After another relegation season, FanZone correspondent Ian Wells-Gaston is dreading Charlton's League One campaign.
It's doom and gloom down at The Valley
After another relegation season, FanZone correspondent Ian Wells-Gaston is dreading Charlton's League One campaign.
But, apparently, that's a good thing when you're a lifelong Addick...
Q&A sessions cancelled, one-all draws with non-league clubs, only one new signing and potentially four of our best players (Zheng Zhi, Jonathan Fortune, Matt Holland and Jonjo Shelvey) leaving...
Forgive me if I don't hide the huge sense of dread I am feeling about the new season! To make matters worse, my friend is a Wycombe fan who will be visiting to see the game, and no doubt I will be subjected to hours of crowing when we undoubtedly underperform yet again.
I appreciate that these comments may seem pessimistic, but I think pessimism is a good quality to have as a Charlton fan. We are frequently underwhelmed and disappointed, so if being pessimistic allows you to enjoy the very rare glory moments then I'm all for it!
Dedicated
Needless to say, I have been an Addick since youth and even if we were relegated to the Conference I would still stick by the team, as would many of our loyal supporters who have stuck by the club despite having to witness poor management, appalling over-priced signings and all-round mismanagement by the board.
Such dedicated fans deserve so much better, even just a taste of success for once to alleviate the familiar sense of disappointment, which I am sure I frequently share with other fans when Charlton let a good lead go to waste again.
I think the least we can ask for this season is for the players to show that they are up for the fight, which they will need to be in League One. Given the evidence of last year's dismal campaign and the fact that many of the same players still remain, however, I have to say I'm not expecting too much.
There is room for hope that once the fabled 'takeover' is completed (if ever) we will be able to strengthen, buying some of the grit and determination our own players have lacked recently.
But, as always with Charlton, things never turn out how you expect them to...
Do you agree with Ian's views, or are you more positive about the season ahead? Join in the FanZone debeat by filling in the feedback form below to have your say on the Addicks.
