But I would say Peter Shirtliff. Without those 2 goals, would the club have survived 2nd division football at Selhurst long enough for the back to the Valley campaign to work?
Over the last 60 years I'd have to say Mendonca for his goal scoring feat at Wembley in the play off final which provided the building blocks for the extended run in the Premier league, two seasons later.
and not just his Wembley tour de force (mon ami) .. all that season his influence on the team was immeasurable .. he was fortunate to have a terrific group of players around him but without Mendonca I do not believe that we would ever have got to the premiership .. his signing was Lord Llewellyn's master stroke
“Although Scotty only played 20 league matches for Charlton he was undoubtedly one of the most significant and central figures in the club’s history – one could even argue, the most significant. After the First World War is was Kingsley, who had joined the Addicks in 1912, who approached the Charlton secretary to enquire if it was possible to re-form the club and this was agreed at a subsequent meeting which was attended by Scotty. It is also claimed that Kingsley was one of a small delegation of Charlton minded people who visited what was then called the Swamps and decided that was where they wanted their ground to be built – which signaled the birth of the Valley. Then when, in 1922, Charlton were threatened with closure by the builders of the stand if they did not honour a £1,000 debt, Scotty agreed to a transfer to Fulham and his transfer fee wiped out the debt and probably saved the club” Colin Cameron – Club Historian writing in the Valiant 500
The first overseas player?
Although the early Charlton teams were made up of local boys, and Scotty Kingsley attended Fossdene School, he was born in Barbados in 1891. He died in Plumstead in 1967. He worked as a foreman optical instrument maker for the Woolwich Arsenal throughout his playing career.
That network goalkeeper whose name I can’t even bring myself to remember, having consigned it to that place where things should be forgotten - as ‘influential’ goes, I felt I definitely needed to be under the influence to watch him in goal
Shirtliff's contribution was iconic at the time and he was a leader of men. His contribution to our club was massive at the time when we were in a bad way but I wouldn't say he was hugely influential.
Jacko is both iconic and influential right now. His influence over the last few years is unrivalled and I hope that continues for many years to come.
But on the pitch, For me Scott Parker was the one. When he left us he was, in my opinion, world class. I don't say that lightly. He covered every blade of grass, every game. He was so influential and important to us it is testament that we were in 4th in the top flight when he left. He was unbelievable but sadly he was ill advised and I believe he underachieved in his career. He should have won a lot more than he did.
Pearce is a great captain and really battles - he should score more goals and his distribution is poor. At this level, he is the heart of the team, but the most influential player. As in the player who currently has most influence has to be Taylor.
Looking back, I think Parker was very influential at his peak, Darren Bent for a while. Going back further Derek Hales - it is constantly moving feast.
Mark Kinsela, Jacko, Keith Peacock, Scotty, all have to be in the running.
One name from the 1960's nobody has mentioned is Mike Bailey. He was a colossus for us, captain at the age of 22 i believe. England international as well.
A barrel chested tough tackling midfielder, very much in the Kinsela mold.
I thought Mark Aizlewod was very influential during our earlier spell in the top flight. Against the better sides he was a rock in front of the defence, but against lesser teams he pushed the side forward. Seemed to read what was needed and we often seemed to claw back a result. But not a star man.
I’d plump for Webster, that time was I feel one of the best group of players we had, not best from a technical stand point just a superb bunch giving 110% every single game and a good team, the captain should take a lot of credit for that. BTTV also helped of course.
In many respects I liked that time more than the premiership years.
Comments
Helped reform the club in 1918 after it had shut down in 1915.
Found the Valley and helped turn it into a football ground.
Allowed himself to be transferred to Fulham so the fee would save the club from extinction.
Beat that.
I'll add Simon Webster to the proper list.
The most important player in Charlton’s history?
“Although Scotty only played 20 league matches for Charlton he was undoubtedly one of the most significant and central figures in the club’s history – one could even argue, the most significant.
After the First World War is was Kingsley, who had joined the Addicks in 1912, who approached the Charlton secretary to enquire if it was possible to re-form the club and this was agreed at a subsequent meeting which was attended by Scotty.
It is also claimed that Kingsley was one of a small delegation of Charlton minded people who visited what was then called the Swamps and decided that was where they wanted their ground to be built – which signaled the birth of the Valley.
Then when, in 1922, Charlton were threatened with closure by the builders of the stand if they did not honour a £1,000 debt, Scotty agreed to a transfer to Fulham and his transfer fee wiped out the debt and probably saved the club”
Colin Cameron – Club Historian writing in the Valiant 500
The first overseas player?
Although the early Charlton teams were made up of local boys, and Scotty Kingsley attended Fossdene School, he was born in Barbados in 1891. He died in Plumstead in 1967. He worked as a foreman optical instrument maker for the Woolwich Arsenal throughout his playing career.
Shirtliff's contribution was iconic at the time and he was a leader of men. His contribution to our club was massive at the time when we were in a bad way but I wouldn't say he was hugely influential.
Jacko is both iconic and influential right now. His influence over the last few years is unrivalled and I hope that continues for many years to come.
But on the pitch, For me Scott Parker was the one. When he left us he was, in my opinion, world class. I don't say that lightly. He covered every blade of grass, every game. He was so influential and important to us it is testament that we were in 4th in the top flight when he left. He was unbelievable but sadly he was ill advised and I believe he underachieved in his career. He should have won a lot more than he did.
Looking back, I think Parker was very influential at his peak, Darren Bent for a while. Going back further Derek Hales - it is constantly moving feast.
Parker during the Pram days.
Paul Miller in the play offs and against Chelsea
Stevie Gritt
Stevie Brown
Leeeaaaaburnnnn!
Johnny Robinson
Colin Walsh
All would give 100 percent for Charlton.
One name from the 1960's nobody has mentioned is Mike Bailey. He was a colossus for us, captain at the age of 22 i believe. England international as well.
A barrel chested tough tackling midfielder, very much in the Kinsela mold.
Webster
Powell
Kinsella
Parker
Mendonca
But I could easily add another 5 to that list.
I’d plump for Webster, that time was I feel one of the best group of players we had, not best from a technical stand point just a superb bunch giving 110% every single game and a good team, the captain should take a lot of credit for that. BTTV also helped of course.
In many respects I liked that time more than the premiership years.