Today was a vital game but it wasn't a big game. Without wanting to sound disrespectful, playing Wallsall in front of a couple of hundred travelling fans is never going to get peoples blood pumping in the same way as the Huddersfield or Sheffield United games earlier in the season.
90% of the games in this league are really low key and difficult to get exited about, that's why we need to get out of this league so desperately.
I have missed far more games than I have seen this season, but have had to step in as a reserve team manager for a Saturday mens team, that my sons play in. Still normal service resummes for the last game.( as our season finishes) So will be going to that one, and yes will be buying a season ticket for next year. If money permits I would like to go to some away matches again as well. I am sure the crowds will return, but like a lot of fans, money and time are a major consideration to many fans that I know. In fairness there were a couple of matches I could have gone to, and in fairness I could state mitigation, but in all honesty I chose not to. Have I loved this season , not really, I dislike this league, and my club being in it........
It's a good question. We shouldn't underestimate just how difficult things are financially. We price our tickets well at Charlton, but there is no doubt that a significant number won't be able to justify the outlay at the present time. As for the atmosphere inside the ground, I think much of that has to do with nerves.
In the Championship, you desperately want to up to the PL, but know that if you fail, you've got decent games to look forward to.
After 3 years in L1, we're now desperate to get out, to play some bigger teams, to have proper local derbies again etc. Going up will be brilliant, but more relief than the joy of Wembley 98.
It's also Wednesday's fault for sacking Megson, as with him in charge I'm sure they wouldn't have picked up the points they have, there would be less tension, and we'd probably be up by now and playing Champagne football!
lots of interesting comments here. I guess the economy is a big part of it. Seems that price promotions boost the numbers, and not just for us. Shows us that football at this level is grossly over-priced. Of course it is, I can watch the Czech champions for a quarter of what I pay at the Valley. I guess also that when were going for promotion to the Prem, we were aspiring to dreams, and it was magical, whereas now we just want to get out of dross which is way below the level most of us have watched Charlton at for most of our lives. But for sure when it's done I'll say I loved it. Because we got our Charlton back. SCP has given us so much to be proud of. Every game I've seen them, live or on TV, they've delivered performances of integrity, and that includes Orient away. I love the way we have saved our best per
I think its a money thing,disposable income is way down for most people and travel costs are silly. Ive made two away trips this season(Seff Utd and Huddersfield) and hopefully will get to Carlisle. Even though I have free travel on the trains taking my boys to the games it still takes saving up to go.When I was a pup in the seventies my Dad could take me every time he wanted to,it seemed lots of people did the same.
Yeah, money is an issue, but seriously this is one of the most enjoyable seasons for a long while, the football has been great, we're going to be Champions, and I think with the pressure off and some good additions, we'll do alright in the Championship.
The enjoyment this season was in the autumn when we started to dare to hope that the long decline could be reversed. But endless games against tiny league one clubs can't continue to create the same level of excitement as big well-reported wins against top flight clubs. So it's only natural that enjoyment has tended to be replaced by nervousness as the season has worn on. After today my main emotion is relief. We're definitely going up and the party can soon begin.
I and maybe many others expected to come down to The Valley and batter these so called lesser clubs...but football has changed and theres no easy wins anymore.
The supporters of Leeds, Sheff Weds, etc all seem to have taken this stance.
Just because some teams are located in some tumbledown footballing outpost, doesn't mean they tug their forelock and obligingly roll over and lie down in awe.
They see it as a chance to claim a famous scalp and invariably are fired up for the game.
Anyway, it's the Third Division and these are Third Division players, regardless of any recent top league status. In the Third Division, the team that wins invariably wants it more.
And that includes the Stevenages, Walsalls and Tranmeres.
Somehow it's gotten into my head that we've got to get out of this poxy league before I can start enjoying my football again. In truth, I've not found the football convincing, but it has seemed needlessly churlish to gripe. I can't afford many of the long distance away games plus even now I'm scared we'll slip up and end up in the play offs. But I love CP and his attitude, I've loved the fighting spirit of most of our squad and I'm proud to be a part of Charlton. The fun is yet to come.
Many interesting comments about why people moan, size of gate, nerves of fans, negativity etc. I am loving every minute of it: win, lose or draw. This team and manager are special and I will remember this feeling of pride and enjoyment for a long time. When I read SCP taking about 'my football club', I know I am in the safe hands of someone who cares. I don't worry about the return of the glory hunters but enjoy the now.
It's easy to enjoy if you have no other worries.As sound as said at the top of the thread these are the most worrying times for many years. I'm not old enough to confirm but many say since the second world war. For people who retired 6 years ago you may be alright the country had gone through 18 years of what we thought was growth and prosperity. Well sorry us (I mean the 20 year old's to 65 years old's) despite thinkin we had it made up to 4 years ago are goin to or are felling the pressure and biggest squeeze for many a year. I have 3 kids and 2 of them are teenagers I employ 9 staff, well I can tell you AFKA I am shit scared, after the fact Hamer and Morison don't talk or like each other are the least of my worries. But if they did kiss and hug it would make life easier.
Can't begin to imagine what some of you people will be like next season when we may well be languishing in mid-table.
Make hay while the sun shines.
I think most of us will be very happy to be lounging in mid table next season, when we're competing against teams of a similar size to ourselves. Yes we've had a great season, but the top 3 teams are by far the largest in the division, with Huddersfield close behind, and so ought to be up there. The Premier league days were wonderful, but at heart we are a Championship sized club.
It's been a great season but today's crowd ( which was a little disappointing ) probably reflected a number of factors, including: the state of the economy ( meaning that people tend to pick and chose their games ), a general lack of enthusiasm for third tier football, unattractive opposition in Walsall, the weather and the fact that a lot of casual supporters have already bought tickets for the Hartlepool match and/or will wait until the potential "promotion game" ( i.e. Wycombe ).
It will be better next season with bigger away followings, which will, in turn, significantly improve the atmosphere at the Valley.
In short were very close to sowing it up... Lots of people on holiday for Easter.. And a lot feel the big games have gone... IE Stevenage was ahuge game for me... As well as the Sheffield games.. Huddersfield etc....
Now If we were top of the champ we would have 25k there easy .... And people would be going mental....
We have a LOT of fair weather friends from the prem years ... Walsall does not get these guys juices flowing... Next year when the battle commences again we will see the numbers rise ... But for the 10k casual Carlton fans we are already up....
Ps ... I, me personally am absolutely delighted with this season... And next year and this summer is going to be so interesting ... Powelly knows what this club can do ...
Thats the main reason we arent enjoying it... we are all charlton and weve all been there before and so we know that it could unravel... Utd and Wed are winning everyweek and at the mo so are we...
As I've said/boredoff many a time before, it's a tin pot league and our away support is shocking when you consider the results this side have got when swindon are bringing 200+ more for a similar trips length wise and plymouth more than double you know its bad and they're living in the same recession as us and apart from Charlton fans who can you converse with who really cares about wtf is going on in league one It only really means a lot to us diehards I don't believe our "home" numbers will increase too much next year and if we stay in the championship and hold steady for a few seasons they will deteriorate cos it'll get stale The results have been perfect, the football has not been as exciting as the floating support would have wanted to keep returning unless it's being given away cheaply The quietness in the stands is definitely attributed to nerves and the dullness of opposition and excitement on display Beating brentford/orient means nigh on nothing but beating the scum or palace will mean a hell of a lot for me , the banter will be available with old acquaintances , bring it on What's the prize for promotion a couple of decent derbys that mean something to us hardcore Promotion again and we'll be playing at the top level of the english game and that is where I dream of us being But to all those who fear it for the money grabbers blah blah blah wake up and smell the coffee , do you really think any of our squad are here for the love of Charlton Athletic Football Club, perleeeeeeeease deluded , they are here for the dough and that is it
The enjoyment this season was in the autumn when we started to dare to hope that the long decline could be reversed. But endless games against tiny league one clubs can't continue to create the same level of excitement as big well-reported wins against top flight clubs. So it's only natural that enjoyment has tended to be replaced by nervousness as the season has worn on. After today my main emotion is relief. We're definitely going up and the party can soon begin.
Somehow it's gotten into my head that we've got to get out of this poxy league before I can start enjoying my football again. In truth, I've not found the football convincing, but it has seemed needlessly churlish to gripe.
today's crowd ( which was a little disappointing ) probably reflected .... the fact that a lot of casual supporters have already bought tickets for the Hartlepool match and/or will wait until the potential "promotion game" ( i.e. Wycombe ).
Best enjoyment has come away this season:
I'm loving it loving it loving it.As would anyone who went to either game in Sheffield this season.
At the Valley, especially since Christmas, games have sometimes been nervy, lacklustre affairs where we've relied heavily on defence to achieve 1-0 or 1-1 results against long-term residents of L1/L2 (usually from northern backwaters) that we'd rather not be playing. The Championship (usual caveats) will be better but a big ST sales push will encourage people to stay regular (so to speak).
Not read the whole thread but the reason I've been slightly nervous (and still am a teeny weeny bit) is the continuing good form of the Sheffield clubs.
91 points would normally have secured us automatic promotion and be at most just one win from the title
AS it happens we still probably need two wins due to their determined and admirable pursuit of us.
They are both good sides and it's not inconceivable one or even both will win all or all but one of their remaining games despite what the self-proclaimed 'cool cucumbers' on here have been telling us!
As a happy aside I've put a nice win double on the Sheffield pair each of the last few weeks despite reading on here that Notts Co/Hudds etc will smash Weds and Utd will drop points and as a result my bet365 bank is looking rather healthy ahead of my trip to Aintree this weekend!!
The fact I've been to all home games this season without being a season ticket holder is evidence to me that I'm enjoying this season far more than the last 3 years.
Paid £50 for both of us to see the game yesterday and sat in the Lower West in the pouring rain with a hangover. Worth every penny. (once I'd warmed up).
Loving it, and gutted that Wycombe is my last game of this season.
Comments
90% of the games in this league are really low key and difficult to get exited about, that's why we need to get out of this league so desperately.
Still normal service resummes for the last game.( as our season finishes) So will be going to that one, and yes will be buying a season ticket for next year.
If money permits I would like to go to some away matches again as well. I am sure the crowds will return, but like a lot of fans, money and time are a major consideration to many fans that I know. In fairness there were a couple of matches I could have gone to, and in fairness I could state mitigation, but in all honesty I chose not to.
Have I loved this season , not really, I dislike this league, and my club being in it........
We shouldn't underestimate just how difficult things are financially.
We price our tickets well at Charlton, but there is no doubt that a significant number won't be able to justify the outlay at the present time.
As for the atmosphere inside the ground, I think much of that has to do with nerves.
After 3 years in L1, we're now desperate to get out, to play some bigger teams, to have proper local derbies again etc. Going up will be brilliant, but more relief than the joy of Wembley 98.
It's also Wednesday's fault for sacking Megson, as with him in charge I'm sure they wouldn't have picked up the points they have, there would be less tension, and we'd probably be up by now and playing Champagne football!
But for sure when it's done I'll say I loved it. Because we got our Charlton back. SCP has given us so much to be proud of. Every game I've seen them, live or on TV, they've delivered performances of integrity, and that includes Orient away. I love the way we have saved our best per
We are going up, say we are going up.
Just because some teams are located in some tumbledown footballing outpost, doesn't mean they tug their forelock and obligingly roll over and lie down in awe.
They see it as a chance to claim a famous scalp and invariably are fired up for the game.
Anyway, it's the Third Division and these are Third Division players, regardless of any recent top league status. In the Third Division, the team that wins invariably wants it more.
And that includes the Stevenages, Walsalls and Tranmeres.
Can't begin to imagine what some of you people will be like next season when we may well be languishing in mid-table.
Make hay while the sun shines.
I don't worry about the return of the glory hunters but enjoy the now.
We've got our Charlton back!
Happy and enjoying every minute.
It will be better next season with bigger away followings, which will, in turn, significantly improve the atmosphere at the Valley.
Now If we were top of the champ we would have 25k there easy .... And people would be going mental....
We have a LOT of fair weather friends from the prem years ... Walsall does not get these guys juices flowing... Next year when the battle commences again we will see the numbers rise ... But for the 10k casual Carlton fans we are already up....
Thats the main reason we arent enjoying it... we are all charlton and weve all been there before and so we know that it could unravel... Utd and Wed are winning everyweek and at the mo so are we...
Once we are up the party can begin..
"The weather is shit, numpty away team, sunday service. Im staying in and having a roast"
when swindon are bringing 200+ more for a similar trips length wise and plymouth more than double you know its bad and they're living in the same recession as us
and apart from Charlton fans who can you converse with who really cares about wtf is going on in league one
It only really means a lot to us diehards
I don't believe our "home" numbers will increase too much next year and if we stay in the championship and hold steady for a few seasons they will deteriorate cos it'll get stale
The results have been perfect, the football has not been as exciting as the floating support would have wanted to keep returning unless it's being given away cheaply
The quietness in the stands is definitely attributed to nerves and the dullness of opposition and excitement on display
Beating brentford/orient means nigh on nothing but beating the scum or palace will mean a hell of a lot for me , the banter will be available with old acquaintances , bring it on
What's the prize for promotion a couple of decent derbys that mean something to us hardcore
Promotion again and we'll be playing at the top level of the english game and that is where I dream of us being
But to all those who fear it for the money grabbers blah blah blah wake up and smell the coffee , do you really think any of our squad are here for the love of Charlton Athletic Football Club, perleeeeeeeease deluded , they are here for the dough and that is it
As would anyone who went to either game in Sheffield this season.
91 points would normally have secured us automatic promotion and be at most just one win from the title
AS it happens we still probably need two wins due to their determined and admirable pursuit of us.
They are both good sides and it's not inconceivable one or even both will win all or all but one of their remaining games despite what the self-proclaimed 'cool cucumbers' on here have been telling us!
As a happy aside I've put a nice win double on the Sheffield pair each of the last few weeks despite reading on here that Notts Co/Hudds etc will smash Weds and Utd will drop points and as a result my bet365 bank is looking rather healthy ahead of my trip to Aintree this weekend!!
Paid £50 for both of us to see the game yesterday and sat in the Lower West in the pouring rain with a hangover. Worth every penny. (once I'd warmed up).
Loving it, and gutted that Wycombe is my last game of this season.