A New Year's Dream....

With New Year fast approaching, little work to do and time for contemplation, I lapsed off into a world of my own thinking about what might be in 2008....

Tuesday 1st January- The biggest home gate of the season turns up the Valley to see Charlton thrash Colchester 4-0. Chris Iwleumo scores twice in the first half before being withdrawn as a precaution nursing a niggling injury. Matt Holland nets a 25 yard free kick to make the game safe and Luke Varney applies the gloss in the final minute with a swaggering finish after beating three players. Kevin Lisbie hits the woodwork in both halves by way of a Colchester consolation. The win moves Charlton back to 4th, seven points off the leaders.

Wednesday 2nd January - Although a Public Holiday in Scotland, Walter Smith comes back early to complete the permanent signing of Amdy Faye for £2m saying "now that we are out of Europe we need tougher characters who are committed to the cause to help us battle for the SPL title."

Friday 4th January - Despite his sending off in the Hull match and the game of bluff over a permanent move, Danny Mills agrees to a loan extension until the end of the season saying "it's better to be in the shop window than the stockroom."

Saturday 5th January - Mills celebrates his renaissance with a spectacular 30 yard winner in the F A Cup 3rd round to secure a 1-0 win against the Baggies.

Monday 7th January - Sam Sodje loan also extended until the end of the season as Steve Coppell decides Reading can survive in the Premier League without him. Charlton draw West Ham at the Valley in the fourth round.

Thursday 10th January - Izale McLeod moves to Crystal Palace for £2m as Neil Warnock swoops. Simon Jordan announces that he plans to travel to the Valley by train for the Friday 8th February clash to show solidarity for the Sydenham Cowards.

Friday 11th January - Alexander Song loan confirmed, Pardew says he starts in midfield at Blackpool tomorrow.

Saturday 12th January - Charlton win 2-0 at the seaside as Jerome Thomas and Luke Varney score in the first half to kill the game.

Monday 14th January - Double signings announced; James Beattie signs from Sheffield United for £2m saying he "couldn't bare another season outside the top flight." He is joined by Danny Murphy on a free transfer who acknowledges that "leaving Charlton was the biggest mistake of my career." He also announces his separation from his wife blaming "irreconcilable differences."

Tuesday 15th January - Andy Reid is running again and on track for a January comeback. He's had a bad bout of Delhi Belly, reputedly after a night out in Greenwich with Paddy McCarthy (who hasn't played since Boxing Day) and has reportedly lost a stone in weight.

Thursday 17th January - Sylvan Distin moves to Charlton for £1m having been unable to find another buyer in the transfer window.

Saturday 19th January - Charlton become the 8th side to win at Vicarage Road this season as James Beattie nets an injury time winner. Charlton move above Watford into second position, three points behind leaders West Brom.

Monday 21st January - Peter Varney announces "treble your money" as Charlton promise free season tickets for two years for all fans who renew before the end of March should Charlton fail to win promotion but manage it next season.

Tuesday 22nd January - Ben Thatcher, Osei Sankofa and Cory Gibbs all report for training.

Saturday 26th January - In front of a sell-out home crowd, Charlton ease pass an out-of-sorts West Ham with a 2-0 win. Alan Curbishley had rested eight players "but thought we still had enough to get a result."

Tuesday 29th January - Charlton go joint top after beating Stoke 2-1 at the Valley. Stoke took the lead but were blown away in the second half as Lloyd Sam and James Beattie both scored.

Thursday 31st January - Alan Pardew named Manager of the Month as Charlton sign contract to expand the east Stand during the close season to increase the capacity to 31,000.

You can guess the rest....