Ode To Chris Powell

Ode To Chris Powell

Now sit and listen closely
And a story I will tell,
Of a Charismatic manager
Some may know him well.

He was born in Lambeth, England,
South London if you prefer.
His mother called him Christopher.
His disciples call him Sir!

Christopher George Robin Powell;
Is his full given name,
Playing and coaching football
Was destined to be his game.

He started professionally at Palace,
Still young and unknown,
But they sent him away
To Aldershot on Loan.

He then went to Southend United
But went there on a free,
He gave them 6 great years
Then was sold to Derby County.

The fans at Derby loved him,
They said he was very nice,
They made him player of the year
He then scored for them twice!

In 98 Powell was sold again
For his best move thus far.
He went to the club
That would make him their star.

Charlton loved him immensely
During his first reign,
So much so that after he left
They signed him again...and again!

Three spells he had as a player
At the almighty Valley,
He gave a hundred and one percent
In each and every rally.

He even played for England
Under Charlton he was seen
Oldest player to debut
For the international team.

After being the oldest Charlton Player
To ever score a goal.
He retired as a player
And then coached to fill the hole.

He learned about coaching from
The dug outs and director boxes
Even had a little success
Caretaking with the Foxes.

So when Powell Came at 41
With an ambitious courageous plan,
And said 'I want to manage Charlton!'
They backed him as their man.

Wanting to manage is easy
Doing's another thing;
Especially since there were some folk
Who still saw Curbishley as king.

He prepared for his first battle
Against the Plymouth team.
He loved Charlton Athletic
And was now living his dream.

Powell's army were the winners
Many gulls did they kill,
The score that day at Valley Floyd Road
Was Charlton 2 Plymouth Nil.

The supporters were again elated
Their faces filled with glee
As Sir Chris Powell and team
Went on to win the next three.

Powell bought in Bradley Wright Phillips
Ian Wrights real first born
He went on to be quite valuable
Certainly better than Shaun!

The elation wasn't unfortunately
Going to last for very long
Unluckily for Powell and Charlton
Things started to go wrong.

Eleven long games without a win
Some didn't want him anymore.
But most had faith in SCP
Knew he'll be good for sure.

The summer Powell done some shopping
Signed nineteen players in all.
He was busy with his shuffling
was definitly on the ball.

The next season proved to be great
We all knew good would come
Powell's amazing red army
Went on to win League one.

Despite the records broken
For some it weren't enough.
The get Powell out brigade
Were determined to make it tough.

The next season wasn't easy
Money was very tight.
Powell was still learning
So didn't do everything right.

But he tried the best he could
With the resources that he had.
To go on to prove to everyone
His time here weren't a fad.

Charlton finished 9th that year
As the Championship was raw.
But the greedy Powell out brigade
expected so much more.

Halfway through the current season
Things aren't going great.
No money, No stability
A takeover we await.

But Sir Chris still fights and
Tries to get the team to do it too.
Times at Charton are hard,
He's the man to pull us through.

With new contracts, a little money,
Charlton will be great.
Powell can't help the current stance,
The brigade should stop the hate.

Who else loves Charlton as much?
There is food for thought.
Sir Chris Powell, Charlton Man,
100% Support!


by Sadie Cordwell