Whilst I was born and brought up in South East London, and most of my early football experiences involved visits to the Den and the Valley, my first and only real football 'love' is Sunderland AFC. As such, I have been absolutely blown away by the reaction being shown by so many of you to Darren Bent's goal last night.
I think that it speaks absolute volumes for you as supporters, and the whole ethos of Charlton as a football club. Much as I don't want to offend any Lions, I always found the atmosphere at Charlton to be more friendly and welcoming, and on the occasions that I have been an 'away' supporter, much less, if at all, threatening.
I was at the SoL back in August 2005 when DB scored twice in a convincing 3 - 1 away win. It should have been more, and I subsequently described the match as 'men against boys'. And you had a man sent off. If I recall correctly, our goal was scored by one Andy Gray. How things have changed in the last 5 years!
On that point, I just wanted to say that I hope things start to turn around at the Valley. I am convinced that Parkinson is putting together a squad that will evolve into a team - you had too many loan players last year for that to happen.
Please be patient - a lot has been happening and putting this sort of situation right can take time, but I reckon that you're on the right track. As a Sunderland fan would say - Keep the Faith!
I'm still a 'walk-up', and intend to be at the Dagenham match on the 25th. I sincerely hope that I witness a convincing home win.
If I may be so bold, on Darren's behalf, thanks for all the comments.
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the applause and congratulations from Sunderland supporters that day really left an impression on me
makes it all the sweeter that DB is now banging in the goals for them up there
better for them than Spurs anyway!!!!
I cheered out loud when he scored against Switzerland. Classic Bent finish too.
Couldn't get a ticket from up North. Could have got one through Charlton but I know that I'd have felt right out of place, plus I might have deprived an Addick of a ticket. Absolutely gutted on the day, but time heals all. Plus, as a Sunderland supporter I've learnt to put up with the pain!
Should have said earlier that whilst we survived comfortably in the end last season, I hate to think of what would have happened without DB's goals.
I know a lot of you are anxious about having a goal scorer, but maybe there's something to be said for spreading them about?
Please tell me it aint true.
I always want the Mackems to win (with an obvious exception), not just coz of Benty and Reidy. I have been to the SoL and it's obvious that Sunderland is a proper football town with diehard supporters....a proper football place. Plus, I love the sense of humour up there!
Good luck for the rest of the season, and I hope that Dazzer scores a hat load of goals for you and gets a regular place for England.
Thanks for taking the time.
Massive DB fan wherever he goes, but rather you guys (our recent history is not so different) than the Spuds. Good luck to you and your team and thanks for adding some positive vibes to Charltonlfe.
Don't think you'll find any Millwall fans taking offence that we aren't as soft as our friends down the road mate.
As for Bent, like him a lot, not sure he is the sharpest tool in the box, but hopefully he continues to do well and shove Redknapps words down his wrinkled saggy greg.
yes did give Benyts goal a shout last night as well.
He fully deserves his chance, a proven goalscorer. I will always wish him well.
So pleased Darren Bent went to Sunderland above all others - to proper football fans who deserve and appreciate a top, top player - always follow Sunderland results as I suspect most Charlton fans do; a great team, great fans: good luck. Let us all hope Bent can break into the England team perminently so the England terraces can once again have a goalscoring hero who conducts themselves properly.
Oh yes, still got that final on VHS.
I've often travelled down to the Valley on official Sunderland away travel coaches wearing my Charlton top, had plenty of stick but all very much good humoured...
And to say they worship Benty is the understatement of the year, when he scored against Switzerland it was like he scored the winning goal in the final...
Sunderland: great place, great people, great team...
Peter Reid proved himself to be a great man and always felt sorry for Gray. However, things changed for us from there on, we will be back.
And why would you want him back now that you've got Mr Benson?
Charlton Legend.
He's been adored at Ipswich, Charlton & now Sunderland.
Spurs missed out- buying him to play with Berbatov then selling Berbatov meant his role changed.
Redknapp saw him as part of the old guard when he joined Spuds & never fully backed him.
I will always want Benty to do well & still consider him 'our' Darren.
I know I'm not alone.
With us now so far removed from the Premiership it's great to see players who were Addicks still playing at the top.
I too was very humbled by the Sunderland supporters at Wembley 1998.
I wish both Sunderland & DB every success.
Both teams were rubbish, it was 1-1 at half time, then a Gabbiadini hat-trick in about 20 minutes gave Sunderland a 1-4 win.
That night there were more Sunderland fans than Charlton, and they didn't stop singing.
I cheered them on in the cup final a few years later, 94? 95? think it was against Liverpool?