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Club Statement - Fan Sadly Passed - RIP
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Such sad news. RIP Headphones Norm. For all the years I had seen him around the country following Charlton I had never spoke to him but felt I knew him. The museum trustees & volunteers had a discussion in the museum about 6 months ago , who would be a worthy supporter of the year ? Headphones Norm instantly sprang to mind.He was presented with the trophy at the Hall of Fame induction night. I finally got to talk to him that night. He was so chuffed but it was thoroughly deserved for years of dedication.12
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Probably no other fan at the club would have been so instantly known than when u heard today that it was headphones norm - tragic - a true Charlton legend - RIP4
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RIP to a a piece of the Charlton furniture, as a young fan, when my uncle first started taking me to games home and away, it was people like Norm and Seb that I would recognise and point out every time I saw them. They WERE Charlton to me, seeing them was part of going to a game. Having lost Seb back in COVID and my uncle late last year, the loss of Norm is something I’ll feel every time I enter the valley, as well as anywhere else I venture to watch us play. Every game means more to me now, I’ll miss my uncle till the day that I die, and I can’t enter a football stadium without thinking of him. And not seeing people like Norm makes it feel that much more foreign.You’ll never be forgotten mate, that badge represents you, Seb, my uncle and everyone that’s followed us through thick and thin. That’s why I love this club so much.12
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I have not been able to go to too many games this year due to health, In particular the early games and so started watching the game on Sky Sports Plus. Their coverage was shocking. At first they were bigging up Pompey and then said "due to a medical emergency we are going to a break", then we were left watching The Valley before they came back about 40 minutes later and said "Oh game has been abandoned" That was shit service by them. I will leave that aside.
Today was already a difficult day as it was a year to the day that we payed our respects to my Best Friend. Marc. (His Church service was a year today, having lost his battle to Cancer on November 3, 2024.
As I was looking at this site and another and it became clear it was Headphones Norm, tears started flowing down my face. It was uncontrollable. Whilst hoping he would pull through, the longer it went on, I was fearful.
I first met Headphones Norm on a bus coming from Selhurst when I joined him with Marc. He was a pleasant guy, with an infectious smile. We chatted about the game and Charlton things. I would bump into him or he would pass and always nodded his head and smiled.
To lose him today, on a day like this is devastating.
My heart and condolences go out to his family and friends and all the people and medical staff who tried to revive him.
Charlton are more than a football club. We are a Community. A Family.
RIP to a true gentleman and a legend.
Paul
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So sad.
RIP Norman0 -
First person I pointed out to my kids on a filthy northern away trip that we’d go to.
Everyone knew Headphones Norm .
Always a nod and a smile , the odd quick hello , raised eyebrow after the performance .
Wherever you went midweek , rain or shine , he’s there , almost a ritual completed when he’d been spotted .
My wife all my sons , we all knew Headphones Norm.
A part of the Charlton furniture .
Dropping son off at Charlton to get an away coach at stupid o’clock in the morning, there he is at the bus stop .
Tragically no more but forever in our hearts.
No one loves an away stalwart as much as me and he truly was my icon.
RIP Headphones Norm ❤️ 🎧 🤍
Gone but will never be forgotten.
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I’ve been going to games, home and away for the last 15 years but I’ve seen him anywhere and everywhere. RIP to an absolute legend. Never got the chance to speak to him but seeing people speak about him he seemed an absolute gent.I’m sure the club will produce a great send off.
RIP Norm0 -
https://www.charltonafc.com/news/view/5ee7aebb46906/once-an-addicknorman
With just a little time to reflect, I think the whole Charlton family is still in shock. I certainly am. To lose a legendary supporter at yesterday’s match on such a meaningful day marking 33 years since we returned to The Valley feels painfully cruel. What should have been a day of celebration has instead become one of sadness, disbelief and deep reflection.
For so many of us, Headphone Norman was part of the matchday experience. You’d see him walking down Floyd Road, behind the Covered End, or settled in his usual spot in the Lower Covered End. At away games he was just as present, always recognisable with his distinctive look, the army jacket covered in badges, the famous headphones, the calm and warm expression of a man who’d seen it all with Charlton and still turned up everywhere we went.
Like many others, I’d point him out to my son and say, “That’s Norman,” the same way we’d once point out Seb in the Fans’ Bar before Covid. These supporters aren’t just faces in the crowd they are part of the soul of the club. They kept the heartbeat going when times were dark.
There is never a good time to go, but Norman’s passing at The Valley, watching the club he loved will stay with everyone who was there, and with thousands more who watched on Sky. He deserves to be remembered not just with sadness, but with gratitude for the decades of loyalty, passion and quiet presence he gave to Charlton Athletic.
I really hope the club can find a fitting way to honour him at the Middlesbrough game. A minute’s applause feels right for someone who was the first fan ever featured in the “Once an Addick” campaign and someone who truly lived those words.
And it would be wonderful if the club could consider some form of permanent memorial at The Valley like Sebs mural and being part of the Charlton sign on the bridge. Norman wasn’t just another supporter; he was part of the tapestry of what makes this club special.
Headphone Norman was a very special Addick, and he’ll be missed by all of us those who sat near him, those who travelled with him, and those who simply recognised him as one of the ever-present guardians of our club’s spirit.
Rest easy, Norman. Once an Addick, forever an Addick
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RIP Norm, My condolences to his family and friends.0
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I have a suggestion for a fan lead tribute for the Oxford game, purchase a cheap pair of over ear headphones from an Asda or Poundland etc, wear them to the game and in the interim arrange with the club to drop them off near or in reception to donate to a kids charity in his memory.9
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RIP Norm0
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A real moment of collective grief for supporters I’m sure the club and players will respect, . RIP a true kindred spirit.
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@cafctom has described it beautifully.Everyone knew who Norm was.Everyone’s kids knew who Norm was.He was the most unique and recognised of all our support base. And liked and respected by all who spoke with him.He was a pioneer and a fan icon.7
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Really nice idea 👏🏼DA9 said:I have a suggestion for a fan lead tribute for the Oxford game, purchase a cheap pair of over ear headphones from an Asda or Poundland etc, wear them to the game and in the interim arrange with the club to drop them off near or in reception to donate to a kids charity in his memory.2 -
That just about sums it up AFKA. A unique fan and one who will be missed by all the Charlton family.AFKABartram said:@cafctom has described it beautifully.Everyone knew who Norm was.Everyone’s kids knew who Norm was.He was the most unique and recognised of all our support base. And liked and respected by all who spoke with him.He was a pioneer and a fan icon.0 -
Let perpetual light shine upon him.Rest in peace.Condolences to his family.2
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Agree a fan lead tribute at Oxford game, allows time for fans & supporter representives to consult with the club, to organise a fitting tribute. A collection for charity seems a very good idea also something lasting like how Seb is forever remembered.Pelling1993 said:
Really nice idea 👏🏼DA9 said:I have a suggestion for a fan lead tribute for the Oxford game, purchase a cheap pair of over ear headphones from an Asda or Poundland etc, wear them to the game and in the interim arrange with the club to drop them off near or in reception to donate to a kids charity in his memory.
I'm sure the club will also want to show its respects before Boro game on Tuesday night.3 -
So recognisable and a true icon. Never spoke to him but always saw Headphones Norm when we were away. It was somehow comforting to see him. He always seemed a kind and warm person and always had a smile on his face. His passing is a tragic loss and my thoughts are with his family.1
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It feels like Seb again, someone we all saw and felt kinship with without knowing them.0
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Rest in peace Norm. Our coach was sat in absolute silence all the way back home as we were stunned. I will miss seeing you debate the game (and with other teams fans!) and your displeasure of how Millwall were doing in comparison to us.1
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RIP... well known character to most Charlton fans. Only spoke to him a few weeks ago on a train to the match. Often wandered we previously exchanging with him whether he actually heard what I said.
Friend on the way home actually said he spoke with him prior to the match and he was fine. Just shows you just don't know and enjoy life.1 -
Most of us who post on here think we are “proper Charlton” no matter how far we have strayed from home. Our family and friends will think that of us. But I’ve long forgotten what its like, to be there every week, to put in the miles to important, and not so important, away games, miles which by the sound of it just get more difficult and more expensive. All the stories of Norm in this thread from the people who were around him are a sharp reminder to me what proper Charlton really means. All of you who knew him sat near him yesterday and every week, and especially the Lifer who tried to help him, I feel so sorry for you, and the rest of us need to put an arm round you as best we can.I think @DA9 idea with the cheap headphones we can leave with the club afterwards as a gift to a local cause is a brilliant idea. There isnt much time but I‘d happily send a donation if there would be a way to get a load of them to hand out before the game. And it would be something we could repeat as part of each Back to the Valley Day commemoration.0
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Agreed. I backed the draw yesterday but don't think I can really collect the winnings. I think it should go in this direction.TootingRedArmy said:
Agree a fan lead tribute at Oxford game, allows time for fans & supporter representives to consult with the club, to organise a fitting tribute. A collection for charity seems a very good idea also something lasting like how Seb is forever remembered.Pelling1993 said:
Really nice idea 👏🏼DA9 said:I have a suggestion for a fan lead tribute for the Oxford game, purchase a cheap pair of over ear headphones from an Asda or Poundland etc, wear them to the game and in the interim arrange with the club to drop them off near or in reception to donate to a kids charity in his memory.
I'm sure the club will also want to show its respects before Boro game on Tuesday night.
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