Gutted that I missed this piece of Charlton history as I was firmly of the belief that Carlo was the finest player ever to don the shirt. Remember thinking it seemed a hell of a schlep to East Anglia on the train and didn’t fancy the four hours to get there and then four to get back nor did I fancy the drive so I stayed home. Regrets don’t come much bigger.
Unbelievably, my dad's mate predicted not only the score, but the first scorer. At half time we were one down, Phil Chapple had gone off after colliding with their keeper and came back on with his head bandaged. I asked what everyone thought the score would be and Big Al instantly replied, 5-1 to Charlton, Chapple to get the first. I asked how he came up with this unlikely result and he replied that earlier in the season Chapple had got a head injury and been bandaged up against Peterboro at the Valley. In that game Chapple scored the equaliser and we went on to win 5-1.
Out of interest did Big Al sit in the East Stand.....block F ?? We used to sit in front of a group of blocks & one was always referred to as Big Al.
Depends what time period you're talking about. He did sit in the east for a number of years, then he moved into the north upper with our group when that opened. He was around 6'5, balding, usually angry about something lol
One of my favourite ever away days, Leaburn scoring a penalty, including a penalty! ( The only one I can remember him taking.) Linger’s goal seemed to be a harbinger of good things to come from him but a serious injury shortly afterwards effectively destroyed his career.
had a search on google and found this funding page which raised over 40 grand. he had what was described as terminal pancreatic cancer but there was hope that a specialist surgeon could help.
Update - 02/04 All, just a quick update. Paul's recovery is on track. It's been a tricky few days for him, and with no visitors allowed has had to face this alone. Some CV19, MRSA, a blood clot and some sickness all thrown in to boot!! But doctors remain pleased with his recovery and, tomorrow, are releasing him! There's a long road ahead but that's a big step on the recovery road ticked off. In the current situation he can't receive visitors, but he's super grateful for all the support. And I know we'll give him plenty more in person once things change. Wishing you all the very best. DJ
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https://www.gofundme.com/f/paul-linger
this was the latest update in april:
Update - 02/04
All, just a quick update. Paul's recovery is on track. It's been a tricky few days for him, and with no visitors allowed has had to face this alone. Some CV19, MRSA, a blood clot and some sickness all thrown in to boot!! But doctors remain pleased with his recovery and, tomorrow, are releasing him!
There's a long road ahead but that's a big step on the recovery road ticked off. In the current situation he can't receive visitors, but he's super grateful for all the support. And I know we'll give him plenty more in person once things change.
Wishing you all the very best.
DJ