This is getting manic, and if it carries on, we might hve to start employing full time staff to cope with our post bag every week, as oppo fans seem to be falling over each other to come and talk to us, well I suppose it makes a pleasant change from the usual abuse.
We are indebted to Daniel Pascoe (below) aged 24 for a second helping of Trash Talk for you to enjoy, lets hope they are taking care of all the former Dons players down there at the Valley, all the best for the season Daniel.
Tell us a little-known fact about your club?
Charlton are currently giving away a £70k Range Rover to someone who buys the match streams. It belonged to one of the directors who were planning on bankrupting and asset stripping the club. All of the others we’re sold on to recuperate the costs, however our new owner is doing this as a show of commitment to the fans. Fingers crossed I win it!
What impact has Covid 19 had on your club, do you worry for its future if this continues?
At Charlton, we’ve had it both ways. We were in a dire situation at the start of this season due to ownership problems. We were days from folding, and I’m sure the lack of ticket sales did not help with this. A few weeks into the season, Charlton were taken over by new owner Thomas Sandgaard and things finally look on the up after many years of turbulence and the finance are now (thankfully) stable.
As well as this, at the end of last season, we had a few players (including our main goal scorer) refusing to play the rest of the delayed games. I think that if COVID was taken out of the picture, those players would have played those games and we would have had more of a fighting chance at staying in the Championship.
What has your club done to compensate fans on season ticket sales?
Those fans who bought a season ticket have been given the offer to request a refund or to be given a monthly allowance of “CAFC Cash”. This cash is used to pay for the match streams, and any cash left over at the end of the season can be used to pay for next season’s ticket.
What were your expectations for your club pre-season, and have you changed your mind on what you have seen so far?
At the start of the season, I would have been happy with a mid-table position. We were under a transfer embargo and were operating on a one in one out basis. Our management team had to get quite creative with the signings but then since the takeover, we have been able to sign some quality players. I would be disappointed if we didn’t get into the automatic promotion places by the end of the season. However, I wouldn’t say no to another playoff final win!
Who has been your breakout player this season?
I would have to say Ian Maatsen. He’s a young Dutch defender on loan from Chelsea and it’s not hard to see that he has real star potential. He has made it really tough for the opposition so far this season, and always works hard right up to the final whistle. Honourable mentions have to go to Albie Morgan who has improved massively since getting the odd minutes here and there last season and Charlie Barker who hadn’t played any senior football before the start of the season and has made it hard for some experienced attackers to get past him.
Who should Dons fans watch out for as a game-changer?
Chuks Aneke has really looked dangerous this year. He has been coming on as a super sub at around 60 minutes and changing the game. He’s a strong player and there aren’t many players who can handle him. Couple that with the fact that he’s calm in front of goal and it looks like we’ve got one hell of a player now that he has hit his form.
What’s your opinion on iFollow?
Charlton don’t use iFollow and instead use their own streaming service called Valley Pass. That being said, most Charlton fans are in the consensus that it’s quite pricey. At £10 a pop, it really adds up – especially at this time of year when money gets a bit tighter. We have 7 games lined up for December, so it isn’t cheap. It would be nice to see the prices be dropped a bit more, even by a few quid.
Match prediction?
I’m going to say 2-0 Charlton. As of writing this we have just come off the back of a 4-2 defeat to Burton Albion which hurt to watch. We’ve been playing a centre mind and a right back at centre back and the goals came after sloppy mistakes. However, by the time Charlton and the Dons play, we should have some of our players back which would be a real boost. I’m also hoping that we will bounce back with a win against Ipswich Town and we ride the momentum.
Who is a good tip for promotion and relegation?
Although I may be a bit bias, I think Charlton for promotion and unfortunately Wigan for relegation. They’ve had way too many issues with their ownership which got them relegated last season too. It’s a real shame to see.
Where do you think the MK Dons will finish up this season?
The Dons have had some mixed results so far; drawing with Shrewsbury but winning at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland. However, I’ll play it safe and say I think MK Dons might end up mid table this season.
