My son-in-law was on duty at the playoff today. He said the police officers on duty yesterday were laughing at how easy the day had been, unlike today. Plenty of hassle with the Walsall fans, apparently.
When I joined in line for the train at Wembley Park station today there must've been 40,000 fans waiting - to which I estimate I was 38,750th in the queue.
Anyway, I overheard a bloke say that he was at the Full members cup final in 1987. He gave some facts out to his family that Charlton only took about 12,000 to that event - of the total 40,000 in attendance V Blackburn Rovers.
It's not my style to butt in and I didn't. But I desperately wanted to show him this photo of my cousin, my son (now 46) my Dad and my Uncle Harry. Dad and Uncle Harry passed many years ago and soberingly (is that a word?) Dad was quite a bit younger than I am today.
The thing is it ain't just football is it? It's family.
P.S. My Grandaughter (9) (daughter of son pictured) is a new season ticket holder next year.
Thank you to my long departed Grandad for taking my Dad to the Valley after the successive promotions from Div 3 to Div 1 back in the day. Since that day we have been a Charlton family. I was taken to the Valley aged 7, 65 now. What a club.
Final whistle ... we've won ... Red, Red Robin blasting out.
I've been banging this particular drum for a nunber of years but this should be part of our post-win celebrations as much as the tunnel jump.
Play the club song at FT when we win!!!
Not just blasting out of the tannoy, but it was great to hear so many people singing along. Whoever picked our post-match music played a blinder.
I like the idea of playing it as a post-match winning anthem, but I wouldn't want to lose it when the teams come out even if a lot of our fans don't pay respect to it then.
Final whistle ... we've won ... Red, Red Robin blasting out.
I've been banging this particular drum for a nunber of years but this should be part of our post-win celebrations as much as the tunnel jump.
Play the club song at FT when we win!!!
Not just blasting out of the tannoy, but it was great to hear so many people singing along. Whoever picked our post-match music played a blinder.
I like the idea of playing it as a post-match winning anthem, but I wouldn't want to lose it when the teams come out even if a lot of our fans don't pay respect to it then.
How good did VFR sound at a proper slow pace too? A reminder of how it should be sung
I think we needed Anderson's press in place of Gilberts nous and the same can be said for Watson, both substitutions helped to stop Orient's movement and passing through us, full credit to Nathan Jones for those decisions.
Yes, I think it's about what they add at different stages in the game. If we are level or behind I'd want Gilbert on the pitch as I think he's more likely to play a killer ball that could give us a goal. Once we've got our noses in front, Anderson's energy and tenacity is fantastic for ensuring that we stay in control. They are both comparatively young, I'm hopeful that Anderson will develop the more skilful side of his game, that will make him a formidable player. I'm not sure what the chances are of us keeping hold of Gilbert, if we did, I think he'd benefit from bulking up in the close season, in much the same way that TC did last year.
I managed to be 91st in the queue to buy tickets, but still managed to end up one row from the back of the second tier, instead of in the front or second row as I’d intended. No idea how that happened! The view from up there was fine, but for me we were too far away from the action. I’ll know better next May.
Secondly, the balti pies sold on the concourse were tasty, and only £5.95! I mentioned them being good value and the sales assistant told us they’d been told to reduce prices for this match. Perhaps they didn’t sell enough the previous day?
Lastly the Brenner fella seemed massively into it, hugging all and sundry. That could auger really well for next season. We’re going to need to spend if we want to stay up.
Even more lastly, it was great to see the whole squad and the Academy boys on the pitch after the match. The flags were a nice touch and added to the atmosphere. PS A fit and firing Miles Leaburn would’ve made such a difference.
Edit: One final final thing. Mrs JS actually watched the match on the telly and found it nerve wracking. That’s gonna be a good sign, surely?
This has been a joyless club to support in recent years. We've had to suffer through shambolic seasons, watching crap players turn in half-arsed performances, while managers stood on the sidelines with their hands stuffed in their pockets.
No other group of fans has earned the right to enjoy that result more than us.
Three clean sheets in three play-off games is incredible. I think back to how often our GKs have been exposed in the past few years - constantly stopping one-on-ones or being tested from clear-cut chances. Now, they mostly just tidy up and claim crosses, because the team defends with everything.
I can't think of a group of players that I like more. Even on their off days, they all give 110%. That's always been the core identity of this club. If we've got players who do that, good things happen.
With Phil Chapple back in the building, and Andy Scott thrown out of it, who knows what we can do.
Final whistle ... we've won ... Red, Red Robin blasting out.
I've been banging this particular drum for a nunber of years but this should be part of our post-win celebrations as much as the tunnel jump.
Play the club song at FT when we win!!!
Not just blasting out of the tannoy, but it was great to hear so many people singing along. Whoever picked our post-match music played a blinder.
I like the idea of playing it as a post-match winning anthem, but I wouldn't want to lose it when the teams come out even if a lot of our fans don't pay respect to it then.
How good did VFR sound at a proper slow pace too? A reminder of how it should be sung
And notice how the crowd sung along with it at that pace.
Final whistle ... we've won ... Red, Red Robin blasting out.
I've been banging this particular drum for a nunber of years but this should be part of our post-win celebrations as much as the tunnel jump.
Play the club song at FT when we win!!!
Not just blasting out of the tannoy, but it was great to hear so many people singing along. Whoever picked our post-match music played a blinder.
I like the idea of playing it as a post-match winning anthem, but I wouldn't want to lose it when the teams come out even if a lot of our fans don't pay respect to it then.
Would love to have it played after every home win.
Don't know if this has been covered but it is refreshing to see so many past players congratulate us on our promotion. Even some of those from more recent, much less popular squads.
Shows that the lack of class shown by Albie Morgan, Charlie Kirk and Sean Clare on recent posts was nothing more than that, a lack of class on their part.
What did Morgan and Kirk say? Missed that. Give Clare a pass as he was playing for the oppo
All the ingredients are in there. His delivery from corners resulted in a numer of key goals. A good loan for us.
I agree. I think he never got really match fit and that he would benefit from a pre-season. Whatever Jones did for the lads over last summer worked.
A big shout out to our medical team this season. They have played a huge part in our promotion by keeping players fit and getting those injured back playing again. 👏
Don't know if this has been covered but it is refreshing to see so many past players congratulate us on our promotion. Even some of those from more recent, much less popular squads.
Shows that the lack of class shown by Albie Morgan, Charlie Kirk and Sean Clare on recent posts was nothing more than that, a lack of class on their part.
What did Morgan and Kirk say? Missed that. Give Clare a pass as he was playing for the oppo
Morgan posted a photo celebrating his goal against us at the valley. People were upset at him for celebrating in the first place which in my opinion is ridiculous given the fact we let him go and he was getting a lot of abuse from our fans to begin with. Several ex Charlton players commented on the post/liked it and got attacked by Charlton fans for supporting him.
Don't know if this has been covered but it is refreshing to see so many past players congratulate us on our promotion. Even some of those from more recent, much less popular squads.
Shows that the lack of class shown by Albie Morgan, Charlie Kirk and Sean Clare on recent posts was nothing more than that, a lack of class on their part.
What did Morgan and Kirk say? Missed that. Give Clare a pass as he was playing for the oppo
Snide comments/emojis on social media posts about Charlton losing or when someone scores against us. Just really salty behaviour we never really had from any ex players previously
Don't know if this has been covered but it is refreshing to see so many past players congratulate us on our promotion. Even some of those from more recent, much less popular squads.
Shows that the lack of class shown by Albie Morgan, Charlie Kirk and Sean Clare on recent posts was nothing more than that, a lack of class on their part.
What did Morgan and Kirk say? Missed that. Give Clare a pass as he was playing for the oppo
Morgan posted a photo celebrating his goal against us at the valley. People were upset at him for celebrating in the first place which in my opinion is ridiculous given the fact we let him go and he was getting a lot of abuse from our fans to begin with. Several ex Charlton players commented on the post/liked it and got attacked by Charlton fans for supporting him.
Morgan celebrating scoring a goal. That would count Kirk out.
My son-in-law was on duty at the playoff today. He said the police officers on duty yesterday were laughing at how easy the day had been, unlike today. Plenty of hassle with the Walsall fans, apparently.
As we walked to Wembley Stadium station I said to my wife I coundn't understand why all the coppers looked so miserable, it was the easiest Sunday overtime they will ever pick up. The only one I saw smiling was chatting to one of ours who was showing him something on his mobile - our guess was that they knew each other and the policeman was a Charlton fan...
What a day. Box park rocking before and after even better when Nathan Jones turned up for a beer. Pure class joining in with the fans. Sore head but worth it. Thank you to everyone on here especially to those who have contributed to the cancer charity. They have ended up winners along with Charlton. Enjoy the celebrations. 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍾🍾🥂🏆🏆🎉🎉🥳🥳
Final whistle ... we've won ... Red, Red Robin blasting out.
I've been banging this particular drum for a nunber of years but this should be part of our post-win celebrations as much as the tunnel jump.
Play the club song at FT when we win!!!
Not just blasting out of the tannoy, but it was great to hear so many people singing along. Whoever picked our post-match music played a blinder.
I like the idea of playing it as a post-match winning anthem, but I wouldn't want to lose it when the teams come out even if a lot of our fans don't pay respect to it then.
My perfect match-day scenario:
Valley Floyd Road over the tannoy (like it used to be) so that at least once per home match it gets sung at a proper speed instead of so fast it triggers a sonic boom ...
... then straight into the Back To The Valley video on the big screen ...
... as soon as it finishes Red, Red Robin starts up and the players emerge from the tunnel ... no five-minute gap between the end if the video and the players coming onto the pitch which is always a let-down for me.
If we win, play Red, Red Robin on the final whistle.
Players go round the ground as they do now, usual shenanigans in front of the Covered End, followed by tunnel jumps.
This Is Charlton, This Is The Valley.
Come on folks, make it happen.
(I doubt we can count on a home win every week but the pre-match bit we can control, even if we're being shown on the idiot lantern!)
Final whistle ... we've won ... Red, Red Robin blasting out.
I've been banging this particular drum for a nunber of years but this should be part of our post-win celebrations as much as the tunnel jump.
Play the club song at FT when we win!!!
Not just blasting out of the tannoy, but it was great to hear so many people singing along. Whoever picked our post-match music played a blinder.
I like the idea of playing it as a post-match winning anthem, but I wouldn't want to lose it when the teams come out even if a lot of our fans don't pay respect to it then.
My perfect match-day scenario:
Valley Floyd Road over the tannoy (like it used to be) so that at least once per home match it gets sung at a proper speed instead of so fast it triggers a sonic boom ...
... then straight into the Back To The Valley video on the big screen ...
... as soon as it finishes Red, Red Robin starts up and the players emerge from the tunnel ... no five-minute gap between the end if the video and the players coming onto the pitch which is always a let-down for me.
If we win, play Red, Red Robin on the final whistle.
Players go round the ground as they do now, usual shenanigans in front of the Covered End, followed by tunnel jumps.
This Is Charlton, This Is The Valley.
Come on folks, make it happen.
(I doubt we can count on a home win every week but the pre-match bit we can control, even if we're being shown on the idiot lantern!)
It's hard to get the timings exactly right. Everything is scripted to the last second.....and then the players are 2 minutes late coming out of the tunnel. Get them coming out on time & I'm sure you'll have a better experience.
And it has been asked on here before what songs people would like to have straight after the game.....and it varies from RRR, something more upbeat and None !
Something of note, VFR was sang to almost perfection. It was slow, most people were finishing each sentence with passion, and it felt like everyone joined in. It nearly made me cry. I wish that's how it was before every game, there is something special about a chant done at a pace like that.
As for post match views, there's nothing on here that I could add after reading every post. I am just extremely happy, and buzzing to see how many people also had a special day.
I am in the process of editing now, and I really hope people decide to watch as I tried my best to capture the experience and the life of the game from where I was.
I have never seen so many Charlton fans in my life. From the moment I got to Ashford international, it was crawling with Charlton, and it felt like that the whole way to Wembley, a truly unforgettable experience and one me and my family won't forget. One of the best days of my life.
Comments
I like the idea of playing it as a post-match winning anthem, but I wouldn't want to lose it when the teams come out even if a lot of our fans don't pay respect to it then.
On Orient’s bench. 😉
Lastly the Brenner fella seemed massively into it, hugging all and sundry. That could auger really well for next season. We’re going to need to spend if we want to stay up.
The flags were a nice touch and added to the atmosphere.
PS A fit and firing Miles Leaburn would’ve made such a difference.
I think he never got really match fit and that he would benefit from a pre-season. Whatever Jones did for the lads over last summer worked.
A big shout out to our medical team this season. They have played a huge part in our promotion by keeping players fit and getting those injured back playing again. 👏
Valley Floyd Road over the tannoy (like it used to be) so that at least once per home match it gets sung at a proper speed instead of so fast it triggers a sonic boom ...
... then straight into the Back To The Valley video on the big screen ...
... as soon as it finishes Red, Red Robin starts up and the players emerge from the tunnel ... no five-minute gap between the end if the video and the players coming onto the pitch which is always a let-down for me.
If we win, play Red, Red Robin on the final whistle.
Players go round the ground as they do now, usual shenanigans in front of the Covered End, followed by tunnel jumps.
This Is Charlton, This Is The Valley.
Come on folks, make it happen.
(I doubt we can count on a home win every week but the pre-match bit we can control, even if we're being shown on the idiot lantern!)
And it has been asked on here before what songs people would like to have straight after the game.....and it varies from RRR, something more upbeat and None !
As for post match views, there's nothing on here that I could add after reading every post. I am just extremely happy, and buzzing to see how many people also had a special day.
I am in the process of editing now, and I really hope people decide to watch as I tried my best to capture the experience and the life of the game from where I was.
I have never seen so many Charlton fans in my life. From the moment I got to Ashford international, it was crawling with Charlton, and it felt like that the whole way to Wembley, a truly unforgettable experience and one me and my family won't forget. One of the best days of my life.