Charlton Athletic

Palace take action against Dowie
Crystal Palace have taken legal action against former boss Iain Dowie, who has been named as Charlton's new manager. Palace chairman Simon Jordan confirmed the club intend to serve Dowie with a writ for "fraudulent statements about his reasons for leaving the club". Dowie left the Palace job he had held since 2003 on 22 May and Jordan said: "He told me he wanted to go back to the north to be with his family. "My club waived compensation because he said he wanted to return to the north." Dowie had a compensation clause in his contract which meant if he left for another club they would have to pay Palace £1m. However, Jordan agreed to waive that clause and it is this that prompted the chairman to take action. "I released him from a #1million compensation clause because he said he wasn't going to do what he's done," said Jordan. "Iain Dowie had a #1million compensation clause in his contract and there is no reason why I would take that out unless it was as a gesture of goodwill. "I'll prove it to the High Court. I would not issue a writ on a point of principle, I issue it on a point of law." Dowie left his post at Selhurst Park by mutual consent and was immediately linked to the Charlton vacancy. Jordan made it clear at the time he would be unhappy if Dowie were to switch to The Valley saying: "I would be disappointed if Iain were to turn up at Charlton. "He understands my view. I have made this situation far less acrimonious than it could have been." Dowie, however, has publicly said he wanted to leave Selhurst Park for a "new challenge". A court representative tried to serve Dowie with the writ during the media conference at The Valley but he was turned away. Dowie insisted he had not held discussions with Charlton before leaving Palace. "The first conversation I had with Charlton was two days after," said the former Northern Ireland international. "If that is what he (Jordan) feels then that is what he feels but it totally misrepresents the conversation I had with Simon. "I'm not going to let it sour a good day for me."

Charlton youngster joins Watford
Watford have signed Charlton central defender Sheku Kamara. The 18-year-old has been playing for the Addicks' academy and reserve teams over the last few seasons and had a trial with the Hornets. Kamara impressed in his two appearances for Watford's reserves and three games for the under-18's side. He told Watford's website: \"It's a good set-up here and everyone has treated me well. Now that I've settled in, I'll be looking to break into the first-team.\"

charlton appear to winning the race to sign jimmy floyd hasselbaink as he will be at charlton on monday for a medical,according to sky sports news. hasselbaink may be in the autumn of his career,but his scoring record and free transfer status has caught the eye of a number of clubs. celtic held talks with the former chelsea hitman last week,but failed to match his demands and this has allowed the addicks to step in. it would appear that new carlton boss dowie has come up with a suitable package for hasselbaimk as he will go through the rigours of a medical on monday. hasselbaink has proven his class in the premiership during spells with leeds,chelsea and middlesbrough and dowie will hope he can forge a classy partnership with darren bent.

Addicks seal deal for Hasselbaink
Charlton have signed Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on a free transfer from Middlesbrough. The 34-year-old is seventh on the list of all-time Premiership goalscorers, with 125 goals in 263 appearances for Boro, Leeds and Chelsea. \"He brings leadership to the club. He's a leader in the dressing room and on the pitch,\" Addicks boss Iain Dowie told the club's website. \"He's played for Holland and his goal record is outstanding.\" Hasselbaink said he was relishing the chance to play for the Addicks and still has what it takes at the age of 34. \"It's going to be a big challenge and I think it's the right move for me,\" he said. \"The club is moving in the right direction and wants to achieve things, so I'm delighted to get that opportunity to be part of that. \"I've definitely got the hunger and I definitely think I've still got at least two years left in me.\" Dowie hopes Hasselbaink can form a strong striking partnership with Darren Bent up front. He added: \"When I met Jimmy at his apartment what struck me first and foremost was the hunger that he still has. \"He was very keen to learn how ambitious everyone at the club was and find out what we were striving towards, and in the latter years of his career he wanted to make sure that there was a purpose and targets for him. \"He brings goals to the club and also an infectious enthusiasm - he is a bubbly character and always has a smile on his face.\" Leeds paid Portuguese side Boavista £2m for Hasselbaink in 1997 and he went on to strike 22 times in his debut campaign. He scored 20 the following season before joining Atletico Madrid for £12m in 1999. But after Atletico were relegated, Chelsea paid £15m to bring him to Stamford Bridge in June 2000. In four successful seasons with the Blues, Hasselbaink netted 88 goals in 177 appearances before leaving for Middlesbrough, where he netted 34 times in 89 appearances. \"Jimmy is a winner and I think it's a big signing for us, particularly in light of the competition we were up against,\" said Dowie. \"There were a lot of clubs in for him, let's make no bones about that. \"With no disrespect to anyone else, to get the first big signing over the line is very important for us. And he's a big one. We're delighted to have him. \"

Hasselbaink hit by charge from FA
The Football Association has charged Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink with improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute for his claims about Chelsea. The Charlton striker alleged his former club paid players a bonus after the 2004 Champions League win over Arsenal. A Premier League inquiry into what would have been illegal bonus payments found no evidence to support the claims, which were denied by Chelsea. Hasselbaink has until 14 August to respond to the FA's charge. The former Dutch international made 156 appearances for Chelsea between 2000 and 2004. And he played 84 minutes of Chelsea's 2-1 victory in the Champions League quarter-final, second leg at Highbury on 6 April 2004. As a result, Chelsea went through to the semi-final after a 3-2 aggregate win over the Gunners - and Hasselbaink claims Blues' stars were given an extra cash reward. Hasselbaink moved to Middlesbrough at the end of that season before joining Charlton in July 2006.

Welling 1-0 Charlton
Simon Walton sliced the ball into his own net as Charlton lost for the third time in four pre-season friendlies. The goal came in the opening minute of the second half and was enough to secure victory for the Nationwide Conference side. Addicks manager Iain Dowie chose to field an inexperienced side for the Park View Road fixture. Jason Euell, Marcus Bent and Jonathan Fortune were the only three senior players in action.

Midfielder Faye set for Charlton
Newcastle United have given permission for midfielder Amady Faye to talk to Premiership rivals Charlton about a possible move to The Valley. The 29-year-old Senegal international was brought from Portsmouth to St James' Park in 2005 for about £2m by former manager Graeme Souness. \"We have allowed Faye to talk to Charlton,\" Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder told the club website. \"Now we have to see if he makes the move to London.\"

Charlton close in on Traore deal
Charlton are closing in on the signing of Liverpool defender Djimi Traore, according to the player's agent. Willie McKay revealed the 26-year-old full-back travelled to The Valley for a medical on Monday. \"Djimi is looking forward to the prospect of joining Charlton and playing regularly,\" said McKay The Mali international moved to Liverpool in a £550,000 deal from French club Laval in 1999 but is now surplus to requirements at Anfield. Having been told his first-team chances would be limited next season, Traore has also attracted interest from Bolton and Fulham. But it is Charlton who look to have won the race, having first opened talks with a view to a loan deal. Traore was a member of the triumphant Liverpool side that beat AC Milan in Istanbul in May 2005 to win the Champions League and he has made 160 appearances for the Reds. Iain Dowie, the new manager at The Valley, has promised a flurry of new arrivals ahead of their final pre-season friendly on Friday against Utrecht. \"I would be surprised if we don't have three or four bodies over the line by the time we play Utrecht,\" Dowie said at the weekend. Newcastle midfielder Amady Faye is also in talks with the Addicks.

Charlton snap up Faye and Traore
Charlton have signed Newcastle midfielder Amady Faye and Liverpool defender Djimi Traore. The Addicks have paid £2m each for Senegal international Faye, 29, and 26-year-old Traore. \"We're delighted to have made two quality signings, and they will both improve our first team squad,\" said Charlton coach Iain Dowie. \"We are also working very hard on several other signings. We hope to make further announcements soon.\" Faye was signed for Newcastle by former boss Graeme Souness 19 months ago for a fee in the region of £2m. But current Magpies boss Glenn Roeder revealed that with so many midfield players in his squad he was happy for Faye to leave. \"He hasn't given me any problems whatsoever,\" Roeder told the Newcastle website. \"I just felt that with the midfielders we have at the club, it was best not to stand in his way with him being offered the chance of more regular football. \"He was at our game with Villarreal at the weekend, and before he went down to London I wished him all the best for when the transfer went through.\" Mali international Traore moved to Liverpool in a £550,000 deal from French club Laval in 1999 but found himself surplus to requirements at Anfield. Traore was a member of the triumphant Liverpool side that beat AC Milan in Istanbul in May 2005 to win the Champions League and he has made 160 appearances for the Reds. Bolton and Fulham also expressed an interest in signing the player before Traore opted to sign for the Addicks.

Charlton wrap up Bolanos signing
Charlton have signed Costa Rica winger Christian Bolanos on a one-year loan deal from Deportivo Saprissa. Bolanos, 22, was in his country's squad for the 2006 World Cup and impressed during a trial with the Addicks. Charlton have a clause in the contract allowing them to buy Bolanos and his signing comes just a day after the captures of Djimi Traore and Amdy Faye. \"It has always been my ambition to play in the English Premiership,\" Bolanos told the club's website. \"Several European teams showed an interest in me but I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent at the club and have been made very welcome.\" Bolanos played for Saprissa against Liverpool in the World Club Championship last year and went on to have had a 10-day trial at Anfield. But that did not work out and, after games against Welling United and New Zealand for Charlton, he has become manager Iain Dowie's sixth summer signing.

West Ham bid for Green accepted
Norwich have accepted an offer from West Ham for keeper Robert Green. The Hammers have offered a fee which could eventually rise to £2m and any move would see them swoop for Green under the noses of Charlton. Green, 26, has already held talks with the Addicks as he recovers from a torn groin muscle that ruled him out of England's World Cup campaign. West Ham still have to agree personal terms with the player whose switch would also be subject to a medical. Green has made 241 league and cup appearances for Norwich after coming through the youth system at Carrow Road.

Carson signs for Charlton on loan
Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson has gone on loan to Charlton until the end of the season. The 20-year-old was England's third goalkeeper at the World Cup and is currently with the U21 squad. Last month the former Leeds goalkeeper extended his contract at Anfield by two years until 2011. He had a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday last season and was called up to England's World Cup squad after injury ruled out Robert Green. Carson becomes Liverpool's second England squad goalkeeper to go out on loan. Chris Kirkland, who is part of the senior England squad preparing for Wednesday's friendly against Greece, is currently on loan at Wigan.

Charlton capture midfielder Reid
Charlton have signed Tottenham midfielder Andy Reid on a four-year deal, which could be worth £3m. The Republic of Ireland international becomes Addicks boss Iain Dowie's fifth new recruit in the last nine days. Dowie said: \"Everyone is aware that the Premier League is about quality and ability on the ball. So we are delighted to clinch Andy's signing.\" Reid joined Tottenham from Nottingham Forest in January 2005 and made 27 appearances, scoring one goal.

West Ham v Charlton
The broken ankle Dean Ashton sustained on England duty has added to West Ham's injury woes ahead of the new season. The striker joins Matthew Etherington, Jonathan Spector, Robert Green and George McCartney on the sidelines. Charlton will field a host of summer signings, but Costa Rica winger Cristian Bolanos is awaiting a work permit and Cory Gibbs is injured. The defender has a knee problem and is joined on the treatment table by winger Jerome Thomas and striker James Walker. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Ham (from): Carroll, Pantsil, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Konchesky, Bowyer, Benayoun, Reo-Coker, Mullins, Harewood, Zamora, Walker, Mears, Collins, Tomkins, Dailly, Reid, Cole, Sheringham, Ephraim. Charlton (from): Carson, Young, Traore, El Karkouri, Sorondo, Hreidarsson, Hughes, Faye, Holland, Kishishev, Ambrose, Rommedahl, Hasselbaink, D Bent, Reid, Lisbie, M Bent, Myhre, Andersen, Ashton, Walton, Euell, Sam.

West Ham 3-1 Charlton
Two goals from Bobby Zamora and a late Carlton Cole strike saw West Ham come from behind to beat 10-man Charlton. Charlton took a 15th-minute lead through Darren Bent's penalty after a silly handball from Danny Gabbidon. But Djimi Traore's 26th-minute red card opened the door and Zamora tapped Lee Bowyer's cross in on 52 minutes. Zamora's second was a scruffy effort on 66 minutes, while substitute Cole made it three in injury time with a smart finish just seconds after coming on. West Ham totally dominated the early stages against a sluggish Charlton. Lee Bowyer set Zamora up for a threatening strike inside the opening minute, and Yossi Benayoun should have scored with a close-range header. The Addicks gradually gained a foothold in the game, with a neat run into the box from Luke Young followed by a couple of shoot-on-sight efforts from debutant Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. The Dutch striker was in the thick of the action when the goal did come, with a looped ball from Bryan Hughes aimed in his direction before the intervention of Gabbidon's arm. Ignoring passionate appeals from a wide-eyed Hasselbaink, referee Howard Webb consulted his assistant before awarding the penalty. Bent then stepped up to drive an unstoppable effort in off the post. Traore's debut for Charlton lasted just 26 minutes Charlton's hopes of driving home their advantage started to suffer when Traore picked up an unnecessary booking for hacking Bowyer down on the half-way line. Worse was to follow when - after conceding a foul for a clumsy challenge - the hapless Traore stuck out a foot to stop Bowyer's attempted free-kick and found himself red-carded just 26 minutes into his Charlton debut. West Ham thought they had equalised within minutes of Traore's dismissal when Harewood bundled the ball over the line, but his effort was disallowed for a push. The Hammers also felt hard done by when the referee waved away calls for a penalty after Harewood drove the ball against Matt Holland's arm from close range. But after the break, West Ham finally got the equaliser their play had merited when Bowyer's excellent ball across the box found Zamora totally unmarked at the far post. With the intelligent passing of Benayoun and Nigel Reo-Coker pulling the strings in midfield, West Ham were making the most of their extra man and pushing Charlton deeper and deeper. Zamora's winner had a touch of the football blooper DVD about it, but proved enough to win the three points. He mishit Bowyer's deflected cross weakly into the ground only to see the ball bounce over Carson, off the post and over the line as covering defender Hermann Hreidarsson missed his attempted goalline clearance. Bowyer hit the post after a glorious passing move, while Teddy Sheringham became - at 40 years and 93 days - the oldest outfield player in Premiership history. Bent had the ball in the net for a second time, but his goal was ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Roy Carroll. And there was just enough time for Cole - on his competitive West Ham debut - to fire home West Ham's third after Sorondo had played him onside in injury-time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Ham boss Alan Pardew on Lee Bowyer's excellent display: \"He had three assists and hit the post with a fantastic effort. \"He was an England international on that performance and I think he needed that for the fans. He proved he's going to be a major asset for us.\" Charlton boss Iain Dowie: \"The sending-off was a stupid challenge after he'd already been booked but the first booking was wrong. \"But when the ball bounces and someone stops it with his hand, is that not stopping a goalscoring opportunity? \"Are we disappointed with the result? Absolutely. Are we disappointed with the performance? No.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Ham: Carroll, Mears (Paintsil 45), Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Konchesky, Bowyer, Mullins, Reo-Coker, Benayoun, Zamora (Sheringham 82), Harewood (Cole 90). Subs Not Used: Walker, Collins. Booked: Harewood, Konchesky. Goals: Zamora 52, 66, Cole 90. Charlton: Carson, Young, El Karkouri, Hreidarsson, Traore, Ambrose (Sorondo 29), Holland, Faye, Hughes (Reid 71), Hasselbaink (Marcus Bent 64), Darren Bent. Subs Not Used: Myhre, Rommedahl. Sent Off: Traore (26). Booked: Traore, Young. Goals: Darren Bent 15 pen. Att: 34,937 Ref: H Webb (S Yorkshire).

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