After much angst I was persuaded to stop boycotting and go to the game last night. I understand why people continue to stay away and I have nothing but admiration for them. However I couldn't carry on, I've missed the Valley, the Red Red Robin and that fabulous old ground. I am so glad that I caved in and went. Thanks to those who have helped me, you know who you are.
Going back was an extremely emotional experience. The walk up Charlton Church Lane, turning into Floyd Road with a huge mass of people. Seeing people I hadn't seen in a couple of years since I walked away, to be greeted like an old friend, no animosity. Thank you. It was great to be home.
The game was typical Charlton, heart stopping, frustrating and just sheer agony. However something has changed, a buzz, a belief. Lee Bowyer and Johnnie Jackson have managed to build up that link between the team and it's fans. They've repaired some of the damage and given fans hope. When we conceded, heads could have dropped, but they didn't. Fans just got louder and louder. Even When Doncaster took the lead on aggregate the noise levels rose. The fans swept the team forwards. It was somewhat inevitable that we would end up with penalties.
I bet everyone who was there 9 years ago when Mr Bailey sent a match ball into orbit thought here we go again. No, not this Charlton. It has the grit of Gritt, the effervescence of the Welsh Wizard on the Wing Johnny Robinson, the calmness of Chris Powell, the assured stature of Morrison and the sheer lunancy of Hreidarsson. This is a Charlton of old and it's connected with me.
When Tommy Rowe skewered his shot into the covered end time seemed to stop, it seemed that everyone was thinking is that it? Have we done it? The players in the centre circle charging forwards sparking abject pandemonium. A proper full on joyous pitch invasion, a collective mass of europoric celebration engulfing the hallowed turf. So different to the one three years ago. I cried tears of pain then, last night there were tears of joy.
Don't get me wrong, Duchatelet continues to present a clear and present danger to our future. The fact Bowyer hasn't been given a contract yet, that the team could easily be broken up.
So long as the manager and coach are there we have a chance and we have our Charlton back.
The heart is still beating, we have a dedicated team working at the Valley still, people who through thick and thin did not give up. They deserve our gratitude.
For me, I'm a fan again, I can enjoy my football with a pint and a moan if I want. I've reconnected.
Thanks Jacko, thanks Lee, thanks Charlton.
Comments
Good job Roland has secured the services of Lee and Johnnie for the future.
It's sounding very much like some people said all along then, it's actually about results!
Welcome home BDL. You’ll never get a first love buzz like that down Gravesend :-)
I felt last night was a demonstration.
A demonstration by new, old and returning fans of a love for a South London football club which sends out a message to potential buyers that this is a vibrant, passionate and worthy purchase.
The main problem is the price is too high for a Championship club let alone one which might still be in League 1 next season.
The heartbeat of Cafc was as strong last night as any time since 1905.
I think as much as Bowyer being “proper Charlton” it’s also about the results on the pitch, I doubt people would have been breaking their boycotts had we finished mid-table, even with Bowyer at the helm.
Since then the main frustration has been the inflated asking price, needless negative statements (eg let's praise Wilder, even though you're own manager has taken the heat off you, you thicko) and selling good players.
To be fair, selling players, is something all league 1 clubs have to do, but surely if you want a high price for the club then Grant should've been replaced properly.
Anyway, its been a great season. Been to about 35 games. Every one, as Bow said last night, the players have given it everything.
Here's to you Lee Bowyer, Charlton loves you more than you will know, wooaah.
Results are not a factor in my boycott of the Valley. Last night was the first time I've bought a ticket this season, but like Dave I felt that something landmark 'Charlton' was afoot - not that we were in a play off semi-final (we were there just last year), but that Bowyer, Jacko and this set of players are the closest thing we've had to 'our' Charlton since Powell was so unceremoniously jettisoned. I wanted to acknowledge it.
Actually, I don't think I've seen anything so 'Charlton' as last night. The atmosphere was the best I've seen at the Valley, and in my view Bowyer has restored the link between supporter and player, and in spades. Despite Duchatelet, and perhaps it's ok to want to feel that again, despite Duchatelet.
I've struggled with this compromise of my boycott, and I know Dave's wrestled with it too. I felt uncomfortable being there at times last night. I don't want Duchatelet to feel validated by the team's success or the connection the fans feel with them - it's happened because he stopped caring altogether and pulled away, not because he's some genius who spotted Bowyer and gave him his head.
The team's success is despite Duchatelet, the connection with the fans is helped by but not caused by the results. The results come because this is a proper Charlton team, great spirit, great heart, and a never-say-die attitude from back to front that was worthy of any Rufus-Kinsella-Mendonca hearted team.
It's despite Duchatelet, not because of him, and he remains the fly in the ointment. That shouldn't stop any fan being part of something that's got - in every sense - nothing to do with him.
EDIT: I won't be buying a season ticket again until he's gone, for all the reasons @Cardinal Sin mentions, which are very important. I fear promotion will make Duchatelet's departure all the more difficult, whilst being conflicted that this set of players deserve every success.
You’ve had more reason than anyone to stay away and it’s great to hear that you have been inspired by what’s going on
Allez Allez Allez.
Has there ever been a more appropriate phrase?
What an amazing night.
Welcome Home BDL.
I felt much the same. It was my first visit this season.
I am so glad I went. For me it showed our clubs heart but also it's huge potential.
I have received many calls and texts last night & today from mates, Norwich, Spanners, & Hamsters fans among them saying not just what a great game but also how brilliant were the scenes at the end.
The club is made up of fans some who boycott and some who don't. The common denominator is our love for our club.
I won't buy a season ticket either until he goes. Last night reminded me why I love the Valley and the club I started supporting in 1967.
Charlton Til I Die
I have spent the last few years in mourning for all the hundreds of wonderful hours that my football club had given me over the years and that includes the many, many ball achingly bad ones!
Pure joy on the pitch after, a common release after what has been a horrible period in our history, Well done to Lee and the lads for giving us that.
As for Dutchelet? he does not deserve to even feature in this post, it is only my disgust of the man and his machinations that leads me to drop the daft old Belgian twat a mention...
After the memorable Pompey away game in April 2018, I remember saying to my older lad that the positive stuff happening is all despite Roly.
But now, I think this stance slightly undermines the cause. Ultimately Roly is the one paying the wages of the players Bowyer, Jackson and Gallen have recruited, as well as older ones that they inherited, trust and have developed (ie Bauer, Sarr etc.).
In my opinion, the dissatisfaction towards Roly should now be focused on him seemingly loading outgoings onto the asking price, not renewing contracts and not replacing Grant properly. As has been said multiple times, the real worry is that the whole thing is a house of cards that is a side step away from collapsing.
Most importantly, Bowyer is clearly a real talent who is making stuff happen and I simply cannot fathom (like with Yann) why Roly has not given him and Jacko a new big fat contract. If promotion does not happen this year, who does he think could do a better job than them two (plus Marsh) for another go at it next year?