Parkinson bourne out...

A couple of things Phil Parkinson said at Thursday's Q & A with supporters were amplified yesterday; first of all, the club moved to extend Rob Elliot's contract until 2012 and then the Guardian lead with a teasing piece about the current Board receiving a cash injection to help maintain the current progress and avoid the need to sell during the season.

There is an evident feel-good factor amongst the squad. In addition the the new faces who have arrived on new contracts, the younger players are being rewarded with improved and lengthened deals. This is the proof "writ large" for academy players that ours is a club (certainly whilst we are outside the top flight and unable to splash the cash) where you will get your chance if you are good enough and persevere. Jonjo Shelvey's refreshing example will shine for along time and Rob Elliot's extended deal yesterday adds to that. Wagstaff, Solly and Tuna will be keen to follow suit in due course.

I can't find a link to the Guardian piece on-line but it was reported yesterday that Richard Murray has secured additional funding from Director Sir Maurice Hatter to safeguard us this season and avoid the disastrous possibility of needing to sell a key player at January - something Parky was admanat about. No sums are specified and Sir Maurice has been around for a long time at Charlton without really stepping into the breach before (not publicly at least). His personal fortune is estimated at £40m (The Sunday Times) which is not bank-rolling money for a professional football club but clearly sufficient to give the club the helping hand needed. The cynic in me, also wonders whether there might not be a bit of brinkmanship in this leak. It would appear to send a message to any prospective takeover bids that the current Board have a strong hand and are preparing to play the long game. Just a thought.

Must fly, I need to catch the Norwich express. C'mon you REDS!