Chris Coleman, the Coventry manager, has at last managed to find his voice with his team cruising to a convincing 2-1 victory over embattled Charlton Athletic. The win is, however, no reason to for Coventry to celebrate as it continues to lurk just below the mid-table. Meanwhile, the situation is even more pathetic in the case of Charlton Athletic with the recent defeat ensuring that it continues to languish at the bottom.

The past six weeks have been a real test of character for Charlton Athletic as it continues to be punctured by one issue after another. It all started with Zabeel Investments, the team’s prospective Middle Eastern investors, walking out of a potential takeover. Then, Alan Pardew, their charismatic manager walked out. Another setback happened when Alan Curbishley, who still commands great respect at The Valley, dished hopes of a return. The defeat to Coventry only added to the misfortunes in the team’s rapidly shrinking fortunes, as the prospect of a second relegation in three seasons now stares at their face.

Charlton Athletic has nobody to blame, but itself as it missed many a sure chances and made silly mistakes a one too many. Clearly the team needs to change everything from their strategy, their work ethic, to even trainers (maybe opt for something new like the Nike Mercurial Vapor IV) to try and get a positive result.  Moreover, the team’s defending lacked direction allowing Robbie Simpson to steal the thunder for Coventry. If there was any indication of recovery in the second half, it diminished pretty quickly as they failed to take advantage after drawing parity through a penalty.

Going by the recent debacle it is difficult to see any turnaround in fortunes of the team in the foreseeable future. The team at the moment is made up of too many tads and bits and immediately requires an overhaul to start the next season in earnest.