A damp squib We tried our first road trip on Saturday with AC, 12-days old time to see the world we thought. It's not like you can go far. Shaped like a fish hook, at each end of Bermuda's 21 square miles is 20,000 leagues of the Atlantic Ocean, and in between only a couple of roads extend the whole length of the main island. So in the afternoon we headed west as we drove to Dockyard.

Once the principal Atlantic base for the Royal Navy now a tourist trap we drove the 20 minutes from our house and pushed the pram around closed or mostly empty shops, galleries and art studios. The drive back didn't go so well with 20 minutes of crying. Perhaps she didn't like my driving or the radio, the local stations make me weep.

Then in the early evening we planned to do the 2nd leg of our exploration by driving as far east as you can go to St Catherine's Fort in St George's to watch the annual firework display from the sanctuary of our car (we went last year). This is more like a 40-minute drive (remember the 35khm speed limit) but this time we got five minutes down the road and the car was reverberating to a pissed off 12-day old now fully aware of how to get her way. We turned round and went home. Hmm.  ¶ 07:24 |

  Away days Just 204 making the long and laborious Sunday trip to Northwich despite the fading attraction of the cup and a new ground to boot, but who can blame Addick's for choosing ITV and a roast dinner or pub food over travelling. It's just a shame for the famous Blue Square North club that they will lose out on the atmosphere but revenue-wise they should come out on top receiving £67,500 for the disruption, much needed as the Vics continue to battle to come out of administration.

With a run of five out of six games away from home including Carlisle, Yeovil, Southampton in the Paint Pot also on the box and Northwich, then it is asking a lot for people to dig deep in pockets and probably irritate partners and family. Nevertheless our away following, much derided in recent years has been I think superb this season, and up until Saturday was averaging 1,646, only bettered by Leeds in the division. The 646 at Carlisle on Saturday I actually thought was a splendid turnout considering most of the 30+ brigade had probably been there and done that.

Our start to the season, and a flurry of new or long since visited grounds plus I think a big dose of old boys coming out of the closet and feeling the urge to back the team has all helped the numbers but with just 600 sold for St Marys on Wednesday I think we all need a morale booster, especially in front of the cameras to keep us all on an upward curve.

The club announced late this week the ticket details for Brighton and I can only congratulate them on how they have planned the allocation, which rightly rewards loyalty. I have never been to the Withdean (although my son has) and initially the Tuesday night game might have coincided with a home visit. My chances, justly so, of getting an away ticket are non-existent but I do have a Brighton supporting mate that has offered me a ticket if I can be back in the UK for the end of the month. Unfortunately the babies passport will I suspect take a bit longer.

Throughout my years I used to be a regular away traveller and I'm determined to clock up a new ground this season, I did do Bournemouth, but I mean a proper away day if I can time the trip and assemble together some of the lads. You cannot beat a good day out following the Addicks and I hope the hardy couple of hundred who make it to Northwich's ground in the old salt mining district of Wincham are richly rewarded tomorrow. I meanwhile have pretty much resigned myself to an internet feed or the CAFCTV commentary live from someone's living room!  ¶ 07:07 |

  Bermuda's new political party Bermuda got it's third political party yesterday when the Bermuda Democratic Alliance (BDA) was launched by ex-United Bermuda Party (UBP) MP Shawn Crockwell. Bermudians have watched the UBP navel watch and splinter, then just 6 weeks ago key MP's Crockwell, Mark Pettingill and Donte Hunt walked out on the UBP and announced they were to begin a centralist party to compete against the governing Progressive Labour Party (PLP) and the stagnated UBP.

I missed it but yesterday at the House of Assembly Crockwell talked about a "better way," which judging by the amount of times he used it will become the BDA's tagline. Both the PLP and UBP are over 40 years old and have systematically used race and class as a battering ram and it was good to hear Crockwell say that the party, which includes former members from both of the extant parties plus the business and education sector, will "reject the use of race and class as a means of political success."

The BDA party had 622 Facebook members tonight, just 48 hours after it opened.  ¶ 19:23 |

  Red flag One thing I have noticed being back at work is the huge Union Jack flag (photo) that flew proudly over Hamilton on Front Street has gone and been replaced by a Bermudian flag instead. I suppose that is their right and I always thought it strange but it disappointed me because seeing it flutter in the breeze always made me feel proud and homesick in equal measures.

Upon research the Corporation of Hamilton have given the I think rather sappy reason that it is for simplicities sake. Apparently the Corporation are unable to fly the flag at half mast without consent from Buckingham Palace, but they can do what they like with their own standard, which for those unfamiliar with it is a red ensign with the Union Flag in the upper left corner, and the coat of arms of Bermuda to the right.

This story passed with little attention, and no one else is probably bothered but I'm just disgruntled by what apparently appears little thought into changing something that has been in place since 1815 when the flag was first raised over Hamilton when it took over as the island's capital from St George's.  ¶ 17:39 |

  Paternity Back to work today after a week's paternity leave and a little added holiday. I guess I have a job which never allows me to switch off, then again maybe that's my own fault but I reckon what with the office being 10 to 15 minutes away I could quite easily work from home. No need to buy work clothes because I am equally as efficient in front of my laptop with my jammies on, no need to buy lunch, drink shit coffee or actually have to see anyone I don't want to. Perfect. And they could save on all my intrinsic costs, and pay me more.

Just to think I used to stand on that platform and squeeze onto trains and spend half my life commuting and vowed never to work from home. Then in Chicago I used to walk the 2 miles in every day (unless it was freezing then jumped a cab for $7), now I am just a mile and half away by road or a ferry across the harbour, but I have decided I would rather work from home. Menopause or nappy brain or something.

Oh, and I can stay up later and have lie-in's, well at least I could've. I did stay up late last night to watch those damn New York Yankees win their 27th 'world' series by seeing of the Phillies in game six 7-3. Had to roll my eyes at those New Yorkers pumping their chests and screaming at reporters that it had been a whole nine years since their last title. Chicago Cubs fans have waited and continue to wait. 1908 being the Cubs last victory, and 1945 their last appearance.  ¶ 13:35 |

  No Parkinson signs So should Parky have been rewarded with a contract extension then? I personally think it was a well timed bonus for Parky despite the obvious drop in form. The board have always, since 2006, had faith in the man and I suspect they feel that he handled himself very well throughout a very difficult and uncertain summer. Add to this that the more veteran board members feel PP is 'more Charlton' then I think you have the answer.

I suspect Richard Murray, and maybe Derek Chappell had privately given Parkinson until this point of the season to weigh up their options and consider the manager's position. He passed and perhaps, a small perhaps the board wanted to avoid any 'Curbs coming back' or 'Parkinson for Reading' headlines causing an unwanted distraction to the season's goal, promotion. Money became available, a couple of younger players have been recognised with pay rises and so now has their boss.

A third of the season gone but the table hides some growing concerns doesn't it? Where has the spark gone, the domination of midfield, the exciting counter-attacking, the confidence? Questions Parkinson with his new contract needs to answer and soon otherwise we are going to undo all of the good work that started at Sparrows Lane on warmer days.

We are going to lose games. We lost 13 in 74/75 including a thrashing at lowly Aldershot and 12 in 80/81, which included a 4-0 stuffing at Chester and eventually relegated Colchester did the double over us. I looked at Parkinson's Colchester promotion camapaign and they only won one of the first eight games. He is proven at this level and despite the paucity of the squad, it contains some of the best in the division. However he will be looking for some of the characters to step out of the shadows. No time like Sunday eh?

Yes I am a little anxious but then again I know how fickle I am, a couple of wins and I will be back on the straight and narrow. Losing games inspires good teams, and Leeds' last two games have underlined that.

A very simplistic view and mine is to go back to what was working at the beginning of the season. 4-4-1-1. Bring Shelvey back, god he must be chomping at the bit. Play to Burton strengths (unless we allow him to sort his hernia out) by allowing him to hold play up with his back to goal and enable Racon, Sam and Bailey to flourish in a more flexible midfield five. Funny, well not funny at all, that it's the players who were, well excellent in the first nine games - Bailey, Sam, Racon, Burton - who are now the most off form. Plan A Parky, that is why it is called Plan A.

Finally before I change a nappy, great result for the youth's tonight at home to Gillingham in the first round of the FA Youth Cup. Good inspiration to the first teamers I hope.  ¶ 22:39 |

  Turner deal a work of art? This seemed to have been overlooked.... "Premier League investigates Michael Turner transfer." (more)

So the undisclosed fee was only £4m, when the media reported it could have been nearer £12m, and let's face it the press normally have a good insight on transfer deals. Whether £12m represents good value is irrelevent here particularly when Sunderland paid £8m for Anton Ferdinand a year before. Good to see that Charlton and Brentford are pushing the The Premier League on this.

Hull City is turning into a calamity of large proportions and are fast becoming and will possibly exceed every previous example of mismanaging Premier League dreams. I find it curious that Adam Pearson has returned to Humberside, and it looks like he will have a busy first week what with the Turner investigation and Phil Brown hanging on by his manicured nails.  ¶ 23:01 |

  My Top Five - Scary Movies I like top 5's and with today being Halloween what better time to share with you my favourite scary movies.

1. The Shining
Released in 1980. A family with Jack Nicholson as Dad become the winter housesitters of a hotel in the mountains of Colorado. Nicholson's character Jack Torrance is writing a book but the isolated hotel's ghosts take hold of him and insanity takes over Torrance played magnificently by Nicholson whose face bursting through that door still sends shivers down my spine today.
Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd also starred.
Directed by Stanley Kubrick.
Adapted from a Stephen King novel.

2. The Omen
Released in 1976. Gregory Peck is the ambassador to the United States whose wife has a stillborn child. Without her knowledge he substitutes another baby as theirs. The son is called Damien and the family move to London when Robert Thorn (played by Peck) becomes the US ambassador. Thorn then finds out that the child is the son of Satan. Who can forget Damien riding around the house on is tricycle? This movie has an added spice for me because my brother played football in the 80's with Harvey Stephens. Did any parents name their son Damien after 1976?
Lee Remick, Patrick Troughton and Harvey Stephens also starred.
Directed by Richard Donner.

3. The Silence of the Lambs
Released in 1991. A young FBI cadet, Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, has been sent to the Batlimore state hospital for the criminally insane to interview an inmate Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant, cunning but psychotic psychiatrist turned infamous psychopathic serial killer. A story of trust evolves as Starling gathers clues in the hunt for Buffalo Bill. Anthony Hopkins plays one of the most intimidating characters ever on the big screen.
Scott Glenn and Anthony Heald also starred.
Directed by Jonathan Demme.
Adapted from a Thomas Harris novel.

4. The Exorcist
Released in 1973. An actresses daughter (Regan played by Linda Blair) brutally changes both in the way she looks and the way she acts, with violent outbursts on everyone who comes in contact with her. Her worried mother gets in contact with a priest who comes to the conclusion that Regan is possessed and then attempts to save Regan from the demon inside her. Who can forget Regan impossibly rising up and down her bed and spitting out threats?
Ellen Burstyn and Max von Sydow also starred.
Directed by William Friedkin.
Adapted from a William Peter Blatty novel.

5. Carrie
Released in 1976. After being taunted and ridiculed by classmates following the unexpected timing of her first period, Carrie (played by Sissy Spacek) discovers the art of telekinetics. Roundly abused at home by her crazy mother she finally gets to go to the prom with a date. However a nasty trick gets played on Carrie and her date for the night and later at home her mother finds her in the bath covered with pig's blood (who can forget that scene). Events get even more tragic from here.
Piper Laurie, Amy Irving and John Travolta also starred.
Directed by Brian De Palma.
Adapted from a Stephen King novel.

Well that's my top 5 for this Halloween, what are yours?  ¶ 23:51 |

  Zero attacking threat Carlisle United 3 Charlton Athletic 1
Very disappointing, and from someone who was more than happy with the 4-5-1 line up, I was even more disappointed not to see Jonjo start and us revert to a formation that has offered us the most attacking threat and defensive security this season. Our form since Colchester United has not been promotion material simple as.

Our attacking threat garnered from a far better radio commentator was pretty much zero and it is obvious to me at least that Burton and McLeod lack any real danger when paired together. Sam seems to have gone right of the boil and it is now 6 league games since we have scored from open play and in my mind we're very lucky to remain in 2nd place, whilst above us Leeds sprint away.

After not one penalty in any of our games this season a tight first half brought two. On loan Ikeme, preferred to Randolph was unlucky with Ian Harte's after he saved his initial kick, and then Burton converted after he was fouled. All level at the break then but the hope that we would go on to dominate the second half underlyed our league positions because apart from one period in the 45 we never sounded likely.

With the home crowd raising the noise 35-year old Graham Kavanagh scored two long range crackers, one following an error by on-loan Omozusi, who by all accounts had a good first half. Nothing the keeper could do (although he has now let in nine in his last two appearances at Brunton Park!) nor generally the defence but our problems lie in attack and a cursory glance at the list of the league's top goalscorers tells you where we lack compared to our rivals.

There are other issues of course but before we 'got found out' we were scoring at will, but now we are not even creating good chances. McLeod back on the bench, start Mooney, give Burton his operation and put a hungry Jonjo back in the team.

Carlisle view: Sunday Sun.
Charlton view: Newshopper.  ¶ 14:09 |

  How did I know? There I was yesterday calling for no more loans but how was I to know that crafty Parky had a right back hidden away in Sparrows Lane all week? Smuggled in under cloak and dagger Elliot Omozusi even played in the reserve friendly at home to Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday under the pseudonym A. Trialist.

Hackney born 20-year old Omozusi is a free agent after being released from Fulham, who still hold his registration and he has signed a month's contract as cover to injured pair Frazer Richardson and Chris Solly.

Omozusi's only real time in the spotlight was a sending off for Fulham as an 18-year old in the Premier League playing against Reading and he twice played against us last season (left) whilst racking up 24 appearances for Norwich on loan. However the loan arranged by Glenn Roeder was subsequently scratched under Bryan Gunn and Omozusi returned to Craven Cottage. He has spent trial period's with both Sheffield United and Peterborough before being found at Sparrows Lane.

Parky meanwhile, a man accused of not having a Plan B, has suddenly this week developed a Plan C and D to cater for a spate of injuries. Question is will he start both Ikeme and Omozusi tomorrow? I would be surprised.

It was also disclosed today that Richard Murray has given Parkinson some additional security and no doubt reward for our excellent start to the season, a third over by the end of this weekend, by giving him a year's contract extension to expire at the end of 2010/11. Well done Phil from someone who I admit was a long time antagonist.  ¶ 14:35 |

  To loan or not to loan I close my eyes for a minute and a mini injury crisis takes hold. The size of our squad means a mini crisis can easily be a maxi one and I nearly dropped a nappy at Parky's "we might get a loan in before Carlisle" comment today. Do we really need to do that?

I can't remember the terms of Moot2kil's loan deal but with him up there and Fleetwood and Dickson out west, the 'emergency' loan of Mooney and a potential right-back does appear to be ridiculous. Unfortunately Chris Solly's training ground knee injury means he's unable to step into Richardson's boots, who is struggling with a thigh injury picked up in Kent on Saturday. A big shame for Chris because from what I have seen, he'd have been more than able.

So what are our options if we are to avoid an outsider coming in? Youga could play there with Basey coming into the left-back slot. Semedo has played there, although that would take an awful lot away from our midfield and I wouldn't want to see that. Wagstaff played there in pre-season and perhaps even captain Nicky Bailey could slot in behind Sam. I think we have enough cover in the squad to patch over the injuries at right-back without going into the loan market.

The same could not be said in goal with Robbie Elliot being declared out for up to six weeks with a torn adductor muscle, done late in his MoM performance in Kent on Saturday. Elliot's form has been exceptional this season, when you consider his age and experience. I can't think of any errors that have cost us goals and in the bulk of the 14 league games played he has been called upon to make at least one outstanding and game altering save.

Robbie will be missed but I am pleased for Darren Randolph, who has waited for his chance. A year younger than Elliot, a couple of season's back Randolph appeared to be ahead of him in the pecking order making his debut a whole season earlier at Anfield and the Republic of Ireland U21 international has had more loan experience than his counterpart, although a bust-up at Hereford may have blighted his reputation.

Parky signed Karl Ikeme on Wednesday for 28 days from Wolves and the question is will his stay be as an understudy to Randolph or will he grab the tangerine shirt at Brunton Park on Saturday? His first team experience is not indifferent to Elliot or Randolph and for the first part of the last season Ikeme was actually Wolves' first choice goalie until he got injured. Weirdly like both Elliot and Randolph, Ikeme also played on loan at Accrington Stanley - don't they have any of their own goalkeepers?

So a few decisions for Parky who kept an unchanged team for the first 8 games, but now has to decide whether he brings back Shelvey into a 4-4-1-1 or keeps two up front and maybe starts with Dave Mooney with McLeod back on the bench in what I prefer playing a later impact role in games. Then who will play right-back if Richardson doesn't make the trip and who will start in goal at Brunton Park, a game by rights that should have been the last game of the season.

Oh and finally before I go to bed for half an hour, if you want a bloody good laugh read this Charlton Life thread with great banter from Northwich Victoria and Witton Albion fans.  ¶ 21:23 |

  White noise I brought my girls home yesterday afternoon from the hospital. The house that seemed very empty and serene the day before suddenly came to life but age has certainly brought more self-belief in handling small bundles of joy. She did well last night sleeping from 1 until 5am in her new room. Although when White Noise is playing on ones iPod instead of White Lies you know life has turned a sharp corner. I recommend Ocean Sounds by the way if you are looking for a recommendation.

I popped into Government House today to register the birth. The Bermudian authorities will issue the birth certificate but her Bermudian association ends there. Bermudians are very fussy to whom they give status to. Even a foreigner who marries a Bermudian has to wait 10 (Ten) years for citizenship and 7 of those years have to be lived on the island, with the last two concurrent. A divorce during that 10 years leaves the non-Bermudian legally with nothing. Being British gives you no advantages at all here, and although the local regiment would probably love to have her, our daughter will have no other privileges being born here apart from a pretty cool story to tell in the playground.

Perversely but not surprisingly Bermudians can apply for a UK passport at birth, get full United Kingdom and European citizenship immediately they get the passport and live, work, drive, vote and buy any property they wish.

So despite the fact that this island is actually governed by the British Government and the Governor and Commander in Chief resides down the road, we have to apply to the British Embassy in Washington DC for little-un's passport. Crazy.  ¶ 20:45 |

  Live, twice in a week! Well I'm obviously pleased that the Northwich game is on the box. ITV will show the game on Sunday, November 8th, kick off 9.30am Bermuda time, although being terrestial might cause me problems here, I'll have to check.

That time kick off on a Sunday means a nightmare journey for travelling Addicks, and will certainly put people off. The trains I suspect are shocking and when doing my research the other day I found out that to add to the woes the Victoria Stadium isn't even in Northwich at all.

What it does mean is that probably for the first time since John Logie Baird got his junior meccano set, Charlton will be on live television twice in four days. Southampton in the Paint Pot is on Sky the evening of Wednesday 11th. Worth getting a licence for.

In fact 11/11, Remembrance Day, signals a national holiday in Bermuda, don't knock it per capita there were more Bermudians than any other nation fighting for the empire in WWII, so a free da.... oh I'm forgetting something aren't I?  ¶ 22:01 |

  New arrival An unsuspecting new Addick arrived in the world just after 5.30pm Bermuda time yesterday evening. Arabella Connie weighed in at 6lb, 11.5oz and is absolutely gorgeous and both daughter and Mum are doing very well.

My son (now 9) was born via a planned c-section, and without taking away how much of a serious operation that alone is, watching childbirth and the unforgiving pain before and the absolute joy after is a truly unforgettable experience. And lads, how flipping helpless do you feel?

As my blogging friend spotted the initials AC was not wholly unpremeditated. Pretty girl's names Charlton and Valley were disappointingly out-voted and, well she just doesn't look like a Prunella Phyllis (PP) and Augustina Porsche (AP) was never going to happen.  ¶ 07:55 |

  Victoria secret On the outskirts of Northwich just off the M6 is where the Addicks head on 1st Round Qualifying weekend, the first time we have started the FA Cup in November for 29 years.

Northwich Victoria were relegated last season from the Conference and began this season in the Conference North with a 10 point deduction after entering administration in May owing about £500,000 in unpaid bills but despite administration still hanging over them the Vics have only lost 3 league games all season and would be challenging for the play-off's if it wasn't for the -10 points.

The root of a lot of Northwich's financial problems has been their impressive new ground, which they moved into in 2005. The Victoria Stadium does include a covered terrace that was transported piecemeal from their old Drill Road stadium and according to the excellent Duncan Adams' ground guide the Victoria Stadium also includes an Italian restaurant and a piano bar! Addicks fans will probably occupy part of the Dane Bank Terrace.

I would have thought the telly maybe interested in covering our game (hopefully) but Paulton Rovers (the lowest ranked team left) at home to Norwich I'd expect will take top billing. Meanwhile Oldham v Leeds, Bristol Rovers v Southampton, Bromley v Colchester, a potential Millwall at home to AFC Wimbledon tie or a local east midlands derby between Stourbridge and Walsall will all be considered.  ¶ 14:40 |

  Er.... well.... yes.... a corner Gillingham 1 Charlton Athletic 1
A.... game.... where.... the.... pitch.... and.... our.... opponents.... didn't.... allow.... us.... to.... play.... to.... our.... best.... ability. Sorry I am just mimicking Emma the commentator on CAFC TV and Radio London.

Not sure if you've had the privilege but she talks like she is commentating on a game of crown bowls, a bloody boring one at that. Her manner is so listless and sluggish that she appears to be a good minute behind the play. I'm not expecting John Motson but someone who can relay proceedings in a more germane way would help. Oh and what happened to the first 15 minutes? Yeh, yeh what do I want for £3.99 a month?

When I was (a lot) younger I would listen in bed to Radio 5 as it was called then, close my eyes and imagine being at the game with the players running around before me. One doesn't have to be Mike Ingham but broadcasters need certain skills to bring the game alive from the radio and without Tony Hudd to fill in the long gaps of nothing, all we got was directions down the A2, Sam Sodjer and frankly a load of old drivel.

Anyway as usual Addick's at the game will give you far better colour than me on that performance but it was disappointing and a point was all we deserved despite taking the lead, albeit rather fortuitously from the wonderfully named Nutter but then we kicked ourselves in the balls by concededing again in the last 10 minutes.

Our front two sounded very sterile and Sam needs to refind the form that won him Player of the Month. Otherwise the Gills with a good home record on a poor and by all accounts small pitch prevented our midfield from gleaning out any inspiration and it became a bit of a slugfest. Dave Mooney made another impressive late appearance but personally I would have brought Shelvey on hoping for a moment of magic in front of a packed away end.

We have seen Plan B, it is, well a plan but I would hope that Parky reverts to Plan A next week at Carlisle. Let's see Shelvey back with Burton rested and Mooney up top with McLeod ready to come on from the bench.

Reports: Addicks Diary; Charlton Athletic Online; Charlton Casual; Doctor Kish; Drinking During the Game.  ¶ 13:18 |