From the moment we arrived at the Valley and were ushered into Bartrams for swift drink before the main event, I hoped that this was going to be a special day. I will confess that I had been having mixed feelings leading up to Saturday not just because of the obvious emotions surrounding the whole thing, but I wasn't sure that sponsoring the Blackpool match in memory of my Dad would be a fitting tribute and that it might be a little too cold and corporate.
I needn't have worried.
John Bumstead and Deb Browne, were the first to approach us and outline what was to happen before leading us through to the main reception where the Legends that are Bob Bolder and John Humphreys introduced themselves as our main hosts for the day.
A tour of the Charlton dressing room was the first item on the agenda and although I had been there before, for THAT match, it seemed so much different with 20 named red kits hanging on the walls ready for the team to wear. Photo opportunities abounded as Bob and John chatted effortlessly to an eager audience. It was in there that I got my first glimpse of the match programme and then instantly knew that this had been the right thing to do. Myself and Little Sis allowed ourselves a moment of reflection, but we had no time to dwell in the presence of our hosts and excited companions. A few choice remarks about certain items of clothing brought the dressing room tour to an end and I will not divulge the player in question, but thanks to our Daughters keen eye and worrying habit at looking at underwear, one player will forever be known as 'Skidders' by our clan.
We were ushered out on to the pitch for more photo opportunities and being able to chat with Paddy Powell and Theo Foley were added bonuses before we climbed the steps of the West Stand and entered the Centre Circle Suite for a glass of champagne and our meal. Colin Walsh, who joined us to be our third hosts gave us some reasonably unreliable tips on the final score competition, as we tried in vain to prevent my youngest daughter completing her 'Man of the Match' voting card with the name of Matt Holland before knowing if he was even in the starting line up.
The food and wine were complemented superbly by timely and humorous interjections from our hosts who had understood the theme of the day perfectly and joined in the trips down memory lane with an enthusiasm and warmth that will be remembered fondly by every one of our party.
When it came to the pre match pitch presentation, we had been told that only four of our group would be able to take part and that had given me some hard decisions to make, but as the moment approached Bob Bolder was having none of it and told every one of us to follow him out. There was a scary moment as we passed the players in the tunnel, returning from their pre match warm up as we thought my youngest was going to faint as Matt Holland brushed past her, but we managed to keep her upright to take our place in the centre circle. Upon leaving the pitch Alan Pardew made a point of coming towards us to shake our hands, which was a really nice touch.
The minute’s applause for all those that had lost their lives, was the moment when the meaning of the day hit home and as my Dads name approached I couldn't hold back the tears and didn't want to either.
What can I say about the game, but, Wow!!! In truth the result wouldn't have mattered in the whole scheme of things, but it certainly helped to keep the mood upbeat. I am not aware of what the club normally expects from it's sponsors, but it became very clear from the moment the first whistle went that we were not going to be a 'Flask and Werthers' group.
From the very first rendition of 'Valley Floyd Road' and through all of our limited repertoire, each was sung with gusto, as a small section of the Covered End Choir, transported itself into the West and kept the blanket brigade from resting easy in their slumber. The result might have helped and it may also have been just a standard line given to all who do these things, but the comment we received as we came to the end of our day, "You have been the best sponsors this season by a country mile" , was accepted heartily nevertheless.
I was fortunate to be able to present the MOM award to Zheng Zhi, (even though I voted for Kelly Youga!) and had my photo taken with our Chinese star and his Champagne and a signed Charlton shirt, the latter I mistakenly thought would be a raffle prize, but when I tried to return it to Bob, he said, "No Terry, that's yours." I was stunned as that was completely unexpected!
I couldn't have wished the whole thing to have gone any better, it was all I had wanted it to be and more and I have so many people to thank for that, not least of all the Club. Yes of course we paid a significant sum of money for the privilege of being where we were, but although the professional way in which we were treated can be trained into most people, the friendliness and warmth showed to us all is something that cannot be manufactured.
This club holds a special place in our hearts and has a significant part to play in the memories that we have of our Dad.
What happened on Saturday is a fitting addition to those memories.
More than just a Football Club, I should say so.
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Well done CAFC.
I was lucky enough to be guests of a match sponsor once... but i think its fairly safe to say Bob Boulder didnt feel so lucky - especially trying to get me and my pal out of the changing room!
But its a day that i will always remember as a very special one.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Well done the club as well.
As i posted on another thread, I know we see our club through tinted glasses but, although "More than a football club" might seem a bit cheesy to some, we addicks know it's exactly that.
Really glad it went well for you and the rest of the Killer clan.