It was somewhat surprising to see Lloyd Sam join Notts County on Wednesday. Sam’s career has not really taken off at Elland Road and it seems certain he will be on the move when his contract expires in the summer.
Leeds making him available for a loan move was not a surprise, though his destination was.
Sam still has a property in Greenwich and would have relished a return to The Valley. The move would have suited both parties, Sam knows the club and was a former teammate of Chris Powell. Charlton have stuttered recently and the impetus of a new face would have freshened the side up. Sam’s pace – particularly with Danny Haynes sidelined with a hamstring injury – would have been a real asset.
Powell has just seven days to add to his squad for the final push and it would be a major surprise if he did not enter the market before deadline day.
The Mirror is reporting that one player who could arrive is Gregg Wylde from stricken Rangers. A clutch of Premier Leaague sides are interested in the flying left-winger who will celebrate his 21st birthday next Friday. Charlton have offered the best deal to emerge as surprise favourites for his signature.
Wylde was with Old Firm rivals Celtic until he was 14, before switching to Ibrox. He has made 26 starts for the Glasgow giants, plus a further 21 appearances as a substitute, scoring 2 goals. It is thought that FIFA would give Wylde clearance to play for a new club this season.
If Wylde does sign, it would seem to end speculation that Hogan Ephraim may be poised to return.
A genuine goal scorer would also be a useful addition as the season enters its denouement.
Meanwhile, during the week, Steven Gillespie’s 56th minute equaliser halted Sheffield United’s quest for another three points. The Blades now trail Charlton by nine points, having played the same number of games.
Charlton’s recent slips really needed to be punished if the Blades were to put real pressure on for top spot. Three games in a week again coming up with a full round of matches scheduled for next midweek.
The Addicks have games a home game with Yeovil sandwiched between trips to Scunthorpe and Huddersfield.
Sheffield United have a tough trip to Notts County next Tuesday but have easier looking games against Tranmere and Chesterfield on Saturday and Saturday week.
Sheffield Wednesday have to visit Meadow Lane this Saturday, then entertain Walsall at Hillsborough before travelling to London to face Leyton Orient on Saturday week.
Before facing the Addicks, Huddersfield must travel to Colchester and Chesterfield.
The two Sheffield sides look to have the easier batch of fixtures but if Charlton can maintain the points diferential between themselves and the chasing pack come next Saturday, Chris Powell’s grin will be bigger than ever!