Summer's here and....

It feels unusually quiet for early June. A week of warm sunshine has diverted attentions from all things Charlton Athletic as we've all been eating in the garden and following outdoor pursuits.

However, the weather is about to change and I get the impression the first rumblings of close season activity may be upon us. Don't get too excited just yet as that doesn't look like including developments in terms of the much-rumoured takover for now at least. Rather, time is catching up with us and business-as-usual activities are beginning to drive some changes.

First up is Darren Ambrose and his departure was only a case of when and where as opposed to if. The victors in the chase for the former England U21 star appear to be Crystal Palace who look about to land him on a free transfer. Wages are, of course, the real reason he's being moved on and good luck to him if he's managed to hang on to most of what he was getting at the Valley. My views on Darren are well-known so I shan't take the opportunity for any further criticism, suffice to say Neil Warnock will go up a fair bit in my estimation if he can bring his man-management skills to bear.

Elsewhere an ugly rumour persists that Nicky Bailey is being touted on a season's loan to Watford. If this were to happen, then it would put the club's inability to afford to turn the big screen on next season without sponsorship into perspective. If we can't afford his wages and we aren't going to get the use of him, better to sell now. Perhaps the board are considering a loan arrangement in light of a possible takeover i.e. let him go on loan if we have to trim the bill with the option to bring him back if the club is able due to changing finances?

Josh Wright is obviously keen to have his future decided after making a winning Wembley appearance for the Gills and has gone to the trouble of getting his Dad involved with the nationals by telling them his son has a clause in his contract that enables him to move if he isn't offered £1200 a week. It all seems so sordid and rather desperate. Perhaps that's where we are now?

In terms of "incomings," winger Wade Small has supposedly been spoken to in terms of a move from Sheffield Wednesday and Southend's Peter Clarke is another being linked with the Valley. I don't know Clarke but Wade Small has always looked an insignificant player to me.

News of the season ticket sales to the "cut-off" point are due out and I await with eager anticipation (must get my step-brother's boy's birth certificate). The fixtures too are out on 16th so the fervour for the new campaign will shortly be upon us. In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed.