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Back in the summer, Charlton boss Chris Powell set down a huge statement of intent for the coming season by signing 21 new faces.

This large recruitment drive made some people question his ambition with many feeling that it may take some time for the team to gel. A rather average pre-season cemented this overall opinion.

However they were quickly proven wrong and instead the Addicks hit the ground running, never looking back after their victory on the opening day of the season against Bournemouth.

A strong start meant they found themselves in the top three after the first month and on the 17th September they moved to the top of league after a 3-2 victory over Rochdale. This was a position where they have remained for the rest of the season and after last week’s 1-0 win over Carlisle United, Charlton will be officially be playing in a higher league from next season. It has been a real domination of the league by Powell’s men and to be promoted with a few games remaining demonstrates this.

So what has made this Charlton team so strong this season? Well you definitely cannot look beyond the amazing defence, which for most the season has been the strongest defence in England and with just 31 goals conceded in 43 games, is there any wonder they lead Sheffield United by six points? Along with an impressive 20 clean sheets. They always say the best teams start from the back and if you get those fundamentals right you’re going to go a long way.

Chris Powell has successfully managed the loan market this season. Just when there appeared a panic as we suffered back to back defeats at home he ventured in to the market to bring in Dany N’Guessan and Lee Cook. N’Guessan has helped scoring three goals in six appearances, whilst Lee Cook got a vital assist in a 2-0 win over Orient.

So not only has he brought in the right players over the summer but even when they are getting exhausted with the long campaign, he has been able to recruit to give us the extra boost when we most needed it. He certainly has the eye for talent and only quality managers see this talent throughout the whole season.

In the summer I would have settled for a top six place with us giving the top two a run for their money. But never in a million years, after the last two seasons, would I have predicted seeing my Charlton remain top of the league from September to April. It’s been a season to be a proud Addick and there is no doubt this team, with Powell in charge, can go a long way.

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So come on Charlton lets get the four points needed to see us crowned as Champions and then see us build a team next season that can compete in the top half of the Championship. Up the Addicks.

You can follow me on Twitter @MartinJohnson94

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So last night, I renewed my season ticket for next year’s Premier League campaign.

It hurts to see your side crash and burn in such a devastating manner, but it’s even more difficult to accept that the club have decided to boost ticket prices, again, despite such another disappointing season, in terms of silverware and league position.

Despite being such a dedicated supporter of The Arsenal, it’s always hard paying such a big chunk of cash right here, right now. Unfortunately, it’s a drug and I’m addicted to it. And is there a cure? Definitely not for me!

Anyway, it’s done. It’s paid for. I would moan, but my complaints would only be echoes of what every Gooner on the planet is saying at the moment. Certainly, it’s a topic that doesn’t need any explanation or opinion from me.

Moans and groans aside, we can now turn our heads to next season and begin to start looking forward to “an active transfer window” – those are the words of Arsene Wenger.

A few of my Arsenal friends have suggested to me that we could drop towards mid-table, IF we don’t have a successful transfer window.

I agree with this, to an extent.

I understand that we need to buy a number of quality players that will deliver for us when we need them to, at both ends of the pitch.

Alternatively, I also appreciate that we need to flog a few of our under-achieving individuals. Players who we’ve held onto for a number of years now, should be encouraged to find a new club.

There’s no doubt that they are still very good footballers. I’m confident that we’ll recieve multiple offers from clubs from all around the world. But we have got to understand that the players just aren’t good enough, if we are going to bring back the glory days.

I’ll admit that I am probably a little too generous when it comes to giving players chances. But even I will state that it’s clear to pick out the players in our side, who should be nudged towards a move away from North London – unless Denilson wants to make the short trip up the Seven Sisters to Tottenham?

Jokes aside (and hatred…. oh, and bias too!), every one of them has had a decent moment somewhere down the line. Although it’s obvious to see that the time is up for some of them, we’ll always remember them for their commitment to the cause.

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Naturally, I’ll wish them all good luck for the future. There’s no doubt about that. But I’ll always remain adamant that these kind of players moving away from Arsenal is an obvious step forward for the club.

I’ll pray that we all have an enjoyable transfer window, with many new faces coming in that will strengthen our side, in our bid to become a dominant force in world football once again.

Read more of Mike Harvey’s articles at Arsenal Insider

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I’m all for players ‘letting their hair down’ but when it comes at the expense of your manager’s beliefs then where is the line drawn? Despite “Mancini’s pleas to England pair Joe Hart and Adam Johnson to behave, the pair were pictured downing shots and beers along with Gareth Barry and Shay Given at a party in Scotland.”

The story comes as a slight shock considering it isn’t that long since Joe Hart and Adam Johnson were last given a stern ticking off in relation to their off field antics. Hart was seen enjoying himself in Spain before returning to International duty for England and Johnson has received criticism from Mancini regarding a supposed poor attitude.

It has been well documented that the “Italian coach finds the English drinking culture difficult to understand, claiming it would not happen in his homeland.” However, Mancini must understand, whether right or wrong, that there is a drinking culture in the country in which he is working. It could therefore, be argued that if his players, in their down time, wish to drink who is he to prevent them from doing so.

This argument however, is a double edged sword. I can understand Mancini’s reluctance to allow his players to drink as it is his neck on the line should results not go their way. Should players hedonistic exploits off the pitch affect their on field performances then surely Mancini has a point. It would also seem immensely unfair if the Italian was to lose his job due his player’s lack of responsibility.

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Some might feel that Mancini is making a mountain out of a molehill, “in a country where drink is a rite of passage for most teenagers why should we expect our young footballers to be any different?” Ryan Giggs serves as an example of a young gifted footballer who enjoyed a party here and a few drinks there, yet the former Welsh International is still playing at the age of 36.

In the modern game the Italian is not alone in his views adding weight to his stance on alcohol. Arsene Wenger once said that if “he had to pick one of the two, he would rather his players smoked than drank such was its debilitating effect.” This seems rather extreme considering the fact. Usain Bolt admits to a taste for Guinness, suggesting that, in moderation, drink does not have an entirely negative physical effect on professional athletes’ performance.

Having looked at the pros and cons of the modern footballer enjoying a drink, I personally do not have a problem with footballers enjoying a few drinks. I do however, alter my opinion when ‘these few drinks’ have an adverse affect on their professional and personal lives. You wouldn’t need to rack your brains to come up with an incident, or six, when a footballer’s irresponsible attitude towards alcohol has had disastrous consequences.

If you like what I’ve written why not follow me on twitter

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Fulham’s Moussa Dembele has emerged as a potential transfer target for a growing number of high-profile Premier League clubs. Tottenham had been strongly linked with a move in January but it appears that they now face strong competition from both Arsenal and Liverpool, according to talkSPORT.

Dembele has excelled in his new role as an attacking midfielder this season and with this contract set to expire next year, speculation has begun to intensify surrounding his future in southwest London.

Fulham are hoping a £15m price tag will scare off potential suitors this summer for a player who maintains he is content at Craven Cottage for the time being, although has expressed an interest to play at a higher level in the future.

Dembele told The People: “I’m not concerned about losing time here, but it’s clear that I’d like to play at a higher level.”

The 24-year-old has acquired many admirers since his move from AZ Alkmaar in 2010 and his current manager Martin Jol is adamant he can play at the very top,

“In a few months, maybe a year, he will be like Rafa van der Vaart, Dembele will learn and go on to become one of the best players in the Premier League.”

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Moussa Dembele has scored 6 goals in 53 games since his move from Holland in the summer 2010.

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Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic had nothing but praise for Barcelona after they won the Champions League on Saturday.Vidic’s side were torn apart by Barcelona, who were simply on a different level to their opponents as they ran out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa.

“I think if you look at it we have never played a team in the past like Barcelona, they played good football and deserved to win,” Vidic told ITV after the match.

“We tried to press high and in some parts of the game we did well. The goals we lost, we didn’t do what we have to do to close their players down. When they have time on the ball they can make the final pass and that is what they did.”

Vidic’s defensive partner, Rio Ferdinand agreed with Vidic that they were outplayed and outclassed by the Spanish champions.

“We gave it a better shot this time than last time (in Rome in 2009), we had a couple of opportunities,” Ferdinand told Sky Sports.

“We got back in it at 1-1 and thought we could come back and win but it wasn’t to be, we have to give them credit.”

“A couple of the goals were preventable but you have to give credit where it’s due. They’ve got a system they work to and did it well. We had a game plan we thought could beat them, but wasn’t to be.”

The match marked the last appearance of goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar’s career, with the 40-year-old bowing out on a sour note.

“(I played) one game too many I think, it is not nice to lose of course. They had the better chances and we made one or two mistakes and they punish you,” van der Sar told ITV.

“They are very good, you have to try and score the first goal and we didn’t do that. It is not always a given, I thank everyone for the memories.”

When it comes to football chants, every season British football fans outdo themselves with imaginative songs. At any Premier League stadium across the country on a Saturday afternoon you’ll be able to hear some classic chants, many of which are much more intelligent than ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ The songs that focus on specific players that have become cult heroes at their clubs are particularly impressive, and while some chants, such as recent Wayne Rooney ones and songs directed at the former Liverpool owners, can’t be repeated here, it doesn’t mean that their lyrics aren’t extremely clever.

It’s not only football fans who cheer on their teams either, as cricket supporters are known to like a good sing song. The England cricket team is always well supported by the Barmy Army and just like their football counterparts, everywhere Andrew Strauss and co. go they’re followed by trumpeters to get the crowd singing and to add to the atmosphere. Somewhat surprisingly, England’s main rivals the Aussies are one of the few cricketing nations not to have an iconic cricket chant, and with the Ashes on the horizon that’s something that needs to be put right. To rectify this the Australian nation is being invited to come up with a brand new chant.

MILO is encouraging Aussies to compose and record their own cricket chant to be in with a chance of winning $10,000. In just a few weeks time the Aussies will be attempting to win back the Ashes from the Pommes and Ricky Ponting’s men need a chant that the whole crowd will know so that it will spur the team on. Without a great song the SCG will be drowned out by chants of ‘Barmy Army, Barmy Army, Barmy Army.’ That’s something no Australian cricketing fan wants!

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To be in with a chance of winning $10,000 all you need to do is record and then upload your cheer video to www.milo.com.au where you’ll also find more information about the competition. This will help the Aussie cricketing faithful to get one up on England’s Barmy Army and by cheering your boys on you can play your part in helping Australia win back the little urn. It’s about time that fans of the Australian Cricket Team had an awesome cricket chant to sing as they watch the Pommes getting hammered in the Ashes!

Manchester United will be on a mission this summer to add quality players to their ranks as they look to claw back the gap created between rivals City and themselves. 

Manager Jose Mourinho has already acted early, bringing in the likes of Fred and Diogo Dalot already, and there is a growing feeling here in the Tavern that more and more players could be set to walk through the door at Old Trafford.

Our landlord tends to agree, and he thinks that only players of real world class ability will cut the mustard in terms of improving the first eleven.

Those players are out there, and one man our landlord thinks would be a superb addition for the Red Devils is Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, who has once again been showing his talents over in Russia this summer.

Valued at £49.5m by Transfermarkt, the impressive form Spurs man often looks a cut above most other players on the field, and he has been a key man for Real Madrid ever since making the move to the Spanish capital from Spurs.

Classy with the ball, able to create out of nothing, and someone who can win a game with a piece of magic on his own, Modric would be a superb addition at Old Trafford if a deal could be struck.

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United fans, what do you think? Good signing? Let us know in the comments!

Newcastle face a tough trip to Anfield this weekend, where Liverpool are yet to lose in the Premier League this season, hoping for a result that will boost their chances of survival. Jurgen Klopp’s side are arguably playing the best football in the top flight after pace-setters Manchester City, but the Magpies will take comfort from their last outing against a top six side, beating Manchester United at St. James’ Park, and the fact Rafa Benitez certainly knows a thing or two about picking up points on Merseyside.

So, will Liverpool maintain their superb run of form or could Newcastle return to Tyneside with one or potentially all three points? Football FanCast’s writers have their say below…

John McGinley

If you’re a Newcastle fan you have to be worried about this one. Win, lose or draw, Liverpool have scored at least two goals in their last six matches and have the tools to demolish a Magpies defence that will be fearful of the likes of Mohamed Salah before the game even kicks off. The Reds know that a win could open a massive gap on fifth place Chelsea, who visit Man City, and they’re unlikely to mess about, roared on by a proud home support.

Christy Malyan

Liverpool all day long. Jurgen Klopp’s side have really found their groove in recent weeks and I can only imagine Newcastle being completely overawed at Anfield, as they have upon visiting big six opponents throughout this season. Perhaps Benitez can work some magic at his former stomping ground, but Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane look simply unstoppable at the moment and it’s often overlooked that Liverpool are yet to lose a home game in the Premier League this season, winning eight of 14.

James Beavis

It’s hard to look beyond Liverpool simply because of the form of the front three. Newcastle will have to do something special and something the likes of Southampton and West Ham haven’t managed in recent weeks in stopping those individuals scoring and creating goals, which seems to be an almost impossible task. Benitez will have a plan, but it won’t pay off on Saturday.

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West Ham are sitting in fourth and have occupied that elusive Champions League spot for consecutive weeks. This is not normal for West Ham, and it’s certainly not the normal under Sam Allardyce.

The criticism was as rife as ever during the summer, and after a dismal pre-season, the Big Sam moaners were out in full-force. Allardyce has put up with an incredible amount of criticism from the second he stepped into Upton Park as the West Ham manager, the majority of it being unwarranted.

In his first season he was given the simple target of gaining instant promotion – he did it.

In his second season it was all about Premier League survival – comfortably, he did it.

For his third season it was again about Premier League survival – uncomfortably, he did it.

It’s now his fourth season in charge of West Ham and things are going very well indeed. The current Hammers squad is the best for a long time and the fans are starting to dream of more than just survival. More importantly, there aren’t many sides who have stuck by their manager through the kind of incredible fan pressure that has been exerted at the Boleyn Ground. West Ham are living proof that sacking a manager isn’t always the answer.

Regardless of how well he’s doing, he is still a long way from getting the credit of the ‘Fat Sam Out’ brigade, as they find it impossible to swallow their pride and admit how wrong they were.

Although it would feel rather strange chanting ‘Big Sam’s claret and blue army!’ for the first time after he has spent three full campaigns at Upton Park, it would not be undeserved. I don’t for a second believe that Allardyce is the type of manager to listen to the crowd’s chants in the hope that he hears his name, however on this occasion it may well give him an immense amount of pride to finally feel accepted by his own supporters. It’s still unlikely to happen anytime soon.

If there is one outstanding attribute that he holds, it’s his attention to detail when it comes to preparing tactics for each and every opposition. Some managers simply rely on their way being the right way, whereas Sam is willing to try many different methods in order to combat stronger sides defensively, or to target opponent’s weaknesses i.e. Mangala vs Man City.

Allardyce should be a manager who fills the supporters with confidence due to the fact that he is always prepared. The myth of long-ball football is finally leaving him behind after supporters are realising that he plays to his sides strengths and equally avoids their weaknesses.

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The Hammers’ style has morphed drastically since last season. That’s no surprise given that two quick strikers have replaced one laboured giant, and a player of Alex Song’s quality is running things in the midfield.

Sam didn’t change things single-handedly but he certainly knew what he was doing. I don’t think he, or anyone for that matter, had envisaged it going as well as it is, but it’s about time Sam Allardyce got the credit he deserves from all West Ham fans.

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Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas rates Jermain Defoe level with Radamel Falcao as the best striker he has worked alongside.

The Portuguese boss coached £50m rated Falcao during his time at Porto, but insisted that his current first choice striker is just as good.

The Colombian was instrumental in AVB’s Europa League winning campaign, prior to his arrival at Chelsea, netting a number of key goals, including a strike in the final.

Although the 26-year-old is one of the top attackers in Europe, Villas-Boas singled out Defoe as being just as good:

“Jermain knows how to score goals.” He is quoted by The Mirror.

“He has been doing it for all of his life. I certainly put him alongside Falcao.

“I don’t have a lot of experience. The experience I have is with a couple of strikers, but I put him up there with the best.”

Villas-Boas has coached a number of fine forwards in his time at Chelsea and Porto, including Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Hulk, but believes that Defoe’s instincts make him one of the best:

“At Chelsea, things were a bit different – irregular in terms of our goal-scoring ability. We reached January with Didier and Fernando on three goals each, which makes things a little more difficult.

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“This [Defoe’s goals] is what a manager wants – a striker on top form. Jermain’s hunger for goal is extreme.

“This is what pleases you, as a manager. It makes things easier for you to work with because you don’t have to teach a lot.

“He smells every cross and when the opportunity is there to tap it in. Plus he has the ability to turn on the defenders and he still has the pace in him to cause chaos.”