Here We Go Again

Charlton Athletic 3-0 AFC Bournemouth.
Doesn't that look good for the first game of the season? And by all accounts a great game for Charlton fans to watch. Goals from new signing Dale Stephens, an absolute cracker from Scott Wagstaff and a penalty from new captain Johnnie Jackson was enough to see off a Bournemouth side who, like Charlton, promised so much early last season.


Sadly for Bournemouth the loss of their manager meant they lost their way last season and then losing players hasn't helped. Charlton, on the other hand, have bought a complete new team of which six made their debuts in the starting line-up and an another came on as a substitute. 


Listening to the commentary it sounded like the team has already gelled and that can only be good for the rest of the season. My main worry was that it would take a few games for them to settle in, but Chris Powell seems to have worked some magic. The team played like a team. Nobody seemed to be lost, or not sure of what they were supposed to be doing. They know what their job is and they do it. 


Yes there can probably be improvements. All teams can improve. but to hit the ground running on day one of the season is something Charlton fans could only have dreamed of. And whatever improvements need to be made I'm sure Chris Powell and his team will make them.


If we finish the last game of the season in the same position as the first there could be more than a few sore heads come 6th May 2012! Come on you reds!!