Those of us lucky enough to be 'senior' members have witnessed some great performances over the years. Going back to the early 1950s - when we kids came on the tram along Woolwich Road - I nominate Charlie Vaughan as my man of the half decade. With a smile on his face as he ghosted through opposing defences, he was deadly in front of goal. A splendid account of his prowess was penned by famous author David Lodge.
For the late 1950s there was the triumvirate of Stuart Leary, Johnny Summers and John Hewie. Leary was a centre forward with an eye for goals. He led by example on the football pitch, as he did on the cricket pitch by opening the batting for Kent. Johnny Summers is a candidate, along with Clive Mendonca's Wembley hat trick, for the finest performance in a Charlton shirt, when almost single handed he demolished Bill Shankly's Huddersfield in the 7-6 epic.
John Hewie was THE utility player. Totally dependable, happy to play anywhere on the pitch. One of Sir Alex Ferguson's all time favourite players, John Hewie, Scotland international, epitomised the Charlton spirit. And finally, my man of the 1960s is unsung hero Peter Reeves. What a great example he was to young aspiring players. For the years since, I leave others to nominate their favourites.
'Out of the Shelter', 1970, a semi-autobiographical novel by David Lodge about childhood in the Blitz that includes visits to The Valley just after the War. Lodge was brought up in Brockley.
Comments
80s - Paul Mortimer
90s - Richard Rufus
00s - Darren Bent
10s (so far) - Kermogant
Sam Bartram
Marvin Hinton
Mike Bailey
90's-Kinsella
00's-Rufus
2010 onwards- Johnnie Jackson
Clive Mendonca
Scott Parker
90's - Danny Mills
00's - Scott Parker