I hope it's okay? I just wanted to share some thoughts on here. I'm not too sure why? It's probably going to be quite cathartic for me though, and it's a reflection of how I feel about fellow Charlton supporters, and how it feels 'safe' to share such thoughts and feelings with you all.
I woke up this morning with sore, weathered eyes; a consequence of spending the day yesterday shedding many a tear over Seb. I spent the entire day trawling through twitter and our forum, marvelling at the tributes to, and respect for, Seb. The slightest thing would 'set me off'. There were some wonderful words, acts and montages put together by so many people, it was just so moving.
Like many, I only 'knew' Seb through away games. I'd always ensure I'd say hello to him if our paths crossed directly, and on one occasion, I even had a brief chat to him about his role as a driving instructor. But, in essence, I didn't really know him.
So why is this one of the worst feelings I have felt since losing my Dad (who first took me to The Valley in 1976 v Sheff Utd) in 1996? The only conclusion I can reach is because it's Charlton. Something so special, that no one outside of 'our' fraternity could ever truly understand or grasp just how unique this club is, and you, the supporters, are.
In a vast collective of special fans, Seb truly was the special one amongst us and he epitomised everything that's great about us and the club. The spirit, the determination, the dedication, the loyalty, the perseverance, the indefatigability, the camaraderie, the 'never say die' attitude. Seb had the lot, in copious and unrivalled amounts.
To take my mind off things, I did my usual routine on a rowing machine yesterday afternoon. I've been trying to beat my 'PB' over a set distance for the last 2 months, and had got nowhere near it, until yesterday. I sat on the machine, played 'Valley Floyd Road' on a loop, and for 22mins 31secs focussed on Seb. He gave me the strength and determination to beat my previous best time by 30 secs!
In particularly trying times for us all at present, the loss of Seb added to the worry and pain that we all feel. I'm currently abroad working, and have no idea when I will next be able to get home to see my family. It's a pretty helpless place to be in, but I still have my friends and family to think of and talk to. Seb's 'people' no longer have that luxury that we can so easily take for granted.
Thanks for listening, all stay safe, and thanks for being Charlton; the most unique, exceptional and wonderful football club on this planet.
And Seb, thanks for showing us all just what humility and loyalty and love and passion is all about.
You will never, ever, be forgotten fella, I promise. RIP x
Absolute quality & reflects how so many of us feel. It’s about being part of a family where no matter what or who tries to knock us down we support each other & fight for our club which includes fellow supporters. God bless Seb
Every death caused by this bastard virus is a tragedy, but for one so young, and who obviously had such a passion for his football club, and life in general, makes it doubly so.
Thoughts are with his family at this time and you Charlton lot in general. Lovely gesture for a statue. A club without fans is nothing, but they so often get forgotten when it matters.
Will be making a donation later this evening. Stay safe everyone. 👍
I haven't commented on this thread up to this point because I haven't felt that I had anything to add beyond my real sadness at Seb's passing. I've seen all the tweets that former and current players have posted and they've been nice to see, but Ruben Bover's recent one has really got to me today. He said 'I learnt from him what to love a club meant'. Bover was with us for, what, two years? Made one or two cup appearances and Seb still managed to have an effect on him that he remembers seven years after he left. It just shows what a special person Seb was, and I think we can all safely say that Seb meant as much to the club as the club meant to him. I hope when this is all over and the football comes back we will all be able to take part in a fitting tribute to him
I knew Seb well. He wasn't just a Charlton super fan, amongst other things he was a very funny person and exceptional at his job. He taught me and various members of my family to drive(I passed first time). I'll miss his quirky personality, his regular Christmas videos and his passion for Charlton. We were lucky to have him, there will never be another person like him.
Bumped into Seb at the top Portsmouth Spiniker a couple of years ago. My friend took a chance and had his photo with Seb, he was so pleased. So sad to realise that it will never happen again.
I hope it's okay? I just wanted to share some thoughts on here. I'm not too sure why? It's probably going to be quite cathartic for me though, and it's a reflection of how I feel about fellow Charlton supporters, and how it feels 'safe' to share such thoughts and feelings with you all.
I woke up this morning with sore, weathered eyes; a consequence of spending the day yesterday shedding many a tear over Seb. I spent the entire day trawling through twitter and our forum, marvelling at the tributes to, and respect for, Seb. The slightest thing would 'set me off'. There were some wonderful words, acts and montages put together by so many people, it was just so moving.
Like many, I only 'knew' Seb through away games. I'd always ensure I'd say hello to him if our paths crossed directly, and on one occasion, I even had a brief chat to him about his role as a driving instructor. But, in essence, I didn't really know him.
So why is this one of the worst feelings I have felt since losing my Dad (who first took me to The Valley in 1976 v Sheff Utd) in 1996? The only conclusion I can reach is because it's Charlton. Something so special, that no one outside of 'our' fraternity could ever truly understand or grasp just how unique this club is, and you, the supporters, are.
In a vast collective of special fans, Seb truly was the special one amongst us and he epitomised everything that's great about us and the club. The spirit, the determination, the dedication, the loyalty, the perseverance, the indefatigability, the camaraderie, the 'never say die' attitude. Seb had the lot, in copious and unrivalled amounts.
To take my mind off things, I did my usual routine on a rowing machine yesterday afternoon. I've been trying to beat my 'PB' over a set distance for the last 2 months, and had got nowhere near it, until yesterday. I sat on the machine, played 'Valley Floyd Road' on a loop, and for 22mins 31secs focussed on Seb. He gave me the strength and determination to beat my previous best time by 30 secs!
In particularly trying times for us all at present, the loss of Seb added to the worry and pain that we all feel. I'm currently abroad working, and have no idea when I will next be able to get home to see my family. It's a pretty helpless place to be in, but I still have my friends and family to think of and talk to. Seb's 'people' no longer have that luxury that we can so easily take for granted.
Thanks for listening, all stay safe, and thanks for being Charlton; the most unique, exceptional and wonderful football club on this planet.
And Seb, thanks for showing us all just what humility and loyalty and love and passion is all about.
You will never, ever, be forgotten fella, I promise. RIP x
Just want to echo others on here. Wonderful post and really moving, thank you.
Comments
Welled up tbh.
RIP Seb
I would only ever say hello to seb on passing whether it was in the streets around the valley or in bartrams so cant say I knew him too well
Seeing all these tributes on here and Twitter and hearing the news yesterday has certainly brought a tear or 2 to my eyes.
The thought of not seeing him again at the valley really hits home. He will be missed so much
Awesome piece of work for Seb
I'll miss his quirky personality, his regular Christmas videos and his passion for Charlton.
We were lucky to have him, there will never be another person like him.
RIPSeb
I can't believe he's gone.
Love and best wishes to his family from his other family.
The Charlton family.
RIP Seb.
You were one of a kind.
Legend. Well pleased.