Charlton Life Announcements - Charlton Life

Taking threads away from their original subjects

AFKABartram — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:40:04 +0000

Posted By: nth london addick
To many of the threads on here lately get dragged away from the subject matter

NLA is spot on. Its been happening too much recently.

The Richard Murray storming the dressing room turning into a pub chat about the Falconwood Harvester is a prime example.

Please consider what you add and whether its in context, and if not start a seperate thread on the side topic.

Otherwise we will have to consider simply deleting inputs, and that will be a waste of our time, and yours.

cheers guys

Current Squad and Contract Details - Summer 2012

Henry Irving — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:37:18 +0000

Current Squad and contract details, where known.

Admin will update the list as a when new signings or sales take place.

Any corrections please inbox Admin.

Goalkeepers

Nick Pope - - Contract expires 1 July 2014

John Sullivan - Contract expires in 1 July 2013

Ben Hamer - Contract ends 1 July 2014

Defenders

Cedric Evina - Contract ends 1 July 2013

Rhoys Wiggins - Contract ends 1 July2014

Matt Taylor - Contract ends 1 July 2013

Michael Morrison - Contract ends 1 July 2014

Andy Hughes - Contract ends 1 July 2013

Leon Cort - Contract ends I July 2013

Yado Mambo - Contract ends 2012

Chris Solly - Contract 1 July 2014

Harry Osbourne - Contract ends 1 July 2013

Semi Ajayi - Contract length not known

Morgan Fox - Contract length not known

Midfielders

Danny Hollands - Contract ends 1 July 2014

Bradley Pritchard - Contract ends 2012 with one year option. Club have stated that they are in negotiations.

Danny Green - Contract expires 1 July 2014

Dale Stephens - Contract expires 1 July 2014

Ruben Bover-Izqierdo Contract length not known

Johnnie Jackson - Contract ends 1 July 2014

Scott Wagstaff - Contract ends 1 July 2013

Callum Harriott - Contract ends 1 July 2013

Jordan Cousins - Contract length not known. Believed to be 2013

Diego Poyet - Contract Length not known

Bradley Jordan - Offered 6 month contract

Forwards

Paul Hayes - Contract ends 1 July 2014

Michael Smith - Contract ends 1 July 2014

Yann Kermorgant - Contracts ends 2013 with further 1 year option

Bradley Wright-Philips - Contract ends 1 July 20123

Leon Clarke - Contract ends 1 July 2013

Danny Haynes - Contract ends June 2013

Tobi Sho-Silva - Contract Length not known

Adebayo Azeez - Contract Length not known

Joe Pigott - Contract Length not known

CL Game at the Valley

Dazzler21 — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:29:45 +0000

Was wondering if anyone had thought about organising this for this year?

I think the cheapest package is about £1200 for a full 90 minute game at the valley however @Airmanbrown may have to confirm that.

So if we did it who would be interested?

NEW ARTICLE: Saint Christopher reaches the Promised Land

grumpyaddick — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:35:58 +0000

And so it did come to pass that King Slater of the Money lenders was counting his silver shekels in his bedchamber and making plans for the huge feast at the Red Valley.

Prince Richard of Murray had ordered a fatted calf from Morrison’s (basics range), the Floyd Road did runneth with people like a mighty red river once more and there was great rejoicing and general backslapping all round.

The King had ordered the feast to be held in honour of Saint Christopher of the Powelites and his disciples who had defeated the massive heathen hordes from the North and made their way back to the Promised Land.

“Search high and low across my Kingdom” commanded the King “and findeth me the finest musicians, jesters and entertainers for this Saturday, for verily I say unto thee, Saint Christopher has performed a bloody miracle”.

For this was as it was written by the ancient Prophets (Lord Hales the mighty Killer) in the ancient Holy manuscripts now on special offer in the Valley superstore at £19.99.

And those manuscripts did telleth the people of the red valley that when they finally reacheth the Promised Land an army of blue Smurfs would visit the Valley and warriors in red romper suits would fall from the heavens with pink smoke trailing from their ankles.

Even the mad and wizened old crones from the East (stand) wrapped in their tartan blankets who were intoxicated on Bovril taken from the traditional tribal flask did not believe that old wives’ tale.

But the King was not of great cheer for his legs were still tired and sore from his epic journey to Marathon and the ancient scribe Saint Keith of Peacock was knelt at his feet rubbing the finest essence of Ralgex into his loins.

“It is true. Saint Christopher must be the chosen one of the one true Lord (Curbs)” said the King standing proudly in his red spandex running suit proudly sponsored by Ken’s burger van.

“He has verily turned the water into champagne, never mind wine” said Saint Peacock chuckling to himself like an old loon, his hands all odorous and sticky from the foul smelling sports gel.

“If I want bad jokes I will get Lord Davidson of Alimony to rub my loins” said the King angrily.

“Now listeneth to me you old fool, I must have the finest music in the land to mark this special day for the people of the Red Valley” said the King.

“Then thou shalt have the curvy hipped Goddess Victoria with the voice of an angel” said Saint Keith of Peacock reaching for his mobile.

“She doth sound just the ticket” said the King “and make sure she gives us an end of season discount,” he added, as he kicked the poor old scribe out of his chamber.

And then Saint Christopher of the Powelites did entereth the King’s bedchamber to a fanfare of trumpets, wearing his new Savile Row suit of many colours.

“I have had a message from a Holy angel that the one true Lord (Curbs) will appear as if in a vision and speak to his people at the great feast on Saturday” said Saint Christopher with arms outstretched and head turned up to the heavens.

“Have you been drinking too much fine wine from the golden goblets?” asked the King.

“I only had a tiny drop to wet my dry lips in the far northern plains of Carlisle” replied Saint Chris.

“Well let’s not get too bloody carried awayeth” said the King.

”You have spent my silver wisely on fine disciples but you haven’t exactly walked on water and Lord Curbs was last seen running a kebab shop on the Woolwich Road. In the new year, we will have the much verily dreaded Neanderthal people of the New Cross to deal with again.”

“I fear not, “said Saint Christopher, “for with Saint Bradley of Lewisham, Reverend Jesse Jackson and the giant Yan from the land of frogs, we will never be defeated again by those ignorant beasts with their fearsome grunting and snorting.

“And don’t forget our magic midget” said the King feeling a sudden warmth in his loins. “For Saint Solly of Diddyland really is quality”.

And red Valley did echo with the sound of laughter and joy at The King’s great wit and the people did cry Hallelujah. Suddenly, the sky was filled with warriors in red romper suits failing from the heavens, with pink smoke trailing from their ankles, as the wizened old men of the East (stand) nearly choked on their Bovril.

And this is the word of the Lord (Curbs). Amen and see you in the Promised Land next season

CELEBRATION BIG POKER $22 ENTRANCE TONIGHT (6/5) 8-30PM, ALL WELCOME!!

sadiejane1981 — Sat, 05 May 2012 21:11:41 +0000

As in schedule BIG poker night $22 entrance fee to cover prize monies and PS fee. 6 per Table this time.

-if you don't already have it,download the free PokerStars software from www.pokerstars.com

-Open the main lobby,then click the Home Games tab
-Click the 'Join a Poker Club' button
-Enter the Club ID number: 19158
-Enter the Invitation Code: PSCharltonLife05

That's it. Once approved, we'll all be ready to start playing together.

Come and try it, half decent standard with first class banter.

Shirt Sponsorship Prize Draw - List of winners on Page 2

Curb_It — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:34:05 +0000

I will do the draw about 1.45pm in the Liberal club on saturday - which sadly means I have to forego my pre match drink in the Swan.

1 x Dinner place at Johnnie Jackson's table

1 x Dinner place at Johnnie Jackson's table

1 x Dinner place at Michael Morrison's table

1 x Dinner place at Michael Morrison's table

1 x Dinner place at Chris Solly's table

1 x Dinner place at Chris Solly's table

1 x Dinner place at Danny Green's table

1 x Dinner place at Danny Green's table

1 x Dinner place at Matt Taylor's table

1 x Dinner place at Matt Taylor's table

1 x Dinner place at Danny Holland's table

1 x Dinner place at Danny Holland's table

1 x Dinner place at Scott Wagstaff's table

1 x Dinner place at Scott Wagstaff's table

1 x Dinner place at Jordan Cousin's table ( would imagine there will be a senior player on this table also)

1 x Dinner place at Jordan Cousin's table

1 x Dinner place at Dale Stephen's table (courtesy of Addick In Exile)

1 x Dinner place at Dale Stephen's table (courtesy of Addick In Exile)

A tickets for you plus your guest to attend a game in the Director's box as guest of Steve Kavanagh - but not the Hartlepool game.

Johnnie Jackson's shirt

Michael Morrison's shirt

Chris Solly's shirt

Danny Green's shirt

Matt Taylor's shirt

Danny Hollands shirt

Scott Wagstaff's shirt

Jordan Cousin's shirt

1 x Sam Bartram: the Story of a Goalkeeping Legend

1 x Charlton Gnome

1 x Charlton Gnome

1 x Charlton Gnome

1 x Charlton duck

Spare tickets for Hartlepool

Charlton85golf — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:48:29 +0000

Hi. Does any1 have spare tickets for the Hartlepool game. Please help me out. Only need 1 but will take 2

Preston North End v The Champions - 28 April 2012 - Preview, News, Views and Line Ups

Henry Irving — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:26:18 +0000

So another last away game and yet again Charlton's season nears its end with little of any real importance riding on a game in the north-west. Why do they always do this to us?

It's over and it has been over, bar the mathematics, for some time but now even the most pessimistic fans have to believe that the Reds ARE going up.

So that leaves one game at home to celebrate with trophies, medals, singers, ivory, apes and peacocks and one just one more away game with silly costumes and weekends in Blackpool

The one aim now will be to reach and surpass 100 points. We already have more than points than Norwich or Brighton managed but the ton up would be a good memory for the near 2000 Addicks making the trip.

Standing in our way are a dispirited and disunited Preston side. Manager Graham Westley came in mid-season and tried to get the players performing his way but they have not responded. And many Preston fans are not impressed with the new man. Is this ringing any bells? Now, in no way can you compare Sir Chris Powell with Westley, he of the anti-football and slapable smug fizogg but the parallels are there.

Westley is also one of the few managers to do a job on Charlton this season. We have lost other games but only at Stevenage did fans and players come away complaining of the cynical time-wasting, off the ball fouls and negative tactics.

No doubt he will try to get his new charges to do some of the same but this is perhaps a harder, meaner Charlton forged in the heat of 44 league one battles. We were well beaten in the league cup by what looked a very good Preston side the night we went top of the league back in September. But that was a long time ago. Charlton put five past a ramshackle PNE at the Valley and on Saturday the Champions will do what they have to do and win this game with some room to spare.

3 - 0 to the Londoners and joy for the travelling hordes dressed in double denim

regular POKER tournie tonight (24/4) 8-30pm, $11 entrance ALL NEWCOMERS WELCOME*

sadiejane1981 — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:02:15 +0000

As in schedule poker night $11 entrance fee to cover prize monies and PS fee. 6 per Table this time.

-if you don't already have it,download the free PokerStars software from www.pokerstars.com

-Open the main lobby,then click the Home Games tab
-Click the 'Join a Poker Club' button
-Enter the Club ID number: 19158
-Enter the Invitation Code: PSCharltonLife05

That's it. Once approved, we'll all be ready to start playing together.

Come and try it, half decent standard with first class banter.

Michael Slater running marathon for Demelza

AFKABartram — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:39:52 +0000

Guys, the Chairman has asked to make Lifers aware he is running the marathon this year for Demelza.

Demelza has been a charity since we started this site that we have always done our best to promote and raise funds towards. I'm sure you'll get getting lots of sponsorship requests from friends in the run up to the marathon, but if any of you are in position to support Michael (no matter how small), i'm sure he and Demelza will be extremely grateful.

You can donate to his http://www.justgiving.com/michael-slater2012

You can read his updates http://www.cafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10267~2579321,00.html

Thanks

CL Survey Results - Part 3

AFKABartram — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:11:18 +0000

Click here for Part 1
Click here for Part 2

Of the 726 participating in the survey, 85% were members of the site, which still leaves a sizeable number who visit the site frequently and feel part of it enough without the need for registering. 75% visit the site every day, 23% several times a week, and only 10 people replied visiting less frequently than that.

Interestingly, 30% heard about the site through a fellow supporter, 27% through a search engine and 12% through mentions on an other website and just 1% through Twitter or Facebook. 27% couldn’t remember, which is no surprise given the popularity of the Getting Drunk thread!

In terms of how easy the site is to use, the results surprised me given the amount of computer luddites there appear to be! 54% describe the site as very easy to use, while a further 38% described as easy. Just 1% felt it was difficult / very difficult to use, which was encouraging (Since then, further changes have been rolled out, which still have a couple of niggles that need addressing, and a bit more in the way of tutorial given).

Most of the issues people seemed to highlight concentrated on how poorly the Search aspect works in comparison to the previous version, which we are well aware of is currently not up to scratch. We will use the more detailed feedback on what aspects would most benefit from tutorials separately to help try and provide assistance, but the most common themes seemed to concentrate around quoting, uploading pictures and private messaging. Despite posting a tutorial on private messaging last month to try and help people avoid making the mistake of using the Activity section, it seems as if a lot of people simply don’t get this aspect, so we may need to think of a separate way to get the message across. According to survey results, the ‘correct’ Inbox facility is only currently used by 29% of those surveyed.

In terms of the primary reasons users visit the website, the results were encouragingly more ‘Charlton focused’ than would have been expected, given the percentage split of topics on the forum. The split breaks down as follows:

91% Charlton related news,
75% Charlton-related views of other fans,
44% general football chat,
25% non-football chat,
24% local news /general advice,
46% humour / banter,
5% chat to friends,
3% other (which appeared to be a split between relieving boredom and Rachel Riley!)

The breakdown to ‘which of the following do you regularly read/participate in/enjoy the most' was as follows:

65% Match Previews,
72% Match Threads,
49% player marks,
15% Predictions League,
51% New Article features,
4% Poker related threads,
12% Betting related threads,
62% Opposing fan’s thoughts,
47% ticket news and travel advice,
16% music threads,
20% film / TV / theatre threads,
48% ‘other football’ threads,
24% ‘other sports’ threads,
30% general advice threads,
35% ‘would ya’ threads,
and most of the Other category was mainly spilt between history, rumours and Rachel Riley again!

In terms of moderation of the site:
88% believed it is roughly pitched about right,
6% believe it is too harsh
6% believe it to be too soft.

It does prove to show that there is no way of pleasing all the people all of the time, but is reassuring to know the majority feel we get it broadly right.

In terms of site development, 21% said they were only really interested in using the Forum, while 79% said that to some degree a wider site offering variety would enhance the site/their enjoyment.

In terms of people’s ‘most favourite thing about the forum’, it really was quite heart warming to read some of the messages posted here, and emphasised how people view/use it differently. Several reasons were repeated in some form or another, with the key ones being:

- Gaining CAFC general information/rumours
- Interaction with fellow CAFC fans/reading other peoples CAFC opinions “I really like the enthusiasm/passion of contributors, even those I disagree with, and the level of integrity that is shown. Generally, comments are restrained and there is rarely slagging off of other people. I enjoy the mature nature of debate on the forum and the humour - some of the comments are absolutely hilarious. Generally it's like a safe clubhouse for Charlton fans, where we can speak freely as we're amongst friends.”
- Feeling a part of the club and ‘home’ having moved away from the area. A couple of examples: “It feels like a family, with everyone different but with a common bond” and “The connection that it gives me, from abroad, with the club. I like to feel connected to the club and the community, and because of the site, I feel as though I know supporters of the club both in SE7 and elsewhere to an extent that wouldn't be possible without it”.
- Banter and humour
- Its diversity in terms of people and topics, and the generally more intelligent debate and stronger community than witnessed on other large internet forums “Its a community more than a forum”.

The pleasing aspects from that are the two key things that featured throughout. Correctly, it is firstly recognised for our key principle (that it is primarily Charlton related) and that throwing it open to all other subjects on a ‘one-board’ approach generally added to the enjoyment, rather than taking it away from its key principle. The second is the large percentage of replies that clearly shows that their most favourite thing is in one way or another centred around the other users. For a large forum to work, that level of respect and enjoyment has to be there in the main (you will ALWAYS get outliners). Thankfully, it appears that in the main, that is being recognised.

r i p

MadeInEngland — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 07:04:52 +0000

to sparky my dear pal life long charlton supporter {60 years } so long mate x

POKER, BIG KO TONIGHT (27/3), $13.50 ENTRANCE. ALL NEWCOMERS WELCOME*****

sadiejane1981 — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:59:21 +0000

OUR BIG KNOCKOUT AS PER SCHEDULE, THIS MEANS THAT WITHOUT EVEN WINNING YOU CAN MAKE BACK STAKE MONEY BY ELIMINATING PEOPLE AND GETTING THEIR BOUNTIES, PLUS PRIZES FOR PLACINGS.

-if you don't already have it,download the free PokerStars software from www.pokerstars.com

-Open the main lobby,then click the Home Games tab
-Click the 'Join a Poker Club' button
-Enter the Club ID number: 19158
-Enter the Invitation Code: PSCharltonLife05

That's it. Once approved, we'll all be ready to start playing together.

Come and try it, half decent standard with first class banter.

POKER, AFFORDABLE REGULAR TONIGHT (MONDAY 5TH MARCH) $5.50 ENTRANCE. ALL WELCOME**

sadiejane1981 — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 11:58:08 +0000

6 PER TABLE REGULAR HOLD-EM FORMAT, 10 MINUTES LATE REGISTRATION.
AS IT IS A DIFFERENT NIGHT IT WOULD BE GOOD TO SEE SOME NEW FACES.

-if you don't already have it,download the free PokerStars software from www.pokerstars.com

-Open the main lobby,then click the Home Games tab
-Click the 'Join a Poker Club' button
-Enter the Club ID number: 19158
-Enter the Invitation Code: PSCharltonLife05

That's it. Once approved, we'll all be ready to start playing together.

Come and try it, half decent standard with first class banter.

Regular Poker Tourney Tonight(19th Feb) 8-30pm ALL NEW COMERS WELCOME

sadiejane1981 — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 10:34:08 +0000

CL Survey Results - Part 2

AFKABartram — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:31:43 +0000

Click here for Part 1

Part 2 - You and Charlton

The weighting towards an older userbase was naturally reflected in the length users have supported Charlton, but does endorse the point that those contributing to this site are largely committed, long-term fans. This justifies the view of this forum as a good barometer for the club in terms of guaging supporter feedback. 69% of users have supported the club for over 21 years, significantly the most reflective category. 10% have been following the club between 16-20 years, while 12% have been for 11-15 years. Just 8% of users have been following the club for less than ten years (3% Under 5, 5% 6-10), which again emphasises both the lack of younger generation, and the attraction to the forum for long-standing fans.

Nearly half the replies (48%) were from people born in the London boroughs of Greenwich, Bexley, Lewisham and Bromley. After that, 20% were born in Kent, 13% another London borough, 14% Other England and 5% outside of England. When you see that over two in three people were born in the South East region, it’s clear to see the strong concentration area of our support. Outside of the survey, our web stats show that there hasn’t really been that much of an exodus away from the area that what you may suspect; 92% of our visitors are in England, of that 51% fall under the London location (slightly emphasised by work PC readings), and just 12% from Kent (with half that number registered from the Dartford/Swanley region).

Though the vast majority of regular visitors to the site are very much close to home, it’s clear from the replies how valued our website is by those that live away from the club, either elsewhere in the UK, or overseas. Away from England, visitors from Scotland are twice more frequent than those from Wales, and six times more so than those from Northern Ireland. Outside the UK, The United States is the most popular visiting country, followed by Australia, France, Canada, Ireland, Spain, Holland and then Germany. For those fascinated by the Mysterons, The UAE is now up to the 13th on the list.........

We’ve established in the length of ‘service’ that there is a strong emphasis of those with a strong connection to the club. In terms of commitment, 53% of those surveyed are currently Season Ticket Holders. Given that season ticket levels are half what they were five years ago, and the number of non-local visitors to the site (37% non-London / Kent), this emphasises the depth of commitment of those supporting from the local area. However, there is still a sizeable amount of visitors who are not ST holders, and its clear from the later comments how important they find the site in terms of both gaining their fix of Charlton news, but more importantly retaining their connection to the Club, fellow supporters and the local area.

15% of those surveyed are Charlton fans that either won’t be attending The Valley this season, or report only attending a maximum of three times. 21% expect to attend between 4-10 home games, and a further 17% between 11-18 games. 46% however expect to attend 19 plus games this season. Against a ST level of 54%, that broadly suggests that there are around 8% of ST holders (nearly one in ten) that expect to miss at least four home games a season. If you support the view that those visiting the site tend to be more aligned to the committed side of support, I think this emphasises the potential level of no-shows for certain games and how the stated attendance can sometimes be well short of the actual one.

Onto the “oohaah” category, and the feedback fully supports the notion that we as a fanbase are one who can travel in numbers, but really pick and choose our outings. Just 1% expect to travel to 19+ away games this season (they deserve a medal), in comparison to the 46% attending 19+ home games. 8% expect to attend between 11-18 aways, but the vast majority then fall into the next two categories; 35% expect to attend 4-10 away games, whilst an identical 35% expect to attend 1-3. Nearly one in five (19%) won’t be attending any away games this season.

Given our stats show that 92% of our visitors are in England, the fact that 79% of our visitors expect to attend at least one away game this season again shows the strong level of commitment of our members to the club, given that our average away following is generally around one in ten ST holders. Why those who are interested in travelling do not do so more frequently is a completely separate question that probably has 3-4 main reasons. But in general, moans about the away support on here are being directed at the wrong group.

At the Valley, the most popular viewpoint for a game is the North Upper (32%), which may surprise given the higher age concentration. Equally surprising is the West (25%) outnumbering the East (20%); though I'm assuming they are as generally quiet on here as they are in the ground :-) The North West Quadrant is the next most popular area (10%), followed by the North Lower (9%) and finally the North East Quadrant (3%). Seeing the area immediately behind the goal so sparsely populated on a Matchday is reflected here, and really is something the club needs to consider in terms of making that key area close to the pitch better attended and more vocal.

The ‘Family Club’ image is clearly shown by 54% of those surveyed attending games with their family (17% primarily with their children, 37% with other family). 34% attend games with friends, while 10% attend games on their own. That last figure is far higher than I would have expected; one in every ten people is going on their own, and maybe there is some way going forward we could look to assist with buddying up some people where interested. It’s clear from the age range seen, the possibility is definitely there with finding like-minded people of a similar age.

Part 3 - You and CL next week

CL Survey Results - Part 1

AFKABartram — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:25:32 +0000

When we decided to run this survey, we genuinely had no idea on what level of participation it would attract. We were generally thinking along the lines that if we got 100 honest replies, we would not just be able to fulfil our objective, but would be pleased with the level of co-operation. The fact we closed the survey after just a few days having attracted a staggering 726 replies was simply dumfounding.That figure does not provide an answer to any specific question, but it singularly provides us with the most valuable piece of information out of the whole exercise. That is that the majority of people who use this website genuinely care. Broadly speaking, they either feel part of it, or want to feel part of it.

Throughout the existence of Charlton Life we’ve done everything we can to stress the word ‘community’, more so than an inner-London MP. It was one of the key drivers in what we wanted to achieve from the beginning, not just providing a place where people can vent about under-performing players, or another defeat, but something with Charlton at its core. We envisioned something that aided in bringing people closer together, or if it couldn't achieve that, then help them feel part of something.

The results of individual questions fully endorse that remit, so this is the most pleasing aspect of the survey for us. Not that it is seen as all as a good thing; the “clique-ness” angle crops up heavily later, and I’ll cover that in a later post.

So, thank you to every one of you who took part and answered so candidly. Sadly, not all 726 made it until the end; we lost around 70 somewhere along the way, to either boredom, death, or the boss walking past. But that was expected and the level of participation was simply staggering. Thank you.

I’ll try and break down and summarise the key feedback from the survey in four parts over the next week. Please feel free to comment on any parts.

-------

It’s obvious, just from a quick glance at the site, that it is a very male dominated environment. That is to be fully expected from a football forum, though when the figures are set out, it still struck me as a real surprise at the extent. 95% of those replying were male, just 5% (34) female.

I’ve no idea in what the adult male/female split of season ticket holders is, but I would expect it to be a closer match to what we see on here. Women are a lot more interested and involved in football now than they were 20-30 years ago and the level of attendance at games has increased significantly. Charlton Life is certainly not alone in this, the majority of forums I trawl have very low female participation. Is it that females in general are less keen to analyse and debate than blokes, or is it because attending games is something not usually done on your own, but participating on a forum is? I don’t know.

Should we read this as something we should be trying to improve on? Could we make the site more female friendly? What would that even mean? I don’t know, we try to make the forum as welcoming to everyone as is possible. Certainly this forum in its etiquette is a lot less laddish than most other forums I trawl; we’re relatively strict where we can be in terms of acceptable language, aggression, pictures and links, so I think we cover the main bases adequately. The ‘Would Ya’s’ we’ll cover later, and clearly split people on their appropriateness, but they are supposed to be a bit of light-hearted fun rather than anything smutty.

The biggest surprise of the survey was how weighted the response was towards the older generation. The most popular category was 50-64 (27%), while a further 6% were over 65. Effectively, a third of the members of Charlton Life are 50+, which i would assume is against the norm for most football forums, and likely to see us approaching Stannah Stairlifts and Werther’s Originals with advertising proposals. After that, the next most popular category is 41-49 (22%), the 33-40 (16%), 18-24 (13%), 25-32 (12%) and just 4% were under the age of eighteen.

What does that tell us? This can be read in many different ways. Is it a straight forward reflection that Charlton has an ageing supporter base? Is it an indication that the more sensible/adult approach we try and take to moderating the site appeals to the more mature individual? Is it because the younger generation are not made to feel welcome enough by the majority of posters? Is it because writing and reading beyond 160 characters just doesn’t appeal to the younger lot?

There's no right or wrong answer to this. My personal view is that the last one is probably the most realistic. Social networking has exploded in the last five years, and I expect the age groups using Charlton related Facebook groups or Twitter to be hugely weighted towards Under25s, the opposite to what we see on here. Just 32% of those surveyed regularly use Twitter. This is less than i thought it would be given its current vogue-ness, but though from my limited dabbling I’ve found that those individuals that do use it are very committed to it and that it is their main source of social network engagement. Facebook for me feels more personalised and something you can easily dip in and out of, and that’s reflected with a higher usage of those surveyed (54%).

Results probably suggest that if we were looking to attract a younger age group, the Forum in its current structure is likely not the best place for that, and some other approach/platform would be needed. I would be very interested in the views of some of the younger ones on what they think would appeal to their age group more. It’s essential that if Charlton’s support base continues to grow, those in the younger categories become immersed into the club to the extent that you can’t shake it off like most of the longer-standing supporters have discovered in recent slump years. Getting them through the gates is the first part of the job; getting them further committed to the club is the greater challenge, and engaging in wider Charlton groups such as this away from match day is one way that can help achieve that.

Click here for Part 2 - You and Charlton

Happy Birthday Rothko

les_says — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 11:07:41 +0000

wherever you are......

Paul Sturgess Signs for Globetrotters

MCS — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:30:38 +0000

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-17023616

meeting my old pal richard rufus next week to sign me a few bits for clive mendoncas evening with!!!

stevejones — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:31:10 +0000

richards a class guy & was a class act on the pitch!!

Some bad news.... [RIP The Boat]

PalaceHater — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:06:53 +0000

The young poster The_Boat sadly passed away last night.

Such a young age as well.

RIP

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: PLEASE ALL READ

LoOkOuT — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:13:09 +0000

We would be extremely grateful if everyone reading this (members & lurkers) could just take five minutes to complete the linked survey.

There are two key reasons why this survey is essential to us:

1. We are currently undertaking a complete review of Charlton Life (CL)—its offerings and its purposes—and in order to do that properly, we need some degree of knowledge of what people like, dislike, and really want to ensure we develop forward in the right way
2. We simply cannot financially support the running of CL anymore. What started as a hobby for us six years ago has grown by an enormous degree, and so have the costs associated with it. We both have young families, and don’t have the necessary spare income to put to this anymore. In short, we simply have to make CL financially sustainable in order for it to continue and for it to develop.

We want to continue to try and move CL forwards, and to do so it is essential to us that the views of the users are taken fully into consideration on the best way to achieve this. So if you can find the necessary five minutes to complete the survey as honest as possible, we would be extremely grateful.

Charlton Life: Survey

Any questions, or issues please direct them to our Inboxes (Go to your Inbox and select "Start a new conversation" (direct them to both Lookout and AFKABartram), or send an email to admin [the little circle-y "a"] charltonlife.com

Many Thanks
Lookout & AFKA

Shirt Sponsorship 2011/12******

AFKABartram — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:37:27 +0000

ATTENTION PLEASE, ATTENTION PLEASE

Time to back the positivity coming out of the club in our humble collective way by backing the Charlton Life Shirt Sponsorship scheme.

Last year a fabulous 103 Lifers were generous enough to contribute and allow us to sponsor five players for the 10/11 season. We raised good money for the club (£1,900) and 25 of the contributors won prizes in the form of dinner places, signed squad shirts and balls, and other sorts of signed memorabilia.

If you are able to contribute £20 towards the sponsorship, you will be entered twice into the April prize-winning draw. If you can contribute £10, you will be entered once. If you wish to contribute more you are more than welcome and will be entered in the draw accordingly.

Once again, @Curb_It will be organising proceedings in her own softly softly way. What players we sponsor will largely be determined by availability, but at least one home grown / young player (if available) will be one of our priorities.

If you are able and interested in contributing, assisting the club, and gaining to the chance to win great prizes, please add your contributing amount to this thread, and your preferred method of payment.

After contributing, Curb It will be in touch by private message in the next month or so to confirm payment details.

You can pay by:

- Bank transfer
- Paypal
- Cheque
- In person on a matchday.

This is a fantastic opportunity for us to collectively help both the club financially, and support the players, and it would be brilliant if we could beat last years total.

COME ON YOU LIFERS !

Adverts on Charlton Life

C.Walsh'sLoveChild — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:35:37 +0000

Morning all,

Have the Adverts been around long?
Are they on the full site as or just the mobile version?
OR have i got a virus on my phone?

COMPETITION: FREE CHARLTON BETS WITH MCDONNELL BOOKMAKERS -you decide where my winnings go(if I win)

lancashire lad — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:21:17 +0000

I won the £50 bet in this competition and have put the bet on:

"Charlton to beat Leyton Orient 3-1 at 14/1"

If I win I intend to give the winnings to a charity that is close to us Lifers, so I want all of you to help me decide where it should go. I have identified 3 causes that are known to us all. So please vote for one of these three:

A: Charlton Community Trust

B: Demelza Hospice for Children

C: Charlton Youth Team via Bromley Supporters as organised by "Henry Irvine"

I shall take votes until the end of the this year, and if I win the bet the money will go to whichever gets the most votes, in the event of a tie I shall have the casting vote.

So get voting but only one vote per Lifer.

COYA

+++Seasons Greetings to all Lifers+++

AFKABartram — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:06:22 +0000

It has (yet again) not been an easy year here at CL Towers !

Severe and sporadic security issues led to a great deal of distress and work behind the scenes in the first part of the year. The enforced upgrade in May proved challenging as we had no real time to plan it effectively, and though the current platform is not perfect and there many things we would like to improve, it has at least ensured we are providing a safe platform.

Traffic to the site continues to rise at a rate of knots, so far up 51% in 2011 than the previous year. We keep expecting it to plateau what with the rise of Facebook, Twitter etc, but it hasn't happened so far, so thank you to everyone for making it a forum worth contributing and visiting.

Both our family and work situations have changed dramatically in the last two years, and it is a lot more difficult to dedicate the time and energy that we had done in the previous years, so we are extremely grateful to the handful of Lifers who contribute that little bit extra to help ensure that this isn't simply, just another ranting messageboard.

So to everyone who posts or reads this site, wherever you are in the world, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And here's hoping 2012 will fingers crossed give us all something to celebrate.

Up the Addicks

AFKA and Lookout

++++COMPETITION: WIN £85 OF FREE CHARLTON BETS WITH MCDONNELL BOOKMAKERS++++(result announced)

AFKABartram — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:34:47 +0000

Tis the season to be jolly, and one of our members is doing his best to share some cheer amongst their fellow lifers.

To celebrate the opening of their new shop at 174 Westcombe Hill, Blackheath this Saturday, McDonnell Bookmakers are offering a series of free bets to Charlton Lifers.

A £50, £25 and £10 free Charlton bet are on offer simply by answering the question below correctly.

Formed just six years ago, this will be McDonnell Bookmakers fourth outlet, with existing shops already operating in Woolwich, Deptford and Grove Park. The group are good supporters to Charlton, holding an executive box and taking out perimeter advertising, and now they want to offer Charlton Lifers the chance to win some free bets.

To enter the draw to win one of the three free bets on offer, simply answer the question below by 2pm Friday 9th December:

QUESTION

What Macca did Lennie Lawrence sign for £650,000 in 1989:

A. Steve MacKenzie
B. Joe McLaughlin
C. Ron McDonald

How to Enter

1. Private Message - Click on Inbox at the top right of your screen, Start a new conversation, Enter AFKABartram as the recipient and type in your answer in the comments box
2. Email – Email afka@charltonlife.com, titled McDonnell Competition, and include both your answer and your CL username.

Colin Walsh, Theo Foley and Mark Penfold will be making an appearance between 11-12 this Saturday at the grand opening, so why don’t you get down there to meet some Legends and take advantage of some of the special Charlton bets McDonnell Bookmakers will have on offer, such as 6/1 on BWP to be the 1st goalscorer at Walsall.

McDonnell Bookmakers guarantee to be the biggest price on any Charlton bet compared to other major bookmakers. Thanks to Jimmac for putting forward this fabulous prize.

Conditions

1. Entries are open to all Charlton Life members, one entry per user, and must be received by 2pm Friday 9th December.
2. An independent draw will be conducted and the winners announced 3pm Friday December.
3. The three winners will be notified on how the can place their bets.
4. Bets cannot be broken down into a series of smaller bets, and must be a Charlton-related bet
5. Winners have until 31 December 2011 to place their bets.

This years CL awards

Covered End — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:52:41 +0000

This is for a bit of fun. So I hope everyone takes it in the spirit that is intended.

Misery of the year :-)

1. Clem Snide

2 Golfie

Clem has put in a concerted effort this year and I am pleased to say, that this has been rewarded by him taking Golfie's crown.

FREEPLAY POKER TONIGHT (SUNDAY) 8-30PM ALL WELCOME*

sadiejane1981 — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:23:47 +0000

As always 1st Sunday of the month freeplay poker on poker stars. All new players welcome give it a go wont cost you anything and if you enjoy it you could try our real money tournies :-)

-if you don't already have it,download the free PokerStars software from www.pokerstars.com

-Open the main lobby,then click the Home Games tab
-Click the 'Join a Poker Club' button
-Enter the Club ID number: 19158
-Enter the Invitation Code: PSCharltonLife05

That's it. Once approved, we'll all be ready to start playing together.

Come and try it, half decent standard with first class banter.

POKER Knockout, TONIGHT (8th Nov). 8-30pm. ALL WELCOME!!

sadiejane1981 — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:47:11 +0000

As always 2nd Tuesday of the month, midweek knockout, every time someone knocks out a player they win the cash bounty.

Entree is $6-75

We play on Pokerstars 'HomeGames'

Install pokerstars software, go to home games tab, then click join a poker club.

enter the club ID 19158

enter the invitation code PSCharltonLife05

Once accepted you are ready to play.

This tournament is great fun with top class banter.

Twitter

JollyRobin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:18:55 +0000

Don't know if any of you Tweet, however I did a few updates for the Wycombe game and they were far better than @CAFCofficial, and hope to do the same for the Orient game away.

@JollyRobin

Auction Update and Thanks

Henry Irving — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:39:42 +0000

So far the auctions on here have raised over £1600 so a big thank you to everyone who has bid for items whether you won or not. It all helps.

Also thanks to the Admin guys at Charlton Life for allowing the auctions to take place. Without access to the biggest on-line or off-line Charlton community we couldn't have raised half as much.

Thank also to all the donors. The Dryland family kicked it off but they have been joined by Large, Tango, Stig, ColinF and others and now TCE and BDL who handed over some fantastic framed prints and pictures plus two more signed shirts last night. I'm very impressed even if Lady Irving isn't but then she's a gooner.

So what's happened to the money? As AFKA can confirm a cheque has been handed over to the Club to go towards some new minibuses. We've not paid the full cost but it all helps and there will be recognition on the side of the minibuses when they arrive. For this we have to thank Ken from Bexley who did the designs.

We're still aiming for £2,000 so please keep bidding. I'm pretty sure that with your help we'll smash that figure but whatever we get will be spent to help the Club whether than be via the Upbeats, shirt sponsorship or the Young Addicks Xmas Party.

Thanks again and keep bidding.

Thanks Admin!

supaclive — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:15:51 +0000

Finally managed to clear my "cache" and can log in and interact again.

I've been miserable looking in from afar .....

Where's Chirpy gone

Covered End — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:29:46 +0000

.

Covered End — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:46:13 +0000

Charlton Life Birth...

Can-addick — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:38:59 +0000

I haven't seen a birth announcement in a while on here, so I don't know if they are still de rigeuer, but I still wanted to mention the birth of Can-Addick #2, a sister to Annika -- Isla Margaret Hill Brisbin, on April 7.

I'm reminded that Charlton Life is about the only place that doesn't gouge you for the privilege of telling the world your good news!! By the way, she's sleeping so can' post right now, but thinks that the idea of Peter Varney-led consortium is just the ticket to thank the current board for their service, allow them a suitably dignified cash-out, and tie a great past to a sure to be glorious future!

New Auction - "Charlton's Long Good Friday "

Henry Irving — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:13:50 +0000

"The Story of Charlton Athletic's first season back in Division One" By Peter Barratt

A 24 page Club publication telling the story of the first season in the top flight for nearly 40 years plus the trip to Wembley.

In very good condition. Black and white photos and a colour centrefold of the Wembley squad

For sale by open auction. Starting bid is £5 Auction ends Thursday 4th August at 5.00pm

Donated by me. Part of the ongoing series of auction's from Bromley Addicks and Charlton Life to raise money for the Academy.

ClosedFUNDRAISING AUCTIONS:The Who/Roger Daltrey signed CDs and Personalised Photograph

Henry Irving — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:13:56 +0000

As part of the on-going series of auctions to raise money for the Charlton Academy Bromley Addicks and Charlton Life are putting up the following three items which have very generously been donated by a CL member.

A) CD of Who's Next by The Who signed by Roger Daltrey

B) CD of Tommy by The Who signed by Roger Daltrey

C) A photograph of Roger Daltrey that you can have signed and personalised. For example "Best Wishes to Henry". You can specify your own or a friends/relatives name, your choice.

The three items are being sold by open auction on this site. The auction will close at 5.00 PM on Wednesday 27th July.

The three are being sold as THREE SEPARATE ITEMS. You may bid on as many as you choose.

Winners will need to either add the cost of postage or make arrangement to collect.

The starting bids for each of three items is £25 each.

Happy bidding

Paying for and collecting Auction prizes

Henry Irving — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:20:37 +0000

Hi all,

I still have some prizes for some of you and a few others still need to pay.

Check your inbox for details of how to pay.

I'll be at Deb Bosch in the Lib and then the East if people want to make arrangements.

If all the promised cash comes we're already at over £550 which is fantastic as our initial target was £600 for one set of academy tracksuits and we still have lots of lovely shirts, bobble hats, handbooks, programmes, pictures and other ephemera to come.

Cheers

Ben

***** PLAYERS CHARLTON LIFE HAVE CHOSEN TO SPONSOR FOR 2011/12 SEASON

Curb_It — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:44:33 +0000

We have bitten the bullet and gone for all seven shirts (I hope you feckers pay up) rather than hold back because players do get snapped up.

As Jackson and Danny Green were far and away leaders in their respective categories you know we have reserved them.

Solly and Wagstaff then led neck and neck in their section - both players that we would hope to see a lot of during the season so we have gone for both of them.

Then for the second spot in the newbies as i asked Morrison and Hollands were also very close, even tho Morrison edged it, we decided to go for both of them.

Then finally because he did so well behind the other two popular players in his section we have gone for young Jordan Cousins.

So to confirm:

1 x Johnnie Jackson's away
1 x Danny Green's away
1 x Danny Hollands' home shirt
1 x Michael Morrison's away
1 x Chris Solly's home shirt
1 x Scott Wagstaff's away
1 x Jordan Cousin's away

I hope everyone is happy with the choices and think we have a good mix amongst this group. And lets hope we dont jinx them.

Please note that we are happy to still keep accepting donations (you're just too late to choose) because we hope to book an 8th shirt. That will be a record year.

Well done everyone.

****PLEASE CHOOSE THE PLAYERS YOU WANT TO SPONSOR(Please re-edit early posts)

Curb_It — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:42:18 +0000

Hello.

So this is probably going to be tricky and not to everyone's liking but as it stands we have enough money (if you all pay up) to sponsor 7 away shirts.

We will take voting for six for the moment and may be leave one behind for our "star signing". PLEASE note that I do not have full confirmation that some of these shirts are available. If they are not then the next popular player will be picked. We will try and do this the fairest way possible. If a player isn't listed it means they are already sponsored or their future is in doubt - we want to try and avoid having to keep swapping players throughout the season. So Off_its idea was a good one.

Please choose TWO from each category and put a mark next to the player you wish to sponsor.

Group A: Homegrown Heroes

Cousins, Jordan
Davisson, Ben
Elliot, Rob
Harriott, Callum
Solly, Chris
Wagstaff, Scott
Osbourne, Harry

Group C: New Kids on the Block

Alonso, Mikel
Evina, Cedric
Green, Danny
Hayes, Paul
Hollands, Danny
Izquierdo, Ruben
Morrison, Michael
Stephens, Dale
Sullivan, John
Wiggins, Rhoys

ive taken the temporary decision - my advisors dont appear to be at their desks to help me. and have removed category B for the time being - safe to say J Jackson will get the sponsorship on that one.

So now please vote for two from the above two categories.
Even if we only pick 5 players now - we can choose more later.

have deleted category B which was: Veterans: Jackson/Doherty/Wright Phillips. WPhillips shirt has gone. Will hope for Jackson.

New Charlton Fan Has Arrived

MariaCAFC — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 03:50:18 +0000

Hi All

Baby Jack arrived 3 weeks early on Tuesday Morning, weighing 6lb 3oz, Myself and Steve are beaming from ear to ear.

We are all doing fine and lets hope that his first season is a promotion one :o)

For Sale - Copy of Welling to Wembley book signed by Author, Sasa, Mendonca, K. Jones and S Jones.

Henry Irving — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 04:38:09 +0000

Good condition hardback with intact dust cover. A4 sized pictorial record of that day now out of print.

Signed by the author and four players. Fourth signature not sure but believed to be Steve Jones.

For sale by open auction. Auction closes Tuesday 21 June at 5.00pm. Bidding starts at £5.

You will need to add postage to the cost or be willing to collect from Bromley.

This is part of the Dryland family collection of Charlton memorabilia that has been donated to raise money for the Charlton Academy.

Charlton Upbeats - Charity Golf Day organised by The Bickley

Curb_It — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 05:22:48 +0000

Hi to any golfers out there. I have been passed info on a Charity Golf Day to be held on Monday 20th June.

Unfortunately i cant paste the flyer on this new system but I will try and copy some more info:

We are hosting our Charity Golf day on the 20th June and we have 4 teams left for the day. The evening dinner and entertainment will be back at THE BICKLEY in the fantastic marquee along with a 3-4 course meal from our executive chef Kelvin Sturman.

Anyway - if anyone is interested please inbox me and I will send you all the details i have. 9.30 am at Chislehurst golf club, tee off from 10am. Then dinner is at the Bickley from 5pm onwards. I believe its £380 for 4 or 100 for one.

There are also opportunities for your company to sponsor the day.

Anyway if any interest - think of the kids - its for the Upbeats.

If you do inbox me and I dont get back straightaway its because i wont be back on this email from 11.15 today till 10am Friday morning.

HEADS UP, SHOOTOUT POKER TOURNIE TONIGHT 8.30PM

sadiejane1981 — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:50:12 +0000

$5.50 Buy in.

A NO LIMIT TEXAS HOLD'EM TOURNAMENT WITH ONLY 2 PLAYERS PER TABLE. LOSER IS KNOCKED OUT AND WINNER ADVANCES TO NEXT ROUND. HEADS-UP ALL THE WAY.

ALL PLAYERS WELCOME NEW OR OLD. POKERSTARS HOMEGAMES, IF YOU ARE NOT ONE OF THE 49 ALREADY REGISTERED THEN FEEL FREE TO REGISTER.

-if you don't already have it,download the free PokerStars software from www.pokerstars.com />
-Open the main lobby,then click the Home Games tab
-Click the 'Join a Poker Club' button
-Enter the Club ID number: 19158
-Enter the Invitation Code: PSCharltonLife05

That's it. Once approved, we'll all be ready to start playing together.

Top 20% paid

CL NO LIMIT HOLD'EM, HEADS-UP, SHOOTOUT. Next Tuesday 8.30PM

sadiejane1981 — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:17:20 +0000

Sponsoring U15s tracksuits UPDATE

Henry Irving — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 06:12:53 +0000

EDIT See last post for update

--------------------------------------------------

I have been offered four tickets to see Squeeze on Thurs 9 Dec (7pm) at the IndigO2 - Block 3 Balcony. (four seats together in a row) Face value 4 x £35 = £140

All four are available to the highest offer with any money raised going towards Bromley Addicks sponsorship of one of CAFC's Academy teams.

I'll leave the bidding open until Thursday 11th 5.00pm.

Please only bid if you can, and intend to, pay.

Collecting votes for Player of the Year

Henry Irving — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 09:58:17 +0000

From the Fans' Forum

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The Player of The Year Dinner is progressing well thanks to a lot of work by Jean Huelin (our Fanny Fannackapan).

Tickets are now on sale through the box office at £25 each.

The date is 1st May. Chris Powell has confirmed that the first team squad will be in attendance and some directors and staff are also going to be there.

One very important point is that we need to rustle up some more people to collect votes before the next two home games. Ideally we will have about 20 people involved as that will cover all entrances to the ground. If you are able to help, let Ian Wallis IanLWallis@aol.com or Fanny Fannakapan on here know soonest. The plan is to meet for a quick drink in Bartrams about 1.00 and then canvas for votes 2.00 till 2.45. I think we are still about 12 short of our numbers so any help will be appreciated.

Any volunteers to collect slips in the Con Club or other pubs most welcome

Keep the faith

Ian

-----------------------------------------------

Off-It I've checked and the Ball Boys are not available : - )

New Charlton Fan On The Way

MariaCAFC — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:32:22 +0000

For those of you that know us, myself and Steve are expecting our first baby on 11 July. All going fine so far other than swollen ankles and a tight fitting Charlton shirt :-)

Lookout - its a toss up between our first wedding anniversary on 26th June or baby arriving so we'll get the cheque in the post after what comes first :-)