It took 30 league games for Charlton fans to think they were in a relegation battle last season following a 3-2 home defeat to Norwich in February.

Fast forward eight months and those fears about flirting with League One are coming back... after only 11 games.

For me, it's ludicrous to think that Charlton are going to be anywhere near the drop zone next May.

During pre-season, the majority of Addicks fans were impressed with the club’s summer business and mocked the bookies for nailing them as relegation favourites.

Oh, how Ray Winstone is laughing at you all now.

So far this season, it has almost mirrored the previous one: strong start > expectations raised > no squad depth > a winless run > #RolandOut.

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The only thing different in this campaign is that the current cycle has happened in just 11 league games.

After impressive wins against Premier League dropouts QPR and Hull, plus hard-fought draws at Derby and Forest – all promotion-chasing sides – hopes were raised from being lower mid-table to top six contenders.

The Hull victory was Charlton’s last on August 22, two months ago.

Since then, the Addicks have lost six from eight, including a Capital One Cup drubbing to local rivals Crystal Palace.

Disappointing performances in an eight-game winless run has seen some fans push the panic button and start searching google for “quickest way to Port Vale.”

These relegation fears are so over-exaggerated that the club might even bring Yohann Thuram-Ulien back to really confirm a Championship exit.

A minority of supporters are surprisingly starting to turn on Luzon – the man who led Charlton to a comfortable 12th place finish last campaign.

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But less so and more inevitably, the underwhelming results have seen the return of the #WeWantOurCharltonBack and #RolandOut brigade.

Don't forget that during most of this blip – because that’s what it is, a blip – valuable first-team players have been missing.

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Injuries to Stephen Henderson, Christian Ceballos, Ahmed Kashi and BFG Simon Makienok have resulted in Charlton struggling.

Makienok, the most notable absentee, picked up his injury just when he was showing how good he can be.

Since his forced withdrawal at Wolves, the Addicks have lost all their power and aggression up top.

It could also be argued that the Great Dane’s absence has greatly affected the form of Tony Watt – before getting their respective knocks, the strikers were forming a formidable partnership.

Nick Pope has deputised for Henderson and while he’s pulled off some good saves, he's made three errors which have led to goals.

In addition, the injuries and lack of squad depth has forced Luzon to use inexperienced academy players such as Mikhail Kennedy and Karlan Ahearne-Grant.

While both have done OK, it’s unfair to totally rely on kids.

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When the crocked first-teamers return to action, I have no doubt that Charlton will once again climb the table.

I just hope Roland Duchatelet continues to back Luzon – it’s worth noting that former boss Bob Peeters was sacked after his ninth winless result.

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And if Charlton fail to beat Preston at home tomorrow night, how many winless games will it be for the Israeli? Yep, you guessed it.

Anyway, before a ball was kicked this season, Charlton looked destined to be a mid-table Championship side… and that’s where they’ll be come May.

So please, stop talking all this rubbish about relegation.

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