Matthias Svensson's latest bid at a comeback ended in failure when he was an early casualty in last week's reserve match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, which the Addicks lost 1-0.

The Swedish star, injured in pre-season, resumed after a three-match ban for his dismissal in another reserve match but went off after 20 minutes with a hamstrign injury.

But there is better news of the player who came on for him.

Radostin Kishishev, who was making his return to the playing strength following his own long-term injury, impressed in the 70 minutes he was on the pitch.

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Two American imports have returned to the USA after completing their four-week training stint with the Addicks.

Ali Curtis and Gus Kartes said they enjoyed their time with Charlton and Tampa Bay Mutiny coach Perry Van Der Beck reported he was pleased with the experiment.

He said: "This was a good experience for the players, not only training every day and keeping fit in the off-season, but working with players of that level is priceless."

Both Americans played for the Addicks in the reserves' recent behind-closed-doors away defeat against Southampton.

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The recent renaissance of the Charlton's women's team was temporarily halted on when the flu-affected team went down 2-0 to newly-promoted Leeds.

The Addicks' next game is in the fourth round of the FA Cup against lower-league Bangor City at Hayes Lane, Bromley, on January 6. Kick-off is at 2pm.

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Chief executive Peter Varney has dismissed speculation the Addicks were the only club at the Premier League meeting to support the so-called Phoenix League proposals.

He said: "The discussion was a lot more complicated than has been reported, but insofar as one club had a different view from the rest, then I can confirm that it wasn't us."

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Charlton's trip to Elland Road, formerly scheduled for Saturday, February 23, will now take place the following day on Sunday, February 24 at 3pm. The switch has been caused by Leeds' continued progress in the UEFA Cup.

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Charlton have announced that tickets for the home matches against Aston Villa on Monday, January 21 (8pm) and Derby on Tuesday, January 29 (7.45pm), will go on sale on Saturday, January 5.

The seats will be priced £20 adults, £15 seniors & under-U18s and £10 juniors. More details from the ticket office on 020 8333 4010.

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Charlton's under-19s, after beating Arsenal, lost 2-1 to local rivals Millwall last week, despite a brilliant late volleyed goal from Jamal Campbell-Ryce.

The under-17s' fixture against the same opposition was postponed due to a frozen pitch and both academy sides now enter their winter break.

December 21, 2001 16:30