And now it’s the Friday before the main event and I am back to being full of anticipation and nerves not sure if they are fear or excitement
will go over and see @DaveMehmet tomorrow showing his pride and joy at the Enfield car pageant before going home for a nightvofcno sleep and constant replaying 98 and whatever other playoff game I can find on the Telly
And now it’s the Friday before the main event and I am back to being full of anticipation and nerves not sure if they are fear or excitement
will go over and see @DaveMehmet tomorrow showing his pride and joy at the Enfield car pageant before going home for a nightvofcno sleep and constant replaying 98 and whatever other playoff game I can find on the Telly
Been some great recollections from players that you wouldnt expect (i.e. Bowen | Gray | Clark)
Question though; In the modern game (or even back then) does anyone think the Rufus' goal shouldnt have stood? - i.e. Its a great bit of play from Bright but he clearly obstructs Perez (Surprised none of the players, even looking back, dont question the decision)... Of course its something thats happened so cant dwell but if that were to happen to Phillips on Sunday, would we be pissed if a foul wasnt given or correct call?
And now it’s the Friday before the main event and I am back to being full of anticipation and nerves not sure if they are fear or excitement
will go over and see @DaveMehmet tomorrow showing his pride and joy at the Enfield car pageant before going home for a nightvofcno sleep and constant replaying 98 and whatever other playoff game I can find on the Telly
I have two regrets from 1998 that I really hope to put right this year!!
(1) That I get plenty of photos of the day, I've got nothing to look back on at all bar my own memory which am sure will fade as I get older (2) Its out of my hands but if we do win... I aint leaving my seat until those players have well and truly left the pitch!!
Thinking back to 98, cameraphones didn't exist then, or for indeed digital cameras either! A very different world to today when there will be thousands of photos taken by spectators
Digital cameras had existed for a while by 1998, and people had been uploading pictures with them, but we on our way to Wembley (my knees have gone all trembly) so who cares?
Went to the game on Medway branch coaches with my mum, dad and brother. Also had a load of non Charlton mates with us that had managed to get tickets.
Remember the elation on of that first goal and then the continual gut punches when Sunderland scored. Wasnt helped at 2-1 when 2 Sunderland supporting ladies (openly in their colours so well done to the stewards) started celebrating, laughing and goading the fans. To this day my mate says my 5ft mum absolutely losing her shit at them was one of the scariest things he'd ever seen! Thankfully they were either ejected or kept quiet after that as didn't see them celebrating again.
Nicky Sumerbee's goal was the worst as I really thought that was that. We couldn't come back again but then Sir Clive scored that magical goal.
By the time we started pens me and my brother were emotional wrecks. My legs had gone completely and my brother kept disappearing down the stairs as he couldn't face watching it. When it got to 7-6 I remember shouting "this is it, we were going to win it" just because it wasTHAT scoreline. When Sasa saved it I remember a brief pause for my brain to process what that actually meant. Yes he saved it! We've won! Holy shit were in the premier league! Then I started jumping around like lunatic.
After that I dissolved into tears alongside one of our Medway stalwarts Kev Banks. When I regained composure I just remember walking on sunshine blaring out and having the biggest smile on my face.
On the coach back the atmosphere was so muted. Everyone was exhausted, no singing or shouting and when we got back to Medway there was no chance I'd be going on the piss to celebrate. Just one drink if I remember correctly!
I'll always look back now on that being my greatest day as a Charlton fan (alongside 5th December 92) but I hated the game during it! I'll gladly take a nice 2-0 win this time. No emotional rollercoasters please!
My own overriding memory of the day was hitting the British Oak in the evening afterwards and feeling utterly drained.
It was a remarkable day. I'd been married (to the fruitloop for those with good memories) exactly one month - and for the rest of the marriage I remembered my anniversary by referring to 25 May 1998, not the other way round. She joined me and a group of friends and family on the coach to the ground, and arriving I recall having some great and friendly banter and some photos with several Mackems. Set the scene.
Won't bother describing the game, but just to say that it played havoc with the emotions and I don't think I've ever celebrated anything before or since as I celebrated Gray's penalty. We were in the Premier League, which had seemed so distant previously.
I do remember one of my mates going home after extra time because he'd just had twins and his wife was at home with them with a promise he'd be home at a certain time. Feel sure she'd have understood but whilst bemused felt quite impressed at his commitment to his family.
I don't remember the coach journey home. In the evening I sat there with my pint, completely exhausted and celebrated out. Definitely one of the best days of my life, the best game of football I've ever seen, and whilst feeling genuinely sorry for the Mackems we needed that much more than they did.
Here's to a comfortable 2-0 Addicks win tomorrow...
I was only ten years old at the time of this glorious day but like so many the emotions were the same. absolutely drained.
there was about 8 of us from my family that came along. got our faces painted, had my whole face covered in red and white with CAFC across it. loved the twin towers and knowing that i was where England won the world cup. Iconic Stadium. my older brother and sister and cousin all stood behind the goal whereas me, me dad, ma and a couple of me dads mates were stood at the half way line.
the match itself was a blur from half time onwards. Rufus's goal i couldn't believe it went in, where was the goalie??!! i remember having a go at our defence when summerby struck in extra time. sliding tackles no where near the player.
then super Clive. watching the highlights back the touch he had for all three of his goals were world class.
the penalties were torture. my heroes all stepping up and slotting away. i knew unlike my dad that Newton was never gonna miss. it seemed to me at the time i was the only one watching the last penalty as everyone around me had their head in their hands. i stood on the chair to get a better view and when Saha saved Greys pen i swear i was the first to cheer. (probably wasn't but it seemed time had stood still) all of sudden everyone was cheering. a roar across Wembley. i jumped into my mum and dads arms as we celebrated. after the presentation and seeing Kinsella hold up the cup and Johnny Robinson run around we headed back to Marylebone. met up with my brother and sister and sat outside a pub. some Sunderland fans came up to us and said "shouldn't you be celebrating?" my dad saying we haven't the energy. they shook our hands, wished us luck next season and went off. they became a team i always look out for from that day on, the respect i have for them as a club because of that game. I remember ringing my Nan who unfortunately passed away later that year and told her what had happened. she was so pleased.
We had quite a crowd, fifteen if I remember correctly. Five Addicks, four Spurs, three Spanners, a general footie supporter who sort-of liked the Nigels, and Ms AA and my mate’s wife, neither of whom is that bothered about football. In a Damascene conversion, one of the Spurs and the sort-of Palace fan became Addicks that day and have been so ever since. On the basis of those two miracles, I’ll claim Super Clive Mendonca is a saint.
Enlightening reading. All this makes me wonder if a book could be made of memories of the fans, not just of that match, but of the whole history of the club as far back as memories go.
Enlightening reading. All this makes me wonder if a book could be made of memories of the fans, not just of that match, but of the whole history of the club as far back as memories go.
Would be a very good idea if you could find a publisher, am sure plenty on here would contribute
Enlightening reading. All this makes me wonder if a book could be made of memories of the fans, not just of that match, but of the whole history of the club as far back as memories go.
This one already exists about the match, this copy is currently lying on my sofa
Dad began taking me to the Valley in the 60's, a favour I reciprocated in the 90's as ill health began to govern his life.
On the day in question I'd booked a coach for Dad, my three kids and their friend, and like everyone else we all found the game emotionally draining. I recall (as others have stated) the muted celebrations on the return trip, due to severe overloads on our sensory systems.
As the coach returned to the drop off point in Bexleyheath I noticed a sudden rise in the energy levels of my two older kids and their friend. Their thoughts were centring on a pub in which to celebrate. I must admit to feeling a pang of jealousy as I marshalled Dad to the car with my young son in tow.
Mum took one look at Dad on our arrival and hurriedly brought a chair from the kitchen and placed it in the passage by the front door, for him to collapse into. Mum started to berate Dad for going, but Dad didn't seem that concerned, especially once he'd been furnished with a cup of tea. I told Mum not to worry as we'd had quite a day - in fact we could have all done with chairs by the front door. My comments were noted by Mum ... and then dismissed.
Half an hour later all was calm and we decided to take our leave, although Dad was still sat by the front door. As we passed him Dad called to my son and said, 'That was the best day of my life'.
It is a day I'll always cherish ... and for more than the football alone.
Enlightening reading. All this makes me wonder if a book could be made of memories of the fans, not just of that match, but of the whole history of the club as far back as memories go.
This one already exists about the match, this copy is currently lying on my sofa
The sequel, "...and back again" came out a year later. It didn't sell very well.
Comments
will go over and see @DaveMehmet tomorrow showing his pride and joy at the Enfield car pageant before going home for a nightvofcno sleep and constant replaying 98 and whatever other playoff game I can find on the Telly
COYR we are going to do it again
revenge or repeat
Repeat all day long
I might bring my car too!
See you tomorrow mate.
Sunday will be emotional for me as it’s the last game I went to with my dad before he passed (1998 Wembley)
Will be there with his grandson and will be thinking of him
Not sure my ticker can take penalties again 😂
@PeteF and me on Maritime Radio from 9pm - Great Charlton related music and some memories of 98.
Hope as may of you can join us toinght.
http://www.maritimeradio.co.uk/
“My wife went on holiday without me!” – Charlton legend Steve Brown on his holiday gaffe for 1998 play-off final
http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/986413729?-11197:833
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48356991
Question though; In the modern game (or even back then) does anyone think the Rufus' goal shouldnt have stood? - i.e. Its a great bit of play from Bright but he clearly obstructs Perez (Surprised none of the players, even looking back, dont question the decision)... Of course its something thats happened so cant dwell but if that were to happen to Phillips on Sunday, would we be pissed if a foul wasnt given or correct call?
Remember the elation on of that first goal and then the continual gut punches when Sunderland scored. Wasnt helped at 2-1 when 2 Sunderland supporting ladies (openly in their colours so well done to the stewards) started celebrating, laughing and goading the fans. To this day my mate says my 5ft mum absolutely losing her shit at them was one of the scariest things he'd ever seen! Thankfully they were either ejected or kept quiet after that as didn't see them celebrating again.
Nicky Sumerbee's goal was the worst as I really thought that was that. We couldn't come back again but then Sir Clive scored that magical goal.
By the time we started pens me and my brother were emotional wrecks. My legs had gone completely and my brother kept disappearing down the stairs as he couldn't face watching it. When it got to 7-6 I remember shouting "this is it, we were going to win it" just because it wasTHAT scoreline. When Sasa saved it I remember a brief pause for my brain to process what that actually meant. Yes he saved it! We've won! Holy shit were in the premier league! Then I started jumping around like lunatic.
After that I dissolved into tears alongside one of our Medway stalwarts Kev Banks. When I regained composure I just remember walking on sunshine blaring out and having the biggest smile on my face.
On the coach back the atmosphere was so muted. Everyone was exhausted, no singing or shouting and when we got back to Medway there was no chance I'd be going on the piss to celebrate. Just one drink if I remember correctly!
I'll always look back now on that being my greatest day as a Charlton fan (alongside 5th December 92) but I hated the game during it! I'll gladly take a nice 2-0 win this time. No emotional rollercoasters please!
Ironically last time around we lost another member of our team in that season.
RIP PAUL WALSH & DHESI
It was a remarkable day. I'd been married (to the fruitloop for those with good memories) exactly one month - and for the rest of the marriage I remembered my anniversary by referring to 25 May 1998, not the other way round. She joined me and a group of friends and family on the coach to the ground, and arriving I recall having some great and friendly banter and some photos with several Mackems. Set the scene.
Won't bother describing the game, but just to say that it played havoc with the emotions and I don't think I've ever celebrated anything before or since as I celebrated Gray's penalty. We were in the Premier League, which had seemed so distant previously.
I do remember one of my mates going home after extra time because he'd just had twins and his wife was at home with them with a promise he'd be home at a certain time. Feel sure she'd have understood but whilst bemused felt quite impressed at his commitment to his family.
I don't remember the coach journey home. In the evening I sat there with my pint, completely exhausted and celebrated out. Definitely one of the best days of my life, the best game of football I've ever seen, and whilst feeling genuinely sorry for the Mackems we needed that much more than they did.
Here's to a comfortable 2-0 Addicks win tomorrow...
there was about 8 of us from my family that came along. got our faces painted, had my whole face covered in red and white with CAFC across it.
loved the twin towers and knowing that i was where England won the world cup. Iconic Stadium.
my older brother and sister and cousin all stood behind the goal whereas me, me dad, ma and a couple of me dads mates were stood at the half way line.
the match itself was a blur from half time onwards. Rufus's goal i couldn't believe it went in, where was the goalie??!!
i remember having a go at our defence when summerby struck in extra time. sliding tackles no where near the player.
then super Clive. watching the highlights back the touch he had for all three of his goals were world class.
the penalties were torture. my heroes all stepping up and slotting away. i knew unlike my dad that Newton was never gonna miss.
it seemed to me at the time i was the only one watching the last penalty as everyone around me had their head in their hands. i stood on the chair to get a better view and when Saha saved Greys pen i swear i was the first to cheer. (probably wasn't but it seemed time had stood still) all of sudden everyone was cheering. a roar across Wembley. i jumped into my mum and dads arms as we celebrated. after the presentation and seeing Kinsella hold up the cup and Johnny Robinson run around we headed back to Marylebone. met up with my brother and sister and sat outside a pub. some Sunderland fans came up to us and said "shouldn't you be celebrating?" my dad saying we haven't the energy. they shook our hands, wished us luck next season and went off. they became a team i always look out for from that day on, the respect i have for them as a club because of that game.
I remember ringing my Nan who unfortunately passed away later that year and told her what had happened. she was so pleased.
what a day.
This one already exists about the match, this copy is currently lying on my sofa
On the day in question I'd booked a coach for Dad, my three kids and their friend, and like everyone else we all found the game emotionally draining. I recall (as others have stated) the muted celebrations on the return trip, due to severe overloads on our sensory systems.
As the coach returned to the drop off point in Bexleyheath I noticed a sudden rise in the energy levels of my two older kids and their friend. Their thoughts were centring on a pub in which to celebrate. I must admit to feeling a pang of jealousy as I marshalled Dad to the car with my young son in tow.
Mum took one look at Dad on our arrival and hurriedly brought a chair from the kitchen and placed it in the passage by the front door, for him to collapse into. Mum started to berate Dad for going, but Dad didn't seem that concerned, especially once he'd been furnished with a cup of tea. I told Mum not to worry as we'd had quite a day - in fact we could have all done with chairs by the front door. My comments were noted by Mum ... and then dismissed.
Half an hour later all was calm and we decided to take our leave, although Dad was still sat by the front door. As we passed him Dad called to my son and said, 'That was the best day of my life'.
It is a day I'll always cherish ... and for more than the football alone.