I don't recall reading about this on here, so aplolgies and sink if it's a repeat, have copied it as I found it interesting.
I attended tonight's NW Kent's Addicks meeting at the Bexley Park Sports & Social Club. These are very good meetings and I thoroughly recommend them to others...I was disappointed to learn that we can only boast of 191 members!
Therry was late arriving, so Rob started the evening on his own. For both players it was their first time at attending such a function and I felt they both came across very well and professionally.
Rob confirmed that he is a fan and his first game was in 1989 at Loftus Rd. His favourite keeper when watching was Bob Bolder, however he stated that Kiely was awesome to train with. He was technically perfect, although he failed to mention his kicking!
Rob gave us some insight into Parky and that contrary to the fans perception, he actually is a "hardman". He cares about the club a great deal and after one game (4-1 defeat at Sheff Wed) he wouldn't/couldn't talk to anybody, he was that upset.
After 10-15 minutes Therry walks in and his English was better than Rob would have us believe! There was no messing from the 30-40 attendees, 1st question - Will you be with us in Div.One next season. To which his answer was...yes! He is happy at the club, he still sees us as a big club and he's actually looking forward to building and playing in a good team next season. 2nd question - What was your relationship like with Pardew after he brought you to the club. His answer was that he was very happy to join Charlton, who he had some knowledge of even in France. He was in awe of the 20k crowds we were getting even in The Championship as this was unheard of in France. He admitted that he did become frustrated under Pards and it was apparent that he is clearly much happier under Parky.
Both players said that they hope that Parky remains at the club next season. They also believe he has started something and once he can bring in his own players etc, we will then see the real Charlton. Rob added that there was not one thing that had gone wrong, but a number of things at all different levels throughout the club.
There were a number of questions along the same line, which was basically which players are staying and which are going? This was unfair on the guys as they cannot speak for the others and of course the Board will sell others too despite them wanting to stay. Therry mumbled something about the club possibly changing ownership and this was probably the Peter Varney consortium story rearing it's head. But we didn't pick up on this...doubtful they could or would be able to add anything else anyway!
There was a strong hint that Parky wants to keep Kandol for next season. It would appear he has settled in well and is very popular with the lads. Darren Ward & Graeme Murty were also mentioned (by the fans) as possibly making permanent moves, but again they can't really comment on their status. However, it did transpire that Ward still has at least another season on his Wolves contract.
A Man Utd fan asked the players which club (other than Charlton) would they like to watch and which would they like to play for. Therry said that he liked to watch Arsenal and that his dream would be to play for Barcelona. Rob let on that when he was on loan at Accrington, he would go to Old Trafford to watch games when he could.
We asked if there were any other potential stars in the Academy at present. Rob stated that obviously Shelvey had made great progress over the year, including an adjustment in attitude. He revealed that Jonjo is still growing (scary thought as he's 6 foot already!) and that he would one day play for England. As for the others, Solly (Right Back) and Mambo (Centre Half) were showing a lot of promise.
Therry was asked how he took to settling in England. He advised that he was initially living in The Marriott Hotel in Bexleyheath on his own, but Madjid Bougherra would spend time with him, share meals together etc, which was a great comfort & help to him, especially as he spoke no English.
Rob spoke about the "Chrissy Powell" celebration he did after the palarse game and revealed that he was egged on by Matty Holland to do it!
All in all a very enjoyable evening and it was good to hear the boys talking so positively. Rob had admitted that heads were down before the Southampton game, but the result and the performance has given them all a boost. they know it's a long shot, but truly feel they can win all six of the remaining games.....let's hope that they can walk the walk now!
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Hope you and they got out of Bexley ok last night!
Good good news on Racon and glad to hear that Parky's character was mentioned.
Reads as if this was a few weeks ago.
Tut, tut to Rob for saying it was the first of these types of meetings he's done. He did one at Bromley last year!
Unforgettable, thats what you are!
Unforgettable
"Rob had admitted that heads were down before the Southampton game, but the result and the performance has given them all a boost. they know it's a long shot, but truly feel they can win all six of the remaining games.....let's hope that they can walk the walk now!"
Really hope he stays.
Elliott will also be wearing the Number One shirt next season!