We all love Charlton, let's face it.
We don't support them because they win everything in sight.
We don't support them because we have the best players in the world.
We don't support them because they are fashionable.
We just support them because they are our team.
Things have not been good on the pitch we all know that, the players, board, management acknowledge that. It would have been so easy for the board to respond to the many calls after the Barnsley match and sack Alan Pardew. Forget all the crap about not having the money to sack him, if they wanted to they would have. Instead they have chosen to show faith in a man very much under pressure.
Like many of us, I wasn't at Plymouth or Birmingham. But I know people who were and I respect their judgement and their views. We may have only got one point from both games, but admit it most of us felt that we wouldn't get any at all.
Saturdays match is so vital, if we lose then the knives will be back out. But for 90 (plus added time) minutes next Saturday our differences have to be put away. We have to be as one. We have to be Charlton and stand together.
Those at the Alan Pardew Q&A will recall him saying that the atmosphere in the Valley was like that of a cup final at the Burnley game. You may laugh, but if you are pitchside you will know that we can be as loud as any set of supporters in the country.
So on Saturday we need the flags, banners, we need the chants and we need to be in unison supporting our team. If we concede a goal we get louder.
For 90 minutes we have to support our team.
If we do our bit, the players will do theirs for that I am sure.
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Friday, 7 November 2008
The Man has Cojones
Given the events of the past week no one would have been remotely surprised if Alan Pardew hadn't turned up to a Q&A session with fans in Bexley last night. Following the awful performance on the pitch last Saturday a large proportion of fans were vocal in their calls for him to quit the Valley. The press and one "celebrity" reporter could be heard sharpening their collective knives very loudly. The easy option would have been to walk away and write it off as a bad experience. Those who know Alan Pardew knew that would not happen. So when I introduced him to over 100 fans crammed into the main bar at Bexley Park sports and social club last night no one knew quite what to expect.
The applause was warm and polite. Nothing more than you would expect from Charlton Supporters. Alan took his seat and we started. “Any questions” I asked. Not a single hand went up. Given that the Charlton message boards had been full of talk about the "difficult" stuff and asking the awkward questions I was surprised. After what seemed to be an awful long time a hand went up and we were underway.
I'm not going to try and list the questions and replies. I know that many others will report what was said. I can confirm that the difficult/awkward questions were asked and that each one received an honest answer. Some may call it spin, say that he is media savvy and knows how to turn a question around. Maybe he does, maybe that’s what we would call honesty.
What is clear is that he thinks he can turn it around. As he rightfully stated he had been through similar situations before at Reading and West Ham. Once the Reading fans turned up to Elm Park with pants on their heads to signify the team were pants, they won. Maybe we should do that?
There will almost certainly be movements in and out over the next couple of weeks as he tries to find that elusive balance in the team. Yes he got loan signings wrong last year, it’s clear that he rates Cranie and Primus. Names were mentioned but he wouldn’t confirm anything.
He confirmed that one player would be starting against Plymouth in a role that was championed from the floor. He agreed that the players all too easily let their heads drop, about how nervous they have become, maybe some need to get stronger. What about the booing? Part of the game, but you lot are as nervous as the players. "I walked out at the Burnley game and the atmosphere was electric, like a cup final". Alans words. See we can do it!
So can he turn it around? The next two weeks will be crucial to his survival at the Valley and our continued presence in the second tier of English football. With a little more commitment from the players and a large dose of luck he may just do it, I for one hope he does. In a couple of weeks when we are back home it's so vital that we the fans play our part and back them as loudly and as proudly we can.
About 17 or so miles away from Bexley last night a certain ex-Addick bagged a hat-trick for Tottingham. Darren Bent has always been the model professional, preferring to do his talking on the pitch. Spudz fans have never warmed to him, lets be honest they thought it was below them to buy a player from little old Charlton. Lets face it not many of us have a soft spot for Spurs. Most of us laughed when they suffered their worst start to a Premiership campaign and most of us hope that they do get their come-uppance and get relegated. But you have to admit that you're glad Benty is getting his chance under Harry Redknapp and that he seems to be relishing the opportunity.
The applause was warm and polite. Nothing more than you would expect from Charlton Supporters. Alan took his seat and we started. “Any questions” I asked. Not a single hand went up. Given that the Charlton message boards had been full of talk about the "difficult" stuff and asking the awkward questions I was surprised. After what seemed to be an awful long time a hand went up and we were underway.
I'm not going to try and list the questions and replies. I know that many others will report what was said. I can confirm that the difficult/awkward questions were asked and that each one received an honest answer. Some may call it spin, say that he is media savvy and knows how to turn a question around. Maybe he does, maybe that’s what we would call honesty.
What is clear is that he thinks he can turn it around. As he rightfully stated he had been through similar situations before at Reading and West Ham. Once the Reading fans turned up to Elm Park with pants on their heads to signify the team were pants, they won. Maybe we should do that?
There will almost certainly be movements in and out over the next couple of weeks as he tries to find that elusive balance in the team. Yes he got loan signings wrong last year, it’s clear that he rates Cranie and Primus. Names were mentioned but he wouldn’t confirm anything.
He confirmed that one player would be starting against Plymouth in a role that was championed from the floor. He agreed that the players all too easily let their heads drop, about how nervous they have become, maybe some need to get stronger. What about the booing? Part of the game, but you lot are as nervous as the players. "I walked out at the Burnley game and the atmosphere was electric, like a cup final". Alans words. See we can do it!
So can he turn it around? The next two weeks will be crucial to his survival at the Valley and our continued presence in the second tier of English football. With a little more commitment from the players and a large dose of luck he may just do it, I for one hope he does. In a couple of weeks when we are back home it's so vital that we the fans play our part and back them as loudly and as proudly we can.
About 17 or so miles away from Bexley last night a certain ex-Addick bagged a hat-trick for Tottingham. Darren Bent has always been the model professional, preferring to do his talking on the pitch. Spudz fans have never warmed to him, lets be honest they thought it was below them to buy a player from little old Charlton. Lets face it not many of us have a soft spot for Spurs. Most of us laughed when they suffered their worst start to a Premiership campaign and most of us hope that they do get their come-uppance and get relegated. But you have to admit that you're glad Benty is getting his chance under Harry Redknapp and that he seems to be relishing the opportunity.
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Sorry - It'll be my fault
Haven't been to an away game in ages and my record really hasn't been that good I'm afraid. So what on earth possessed me to agree to go to Ipswich tonight I'll never know. It's all Jon McCaffrey's fault, he suggested it would be a good idea to go! Oh well, in for a penny.......
So in advance of our team possibly losing the match tonight, I'm to blame.
On the other hand if we annihilate the Tractor Boys then the lads on the pitch can take the credit.
Let's hope it's the latter as I know I will get some stick on Sunday night otherwise.
So in advance of our team possibly losing the match tonight, I'm to blame.
On the other hand if we annihilate the Tractor Boys then the lads on the pitch can take the credit.
Let's hope it's the latter as I know I will get some stick on Sunday night otherwise.
Friday, 24 October 2008
Thursday, 23 October 2008
We are Family!
How do I start this posting?
I could be negative, blame myself for being wildly over optimistic with my last post. Do my impression of Frazier from Dad's Army - We're doomed.
I could join the ranks of the knew it wouldn't happen, because we are Charlton and nothing good happens to us brigade.
Or I could simply start off by saying, OK let's dust ourself down and get on with it.
I think I'll plump for the latter.
We've been through worse. We're not losing our ground. We haven't got the taxman threatening to close us down.
Things could be better. The current financial gloom hanging over the country doesn't help. Our league position isn't the best it could be!
So we have to do what we always do in times of adversity. We stick together.
We get behind our team.
Because we are Charlton, that's what we do.
I could be negative, blame myself for being wildly over optimistic with my last post. Do my impression of Frazier from Dad's Army - We're doomed.
I could join the ranks of the knew it wouldn't happen, because we are Charlton and nothing good happens to us brigade.
Or I could simply start off by saying, OK let's dust ourself down and get on with it.
I think I'll plump for the latter.
We've been through worse. We're not losing our ground. We haven't got the taxman threatening to close us down.
Things could be better. The current financial gloom hanging over the country doesn't help. Our league position isn't the best it could be!
So we have to do what we always do in times of adversity. We stick together.
We get behind our team.
Because we are Charlton, that's what we do.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Don't mention last night
Bad enough that I had to suffer the gloating Spanner when I dropped my kids off at school this morning. A few wins and they all come out of the woodwork.
Just smile and be nice to him, said the Mrs. So I did. Turns out he may be a spanner, but he gets up to the Valley quite regularly. Funny that he even spoke like he was one of us. He brings his kids to the Valley as it's a safe environment for them.
Why don't you take them down the Den? No atmosphere and they don't like the place.
You may think it's strange that a Millwall supporter brings his kids to the Valley, well it's not that strange is it?
We picked up lots of new fans when we were in the Prem - Many of them stayed when we were relegated. They may have other allegiances in North or West London, Manchester or Liverpool but they choose to come to Charlton and lots of them bring their kids.
For me that can only be good for the club. New fans, young fans who will stay with the Addicks just like us old'uns did.
We're on the verge of an exiting new era at the Valley. If the deal goes through (and I sincerely hope it does)these youngsters may never know what it was like to grow up as a fan of an unfashionable club, have the mickey taken out of you for saying that Derek Hales was god. They may never experience having to trek halfway round South London to see your team play at a foreign and unwelcoming field, know what it's like to see your team almost go out of existence. They may grow up supporting a club that only knows success.
I wish I could be a kid again!
Just smile and be nice to him, said the Mrs. So I did. Turns out he may be a spanner, but he gets up to the Valley quite regularly. Funny that he even spoke like he was one of us. He brings his kids to the Valley as it's a safe environment for them.
Why don't you take them down the Den? No atmosphere and they don't like the place.
You may think it's strange that a Millwall supporter brings his kids to the Valley, well it's not that strange is it?
We picked up lots of new fans when we were in the Prem - Many of them stayed when we were relegated. They may have other allegiances in North or West London, Manchester or Liverpool but they choose to come to Charlton and lots of them bring their kids.
For me that can only be good for the club. New fans, young fans who will stay with the Addicks just like us old'uns did.
We're on the verge of an exiting new era at the Valley. If the deal goes through (and I sincerely hope it does)these youngsters may never know what it was like to grow up as a fan of an unfashionable club, have the mickey taken out of you for saying that Derek Hales was god. They may never experience having to trek halfway round South London to see your team play at a foreign and unwelcoming field, know what it's like to see your team almost go out of existence. They may grow up supporting a club that only knows success.
I wish I could be a kid again!
Monday, 20 October 2008
Bluebird verdict
I knew Dave Street would eventually be in contact today, something along the lines of you're very quiet?
I asked Dave for his view on the match, especially how we played
You were the better side for the first 18 mins, your number 12 missed a great chance to put you ahead. First goal was crucial as it put us on top for the rest of the half.
Second half was a bit of an anti climax after the second goal and sending off, you had a fair amount of possession but no real cutting edge. Second sending off killed the game dead, Charlton went into damage limitation and Cardiff weren't good enough to capitalise.
Thought your midfield and defence were decent (always liked Matt Holland) but you looked very light weight upfront and Weaver looked a bit dodgy in goal.
Don't worry you'll have your revenge later in the season.
Let's hope so. Keep the home form going and we'll still be in contention for the play-offs. We may be 11 places behind Brizzle City but we're only 3 points behind them. In fact we're only four points off the play-offs.
We all know how tight the league was last season, so (as I said) keep that Home form going and we'll still be in contention.
I asked Dave for his view on the match, especially how we played
You were the better side for the first 18 mins, your number 12 missed a great chance to put you ahead. First goal was crucial as it put us on top for the rest of the half.
Second half was a bit of an anti climax after the second goal and sending off, you had a fair amount of possession but no real cutting edge. Second sending off killed the game dead, Charlton went into damage limitation and Cardiff weren't good enough to capitalise.
Thought your midfield and defence were decent (always liked Matt Holland) but you looked very light weight upfront and Weaver looked a bit dodgy in goal.
Don't worry you'll have your revenge later in the season.
Let's hope so. Keep the home form going and we'll still be in contention for the play-offs. We may be 11 places behind Brizzle City but we're only 3 points behind them. In fact we're only four points off the play-offs.
We all know how tight the league was last season, so (as I said) keep that Home form going and we'll still be in contention.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
