Charlton Athletic manager, Karl Robinson, has done somewhat of a U-turn in the last few days, from the peaks of optimism to a sudden adoption of caution and uncertainty in regards to his future over the next few months.
BBC London and South London Press journalist, Louis Mendez, who covers Charlton Athletic on a weekly basis recently compiled a video which identifies a very rapid change of attitude and mentality for Karl Robinson.
Since Robinson joined last November, after the ownership and senior management made the decision to fire Russell Slade, the former Milton Keynes’ boss has made a habit of pounding his chest and kissing the badge so to speak, thriving at the prospect of returning the Addicks back to their glory days, which no doubt would be a tiring and long process.
However, after the final game of the season, the video compiled by Mendez, clearly identifies a large shift in his approach for the upcoming window, and towards his future at the club in general.
[tweet https://twitter.com/LouisMend/status/859527321778352128 ]What we can read into this? Mind games with Roland? (Slade did similar with the 'we're miles away' quote after Orient") #cafc
— Louis Mendez (@LouisMend) May 2, 2017
Or something else? What has caused this change in tone? Karl was buzzing for the summer before. What do you guys think? #cafc
— Louis Mendez (@LouisMend) May 2, 2017
Worth pointing out that he does still talk of plans for the summer but now with much greater levels of uncertainty which I hadn't seen b4
— Louis Mendez (@LouisMend) May 2, 2017
Previously, the Charlton manager has mentioned that he wants to recruit around thirteen players in the upcoming transfer window, in order to build a side capable of mounting a promotion push in the 2017/18 Sky Bet League One campaign. At the time I am writing this article, Charlton has already been linked with a total of six players so far.
On the other hand, Charlton fans are more than aware of the lack of investment, funding, and backing previous managers have witnessed while coaching at The Valley. Therefore, when Robinson originally stated the number of players he wants to bring in the upcoming window, fans instantly doubted his ability to do that with the inevitable lack of cooperation from senior management.
Some fans think that the reason for why Robinson has changed his attitude is because he has been told he will not be able to sign the players on his shortlist.
Another theory for the change in attitude is to do with the lurking rumours of a possible takeover at The Valley and the possible talks which could be underway. Last month, the Australian Football Consortium said they were in the process of raising £20 million capital to buy the red southeast London outfit, and if a deal was to conclude, then there will naturally be a significant amount of uncertainty in terms of the restructuring and possible changes they could make. Do they already have a managerial candidate lined up?
Either way, something at The Valley has riled Robinson and has led to him behaving rather out of character, not acting as his flamboyant, optimistic and enthusiastic self. Why? Well.. who really knows.
Charlton fans have taken to Twitter to state their opinons for why they think Robinson has changed his mindset – see their responses (below).
Found it interesting he says "sit down with the club" rather than RD or KM..New owners coming in and hoping he keeps his job until told?
— graham banks (@banksie78) May 2, 2017
I'd guess he's heard bad news on the squad/recruitment front.
— Jimmy Seed (@JamesMSeed) May 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/Jon_CAFC_/status/859625660897218560
https://twitter.com/astedman1/status/859671971126267904
Hopefully we're over-thinking this. Maybe he was just tired and in need of a break. Ironically he always seems more downbeat after a win…
— Sean (@SeanyDSmith) May 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/BillyHendricks7/status/859655686208311296
Not sure if it's he's gone to RD with list A and been told no or if he knows he's possibly out the door with a takeover
— Marcus Hoare (@MarcusHoare1) May 3, 2017
Very unlike Karl. "Hope I can be part of the rebuilding process".
He must now be aware somethings going on.— boblipscomb (@REDVALLEY9) May 3, 2017
Seems like what we have said and known all along, but now he's finally seeing/swallowing it. Could be gone I'm afraid, I believe #cafc
— Kevin turner (@Buzzo1947) May 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/samcooper_uk/status/859647535136329730
