Charlton Athletic

Charlton Athletic
Charlton 2-2 C Palace Charlton's Jonathan Fortune struck in the 82nd minute to relegate rivals Palace from the Premiership. Palace had looked set for a remarkable escape after coming back from Bryan Hughes' early opener for Charlton. Eagles striker Dougie Freedman came off the bench and levelled within two minutes before earning a penalty which Andy Johnson put away. But Fortune, at fault for both Palace's goals, headed in a Jerome Thomas free-kick to send the Eagles down. It was a personal blow for Freedman, who saved Palace from relegation to the old Second Division in 2001 and had looked to have worked his magic again. But a point was not enough for Iain Dowie's side, who were overtaken by West Brom's victory against Portsmouth. Palace began the game well with Tom Soares finding space just a few yards out from goal but his shot was blocked by a desperate lunge by Luke Young. Wayne Routledge got behind the defence only to fire just wide and Ben Watson tested Kiely with a free-kick which he curled round the wall. After 28 minutes Johnson headed into the path of Routledge, who struck the sweetest of shots that was headed just inside the post before Kiely flung himself across goal to palm away for a corner. It looked only a matter of time before the visitors got in front, but they fell victim to a cruel sucker punch. Radostin Kishishev played an inch-perfect throughball for the onrushing Hughes who just managed to evade the challenge of Danny Butterfield to poke past Gabor Kiraly. It took Palace a while to recover and when Danny Murphy's free-kick found Jonatan Johansson he was a whisker away from putting the Addicks 2-0 in front. After 10 minutes of second-half frustration Dowie made a change, bringing off Butterfield and throwing on Freedman. It paid almost instant dividends as the striker latched on to a poor header from Fortune and lobbed Kiely to send the Palace fans crazy. Ten minutes later Freedman found room on the left and when his cross hit Fortune's arm referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot. Johnson had seen a penalty saved by Kiely in their 1-0 defeat to Charlton earlier this season. But he made no mistake this time by sending him the wrong way for his 21st goal of the season. It looked like the fairytale story was about to come true, but Fortune spoiled their day when he rose highest to head in Thomas' free-kick. Freedman had one last chance to save the day, but Kiely brilliantly blocked his shot and ended Palace's hopes of another season in the top flight. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charlton: Kiely, Young, El Karkouri, Fortune, Konchesky, Kishishev, Johansson, Holland (Thomas 67), Murphy (Sam 76), Hughes, Bartlett (Rommedahl 79). Subs Not Used: Perry, Andersen. Booked: Konchesky, Fortune. Goals: Hughes 30, Fortune 82. Crystal Palace: Kiraly, Butterfield (Freedman 56), Hall, Popovic, Granville, Leigertwood, Soares (Powell 86), Watson (Riihilahti 89), Hughes, Routledge, Johnson. Subs Not Used: Speroni, Ventola. Booked: Soares, Johnson. Goals: Freedman 58, Johnson 71 pen. Att: 26,870. Ref: M Clattenburg (Co Durham).

Curbishley defiant over fan abuse
Charlton boss Alan Curbishley said he will not be driven out the club by the boo boys, after his side suffered another poor end to the season. "I've been here 14 years and this is the first time I've had abuse from fans," he said after their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. "I have to take it. I haven't really reacted to it but it's part and parcel of the game now. "I can't say I've enjoyed it but I have to take it on the chin." The draw with Palace saw the Addicks end the season without a win in nine games. Curbishley added: "If people want to ring phone-ins or show their displeasure - what can I do? The only thing is to get results and put in performances. "I understand where they are coming from, we haven't performed as well as I would have liked but let's see what happens next season." Curbishley feels he will know when the time is right to leave the Valley but is certain that time is not now despite their recent slump. He said: "I have been saying consistently when people ask me about my future that at some stage someone will tell me it's time. "It could be (chairman) Richard Murray it could be the fans or I could tell myself. But I don't think we're at that stage at the moment. "I'm looking forward to the summer, having a break and bringing some new players in."

Addicks boost for Cherries star
Charlton Athletic will visit Dean Court on Saturday, 16 July for long-serving Bournemouth defender Neil Young's testimonial match. Young, who joined the Cherries from Tottenham in 1994, will face another ex-Spurs man - his brother Luke. "I'll probably nutmeg him like I did in the back garden, because I taught him everything he knows!" Neil joked. The 31-year-old, born in Harlow, has made exactly 400 senior appearances in his 11 seasons at Bournemouth. He is one of only two Cherries players to have appeared in both the Auto Windscreens Shield final against Grimsby in 1998, and the victorious Third Division play-off final against Lincoln in 2003.

Young trio released by Charlton
Charlton have released midfielders Stacy Long and Neil McCafferty and third-year scholar Adam Gross is also leaving The Valley. Long and McCafferty, both 20, failed to make a single first-team appearance for the club. Long has been at the club for 10 years, while McCafferty joined in 2001. Long told the club's official website: "The club is in such a strong position now that it is difficult for young players to make the breakthrough."

Addicks pair pen deal extensions
Hermann Hreidarsson and Jonatan Johansson have extended their contracts at Charlton by a further 12 months. Iceland full-back Hreidarsson, 30, who missed the end of the season with a knee injury, is now committed to the club until June 2003. The Addicks have also taken the option to extend 29-year-old Finnish striker Johansson's contract by an extra year. "We're delighted they've both committed themselves to the club for another year," said manager Alan Curbishley. As well as maintaining the services of the key duo, Curbishley will be looking to strengthen his squad over the summer to avoid another end-of-season slump. This season Charlton took only one win from their final 14 Premiership matches. "It needs a shake-up, every manager will be saying that, but there are limits to it," Curbishley said earlier this month. "We have to get on with what we have got but it is not going to stop me bringing in people and trying to get a stronger squad together. "Certainly we will be looking to strengthen every area in the summer." "We're delighted Hermann has committed himself to the club for another year.

Lisbie starts recovery after op
Charlton's Kevin Lisbie is recuperating following a major operation to remove a non-malignant tumour from his nose. The 27-year-old had suffered several major nose bleeds, and was diagnosed with the rare condition of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. Lisbie had to spend Saturday on a ventilator in intensive care, but is expected to make a full recovery. "Our thoughts have been with Kevin over the last few days," said Charlton boss Alan Curbishley. "It's something that has been bothering him for the last month. "It was a major operation but we're pleased it's been a success and we're looking forward to him coming out of hospital soon." The tumour was about half the size of a thumb, and Wayne Diesel, Charlton's medical department head said Lisbie was fortunate to have received early treatment. "These growths can grow to the size of a fist if left undiagnosed and they are seldom diagnosed so quickly," he said. "To have the operation so speedily was incredible and it's a great testament to the phenomenal care he has received from all the specialists and nursing staff, who I'd like to thank on behalf of the club and Kevin." Lisbie has scored 19 goals in 160 appearances for the Addicks, including a memorable hat-trick against Liverpool last season.

Addicks pair pen deal extensions
Hermann Hreidarsson and Jonatan Johansson have extended their contracts at Charlton by a further 12 months. Iceland full-back Hreidarsson, 30, who missed the end of the season with a knee injury, is now committed to the club until June 2003. The Addicks have also taken the option to extend 29-year-old Finnish striker Johansson's contract by an extra year. "We're delighted they've both committed themselves to the club for another year," said manager Alan Curbishley. As well as maintaining the services of the key duo, Curbishley will be looking to strengthen his squad over the summer to avoid another end-of-season slump. This season Charlton took only one win from their final 14 Premiership matches. "It needs a shake-up, every manager will be saying that, but there are limits to it," Curbishley said earlier this month. "We have to get on with what we have got but it is not going to stop me bringing in people and trying to get a stronger squad together. "Certainly we will be looking to strengthen every area in the summer. "We're delighted Hermann has committed himself to the club for another year.

Young aiming for Uefa Cup place
Defender Luke Young hopes that some new signings can help Charlton shake off their poor end-of-season form - and qualify for Europe next term. "The manager is looking to strengthen again in the summer," the 25-year-old told the Addicks' website. "There is no reason why we can't push for that Uefa Cup place next season. "For the past four seasons I've been here, we've not quite fulfilled what we should have - hopefully, we will have a little bit extra for next season."

Hoops seal deal for keeper Royce
QPR have agreed terms with Charlton goalkeeper Simon Royce and will sign him on 1 July when his contract at the Valley has ended. The 33-year-old impressed during a three-month loan spell at Loftus Road earlier this year. Hoops chief executive Mark Devlin said: "Simon has already proved himself here and we are delighted to have reached agreement to bring him back. "We are looking forward to him playing for us on a more permanent basis." Rangers have only one professional keeper - 19-year-old Jake Cole - after Generoso Rossi and Chris Day left.

Council delay decision on Valley
Charlton must wait until the end of June to discover whether they can redevelop The Valley's east stand. Greenwich Council had originally been scheduled to consider the planning proposals this Thursday, 26 May. However, it has been postponed until Thursday, 30 June in order to allow a site visit by the local authority. The redevelopment would include around 4,000 more seats, increasing capacity to over 30,000. Further expansion to 40,000 is planned for the future.

Rommedahl denies PSV return talk
Charlton winger Dennis Rommedahl has denied talk he may rejoin PSV Eindhoven after a tough first season in England. He is training with his old side in the Netherlands at the moment but says this is just because it is convenient before Denmark's next World Cup qualifiers. "The national manager asked me to train somewhere, I asked PSV and I was able to go and train with them," he said. "What I have been experiencing in Charlton was something I really wanted and want for the future as well."

Premiership pair chasing Smicer
Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer says he has had offers from Charlton and Birmingham after being told he would be allowed to leave Anfield. Smicer, 32, celebrated winning the Champions League with Liverpool last week but is now out of contract and available on a free transfer. "Charlton and Birmingham are interested and Lens and Bordeaux in France have the same interest," he told The Mirror. "But I have to admit my family would prefer to stay in England." Smicer was signed by former Reds boss Gerard Houllier for £4.2m from Lens in July 1999.

Charlton swoop for Bent signature
Charlton Athletic have swooped to sign Ipswich Town striker Darren Bent in a deal which could be worth £3m. The England Under-21 international, 21, has signed a four-year contract at The Valley after refusing to sign a new deal with the Tractor Boys. "As soon as I met boss Alan Curbishley and chairman Richard Murray I had no doubt whatsoever that this was the club I wanted to join," admitted Bent. "I have been impressed by their plans for the club on and off the field." He added: "I am convinced Charlton can go from strength to strength and I very much want to be part of that." Murray revealed Bent had been high up on Curbishley's list of targets as the Addicks seek to strengthen their squad. "Darren is a player we have been seeking to sign for the last two years," said Murray. "He is exceptionally quick and a young player from whom we think the best is yet to come. We are delighted he has agreed to join us. "This is the first of a number of quality signings we will make over the course of the next few weeks." Ipswich chairman David Sheepshanks said the Portman Raod outfit could not afford to reject the bid. "With just one year left on his contract, negotiations are tougher," said Sheepshanks. "However, after carefully considering the offer, I, along with the manager and the board, are satisfied that while I think Charlton are getting a fine young player, we are getting full value in today's transfer market. "I'd like to thank Darren for what he has achieved and wish him success with Charlton and hopefully England too." Bent made 142 appearances for Ipswich, scoring 55 goals in the process.

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