Wigan vs Charlton post match views

Just back from our travels & couldn't have wished for a better trip north.

Met up with fellow Addicks in the Mercure for a pre match drink and then following Gary (our self appointed leader who knows Wigan SO well) we set off to find an eatery that he recommended....Several miles later( well it seemed that far) we arrived at said venue to find it had closed 5 months ago ! So, on to Plan B...

which involved 2 locals taking over the Head Scout role ( Gary was benched after a unanimous show of hands) Another mile or so later and we arrived at a pub/restaurant and were received most hospitably by the patron- although he did point out the Wigan scarf on the wall.

Time was moving on when we received our meals & the onlookers were amazed at how rapidly 6 dinners were consumed & 6 drinks quaffed before we rushed out through the door for the speed walk on to the JJB. Ralphie & Rosemary were "dropped" and nearly lapped but they manfully/womanfully kept their focus and managed to keep the rest of the group in their sights.

We made it with 10 minutes to spare, heartburn ( that chilli, Gary!) & very rosy cheeks before settling down to enjoy the match..

And enjoy it we did ! A second great performance and SIX goals in 6 days ! Igor back to his best, TWWW providing the support & nearly scoring himself, Freddie B continuing his impressive "rebirth" in a red/white shirt, young Jordan showing us why he'll be a firm contender for POTY ( and what a late challenge !!!), an encouraging cameo from our own Eagle, Chris Sollyd at the back as usual ....the list goes on with everyone playing their part. Truly a TEAM performance and one that sent the 500 home ( or to the pub) very happy.

For 100+ minutes last night, we DEFINITELY had our Charlton back.

Whatever happens behind the scenes, whatever fans feel about RD/Katrien/RM and even Guy Luzon, something is working on the pitch and long may it last. Whether our new manager & his players are putting the finishing touches to the work in progress left by Big Bob, whether this recent turn around is attributable to Guy's methodology, whether the incoming players have been the final bits of the jigsaw or whether it's a combination of all 3, I don't know or care. In the end it's a results game as we're all aware and how sweet it is when we come out on top, and more so when it so well deserved. No luck needed in those last 2 performances, that's for sure. And finally, to see our lads so pumped up at the final whistle and hugging each other in absolute joy( and some relief!) is the icing on the cake. Well done to all concerned and to the faithful who were fortunate enough to be there.

And so, caring not about the downpour ( I had MY brolly!) we trudged back into town in search of a hostelry which was not a difficult task and more drinks were consumed amidst much happy Addickted chatter. Alas, on the stroke of midnight, I turned back into a pumpkin & this great day had ended for me.

But what a day to remember !!!

Onwards & upwards !