A Motto For Charlton?

As far as mottos go, some clubs think that a touch of latin adds some style, wisdom or fighting spirit: Sunderland are in pursuit of excellence (Consectatio Excellentiae), Arsenal seek victory through harmony (Victoria Concordia Crescit) whilst daring and doing are pretty much considered the same thing at Spurs (Audere est Facere). The Wendies will get there though wisdom and courage (Consilio et Animis) yet only the best is good enough for Everton (Nil Satis Nisi Optimum). It has been suggested though that Nil Satis Nisi Optimum, Sed Verberans Vicinis Faciemus might be more appropriate: Only the best is good enough, but beating the neighbours will do. Especially this week.

But do spare a thought for the poor fans of Bury. Apparently they believe that hard work conquers everything (Vincit Omnia Industria). But if that's the case, they must be be watching some of the laziest work-shy Shakers ever, with their current league standing of 90th.

Other clubs prefer the short and snappy motto. Aston Villa are Prepared, Rangers are Ready and Blackpool believe in Progress. Or so they say. Going in the other direction our sister club, Standard Liege, have perhaps the longest motto: Your rights and your duty will lead you to victory. And maybe, just maybe, Your collection of loan players will lead us to victory too. Nah!

For some greedy clubs, one motto isn't enough. Arch royalists Leeds support both king and law (Pro Rege et Lege) whilst at the same time marching on together. Liverpool once flirted with god, claiming that he bestowed blessings on them (Deus Nobis Haec Otia Fecit) which is presumably why you are never alone when walking with Scousers. Chelsea strive for victory and shun defeat whilst keeping that blue rag of theirs in the air at all times.

The Spanners fear no foe and are hated wherever they go. Whilst those crazy mixed up Nigels have experimented with the geographically ignorant South London and Proud and the hugely comedic Winning is Everything. I wonder if any of them have noticed the irony. Down the road in the chavvy heartlands of Kent, The Gills pay homage to their fan base with Domus Clamantium. Literally, home of the shouting men.

What of Charlton though? As far as I can tell, we have never had a motto. Not a proper one anyway. Some joker once suggested Addique, supposedly meaning sharp, but it never really cut the mustard. Live by the Sword was deemed fitting enough to get a banner at the back of the north upper, whilst Live, Love, Laugh, with or without the Happy, is frequently posted on these pages. At one time we were Going Back to The Valley, but We Shall Not Be Moved. COYA? Goodbye Horse? Feeesh? Not really mottos, are they? And as for 100% Support, perhaps that could be reworded to 100% Quarrelsome Disagreement.

So what is the value of a motto and would it be useful for Charlton to have one? If it would be, what would you suggest?

For my part, I quite like the Belgian proverb, "Experience is the comb that Nature gives us after we are bald". It certainly seems to fit with our thinning squad, though it is perhaps a little too long. Maybe given the upheavals that we consistently seem to find ourselves in the ideal motto for Charlton would be the infamous (and discredited) Chinese curse, May You Live In Interesting Times.