yourself.
I believe your Greek post translates as “Geoff the Ref you are a fucking disgrace, so piss off back to Twitter you cunt”.  Or something similar.
Sorry to disappoint you.  :D

I think that you need to see your GP for a review of your current medication.

Not sure but here are some figures from last season in L2. Grant appears in every one.


Fouls Drawn   
1.    Ebou Adams • FG Rovers    149
2.    Charlie Goode • Northampton    88
3.    Josh Sheehan • Newport County    83
4.    Anthony Grant • Swindon Town    82
5.    Joss Labadie • Newport County    75
6.    Perry Ng • Crewe Alexandra    73
7.    Dominic Bernard • FG Rovers    71
8.    Danny Rose • Mansfield Town    68
9.    Luke Hannant • Cambridge Utd    65
10.    James Vaughan • Bradford City    62

What did Adams do to piss off so many players?

Yeah I thought that, almost double the fouls of the next player. That or he was good at faking being fouled.

If Wellens is treating this as a final pre-season game tomorrow. I wouldn’t now be surprised if Pitman starts the game to get some minutes into his legs.

NO FANS ALLOWED AT MATCHES = ANOTHER COVID COP-OUT.

That guy approaching attendance at 1,000 competitive STFC games? Let him be a ball-boy at the next few games.

Won't the prevailing westerly wind (ask Grecians) be a threat to the players as people with flu symptoms will be tested in CG carpark? Thought not.

What time does CGH open for pre-match pints?

CALL OUT "MASK WANKERS".

Oh, I predict a 3-3 cracker. STFC through on pens.

CALL OUT "MASK WANKERS".

Can ifollow overseas season ticket holders watch the Charlton game? Is it in our package?

So who plays today? Given its being spoken of as the last friendly i assume there are some players they will still want to get minutes into, particularly Conroy and Pitman. Competition for places already so does J Smith start or settle for the bench for the familiar Payne/DJ/T Smith access?

Lots of possibilities so looking forward to see how we start.

Their front 2 of Bonne and Washington will be dangerous but other than that there is nothing to fear.

Is Johnny Williams still away on international duty?  Big plus if he is

I still think we will line up like this:-

                     Kovar
Caddis     Baudry(Odimayo)  Fryers       Hunt
                Grant
                        Doughty
Payne                      DJ                    J Smith
                  T Smith

Fryer(Matthews)
Hope
Palmer
M Smith
Curran (Conroy)
Iandolo
Pitman

Washington is definately away on international duty.

No Lyden?

I've a feeling RW will rest Baudry today going off what he said in the last TOTT. As we well know though, what he says and does are often not the same thing...

Edit: Good point...Lyden's not injured is he?

Our front men will be too strong for Swindon 3-0 win.

3-0 to Swindon

First step on the route to Wembley, 0-1 Charlton.

Generally, it makes sense to make the friendly before your first league game a league game in terms of your approach and mentality. Hopefully this will be the case tomorrow. I know it is a cup game but it becomes an ideal set up game. I do think Bowyer sometimes tries to be too clever but it would be good if the team he picks isn't a million miles away from the team that starts on the 12th.

Comfortable 3-0 win for the Addicks.

Just got a strange feeling this might not be our year to win the League Cup.

Our squad is so threadbare 6-0

0-0, lose on Penalties 

Sadly with the players at Bowyers disposal, I can’t see past a 2 - 0 loss.

It’s the league cup, we lose.  2-1.

No idea how good or bad Swindon are but as it stands I don't see us scoring in a month of Sundays. 2-0 & the team get back early Sunday morning after it takes them 4 hours to figure out the Magic Roundabout. 

Even without Williams and Washington we have a good enough team to beat Swindon . Bowyer has done a brilliant job with the resources available to him 2-1 to the Addicks  .

1-2 Bonne, Oztumer

2.1 the mighty Addicks. 

2-1 loss.

it's a cup match - we loose

I wasn’t even aware we were playing Swindon . We’ll lose - we don’t do cups

Inevitable defeat!

As long as the players turn in a decent enough performance, Lee Bowyer will be very happy to go out of the competition today and comments from Swindon’s Richie Wellens suggests that he shares that sentiment

So basically its going to be 0-0 until penalties - Even those will get missed by everyone with the sole scorer being the fella who's bored and just wants to go home

Can't see beyond a home win in the circumstances. 

At the risk of adding to the recent nonsense

then we equalised when a floated ball into the box was nodded in by a horse.

At the risk of adding to the recent nonsense, I had a dream where Charlton scored first, then we equalised when a floated ball into the box was nodded in by a horse. Maybe Boo is getting into my dreams now and adding cryptic references, we'll have to wait and see.

Regardless of my dream, I think we'll turn them over 2-0.

Two sides who 'don't do' cups it would appear  :hmmm:

Two sides who 'don't do' cups it would appear  :hmmm:

Still intriguing game as we were two leagues apart only a few months ago

Yeah I thought that! something is gonna break!

Absolutely - looking forward to it...
The moveable object vs the resistable force as one manager once said many years ago (no idea which one) :hmmm:

Absolutely - looking forward to it...
The moveable object vs the resistable force as one manager once said many years ago (no idea which one) :hmmm:

I am really looking forward to our first competitive match since March 7th, 182 days!

I have a feeling it could go down to penalties today.

I am really looking forward to our first competitive match since March 7th, 182 days!

I have a feeling it could go down to penalties today.

Yeah, literally neither manager wants to win  :)

Best 2/1 bet I’ve had in a long time.

Piece of piss.

How much did you put on £2😁

Yeah I thought that! something is gonna break!

I think the last time we beat them was when super Tim took charge when we were live on sky😁

I dont think it works doing it that way

Appreciate the prompt response mate.
I will run it through my PC thus a bigger screen.
Thanks tans 👍

I have my pass and account sorted.
Has anyone ever ran a game from an iPad and streamed it through a TV screen?

Doughty's tackling last season, like Hoddle's, even though welcome always saw my heart in my mouth

You can always HDMI your PC  onto your TV, which is my plan.

I have just got IT involved and my kids have gone through their laptop and now connected to the TV.
I am officially a redundant old fucker that needs to be put out to grass or shot :)
Appreciate the post though mate. The IT department will be receiving a bonus.

57 soon😁

Is that your age, Jimmy, or did you just happen to read it on a tin of tomato soup? :I'm a complete mofleakin Deak

All over the 13/8 Swindon win on Skybet considering Charlton supposedly have half a defence and the likes of Jonny Williams away on int duty.

57 soon😁

At the risk of adding to the recent nonsense, I had a dream where Charlton scored first, then we equalised when a floated ball into the box was nodded in by a horse. Maybe Boo is getting into my dreams now and adding cryptic references, we'll have to wait and see.

Regardless of my dream, I think we'll turn them over 2-0.

Is that your age, Jimmy, or did you just happen to read it on a tin of tomato soup? :I'm a complete mofleakin Deak

Me and Dukey will both be 57 over the next thee months🤣

Well, I’m 10 years ahead of you, and let me tell you, it doesn’t get better as you get older. Just more bits keep falling off. 
Now, where’s that fucking Nurse? :nurse: :moon:

Well, think I'm going to save myself £10 plus the cost of a VPN and go for a ride on my bike (unless someone tells me the game is streaming somewhere).

Good luck today and the rest of  the season  .3 nil win today and  beat  Blackpool to the div 1  championship  will do very nicely thank you."COME ON YOU REDS"

You don't need a VPN for any game this season :)

But you do need a tenner !!.

But you do need a tenner !!.

Interesting, this season you can choose the home or away commentary on iFollow.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EhJzoydXkAEFGVs?format=jpg)

I think Cads will be displaced when Donahue signs and everyone is fit.

                Kovar
Hunt Odimayo Fryers Iandolo
    Doughty Grant Lyden
Payne        Smith            DJ       

Will miss PVs updates  as one who can't get the iFollow. Hope someone can keep us up to date.

Well one person would appreciate it!!!!

should we be hearing this on ifollow by now?

Thought it was Donkey that headed the ball.

I'm not getting anything yet mate.

I see Rob Harley has managed to continue watching STFC co commentating on BBC Wilts

Have you turned up the audio option in the settings menu? Mine was set to off as default.

Yes my old mate Rob, he spoke to me yesterday saying he managed to wangle it!

Not even getting the option of 'Listen Now' or 'Watch Live' as normal.  :hmmm:

I see Rob Harley has managed to continue watching STFC co commentating on BBC Wilts

Fair play to him, desperate times call for desperate measures.   Although pretty sure he would have been co-commentating virus or no virus.

Yeah, I'm in Spain visiting my folks now, 'Watch Live' has come up now but saying we need to buy the game yet earlier said we had access already.  We're very confused.

Yeah, I'm in Spain visiting my folks now, 'Watch Live' has come up now but saying we need to buy the game yet earlier said we had access already.  We're very confused.

Yeah, I'm in Spain visiting my folks now, 'Watch Live' has come up now but saying we need to buy the game yet earlier said we had access already.  We're very confused.

Cup games aren’t available to oversees subscribers.

Cup games aren’t available to over-sees subscribers.

said we could listen to it on ifollow until yesterday!

Rob never normally does comms for home games only away ones.

Cup games aren’t available to over-seas subscribers.

Is it worth using a VPN and pretending to be in the UK and buying the match video?

Oh that's OK then. I'll watch it live on French telly then. Brilliant they've managed to sell the rights all round the world.

FFS   :badmood:

My dad has VPN setup through his home server and I have goo enough data on my phone to hotspot that so we should be OK, seems rough that us overseas who have subscribed to iFollow since the very start aren't allowed this game though.

but its ok, we can watch us play the scruffy yam yams u13s on tuesday

I don’t think you can in fairness  :D

but its ok, we can watch us play the scruffy yam yams u13s on tuesday

Subscribed on laptop. Does the feed start bang on 3? No build up?

This is bonkers, turns out that it's working through Windscribe as a vpn even though it blocks it from the UK if you're trying to appear abroad.

Novelty drinking wine and watching a game on TV :)
Would rather be at the CG though and looks wrong with those empty seats and no noise.

I'm fucked, I'm new on Ifollow and I bought a video match pass it says I have access to this match. I can't see anywhere to access the stream

Thats somewhat counterintuitive.

At least we're sorted  :crash:

This is bonkers, turns out that it's working through Windscribe as a vpn even though it blocks it from the UK if you're trying to appear abroad.

Click on the ifollow menu, then click on next match and then click on Watch live.

Thanks, now listening on app!

3 subs I believe PV. Going by other EFL Cup matches today.

One of the few not watching today as abroad. Enjoying sitting in the sun with PV’s text updates :)

Me too PV.

Constantly buffering....or just me?!

Constantly buffering....or just me?!

ok here too

So we're still shit at corners this season then

So we're still shit at corners this season then

Not a surprise though as only Fryers and Odimayo are an aerial threat for us. We need to be more clever with them.

Your buddy on the radio mentioned we need a brick shithouse centre half to go with what we got

I would agree with him too.

Your buddy on the radio mentioned we need a brick shithouse centre half to go with what we got

The problem is that those kind of defenders that have the ability to play the ball out from the back are few and far between. Zakuani was ideal as a brick shithouse but was awful with the ball at his feet and it just didn’t work the way Wellens wants to play.

I would be happy if we got REG back, but a plyer like Nelson would be good, different to what we have.

grant gives away a foul in the middle, careless.

Well i have tried to watch with Ifollow but can't get the option to buy the match, fuck knows what is going on..

I would be happy if we got REG back, but a plyer like Nelson would be good, different to what we have.

Nelson was awful with his feet though. We need all 11 players on the pitch to be ball players or our whole way of playing doesn't work. The odds on finding a powerful ball playing centre back at this level is slim to none, they be in demand in much at a much higher standard. The lack of height is a compromise we have to make to play the way we do.

Shaun taylor was not good with his feet but all he has to do is win the ball and give the ball to a player who can pass a ball.

Anyone able to watch this in iFollow on a laptop? It works on my phone, but just hangs on my laptop. And, obviously, no response from support on the chat function First time I've tried using iFollow and not impressed at all

Anyone able to watch this in iFollow on a laptop? It works on my phone, but just hangs on my laptop. And, obviously, no response from support on the chat function First time I've tried using iFollow and not impressed at all

I’ve turned the sound off, between the sound quality and nonsense these commentators talk I can’t listen to it, glad I’m usually at matches and don’t need to listen.

Harsh. You haven’t had the joy of Dave Hockaday.

Harsh. You haven’t had the joy of Dave Hockaday.

:shudders:

Yes watching on my laptop

I booed at my iPad on the half time whistle to make things a bit more realistic.

Thankfully but these 2 are pretty poor as well.

Windows or Mac? Which browser?

How come Rob Hartley has got the chance to co commentate? Bit of a piss take that

:shudders:

I think it’s fair to say that we’re watching a work in progress. Town’s midfield and defence seem a bit disjointed, which seems surprising as they’re essentially the same as last season.  However, we’ve got to allow for the fact that they’ve played no competitive matches for months.  Some nice skills throughout the team, but lack of understanding is a predictable issue at the moment.  Still, so good to see a real game at last.  Charlton are more together than I’d expected.

Windows or Mac? Which browser?

Because he's a regular co-commentator? Don't see the problem. In fact, can't see anything thanks to fukcing iFollow

Really? I think they’re pretty good.

Because he's a regular co-commentator? Don't see the problem. In fact, can't see anything thanks to fukcing iFollow

whassup with your ifollow?

Windows 10 and chrome

No idea, just hangs when I try to click play on the video. Get the quarter circle thing rotating sometimes, other times it just sits there.
Yeah that's what I have. Pfft.

Not too disappointed witht he first half performance.

Still not convinced our CBs are good enough, Iandolo is not a left back, he looks very good going forwards but he struggles defending, Hunt is Hunt, never lets us down.

Kovac looks good with the ball at his feet and made a couple of saves, decent debut he could do nothing with the goal.

Grant is still the best midfielder on the pitch, Doughty lost the ball a few times and doesnt quite look fit but he has made a few classy passes.

Lyden made a couple of mistakes but he has energy and set up a few chances.

DJ not looking at his best yet lost the ball a few times in good positions, the same applies to tyler Smith, not seen enough of him yet in dangerous positions but hes not done too badly so far.

Payne frustrates as much as he excites, in equal measure. Hes been our best attacking option so far though.

The difference in stepping up a league is that you can't give the opposition any chances as they will take them, over all, we did well but we need to create a little more and still have a few defensive issues to fix.

The game though is a free hit and a good run out.

They just seem to have random conversations and no awareness about some things actually going on on the pitch. For example they were laughing about us appealing for a throw in when Grant kicked the ball out, we weren’t appealing for a throw in at all it was the fact Grant was being fouled as he tried to move forward. Without the video I don’t think I’d be able to follow the game based on their comms.

Some people are born miserable

No idea, just hangs when I try to click play on the video. Get the quarter circle thing rotating sometimes, other times it just sits there.

Yeah that's what I have. Pfft.

Iandolo should have scored.

Sounds like we are still shit at taking corners

Harsh x2

Because Iandolo’s header went a yard wide? FFS

Once you’ve got there and effectively a free (diving) header you’ve gotta be hitting the target.

Bit glass half empty. Iandolo did well just to get there.

One thing that has come out of the match so far is that Kovář seems very confident and assertive in the area. Early days but he's done well to quell the new keeper anxiety

That wasn't a touch, that was a caress

I think our 2 weakest links today have been players that won’t get much game time this season - Odemayo and Iandolo.

Cant win matches with such poor defending :no:

I think our 2 weakest links today have been players that won’t get much game time this season - Odemayo and Iandolo.

But.........it's not really our first choice defence is it🤔

Well we did say, if Johnny Smith produces what we saw in pre season that he would cause problems.

The boy, had that touch been by the feet of Messi the world would be in a fine stupor of footballing climaxes. What a steal to get him on loan. Lloyd who?

Shame we have conceded after the foul. But I'm strangely not fussed if we win, lose or draw this now. I've seen enough and there are things to work on but no one expects it all to click on the first game. But there are some good bits all clicking and Town certainly have will have a lot of possession this season, in time and over the course of the season, I think we'll make that count more often than not.

Now stick Big Boy on for 10 mins and show us what he's got. DJ not quite been on it today.

Plenty of positives to take from this.

Agreed hopefully Baudry and Conroy are fit they’ll stay that way and Iandolo will lose his place to Donohue as he’s a class above at left back.

Cant win matches with such poor defending :no:

No but if we were playing a league game its our best fit defence at the moment.

I think our 2 weakest links today have been players that won’t get much game time this season - Odemayo and Iandolo.

Maybe Wellens will address next week with a loan

Someone like Fryers or Woolf would be handy, able to cover at fullback as well as centre half.

At least losing will mean 1 less midweek game which would be a blessing...

Unfortunately he will as we have too many sick notes in Baudry and Conroy  plus Broadbent seems to not be in the frame

extra cash is always useful

Lloyd Isgrove.

Do you get much prize money in this? Without the chance of bumper crowd I doubt there’s much in it.

1-3

Do you get much prize money in this? Without the chance of bumper crowd I doubt there’s much in it.

great block by Kovac

Do you get much prize money in this? Without the chance of bumper crowd I doubt there’s much in it.

dunno.

 ifollow money is always good

Kovář, it's Kovář.  :)

It appears that the away side were underestimated by some

It appears that the away side were underestimated by some

Kovář, it's Kovář.  :)

It appears that the away side were underestimated by some

I think classing Conroy as a sick note is harsh - he’s been very unfortunate with 2 near career ending injuries.

Good old Captain hindsight here  ;)

Maybe so but neither he of Baudry can be relied on at the moment and what is on show today is the defence which is poor.
We need a quality defender as its obviuous we are venerable in the area. Grant will be playing there soon.

Corner to Town
Great block by Kovac
Says it all

After last season, I'd almost forgotten one of things I hate most about losing is the parade of doomsters, no-lifers and told-you-so merchants that emerge from the woodwork.
:doh:

After last season, I'd almost forgotten one of things I hate most about losing is the parade of doomsters, no-lifers and told-you-so merchants that emerge from the woodwork.
:doh:

I agree, time to come off the TEF and sleep on the result.

I am not overly worried by that but it shows we need a left back, a centre half (or 2) and Jonny Smith has to start. Impressed in the main by the keeper and Grant was excellent. Payne looks a handful. Hopefully Pitman will get passed the ball in the next game so he can show us what he is all about.

Its difficult for a defender like Odimayo, hes not going to be good enough to cope with strikers of the calibre of Bonne and Aneke at such a youthful point in his career.

After last season, I'd almost forgotten one of things I hate most about losing is the parade of doomsters, no-lifers and told-you-so merchants that emerge from the woodwork.
:doh:

I think we are shit at corners Do you agree ?

I think we are shit at corners Do you agree ?

I agree, time to come off the TEF and sleep on the result.

I am not overly worried by that but it shows we need a left back, a centre half (or 2) and Jonny Smith has to start. Impressed in the main by the keeper and Grant was excellent. Payne looks a handful. Hopefully Pitman will get passed the ball in the next game so he can show us what he is all about.

Its difficult for a defender like Odimayo, hes not going to be good enough to cope with strikers of the calibre of Bonne and Aneke at such a youthful point in his career.

Other than the one Iandolo should have scored from?

soapy tit wank you make me laugh Bamboo. Calling me a troll. You only need to read through your last few posts on this forum to see who the real troll is. You thrive on having arguments with other members on this forum. I feel sorry for you as this forum is probably a big part of your life and you enjoy winding up and having arguments with other forum posters.

Overall the better team won today but it’s to early in the season to judge the team. I think we will look different with Pitman upfront. Defending wasn’t great and we will face better attaching units this season. As long as we avoid relegation it will be a good season.

Why do you hate Twine and Iandolo?

Did you get bombed out the youth team whilst they got pro deals or something?

I agree, time to come off the TEF and sleep on the result.

I am not overly worried by that but it shows we need a left back, a centre half (or 2) and Jonny Smith has to start. Impressed in the main by the keeper and Grant was excellent. Payne looks a handful. Hopefully Pitman will get passed the ball in the next game so he can show us what he is all about.

Its difficult for a defender like Odimayo, hes not going to be good enough to cope with strikers of the calibre of Bonne and Aneke at such a youthful point in his career.

I rate Iandolo and he did well to get there but once you get to the ball and have a free header on goal you have to hit the target. I don’t think he’s a full back and would be better as a wingback but he’s useful squad player. As for Twine I didn’t think he had shown he was ready to play first team football for us and ultimately he’s gone on loan which reinforces that view.

You've mentioned this - a few times actually. Almost to the exclusion of everything else. Did you watch the game?

I rate Iandolo and he did well to get there but once you get to the ball and have a free header on goal you have to hit the target. I don’t think he’s a full back and would be better as a wingback but he’s useful squad player. As for Twine I didn’t think he had shown he was ready to play first team football for us and ultimately he’s gone on loan which reinforces that view.

Fair points.

Just seemed like you were particularly fixating on the Iandolo header in this thread but can’t argue with anything you just said.

Johnny Smith, not only a great talent but must say, talks very well and an awesome attitude. Basically not dwelling on today and already focused on the next match. He went on to say that this is mirrored throughout the dressing room and that he is committed to winning football matches for Swindon Town.

Impressed by him. Top lad.

Tend to agree(for a change)
Could turn out to be another Keshi  Anderson or Nathan Thompson

Just watched the highlights:

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12064606/swindon-1-3-charlton

First goal: Odimayo playing too deep and playing everyone onside. Iandolo let his man get goal side too.

Second goal: Fryers doesn't win the header and no one is covering the far post. Odimayo gets beaten by his man and both Grant and Hunt miles away from their player.

Third goal: Kovar shouldn't be beaten from there on his near post.

Our goal: Excellent control by J Smith followed by calm execution. Didn't see any of that in our other chances.

Good text commentary Pete god knows how you were able to watch & type at the same time as well as reacting to comments and without any spelling mistakes😁 You come across as a journalist!!

All done on the same PC too :) spelling is always a problem when you type quickly.

I only do it (much to the disdain and chagrin of several posters) because for so long I listened on the radio only and you often had/have no idea where the ball is on the pitch, who has scored and sometimes even which team has scored!

I just summurize a few highlights that seem important at the time they happen, sometimes with my own views which again upset some posters like Stefpol/redbuck/newmarket/Mother Brown etc

Also when you are listening they often chat about the colour of players boots or new hairstyles etc and don't actually tell you who is playing well and who is not, which team is to the fore and which defending, where on the pitch free kicks are etc etc

If there is still a need this season then I will carry on, if not then I will cease, as RWB said he wanted it then I am happy to do that.

And yes I have studied journalism many years ago and have had several reports printed in the Adver and down here in Somerset in the past but thats certainly not a path I would ever choose so happy to be a layman reporter.

Audrey is Caractacus Potts  :)

Don’t take on so!

Is it more cactus pots? :D

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/JhwAAOSwrUhbbpdc/s-l300.jpg)

PV, I was really grateful and hope you will feel up to continuing!! Those of us outside Wiltshire cannot even access the radio, the BBC live site is rubbish, and your summaries are so much better and more timely than the Adver site. Thank you.

PV, I was really grateful and hope you will feel up to continuing!! Those of us outside Wiltshire cannot even access the radio, the BBC live site is rubbish, and your summaries are so much better and more timely than the Adver site. Thank you.

I only do it (much to the disdain and chagrin of several posters) because for so long I listened on the radio only and you often had/have no idea where the ball is on the pitch, who has scored and sometimes even which team has scored!

I just summurize a few highlights that seem important at the time they happen, sometimes with my own views which again upset some posters like Stefpol/redbuck/newmarket/Mother Brown etc

Also when you are listening they often chat about the colour of players boots or new hairstyles etc and don't actually tell you who is playing well and who is not, which team is to the fore and which defending, where on the pitch free kicks are etc etc

And yes I have studied journalism many years ago and have had several reports printed in the Adver and down here in Somerset in the past but thats certainly not a path I would ever choose so happy to be a layman reporter.

Perhaps there could be a separate commentary thread so that those who are not interested/violently object can 'opt out'.

Or they can just ignore it? like I do with threads I don't agree with or like.

So seeing as you referenced me directly i'll exercise my right to reply :-)

Firstly you are entitled to do as you wish and i agree that the radio commentary does indeed ramble  off topic. It's highlighted more when they link it to the Ifollow stream as the supporter can see for themselves although it must be difficult because presumably there are both radio and streaming viewers tuned in.

Your updates don't upset me as you suggest i just point out, generally after the home games I've attended, where your opinion which you offer up is obviously wrong in order to give a balance.

IMHO Iandolo gets all his negative actions highlighted whereas you often skip over or give less coverage to other players.

I've often found Journalists can be biased and one sided.

Sorry if you find the responses not to your liking

Fans opinions on a player's position amuse me. Iandolo is a left back. He'll be back up to Donahue. You can tell this because that's where RW plays him.

Same as Fryers. Drives me mad when people put their ideal 11 or squad analysis or whatever and have him as a LB. He's a CB. RW has stated this numerous times.

People are allowed opinions that are different from the consensus, in either direction.

At least we won't have to endure Iandolo at LB much this coming season. Defence was poor apart from Hunt, keeper looks a good replacement for BFG.

Game was basically a friendly so not overly bothered but that defence does bother me if we go into the season with that back 4.

It’s impossible to disagree with those who say that this player or that player had a poor game or was at fault etc etc.  However, as I said soon after the game yesterday, the team as a whole was clearly a work in progress, and individual shortcomings are almost inevitable in that sort of situation.  The defence was not functioning as a unit, and frankly neither was midfield, nor the forward line for that matter. The most glaring failure was the lack of any understanding between defence and midfield, laid bare by Charlton’s second goal, where as the ball went into the net Grant was looking like a lost soul surrounded by empty spaces where defenders should have been.

Yes there were positives - Kovar looks like a real find, and his coolness with his feet is either scary or brilliant (further matches will sort out which, but for now I’ll go for brilliant.  Good use of throws out too.  I like him already!  Jonny S was also exceptional and it’s telling that his goal owed very little to any of his teammates.  Another Wellens gem, I think.

Let’s not be too negative - Wellens did say very clearly that he regarded yesterday as part of the preparations for the season, and we’ve got plenty of proven quality getting ready to return to the team.  Most importantly, though, wasn’t it great to see the team back on the pitch playing a real match?  COYR.
 :) :)

I think there were a lot of positives yesterday as I posted straight after the game.

The defence did concern me as it was too easy at times for Charlton, and we are now up against a far better quality of footballer than last season it shows up any deficiency we have in the team.

That said it was definately not our full first team as almost half are unavailable still due to fitness issues, Conroy, Caddis, Pitman, Donohue, Broadbent would all probably be ahead of the ones that played in their positions and 4/5 of those being defenders.

I think with a few extra bodies we will still be more than competitive in this division, bear in mind as well that most of the Charlton team were playing 2 divisions higher than us only a few months ago.

Well after reading back, the performance couldn't have been that bad if the main point of contention on here seems to be JJ's commentary..  we do have some posters now with strange priorities it seems..

The line that made me chuckle was "your opinion which you offer up is obviously wrong"..  isn't the whole point of an opinion is that it is correct in the eye of the beholder?

I've said it before and i'll say it again - opinions are like arseholes and are exactly what forums are for, however posters should just stop getting so emotional about other posters having them.

I've said it before and i'll say it again - opinions are like arseholes and are exactly what forums are for, however posters should just stop getting so emotional about other posters having them.

There's nothing wrong with contrasting opinions as long as the opinions offered are seemed to be based on some sort of thought or perhaps the weighing of the sort of evidence available to fans.  It becomes a problem when the opinions offered seem to be the sort of SRK style, first thing that comes into te head after a temporary removal of the aluminium foil helmet.

There's nothing wrong with contrasting opinions as long as the opinions offered are seemed to be based on some sort of thought or perhaps the weighing of the sort of evidence available to fans.  It becomes a problem when the opinions offered seem to be the sort of SRK style, first thing that comes into te head after a temporary removal of the aluminium foil helmet.

Well said Berniman.  Your photo (if indeed that is you) matches your comment perfectly - pissed off and frustrated!

You cannot deny that Iandolo was at fault directly the for the Bonne goal, thats blatant but he was stood behind the man he was marking for the header for the 2nd goal too, nowhere near the header in the box as he put it accross for the scorer, and then for the 3rd goal he was further up field ahead of Aneke as the ball was passed to him as he scored, his defensive positioning was very poor for all 3 goals.

Sorry can't let that go.

With the greatest respect that's not how the 2nd and third goals came about. Iandolo wasn't marking the man who made the header back across the box he had a man out wide which he was in position to defend. He was drawn into the ball yes but it wasn't his man and also the scorer ran past Grant but wasn't tracked and had a free header.  For the 3rd, Aneke was man marked by our CH who was turned and nutmegged and then beat the keeper near post.   

Plenty of team defensive errors rather than Iandolo being directly responsible for all three goals.

Still all about opinions, here's to Tuesday to see if he gets another go.



 

Sorry can't let that go.

With the greatest respect that's not how the 2nd and third goals came about. Iandolo wasn't marking the man who made the header back across the box he had a man out wide which he was in position to defend. He was drawn into the ball yes but it wasn't his man and also the scorer ran past Grant but wasn't tracked and had a free header.  For the 3rd, Aneke was man marked by our CH who was turned and nutmegged and then beat the keeper near post.   

Plenty of team defensive errors rather than Iandolo being directly responsible for all three goals.

Still all about opinions, here's to Tuesday to see if he gets another go.



 

Iandolo is a cheap utility player who can do a job anywhere down the left when needed, very much in the David Duke mould. He’s not first choice left back, probably not even second choice as defensively he isn’t the best but he is a useful squad member. He won’t play Tuesday as Wellens has said he will play a completely different XI.

Sorry can't let that go.

With the greatest respect that's not how the 2nd and third goals came about. Iandolo wasn't marking the man who made the header back across the box he had a man out wide which he was in position to defend. He was drawn into the ball yes but it wasn't his man and also the scorer ran past Grant but wasn't tracked and had a free header.  For the 3rd, Aneke was man marked by our CH who was turned and nutmegged and then beat the keeper near post.  

Plenty of team defensive errors rather than Iandolo being directly responsible for all three goals.

Still all about opinions, here's to Tuesday to see if he gets another go.

IMHO Iandolo gets all his negative actions highlighted whereas you often skip over or give less coverage to other players.

Charlton get near our box for the first time but Iandolo clears it.

Iandolo finds Smith on the corner of the box but his shot is poor and at the keeper.

Hunt puts the free kick into the box but Iandolo is a fair way away with the header in the box.

Iandolo gives away a defensive header and puts us under pressure.

better defending header by Iandolo.

Iandolo nowhere near the through ball as it goes over Odimayos head and great finish.

Odimayo and Iandolo at fault with that, the keeper had no chance.

Iandolo is not a left back, he looks very good going forwards but he struggles defending

Iandolo intercepts a long pass and gives it straight back

Payne near post to Iandolo, good diving effort but well wide in the end.

Doughty to Iandolo down the wing, good take by Iandolo and decent hard cross but the ball goes out of play off DJ.

Iandolo wildly shoots from a wide angle, not much of a chance.

Grant gives away the ball for the first time, Iandolo blocks the shot though.

Poor pass by Iandolo when we were attacking with Payne outside.

Very poor right footed cross by Iandolo in a good position.

Better cross from Iandolo but nobody on the end of it.

I haven't seen your match analysis before excellent attention to detail

Thank you, I just post what I see :)

It must take a while to put together

Not when you are bored and with no work to do :)

PV - looks like we are going to have to agree to disagree. 

We could go round in circles but your first picture is nicely cropped to leave out the wide player that Iandolo was marking initially, his man. When the free kick is not likely to reach his man he goes in to double up against the very good target man. I'd say it's Fryers responsibility to complete better. If the header had been flicked on then having been sucked in he'd have been in the wrong position but it wasn't Fryers lost the header and Grant forgot to cover the run. 

Your second photo looks like a three on one to me i'm not sure where you think he should be, if he's back marking the CF then there are two men free, one with a chance to turn and run at Fryers. Iandolo appears to be trying to close the ball and cover the wide man at the same time. Not much midfield support.     

You see it's easy to see different outcomes, I've never said he's not a weak link and he should probably only be a utility if we can get in top div 1 players in but IMHO he gets more stick / blame than is warranted on occasions just like, as has been said elsewhere. David Duke.

Didn't see the game (wife got her, thankfully negative, covid results so we went out), but came back to a defeat and bloody pages on here.

Can some one summarise;
Are we not very good
Have we got too excited
Should I hit the panic button

Can some one summarise;
Are we not very good
Have we got too excited
Should I hit the panic button

1.   Too many imponderables to tell yet
2.   Not sure who we is
3. The alarm bell always comes before the panic button.... see 1.

I think we need to be very wary that the last time Wellens managed at this level, he was relegated. Add to that the off field ownership saga and losing 3/4 very important players, I think our priority this season should be to stay above the dotted line.

I think we need to be very wary that the last time Wellens managed at this level, he was relegated. Add to that the off field ownership saga and losing 3/4 very important players, I think our priority this season should be to stay above the dotted line.

Can we move on please?  Don’t we have a game tomorrow that we can talk about? :D

In defence Odimayo did ok for his 1st team debut, hes quick but his positioning needs some work, but he was up against a couple of very good strikers for this level in Bonne and Aneke.

but he was up against a couple of very good strikers for this level in Bonne and Aneke.

I'd agree with most of PV's asessment,

He looked well off the pace to me, and just positionally suspect.

But he's a young lad making his debut. He played OK against Coventry and he's not first choice.
Hopefully he'll settle and become a useful asset.

very true
 

Good point Jed, perhaps you could book 'em?

I am pretty sure quagmire is ‘mocking’ Reg a little with his comments guys.

I’m glad someone noticed!  :D

I’m glad someone noticed!  :D

I’m glad someone noticed!  :D

Saturday will indeed be the real test.

We will be up against a side that barely escaped relegation last season by the skin of their teeth.

If we can more than match them then I feel we will have a far better feel of what may happen this coming season, as you state and as I stated previously Charlton were 2 divisions higher than us only a couple of months ago and that showed, especially in their attack.