Today brings us two contrasting faces of football just a few miles apart.
At Charlton the heartfelt and emotional celebration of an unforgettable turning point in the club's history, and the launch of the supporters' next major initiative.
At West Ham the folly and arrogance of their Olympic Stadium fantasy.
In Eddie Youds' immortal words - "we're not Bornsley, we're Chorlton". We are indeed a special club and The Valley a special place, and what we have is real, not the phoney success and hollow triumphs of the Prem billionaires.
Special? To me, personally, yes for similar reasons (and timescales) as Halesbeard. Would never support another club. Special generally, probably not but then again I'm not sure that I could name another 'special' club. For me, the soul left professional football at the start of the era of foreign players and the money-men. Charlton's in my heart for all the experiences that I have had (as mentioned in my post yesterday) over the past 36 years.
There is a fundamental structural problem with football, when in the Championship the majority of clubs run with heavy losses and debts, and rely on money men and benign owners to keep them going. Until this happens, either through more money trickling down from the PL or clubs cutting their wage bill, then we'll be reliant on outside money. Ideally it would be a lifelong supporter who used to stand on the East Terrace, but sometimes beggars can't be choosers...
Maybe it's the significance of this, our valley anniversary day, but two posters today have actually brought a lump to my throat and a tear to me eye - not frequent occurrences.
Johnny73 above and Maybe_Baby on another thread.
No matter what our differences, it is this absolute love for our club that we share and binds us together.
Being a football supporter is like being a parent. We all think there's something a bit special/unusual about our club just like parents always think there kid is the special one. Truth is the only thing that's really different between most clubs/fans is the circumstances we find ourselves in, as it is with kids (allowing for the odd child born with a challenging learning difficulty - in footballing terms Millwall).
Had the club invested off the back of the heyday 40s, we might now be one of the giants of English football and owned by a bunch of Shieks or an Oligarch. Instead the club went into decline eventually leading us to ground sharing and the necessity to fight to save our club. Supporters of Pompey/Wimbledon even Ebbsfleet have or are now doing the same thing - maybe not forming politcal parties, but fighting for their clubs survival in the appropriate manner.
As fans we still have that fight in us, but the club doesn't need saving right now and human nature is that most of us are motivated by necessity. Until there's some tangible evidence of the club going into decline, you won't find the majority of supporters rallying under some militant supporters trust/club banner. That is not to say that the supporters trust has no merit in good times, far from it, just acknowledgment that it's a tough sell when most fans won't see the current need for it.
It's all well and good getting all dewy eyed about those passionate Charlton fans who used to fill the boardroom, but the fact is they ran out of cash and, in the absence of a new generation of wealthy Addicks willing to sink their kids inheritance and their pention into a money pit in order to bring pleasure to a bunch of strangers, the old board had no choice but to move on.
Times move on and things change. Some things change for the better, some things for the worse.
I'd rather spend today fondly remembering a very happy day in my life, rather than fretting over the future.
@glasshalffull I dislike hammers and believe them to be arrogant fans. But... don't mistake what their fans want with what is being done to them by their board.
Being a football supporter is like being a parent. We all think there's something a bit special/unusual about our club just like parents always think there kid is the special one. Truth is the only thing that's really different between most clubs/fans is the circumstances we find ourselves in, as it is with kids (allowing for the odd child born with a challenging learning difficulty - in footballing terms Millwall).
Had the club invested off the back of the heyday 40s, we might now be one of the giants of English football and owned by a bunch of Shieks or an Oligarch. Instead the club went into decline eventually leading us to ground sharing and the necessity to fight to save our club. Supporters of Pompey/Wimbledon even Ebbsfleet have or are now doing the same thing - maybe not forming politcal parties, but fighting for their clubs survival in the appropriate manner.
As fans we still have that fight in us, but the club doesn't need saving right now and human nature is that most of us are motivated by necessity. Until there's some tangible evidence of the club going into decline, you won't find the majority of supporters rallying under some militant supporters trust/club banner. That is not to say that the supporters trust has no merit in good times, far from it, just acknowledgment that it's a tough sell when most fans won't see the current need for it.
It's all well and good getting all dewy eyed about those passionate Charlton fans who used to fill the boardroom, but the fact is they ran out of cash and, in the absence of a new generation of wealthy Addicks willing to sink their kids inheritance and their pention into a money pit in order to bring pleasure to a bunch of strangers, the old board had no choice but to move on.
Times move on and things change. Some things change for the better, some things for the worse.
I'd rather spend today fondly remembering a very happy day in my life, rather than fretting over the future.
This is the my top post so far. I've done the lot from the full members cup 850 to Grimsby away on a Tuesday night, so I've earnt an opinion. But I'm ok with what the board have done so far. If you recall, most people thought Slater talked sense all through last season. Every business always has cash issues and my guess (rightly or wrongly) is that MSlater and TJ have some idea on football business. There have been alot of good decisions made over the last 2 years. I travel 60 miles to home games these days and, under Parkinson, for the first time in 30+ yrs I thought that I was putting more effort in than the playing staff. We hit an all time low in my opinion. I'm still with the current set up - Fck with our club though and we will be there to fck with you.
Good post Airman and in answer, our history makes us special but currently, my belief is no.
Like others 05/06 was the tipping point for me, had the project run its course?could we go any further? was I bored?
How long could we stay special for?Things always change (and not for the best a lot of the time) so we shouldn't have expected our cosy, open set-up, with all the same people with all the same goals and thoughts to last forever
Some people you mention Airman no longer have the club as a major part of their life as it once was. Likewise I don't feel the same about Charlton and don't really have the energy or time for most causes (unless I imagine, we were to leave The Valley, again).
Therefore, I'm glad the trust is on it's way and hopefully more of the more youthful supporters can get involved in protecting the history, future and values of our club.
So, well done Razil and I'm sure we haven't heard the last from you Airman.
.... just to add, my feelings on what is going on behind the scenes is neutral (for the reasons that those have stated for both sides of the argument) but when you don't know, it's better to be safe than sorry.
20 years ago was one of the best days of my life - Happy Back To The Valley Day!
For what its worth we really lost that 'special' feeling around the time the team started to break-up - the catalyst for that was Scott Parker leaving in 2004.
In my view Curbs made a grave error the following summer, he had the chance to invest the Parker money in either bringing in young, hungry 'Charlton' players from the CCC or abroad or going the "Hollywood" route - and he chose the latter.
Once we went down the path of bringing in the likes of Murphy, Jeffers, Rommedahl - all established 'name' players - then I really felt we never quite got back on track again and the following season it was mainly Benty's goals that papered over a lot of cracks.
Other clubs have, no doubt, much to celebrate as regards their own history and accolades, and if this, in some people's estimations, might diminish our own achievements, then so be it. But our own achievements are there for all to see. Let it not be forgotten that WE blazed a trail by taking on the politicians at their 'own' game at the ballot box...(and won)....and WE were the first club to leave, and return to our club ground (in no small part due to the efforts of those who fought the election as The Valley Party). We are Charlton Athletic. Our history is unique. We, as fans - in the modern era, the present time included - have influence and input which is both valid and worthy. We ARE the club. And a fine tradition we uphold. Kneel not to your 'masters'. The club is ours.
Other clubs have, no doubt, much to celebrate as regards their own history and accolades, and if this, in some people's estimations, might diminish our own achievements, then so be it. But our own achievements are there for all to see. Let it not be forgotten that WE blazed a trail by taking on the politicians at their 'own' game at the ballot box...(and won)....and WE were the first club to leave, and return to our club ground (in no small part due to the efforts of those who fought the election as The Valley Party). We are Charlton Athletic. Our history is unique. We, as fans - in the modern era, the present time included - have influence and input which is both valid and worthy. We ARE the club. And a fine tradition we uphold. Kneel not to your 'masters'. The club is ours.
Yes we are still special, but special can be, and is in this instant a very broad term, and hopefully after my eccentric ramblings you may see how it is and has always been from my perspective. In the 60's I applied for, and was offered the job of assistant groundsman. The same evening I met up with a few lads from the covered end...everyone was excited and well up for the game the next day. For someone who never stops talking I was finding it increasingly difficult to join in with the usual banter, because somewhere in my selfish teenage soul I realised I was capable of loving something. That something was being with my mates on a Saturday afternoon, not removing corner flags or poking the pitch with a fork at half time. I phoned the next day and said I couldnt take the job as I couldnt bare the thought of not feeling part of it. And there Airman is my thrust. To you, working for the club was your everything, to me it meant nothing. The stirling work you have done over the years surely makes you feel special, but for me, not working for the club made me feel special. We needed you within the club...my mates needed me on the terraces, so yes we are still special as a club and as individuals. People lose their jobs everyday, but when your job is a huge part of your life it is small wonder that you started this thread. Please believe me Rick, not everybody loves you but you certainly are special because you cant erase the sort of legacy youve left behind. Things will always change, some good some bad, some big some small, but maybe some of the changes do not register as special but believe me they are. The 100% support is speciaL...Castrust is special...CP is special...Yann is special...red division are special. We are still a special club because we have the history, we have children to relay the stories to that they will one day tell their children. I've watched some absolute shite home and away for 50 years and I'm still watching them...so dont tell me we're not a special club. COYR.
Yes we are still special, but special can be, and is in this instant a very broad term, and hopefully after my eccentric ramblings you may see how it is and has always been from my perspective. In the 60's I applied for, and was offered the job of assistant groundsman. The same evening I met up with a few lads from the covered end...everyone was excited and well up for the game the next day. For someone who never stops talking I was finding it increasingly difficult to join in with the usual banter, because somewhere in my selfish teenage soul I realised I was capable of loving something. That something was being with my mates on a Saturday afternoon, not removing corner flags or poking the pitch with a fork at half time. I phoned the next day and said I couldnt take the job as I couldnt bare the thought of not feeling part of it. And there Airman is my thrust. To you, working for the club was your everything, to me it meant nothing. The stirling work you have done over the years surely makes you feel special, but for me, not working for the club made me feel special. We needed you within the club...my mates needed me on the terraces, so yes we are still special as a club and as individuals. People lose their jobs everyday, but when your job is a huge part of your life it is small wonder that you started this thread. Please believe me Rick, not everybody loves you but you certainly are special because you cant erase the sort of legacy youve left behind. Things will always change, some good some bad, some big some small, but maybe some of the changes do not register as special but believe me they are. The 100% support is speciaL...Castrust is special...CP is special...Yann is special...red division are special. We are still a special club because we have the history, we have children to relay the stories to that they will one day tell their children. I've watched some absolute shite home and away for 50 years and I'm still watching them...so dont tell me we're not a special club. COYR.
Please don't presume to know how I think. In 1998 I had very mixed views about joining the club staff because I already had the relationship I wanted with the club as supporter, fanzine editor, sports editor of the Mercury and secretary of the supporters' club. I have plenty of other things to do in my life, not all of which revolve around The Valley. But there is a bigger picture, which I accept is largely concealed from most supporters. For now.
I can't say that I relish being sacked because it is inconvenient financially, but there are many people in a position to know that isn't my motivation here and it doesn't need to be because I will deal with the way the club has behaved through the legal process.
Ultimately that takes place on oath in front of a judge and people will get the chance to see what the directors have been up to then - if not earlier in other contexts. It's certainly not going to be me who is embarrassed. And for the record I was not sacked for anything posted here. It's far more imaginative and insubstantial than that.
Yes we are still special, but special can be, and is in this instant a very broad term, and hopefully after my eccentric ramblings you may see how it is and has always been from my perspective. In the 60's I applied for, and was offered the job of assistant groundsman. The same evening I met up with a few lads from the covered end...everyone was excited and well up for the game the next day. For someone who never stops talking I was finding it increasingly difficult to join in with the usual banter, because somewhere in my selfish teenage soul I realised I was capable of loving something. That something was being with my mates on a Saturday afternoon, not removing corner flags or poking the pitch with a fork at half time. I phoned the next day and said I couldnt take the job as I couldnt bare the thought of not feeling part of it. And there Airman is my thrust. To you, working for the club was your everything, to me it meant nothing. The stirling work you have done over the years surely makes you feel special, but for me, not working for the club made me feel special. We needed you within the club...my mates needed me on the terraces, so yes we are still special as a club and as individuals. People lose their jobs everyday, but when your job is a huge part of your life it is small wonder that you started this thread. Please believe me Rick, not everybody loves you but you certainly are special because you cant erase the sort of legacy youve left behind. Things will always change, some good some bad, some big some small, but maybe some of the changes do not register as special but believe me they are. The 100% support is speciaL...Castrust is special...CP is special...Yann is special...red division are special. We are still a special club because we have the history, we have children to relay the stories to that they will one day tell their children. I've watched some absolute shite home and away for 50 years and I'm still watching them...so dont tell me we're not a special club. COYR.
Please don't presume to know how I think. In 1998 I had very mixed views about joining the club staff because I already had the relationship I wanted with the club as supporter, fanzine editor, sports editor of the Mercury and secretary of the supporters' club. I have plenty of other things to do in my life, not all of which revolve around The Valley. But there is a bigger picture, which I accept is largely concealed from most supporters. For now.
I can't say that I relish being sacked because it is inconvenient financially, but there are many people in a position to know that isn't my motivation here and it doesn't need to be because I will deal with the way the club has behaved through the legal process.
Ultimately that takes place on oath in front of a judge and people will get the chance to see what the directors have been up to then - if not earlier in other contexts. It's certainly not going to be me who is embarrassed. And for the record I was not sacked for anything posted here. It's far more imaginative and insubstantial than that.
Are you planning on taking the club to court or any secific person(s)?
Are we aproaching area's that may compromise Rick's legal position.? Our desire to Know and Rick's obvious anger at the way he has been treated by his employers may do harm his case.
Yes we are still special, but special can be, and is in this instant a very broad term, and hopefully after my eccentric ramblings you may see how it is and has always been from my perspective. In the 60's I applied for, and was offered the job of assistant groundsman. The same evening I met up with a few lads from the covered end...everyone was excited and well up for the game the next day. For someone who never stops talking I was finding it increasingly difficult to join in with the usual banter, because somewhere in my selfish teenage soul I realised I was capable of loving something. That something was being with my mates on a Saturday afternoon, not removing corner flags or poking the pitch with a fork at half time. I phoned the next day and said I couldnt take the job as I couldnt bare the thought of not feeling part of it. And there Airman is my thrust. To you, working for the club was your everything, to me it meant nothing. The stirling work you have done over the years surely makes you feel special, but for me, not working for the club made me feel special. We needed you within the club...my mates needed me on the terraces, so yes we are still special as a club and as individuals. People lose their jobs everyday, but when your job is a huge part of your life it is small wonder that you started this thread. Please believe me Rick, not everybody loves you but you certainly are special because you cant erase the sort of legacy youve left behind. Things will always change, some good some bad, some big some small, but maybe some of the changes do not register as special but believe me they are. The 100% support is speciaL...Castrust is special...CP is special...Yann is special...red division are special. We are still a special club because we have the history, we have children to relay the stories to that they will one day tell their children. I've watched some absolute shite home and away for 50 years and I'm still watching them...so dont tell me we're not a special club. COYR.
Please don't presume to know how I think. In 1998 I had very mixed views about joining the club staff because I already had the relationship I wanted with the club as supporter, fanzine editor, sports editor of the Mercury and secretary of the supporters' club. I have plenty of other things to do in my life, not all of which revolve around The Valley. But there is a bigger picture, which I accept is largely concealed from most supporters. For now.
I can't say that I relish being sacked because it is inconvenient financially, but there are many people in a position to know that isn't my motivation here and it doesn't need to be because I will deal with the way the club has behaved through the legal process.
Ultimately that takes place on oath in front of a judge and people will get the chance to see what the directors have been up to then - if not earlier in other contexts. It's certainly not going to be me who is embarrassed. And for the record I was not sacked for anything posted here. It's far more imaginative and insubstantial than that.
Are you planning on taking the club to court or any secific person(s)?
Are we aproaching area's that may compromise Rick's legal position.? Our desire to Know and Rick's obvious anger at the way he has been treated by his employers may do harm his case.
Very pertinent post. I think we should stop tempting Rick into saying more than he should. This goes also for posts like that from Bryan Kynsie above which ask Rick to be clearer about why he thinks we should be worried about the club. There is no doubt that there are people patrolling this forum ready to seize on anything he may write. This is not the right place for him to have such dialogues. Please don't goad him into it.
Given that I have witness evidence that Michael Slater has been discussing the case with individual supporters I believe it is fair for me to explain myself to some extent. However, I do understand that people will draw conclusions based on what they can see. I'd hope, however, that part of that is what I and others have done over many years, good and bad! Ultimately all the supporters posting on here want the club to succeed and we have that in common above all else. On the whole I'm very grateful for the support I've received.
Thanks Prague Some years ago I was a senior trade union official at a large company and had to deal with sackings and redundancies. I’m well aware of the length’s employers will go to justify their decision to dismiss an employee. Usually these matters are settled and agreed by both parties prior to a court case. I’m sure all Charlton supporters hope Rick achieves some settlement that recognises the undoubted loyalty he has shown to the club during the last 20 years
Yes we are still special, but special can be, and is in this instant a very broad term, and hopefully after my eccentric ramblings you may see how it is and has always been from my perspective. In the 60's I applied for, and was offered the job of assistant groundsman. The same evening I met up with a few lads from the covered end...everyone was excited and well up for the game the next day. For someone who never stops talking I was finding it increasingly difficult to join in with the usual banter, because somewhere in my selfish teenage soul I realised I was capable of loving something. That something was being with my mates on a Saturday afternoon, not removing corner flags or poking the pitch with a fork at half time. I phoned the next day and said I couldnt take the job as I couldnt bare the thought of not feeling part of it. And there Airman is my thrust. To you, working for the club was your everything, to me it meant nothing. The stirling work you have done over the years surely makes you feel special, but for me, not working for the club made me feel special. We needed you within the club...my mates needed me on the terraces, so yes we are still special as a club and as individuals. People lose their jobs everyday, but when your job is a huge part of your life it is small wonder that you started this thread. Please believe me Rick, not everybody loves you but you certainly are special because you cant erase the sort of legacy youve left behind. Things will always change, some good some bad, some big some small, but maybe some of the changes do not register as special but believe me they are. The 100% support is speciaL...Castrust is special...CP is special...Yann is special...red division are special. We are still a special club because we have the history, we have children to relay the stories to that they will one day tell their children. I've watched some absolute shite home and away for 50 years and I'm still watching them...so dont tell me we're not a special club. COYR.
Please don't presume to know how I think. In 1998 I had very mixed views about joining the club staff because I already had the relationship I wanted with the club as supporter, fanzine editor, sports editor of the Mercury and secretary of the supporters' club. I have plenty of other things to do in my life, not all of which revolve around The Valley. But there is a bigger picture, which I accept is largely concealed from most supporters. For now.
I can't say that I relish being sacked because it is inconvenient financially, but there are many people in a position to know that isn't my motivation here and it doesn't need to be because I will deal with the way the club has behaved through the legal process.
Ultimately that takes place on oath in front of a judge and people will get the chance to see what the directors have been up to then - if not earlier in other contexts. It's certainly not going to be me who is embarrassed. And for the record I was not sacked for anything posted here. It's far more imaginative and insubstantial than that.
Are you planning on taking the club to court or any secific person(s)?
Are we aproaching area's that may compromise Rick's legal position.? Our desire to Know and Rick's obvious anger at the way he has been treated by his employers may do harm his case.
Very pertinent post. I think we should stop tempting Rick into saying more than he should. This goes also for posts like that from Bryan Kynsie above which ask Rick to be clearer about why he thinks we should be worried about the club. There is no doubt that there are people patrolling this forum ready to seize on anything he may write. This is not the right place for him to have such dialogues. Please don't goad him into it.
This would be easier if Rick stopped tempting the forum with lines like "But there is a bigger picture, which I accept is largely concealed from most supporters. For now." People are being told that there is something they should know, which they don't, but they're not allowed to ask, or even comment about what it is.
Agree DRF. I can guess why AB can't say too much and that must be frustrating but he hardly needs goading to speak his mind.
I'm not saying he should shut up or move on but his words are his own and I don't think it is unreasonable for people to ask for clarification of his comments.
I try not to think about who's doing what to who as it would just spoil my enjoyment of the season...yes I am concerned but will not make that thought part of my every waking moment, so please forgive my ignorance when I ask "why can't somebody (club or individual) say something to allay fans fears"? I don't know any legal stuff but surely you cannot be liabled if you tell the truth. Apologies if I've missed something obvious.
Comments
At Charlton the heartfelt and emotional celebration of an unforgettable turning point in the club's history, and the launch of the supporters' next major initiative.
At West Ham the folly and arrogance of their Olympic Stadium fantasy.
In Eddie Youds' immortal words - "we're not Bornsley, we're Chorlton". We are indeed a special club and The Valley a special place, and what we have is real, not the phoney success and hollow triumphs of the Prem billionaires.
Johnny73 above and Maybe_Baby on another thread.
No matter what our differences, it is this absolute love for our club that we share and binds us together.
Had the club invested off the back of the heyday 40s, we might now be one of the giants of English football and owned by a bunch of Shieks or an Oligarch. Instead the club went into decline eventually leading us to ground sharing and the necessity to fight to save our club. Supporters of Pompey/Wimbledon even Ebbsfleet have or are now doing the same thing - maybe not forming politcal parties, but fighting for their clubs survival in the appropriate manner.
As fans we still have that fight in us, but the club doesn't need saving right now and human nature is that most of us are motivated by necessity. Until there's some tangible evidence of the club going into decline, you won't find the majority of supporters rallying under some militant supporters trust/club banner. That is not to say that the supporters trust has no merit in good times, far from it, just acknowledgment that it's a tough sell when most fans won't see the current need for it.
It's all well and good getting all dewy eyed about those passionate Charlton fans who used to fill the boardroom, but the fact is they ran out of cash and, in the absence of a new generation of wealthy Addicks willing to sink their kids inheritance and their pention into a money pit in order to bring pleasure to a bunch of strangers, the old board had no choice but to move on.
Times move on and things change. Some things change for the better, some things for the worse.
I'd rather spend today fondly remembering a very happy day in my life, rather than fretting over the future.
Like others 05/06 was the tipping point for me, had the project run its course?could we go any further? was I bored?
How long could we stay special for?Things always change (and not for the best a lot of the time) so we shouldn't have expected our cosy, open set-up, with all the same people with all the same goals and thoughts to last forever
Some people you mention Airman no longer have the club as a major part of their life as it once was. Likewise I don't feel the same about Charlton and don't really have the energy or time for most causes (unless I imagine, we were to leave The Valley, again).
Therefore, I'm glad the trust is on it's way and hopefully more of the more youthful supporters can get involved in protecting the history, future and values of our club.
So, well done Razil and I'm sure we haven't heard the last from you Airman.
.... just to add, my feelings on what is going on behind the scenes is neutral (for the reasons that those have stated for both sides of the argument) but when you don't know, it's better to be safe than sorry.
20 years ago was one of the best days of my life - Happy Back To The Valley Day!
In my view Curbs made a grave error the following summer, he had the chance to invest the Parker money in either bringing in young, hungry 'Charlton' players from the CCC or abroad or going the "Hollywood" route - and he chose the latter.
Once we went down the path of bringing in the likes of Murphy, Jeffers, Rommedahl - all established 'name' players - then I really felt we never quite got back on track again and the following season it was mainly Benty's goals that papered over a lot of cracks.
Once Curbs left then the floodgates opened.
Do the mysterons have a gluten Intolerence? I think we should be told.
But our own achievements are there for all to see. Let it not be forgotten that WE blazed a trail by taking on the politicians at their 'own' game at the ballot box...(and won)....and WE were the first club to leave, and return to our club ground (in no small part due to the efforts of those who fought the election as The Valley Party).
We are Charlton Athletic. Our history is unique. We, as fans - in the modern era, the present time included - have influence and input which is both valid and worthy.
We ARE the club. And a fine tradition we uphold.
Kneel not to your 'masters'. The club is ours.
I can't say that I relish being sacked because it is inconvenient financially, but there are many people in a position to know that isn't my motivation here and it doesn't need to be because I will deal with the way the club has behaved through the legal process.
Ultimately that takes place on oath in front of a judge and people will get the chance to see what the directors have been up to then - if not earlier in other contexts. It's certainly not going to be me who is embarrassed. And for the record I was not sacked for anything posted here. It's far more imaginative and insubstantial than that.
Our desire to Know and Rick's obvious anger at the way he has been treated by his employers may do harm his case.
Some years ago I was a senior trade union official at a large company and had to deal with sackings and redundancies. I’m well aware of the length’s employers will go to justify their decision to dismiss an employee.
Usually these matters are settled and agreed by both parties prior to a court case.
I’m sure all Charlton supporters hope Rick achieves some settlement that recognises the undoubted loyalty he has shown to the club during the last 20 years
Just look at Chris Powell, the people he has brought in and especially the spirit engendered.
That camaraderie tells me that in many respects, Charlton is still a special club.
People are being told that there is something they should know, which they don't, but they're not allowed to ask, or even comment about what it is.
I'm not saying he should shut up or move on but his words are his own and I don't think it is unreasonable for people to ask for clarification of his comments.