Well, it didn't grip the nation in an X-Factor style frenzy, but it certainly got a few of you thinking.

We asked Lennie Lawrence who, with hindsight, would be the first three names he would put on his teamsheet from his time as Charlton manager, and asked you to try and match it.

Of the 51 entries, two of you failed to match any, 19 matched one player, 26 of you matched two players and just four of you matched all three.

Lennie Lawrence has been working in football for over 30 years, but it was his nine turbulent years in charge of Charlton, whilst dealing with the fall-out of the move from The Valley amid limited resources that 'Houdini' will ultimately be remembered.

Lennie has now penned the story of his rise from school teacher to football manager, recounting the many tales along the way.

With a plethora of football books about to hit the shops ahead of the Christmas season, Scotty Kingsley reviews the offerings of the man they called 'Houdini'.

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Many years ago Lennie Lawrence threatened to write a book about his time a Charlton. There was certainly enough packed into his nine year spell at the club, including winding up orders, high court visits, numerous Chairmen, promotion, play-offs, relegation and of course ground sharing and the Valley Party to warrant one if not more volumes.

In X-Factor terminology, the long-running Charlton potential takeover saga has been on ‘an amazing journey' all summer. What at first prompted fervoured supporter interest, careered at one stage into hilarity at the range of nationalities linked, before finally slumping into chronic indifference at the lack of resolution.

The following article has been submitted by forum member Henry Irving.

Six weeks ago when the idea of a Supporters' Trust was floated it was greeted with generally positive response. Even those who were sceptical mostly took a "let's wait and see" stance. The organisation that oversees the 140 trusts across the UK was amazed that 50 people would turn up for an initial meeting such was the response.

There is something hugely entertaining about Transfer Deadline Day.

After nearly four months to assemble their squad, clubs scramble around like a panicking teenager on the day before a new term, desperately trying to source uniform, books and a geometry set at short notice, whilst starting the homework they have had six weeks to complete.

A great man (Alan Curbishley) once said "don't let the highs be too high, or the lows too low", but it would take a hard man not to forgive Charlton fans for wearing a cautious, toothy grin at present.

Following a treacherous three seasons, a 100% record at this stage was not on even the most optimistic Addick's radar.

There are some things in life that are nigh on guaranteed, and Charlton limping out of the League Cup to a Division Four team is certainly one of them. The defeat sadly came as no surprise to seasoned Addicks, particularly given the weakened nature of our starting eleven.

However, unless you were one of the 323 foolhardy souls who made the trip, there is little to get overly despondent about.

And so, it all begins again.

Fourteen blissful weeks of contentment are soon to be replaced by the nine-month slog of frustration, despair and elation in varying quantities.
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Over the past three months I have enthusiastically admired the fair play of golf and cricket, coupled with the raw determination for limited reward of athletes and swimmers.

A battling display from an assortment of Addicks bravely held Welling United to a 1-1 at Park View Road, maintaining their grip on the illustrious Crown Paints Trophy.

A visit to Park View Road for the annual Welling fund-raiser has in recent years been like visiting a nan you rarely see; you look forward to it and have fond memories from your childhood, but give it an hour and you can't wait to get away.

The following letter will be sent today to Derek Chappell, Chairman of Charlton Ath PLC

Mr Chappell,

In November 2008 you joined our Charlton Life forum and actively participated on our messageboard. You expressed interest in supporter opinions, and sought to provide answers to questions supporters may have.

In the first week of May, i was led to believe that's PP's days as Charlton manager were immenently to end. In preparation, the article below was drafted, and waited patiently for the SEND button. However, the order never came and PP very much remains at the helm. With the players returning for training tomorrow, it looks like the status quo will remain into the new season.

So 'Fixtures Day' finally arrived. The biggest event in the close season, and the Holy Bible for the football obsessed. Comparative in importance to a child posting his wish list to Santa every December, it allows in one swoop a football supporters' life to be mapped for the forthcoming eleven months.

Nearly five weeks have passed since the end of the season, and no confirmed prospects of change have been announced by the club. Publicly, it appears as if the club has gone into hibernation, and whilst some supporters have taken to prodding the stands to check for signs of life, privately we are assured the wheels have been turning.

Charlton Life can confirm that according to our sources within the club, talks with Jurgen Klinsmann to become the next Charlton manager have collapsed.

After internet rumours speculated that Klinsmann was spotted meeting ex-chief executive Peter Varney off an Aer Lingus flight from Munich last night, the former German national team manager was shown around The Valley first thing this morning, having preliminary agreed a 2-year contract over the weekend.