Reid Blow

Charlton's hopes of a prosperous Christmas were dealt a big blow today when it was revealed that Andy Reid will be out-of-action for 3 to 4 weeks with an, as yet, unconfirmed knee injury. This is bad news because we do not have anyone who can perform the same or a similar role in midfield. He is also notoriously slow to regain full fitness, so we ought to prepare for being without him for January. Serious consideration must now be given to strengthening midfield because our options look limited without him.

This will be a test of Pard's tactical nous because we need to consider adapting our playing style if we are to cope until his return. Without a holding player who can play through the middle and find and support the front two, we will need to make much better and quicker use of our wingers. Whoever does get deployed in the middle will need to be disciplined in holding the central position and looking to get the ball out and forward quickly. They will have to stay in touch with the back-four if we are not to invite lots more trouble than we can handle.

Matt Holland needs close protection and support when he plays or he gets isolated and quickly by-passed. I don't think we have another player in the squad who can do this and, even Reidy, has probably been less than ideal in this role. Whatever happens, I really don't want to see any centre-pairing of Holland, Ambrose or Zheng Zhi as this will be woefully light. Either Semedo or Racon should start and possibly both with Thomas and Sam giving width. A 4-5-1 formation may even be better at home without Reid although this obviously reduces options for crossing wingers.

Fasten your seatbelts....