I remember being in Bartram's a few years back when Millwall were on TV in the Football League Trophy, and Kevin was there. The commentator started up: "Millwall, a real family club..."
"Millwall? A family club? The f-ing Kray family?!"
Top bloke and a fine writer, I wish him all the best.
So good to see all these lovely comments about my old man. It really is touching for all the family to read them. It has given him a huge boost when he really needs it! He has been moved to Lewisham hospital, Beech ward and is hopefully now on the mend. Back at the Valley with pen in hand soon!! Je suis end Addick
Spent many an hour sitting in the car with Kev travelling to away games during the 80's and 90's. Great bloke, great journalist, great sense of humour but not such a great driver. Get well soon mate. All the best to you, Hazel and the family xx.
Only meet Kevin a couple of times, the first was extermely memorable for all concerned, me and my boy we're going up to Manchester to see charlton in the premiership, got caught in a minor traffic jam, as some prat had decided to mate with the centre reservation, it was at a service station. Boy was wearing his charlton shirt and when we parked these 3 Herbert's saddled up to us and asked if we could take the to the ground, one was Kevin, had a good laugh on the way up and back. Second time we meet up was at a tour, which he was taking around the valley, Kevin rather embrassingly told everyone of our exploits that day.
Good luck Kevin and I hope you feel better soon, hope we meet up again soon, but perhaps not in the middle of the M1.
just want to say as a young boy growing up kevin was and is a second dad to me top top man played for him for years and also ran for marvels lane watched hes loveing boys box as well good luck mate from bill pux xx
Get well Kev. Always enjoyed his match reports captures the mood of the majority of Charlton fans well with a good dose of humour (how we need that now). One line from a good few years ago whne we were paying Everton at Sellout was "Andy Jones seemed certain to score until a pile of dirty washing flung himself across the line to make a great save" I have never heard a more apt or funny description of Nevelle Southall!
Looks like I missed Rick's original so I was shocked to read of Kevin's stroke today. As. Valley Gold member and occasional away traveller, I have had he pleasure of Kevin's acquaintance on a few occasions over the years. His passion and commitment for Charlton are legendary. I just want to add my best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. Look forward to seeing you back amongst us soon. Steve
"I'm not so tough as I thought I was. But I'm on the road to recovery of some kind. Could be a lengthy road, could be shorter and sweeter than expected. And don't any of you think for a moment that the love and warmth you've shown for me has slipped by unnoticed. I do wish sometimes that we'd leave the spite out of our remarks but you're a sassy, feisty lot and perhaps it goes with the territory.
The comments themselves were sometimes tear-inducing and I notice among them contributions from two old members of Marvels Lane Boys' Club where I toiled as Youth-Worker-in-Charge for 24 years. How ya doing, Billy (Folkestone Wall) and how is Tony? You were a terrific player and we'll never forget, will we, knocking out Ten-en-Bee in a semi-final over at Elmers End 3-2 a.e.t? I don't think Ian Wright was best pleased but I suppose he had the last laugh. You look after yourself, kid, we'll catch up some time. You were one of the best.
Ormiston Addick is another ex-MLBC member, one of the Brown twins who went to Bonus Pastor with our Danny. He recalls my cricketing ability somewhat differently than I do myself. I was no bloody Keith Miller but knocked out the occasional run. I got 35 over at Elms once, aided I admit by the scorer lazily adding extras to the batsman's score. I should have put him right but never got round to it.
Brownie recalls us being at Wembley for England-Ireland but I deny his version of my behaviour. I certainly supported Ireland and celebrated Niall Quinn's equaliser with verve but I think he's overdoing my behaviour. Thing is I grew up in an Irish household and was surprised to discover when I broke out into the world that most people spoke differently to my Mum and Dad. I knew songs like "Skibbereen", "Boolavogue" and "Kevin Barry" from the cradle. I loved the history, the mysticism and the stories of underdogs yearning for freedom. Michael Collins is my hero, him and James Connolly.
But here's the rub. I love England equally, this upside-down country of spirited citizens with an inbuilt suspicion and irreverence for the so-called high and mighty. I wouldn't live anywhere else and there's no greater supporter of its football and cricket teams, except when they play Ireland and even then I hope for a draw. I was in California when we won the World Cup in 1966 and the craic was mighty. Its humour, tolerance and resilience speak for themselves. It gave to its people the greatest piece of social legislation ever penned -the NHS, God bless you, Nye, and I was proud to do my bit during WW2, twice evacuated and wounded on a bomb site in Downham. We were hard little bastards and it's no wonder Hitler turned it in. It's a beautiful, diverse place where many a refuge-seeking wretch found consolation. Don't let them take it away from us.
So, bless you for caring, I'm coming along. Which brings me to my family, a talented, interesting mob who love me and have gathered round in defence of me. Along with a legion of friends who broke every visiting rule at Farnborough and Lewisham Hospitals. And then there's Hazel, who is busy saving my life. She is loyal, kind, gentle and if there's a mean bone in her body, it's gone unnoticed. She's nice to look at too, which didn't exactly blow the deal when she began bringing 9 year-old Adam to the boys' club some 23 years ago. My chat-up lines, as I recall, were pretty nifty. Invited her to a pro boxing show which I was covering. She became a sceptical ringsider and then followed naturally into the football. We've hardly been apart for a moment since. And why would we be?
So thank you one and all. I'll be back some day, count on it. I just couldn't allow all the kindness to go unappreciated. That would be churlish of me and if there's one thing I've never been, it's churlish. Some bloke called me churlish once but before I could find out it meant rude, he took it on his toes and nothing came of it. I couldn't stop using the word for months afterward but kept getting into scrapes all the time. So I gave it up and took up swearing instead. God bless each and every one of you, even if you don't believe in one. I love you. Kev.
Great to hear from you, Kev- and a masterpiece of written English to bring us up to date! Dunno how Mr Luzon will 'manage' without the pearls of wisdom in your match reports to aid his analysis! I'm sure there will be about ten thousand of us 'giving the lads a shout for you' next Saturday! Look forward to catching up with you again soon-ish, leaning on the railings outside the Media Centre at our red-and-white Mecca. Clive R.
thanks kev those were the best days of my life shame i didnt make it but marking ian wright was a highlite tony is all good my son sam is a excellant player was at millwall for a bit then spurs asked him along but after a serious illness he gave up football but he all good now take care kev my second dad
Hi Kevin. We have never met but I have enjoyed your Charlton reports for years. I'm so pleased to hear you are on the mend and I hope it won't be long before you are back at The Valley. Here's to a speedy recovery. Cheers.
"I'm not so tough as I thought I was. But I'm on the road to recovery of some kind. Could be a lengthy road, could be shorter and sweeter than expected. And don't any of you think for a moment that the love and warmth you've shown for me has slipped by unnoticed. I do wish sometimes that we'd leave the spite out of our remarks but you're a sassy, feisty lot and perhaps it goes with the territory.
The comments themselves were sometimes tear-inducing and I notice among them contributions from two old members of Marvels Lane Boys' Club where I toiled as Youth-Worker-in-Charge for 24 years. How ya doing, Billy (Folkestone Wall) and how is Tony? You were a terrific player and we'll never forget, will we, knocking out Ten-en-Bee in a semi-final over at Elmers End 3-2 a.e.t? I don't think Ian Wright was best pleased but I suppose he had the last laugh. You look after yourself, kid, we'll catch up some time. You were one of the best.
Ormiston Addick is another ex-MLBC member, one of the Brown twins who went to Bonus Pastor with our Danny. He recalls my cricketing ability somewhat differently than I do myself. I was no bloody Keith Miller but knocked out the occasional run. I got 35 over at Elms once, aided I admit by the scorer lazily adding extras to the batsman's score. I should have put him right but never got round to it.
Brownie recalls us being at Wembley for England-Ireland but I deny his version of my behaviour. I certainly supported Ireland and celebrated Niall Quinn's equaliser with verve but I think he's overdoing my behaviour. Thing is I grew up in an Irish household and was surprised to discover when I broke out into the world that most people spoke differently to my Mum and Dad. I knew songs like "Skibbereen", "Boolavogue" and "Kevin Barry" from the cradle. I loved the history, the mysticism and the stories of underdogs yearning for freedom. Michael Collins is my hero, him and James Connolly.
But here's the rub. I love England equally, this upside-down country of spirited citizens with an inbuilt suspicion and irreverence for the so-called high and mighty. I wouldn't live anywhere else and there's no greater supporter of its football and cricket teams, except when they play Ireland and even then I hope for a draw. I was in California when we won the World Cup in 1966 and the craic was mighty. Its humour, tolerance and resilience speak for themselves. It gave to its people the greatest piece of social legislation ever penned -the NHS, God bless you, Nye, and I was proud to do my bit during WW2, twice evacuated and wounded on a bomb site in Downham. We were hard little bastards and it's no wonder Hitler turned it in. It's a beautiful, diverse place where many a refuge-seeking wretch found consolation. Don't let them take it away from us.
So, bless you for caring, I'm coming along. Which brings me to my family, a talented, interesting mob who love me and have gathered round in defence of me. Along with a legion of friends who broke every visiting rule at Farnborough and Lewisham Hospitals. And then there's Hazel, who is busy saving my life. She is loyal, kind, gentle and if there's a mean bone in her body, it's gone unnoticed. She's nice to look at too, which didn't exactly blow the deal when she began bringing 9 year-old Adam to the boys' club some 23 years ago. My chat-up lines, as I recall, were pretty nifty. Invited her to a pro boxing show which I was covering. She became a sceptical ringsider and then followed naturally into the football. We've hardly been apart for a moment since. And why would we be?
So thank you one and all. I'll be back some day, count on it. I just couldn't allow all the kindness to go unappreciated. That would be churlish of me and if there's one thing I've never been, it's churlish. Some bloke called me churlish once but before I could find out it meant rude, he took it on his toes and nothing came of it. I couldn't stop using the word for months afterward but kept getting into scrapes all the time. So I gave it up and took up swearing instead. God bless each and every one of you, even if you don't believe in one. I love you. Kev.
Absolutely Brilliant! What a lovely guy and what a wife and family! I only met Kevin 2 or 3 times but remember him hosting a tour of The Valley that I was on. He reckoned I was one of a handful of supporters who admitted to not being at the 7-6 Huddersfield match. He estimated there must have been millions of supporters at the Valley for the match judging my the number who said they had been there. A real Charlton man but I remember a Clive Mendonca evening in Gravesend (compered by another great (!) Charlton supporter - literally the current Voice of (at) The Valley) when Kevin, I think, showed a distinct lack of enthusiasm for the Charlton Ladies team. I wish Kevin and his family all the very best and a full and speedy recovery.
As the other Brown twin that Kev mentions above, can I also pass on my best wishes to him, and my relief that he is on the road to recovery. That Marvels Lane club was an exceptional place for young kids such as my brother and I, and there is no doubt that Kev was at the heart of it all. Our cricket team was atrocious, but I don't think I've ever laughed more in my life! I am sure Kevin will remember our opening bat Jimmy Smedley who would open the innings with a series of wild slogs, and once dismissed (usually within the first four overs), would retire to the shade of a nearby tree and get stuck into six pack of tenants and his wacky baccy, refusing all requests for help with umpiring and scoring etc. Great days indeed, and I am happy beyond words that the legend that is Kevin Nolan is still around to reminisce about them.
Comments
I remember being in Bartram's a few years back when Millwall were on TV in the Football League Trophy, and Kevin was there. The commentator started up: "Millwall, a real family club..."
"Millwall? A family club? The f-ing Kray family?!"
Top bloke and a fine writer, I wish him all the best.
Legend is a much-overused word but in Kevin's case totally inadequate.
Looking forward to the resumption of those invaluable match reports - informative, entertaining and beautifully written.
Very best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
He has been moved to Lewisham hospital, Beech ward and is hopefully now on the mend. Back at the Valley with pen in hand soon!!
Je suis end Addick
All best wishes from an appreciative consumer.
"I'm not so tough as I thought I was. But I'm on the road to recovery of some kind. Could be a lengthy road, could be shorter and sweeter than expected. And don't any of you think for a moment that the love and warmth you've shown for me has slipped by unnoticed. I do wish sometimes that we'd leave the spite out of our remarks but you're a sassy, feisty lot and perhaps it goes with the territory.
The comments themselves were sometimes tear-inducing and I notice among them contributions from two old members of Marvels Lane Boys' Club where I toiled as Youth-Worker-in-Charge for 24 years. How ya doing, Billy (Folkestone Wall) and how is Tony? You were a terrific player and we'll never forget, will we, knocking out Ten-en-Bee in a semi-final over at Elmers End 3-2 a.e.t? I don't think Ian Wright was best pleased but I suppose he had the last laugh. You look after yourself, kid, we'll catch up some time. You were one of the best.
Ormiston Addick is another ex-MLBC member, one of the Brown twins who went to Bonus Pastor with our Danny. He recalls my cricketing ability somewhat differently than I do myself. I was no bloody Keith Miller but knocked out the occasional run. I got 35 over at Elms once, aided I admit by the scorer lazily adding extras to the batsman's score. I should have put him right but never got round to it.
Brownie recalls us being at Wembley for England-Ireland but I deny his version of my behaviour. I certainly supported Ireland and celebrated Niall Quinn's equaliser with verve but I think he's overdoing my behaviour. Thing is I grew up in an Irish household and was surprised to discover when I broke out into the world that most people spoke differently to my Mum and Dad. I knew songs like "Skibbereen", "Boolavogue" and "Kevin Barry" from the cradle. I loved the history, the mysticism and the stories of underdogs yearning for freedom. Michael Collins is my hero, him and James Connolly.
But here's the rub. I love England equally, this upside-down country of spirited citizens with an inbuilt suspicion and irreverence for the so-called high and mighty. I wouldn't live anywhere else and there's no greater supporter of its football and cricket teams, except when they play Ireland and even then I hope for a draw. I was in California when we won the World Cup in 1966 and the craic was mighty. Its humour, tolerance and resilience speak for themselves. It gave to its people the greatest piece of social legislation ever penned -the NHS, God bless you, Nye, and I was proud to do my bit during WW2, twice evacuated and wounded on a bomb site in Downham. We were hard little bastards and it's no wonder Hitler turned it in. It's a beautiful, diverse place where many a refuge-seeking wretch found consolation. Don't let them take it away from us.
So, bless you for caring, I'm coming along. Which brings me to my family, a talented, interesting mob who love me and have gathered round in defence of me. Along with a legion of friends who broke every visiting rule at Farnborough and Lewisham Hospitals. And then there's Hazel, who is busy saving my life. She is loyal, kind, gentle and if there's a mean bone in her body, it's gone unnoticed. She's nice to look at too, which didn't exactly blow the deal when she began bringing 9 year-old Adam to the boys' club some 23 years ago. My chat-up lines, as I recall, were pretty nifty. Invited her to a pro boxing show which I was covering. She became a sceptical ringsider and then followed naturally into the football. We've hardly been apart for a moment since. And why would we be?
So thank you one and all. I'll be back some day, count on it. I just couldn't allow all the kindness to go unappreciated. That would be churlish of me and if there's one thing I've never been, it's churlish. Some bloke called me churlish once but before I could find out it meant rude, he took it on his toes and nothing came of it. I couldn't stop using the word for months afterward but kept getting into scrapes all the time. So I gave it up and took up swearing instead. God bless each and every one of you, even if you don't believe in one. I love you. Kev.
No pressure, mate.