Tbh, I haven’t a clue (at least I don’t now) where ‘Sawyer Lodge’ was and I’ve been going to the valley since the 60s. There were a couple of huts in the ground. A ‘garden shed’ , by the 70s at least, behind the covered end where you could get away tickets and a much bigger one in what we now refer to as the west stand car park (over to the right if you were to look out from the west stand itself and this side of the open roof toilets on that side which were a little further back) - that’s where we went to buy pennants, other club programmes etc. That club shop was where you got told to go to because that was usually the only accessible part of the ground during school holidays which was open
Another ‘building in the ‘west stand car park’ was that large shed (to the left of the old stand as you look out from it) - as kids we saw the door open once and peeked inside to see what this ‘mysterious’ large old wooden shed was being used for and was amazed to see some ‘gym equipment’ - it was a different world then and the first time for us that we’d seen anything like that. Others will recall better than me but wasn’t there also another garden shed on that side at one time with a lawnmower?
Just found this old photo on the internet. You can see the two ‘buildings/sheds’ to the right of the old ‘west stand’ and another one literally to the side plus what may be the old programme but/club shop on the left of the car park
That picture seems to have been posted on Pinterest. There’s a picture of the valley shop (must be 1968/69 ish because it’s got the girls all lined up in front of it.). There’s some amazing pictures of the who concerts I’ve not seen before
What wonderful pictures - and shirts. A different time with different values in the game but somehow the magic of football still inspires a new generation. And we still have The Valley.
Yes, Sawyer Lodge was in Valley Grove ... next to the turnstiles as Bournesnr says. It was a single storey building (hut?) which served as a sort of Club development headquarters.
As kids we would often congregate there when the team was playing away. Every fifteen minutes or so, the phone would ring and a Club Official would answer.
"Yes, yes ... thank you."
And we would be informed ... "The score is still 0-0."
Just found this old photo on the internet. You can see the two ‘buildings/sheds’ to the right of the old ‘west stand’ and another one literally to the side plus what may be the old programme but/club shop on the left of the car park
Yes, Sawyer Lodge was in Valley Grove ... next to the turnstiles as Bournesnr says. It was a single storey building (hut?) which served as a sort of Club development headquarters.
As kids we would often congregate there when the team was playing away. Every fifteen minutes or so, the phone would ring and a Club Official would answer.
"Yes, yes ... thank you."
And we would be informed ... "The score is still 0-0."
Exciting times.
Didn't really think about it at the time, but I assume we had someone at the game who would have to find a phone every fifteen minutes.
Or maybe Clubs had a reciprocal arrangement and one of the home Officials did the honours.
Tbh, I haven’t a clue (at least I don’t now) where ‘Sawyer Lodge’ was and I’ve been going to the valley since the 60s. There were a couple of huts in the ground. A ‘garden shed’ , by the 70s at least, behind the covered end where you could get away tickets and a much bigger one in what we now refer to as the west stand car park (over to the right if you were to look out from the west stand itself and this side of the open roof toilets on that side which were a little further back) - that’s where we went to buy pennants, other club programmes etc. That club shop was where you got told to go to because that was usually the only accessible part of the ground during school holidays which was open
Just to be clear Sawyers Lodge was just outside the ground although I'm sure there was a back door leading to the turnstiles. (not for customers though)
Here’s that very kit in a press association photo, pre season 1965. Name all four players and I’ll post it to the museum - which I’ll do anyway, but do have a go.
Yes, Sawyer Lodge was in Valley Grove ... next to the turnstiles as Bournesnr says. It was a single storey building (hut?) which served as a sort of Club development headquarters.
As kids we would often congregate there when the team was playing away. Every fifteen minutes or so, the phone would ring and a Club Official would answer.
"Yes, yes ... thank you."
And we would be informed ... "The score is still 0-0."
Exciting times.
Didn't really think about it at the time, but I assume we had someone at the game who would have to find a phone every fifteen minutes.
Or maybe Clubs had a reciprocal arrangement and one of the home Officials did the honours.
Maybe the geezer was just watching grandstand and pretended to be on the phone.
Here’s that very kit in a press association photo, pre season 1965. Name all four players and I’ll post it to the museum - which I’ll do anyway, but do have a go.
Second from the left is Len Glover with Brian Kinsey on the far right.
Might be Roy Matthews in between ... and possibly John Sneddon on the extreme left (although I remember him being taller).
Here’s that very kit in a press association photo, pre season 1965. Name all four players and I’ll post it to the museum - which I’ll do anyway, but do have a go.
Second from the left is Len Glover with Brian Kinsey on the far right.
Might be Roy Matthews in between.
I'm with you on all three of those, far left I'll have a punt at Cliff Myers ?
Here’s that very kit in a press association photo, pre season 1965. Name all four players and I’ll post it to the museum - which I’ll do anyway, but do have a go.
Second from the left is Len Glover with Brian Kinsey on the far right.
Might be Roy Matthews in between.
I'm with you on all three of those, far left I'll have a punt at Cliff Myers ?
Here’s that very kit in a press association photo, pre season 1965. Name all four players and I’ll post it to the museum - which I’ll do anyway, but do have a go.
Second from the left is Len Glover with Brian Kinsey on the far right.
Might be Roy Matthews in between.
I'm with you on all three of those, far left I'll have a punt at Cliff Myers ?
Here’s that very kit in a press association photo, pre season 1965. Name all four players and I’ll post it to the museum - which I’ll do anyway, but do have a go.
Second from the left is Len Glover with Brian Kinsey on the far right.
Might be Roy Matthews in between.
I'm with you on all three of those, far left I'll have a punt at Cliff Myers ?
Here’s that very kit in a press association photo, pre season 1965. Name all four players and I’ll post it to the museum - which I’ll do anyway, but do have a go.
Second from the left is Len Glover with Brian Kinsey on the far right.
Might be Roy Matthews in between.
I'm with you on all three of those, far left I'll have a punt at Cliff Myers ?
Here’s that very kit in a press association photo, pre season 1965. Name all four players and I’ll post it to the museum - which I’ll do anyway, but do have a go.
Second from the left is Len Glover with Brian Kinsey on the far right.
Might be Roy Matthews in between ... and possibly John Sneddon on the extreme left (although I remember him being taller).
Here’s that very kit in a press association photo, pre season 1965. Name all four players and I’ll post it to the museum - which I’ll do anyway, but do have a go.
Second from the left is Len Glover with Brian Kinsey on the far right.
Might be Roy Matthews in between ... and possibly John Sneddon on the extreme left (although I remember him being taller).
Here’s that very kit in a press association photo, pre season 1965. Name all four players and I’ll post it to the museum - which I’ll do anyway, but do have a go.
Second from the left is Len Glover with Brian Kinsey on the far right.
Might be Roy Matthews in between ... and possibly John Sneddon on the extreme left (although I remember him being taller).
Definitely Jack Kennedy who played as an inside forward, Len Glover, Roy Matthews and Brian Kinsey. No doubts !
I found this sew on badge the other day, don’t remember buying it and it looks like it’s before I started going (‘78). Might have been given to me by my uncle who started going in late 60’s.
I found this sew on badge the other day, don’t remember buying it and it looks like it’s before I started going (‘78). Might have been given to me by my uncle who started going in late 60’s.
Comments
Centenary Wall at Charlton Station Unveiled - with Seb Lewis tribute - Page 4 — Charlton Life
Sawyer Lodge was to the left of the turnstiles in the picture.
I'd say about here:
9 Valley Grove - Google Maps
Note the description here too ... "Call at Sawyer Lodge, rear of Valley car park."
Full page photo (stfcnewspapers.co.uk)
Or maybe Clubs had a reciprocal arrangement and one of the home Officials did the honours.
Some lovely stories/memories from so many posters. Fantastic to see this heritage is alive and kicking.
By the way who was "Sawyer" ?
Might be Roy Matthews in between ... and possibly John Sneddon on the extreme left (although I remember him being taller).
Jack Kennedy apparently. I have no recollection of that name.
"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things."
Many have speculated as to what the 'other things' were.
You've cracked it, @Six-a-bag-of-nuts.
No doubts !