I was lucky, in a way, I grew up with Charlton on the way up, play off final, champions 99/00 season and people with half a football brain respecting curbs and the way Charlton was run. That and my dad telling me about the back to the valley campaign and giving clear examples of why and how Charlton and the fans are special. I feel for those growing up now who don't have that. This club is swirling round the shitter.
Having survived all that, this seems so much worse even though we are not Nomads and have a ground. Then we had hope and passion. Now we have a foreign owner who doesn't care less, a wannabe hapless CEO and a squad who probably can't wait to jump ship (those good enough to go elsewhere). Depressing.
Expect I'll get pelters for this but writing was on the wall when Powell was sacked. Got lucky that Riga turned out to be decent although nothing is black and white and we'll never know if it was all down to him. But started losing interest last season even when we were doing okay, just don't feel a connection with the club. Didn't renew season ticket for 3 of us at the beginning of this season and looks like a wise decision in retrospect. Can't see them changing their ways, RD comes across as an arrogant egomaniac. KM is just his mouthpiece, nothing more, she makes no decisions, RM even less of a factor.
You won't get pelters as it's all bleedingly obvious now.
I said it at the time, I stuck up for Poyet when he left because of RD's intentions, people just slated him for leaving; more to that than meets the eye. Similar with the Kermorgant story, he was pushed out the door. When a few people first called KM and the coaches a puppet we got pelters, oh how very true it was. The writing was on the wall for all to see but the majority ignored it.
Feel so sorry for those wanting their young children to support and attend Charlton; my advice... do whatever you feel is best for them, if they are getting bullied - let them wear a different football shirt, there's more to life than Football.
Was speaking to one of the maintainence guys in my building who happens to be a season ticket holder with his little boy. It's the kids I really feel sorry for. Turning up to each match just to leave demoralised and it's hard to see where the next goal will come from, let alone victory. I still dream about one day taking my kids (if and when I have any) to the valley just as I was brought along by my dad as but am starting to wonder what will be left for the next generation.
My poor daughter is living and going to school in the Wendies heartland. Tough times at present for her. The worrying thing is that if they carry on with their form they 'could' get promoted and then would offically be massive with a big fecking M. I hate Wednesday with a passion. Millwall and Palace are a minor irritation in comparison. The poor girl still wears her Red home shirt with pride though.
When Curbs left the building I knew that was the end of top flight football for a long time
When Kermo was allowed to leave and then SCP was told to leave I knew whoever allowed that to happen was a clueless twunt
What's followed hasn't been a surprise , what has been a surprise is my apathy
It's 4am my little one has thrown up 4 times throughout the night , the ibs has kicked in and I'm emptying the comfort eating Cadburys( cheers Charlton) down the pan .....
Our recent demise has made things easier with the Mrs because I no longer put up a fight to go to football , eldest has a tourney this Saturday and will be at that
3 of the 4 do footy training Saturday 9 till midday so won't make the Ipswich game In years gone by we'd have agro trying to sort things out for me to go to football on my own or with one or two of the kids
When Curbs left the building I knew that was the end of top flight football for a long time
When Kermo was allowed to leave and then SCP was told to leave I knew whoever allowed that to happen was a clueless twunt
What's followed hasn't been a surprise , what has been a surprise is my apathy
It's 4am my little one has thrown up 4 times throughout the night , the ibs has kicked in and I'm emptying the comfort eating Cadburys( cheers Charlton) down the pan .....
Our recent demise has made things easier with the Mrs because I no longer put up a fight to go to football , eldest has a tourney this Saturday and will be at that
3 of the 4 do footy training Saturday 9 till midday so won't make the Ipswich game In years gone by we'd have agro trying to sort things out for me to go to football on my own or with one or two of the kids
Thanks Roland
Well if nothing else he has made you realise your kids come before football. Fingers crossed that by the time they fly the nest, this saga will be over and you can enjoy some hassle free football.. Hopefully still at the valley
For me football at the weekend is a release from a hard week at work , a time to see family, spend time with my lad and have a sing song, give the ref abuse and enjoy myself watching the team I love
But apathy has set in, not been since Palace mainly because of being busy at work but in the past I might have found a way to get to MK last night
I'm looking at the fixtures and aside from the fact I think The Massives and Ipswich will probably turn us over its never been a factor in the past, now with an owner who cares so little and players that are either not up to it or not caring I kind of can't be arsed
Coming from someone who missed about 5 games home and away over a 15 year period I feel quite sad saying that...
Taking my son to Charlton is one of the top 10 things I look forward to in life (I know, what a bucket list, its right up there with finish a biro before losing it and read an entire copy of the Sunday times) but I couldn't imagine having to try and lead my kids towards supporting Charlton this season. If we were in league one at least we would have a chance at some goals for us rather than just against us. Kids can be pretty nasty to each other at any given opportunity, no one makes fun of me at work for stuff like that because I just point out that The Sky Sports Stadium in your front room watching [insert generic team here] doesn't count. Then they mostly shut up
It's almost a blessing in disguise then that one of the pre requisites for taking my son to Charlton, finding someone daft enough to sleep with me, is also lacking. So in a way, I win.
The lad said he was bored of Charlton losing and was embarrassed by the boys laughing at him at school.He said that he didn't want to go on Saturday. I took a knee, put a hand on his shoulder and said, 'I don't give a fuck about what you want, you're going whether you like it or not. Now go to your room.'
As a kid in the 70s it was almost "unique" at school to be an Addick. And boy did I take some stick for being one. But you did because it was your club and it was one where you could relate to the players because they weren't on fanciful wages, were local and weren't here today, gone tomorrow.
The football was different too. We had to score five away from home just to be sure of a point. It wasn't like the modern game where everything is played as if it's a game of chess and where wide players are judged by their ability to assist their full back.
This is meant to be an entertainment industry. Where is the "entertainment" in paying over £100 for a family of four to watch a side who find it an issue to muster three shots on target in 90 minutes? A side full of players with no allegiance whatsoever to the Club either because they are journeymen or because they know, as exceptional young players do nowadays, that we are just a stepping stone. How easy is it to support a manager who barely has time to learn the names of his players before his God decides that it is time for him to move on?
Or, dare I say, to endorse an owner and his representative who talk with "forked tongue".
Don't really affect me anymore after some of the things we have been through , but it is now affecting my son poor kids things we put em through , still love my club whatever the circumstances , always worse things in the world like the knuckle dragging spanners winning .
It does need sorting though and this group of players are looking really poor at the moment .
At the moment I did not have that fun anticipation on Saturday that would brighten up the rest of the week, just feeling of not another bloody game, when will it end. leaves the week a bit flat I have to say.
The thing that has shocked me is the complete loss of passion and caring that I have around football. But then every now and then something happens that makes me seriously angry at what is happening.
My oldest son is 7. When he was born one of the first things I dreamed of was having father and son days at Charlton.
I have taken him so far to 4 games. 0-3, 1-3, 1-2 and 0-0. Living in Surrey in Chelsea heartland I was always up against it but I actually don't want to put him through it. The other kids at school laugh at him when he turns up in a Charlton shirt and he is desperate for me to take him to a proper game of football (in his words).
So the other kids at school don't laugh at him.
Broke my heart seeing my boy say that.
Trying to think what I can write that won't be flagged for being OTT.
Katrien, Roland.
JUST
F
OFF
Started taking my son when he was 4 back in the mid 90's he then had his teenage years in the Prem. He is now 21 we have season tickets together and have had pretty much since then and try to attend at least 7/8 away games. I grew up in St Pauls Cray and he often says if only I supported Chelsea or Arsenal!!!! He grew up in Cambridgeshire but like me is Charlton through and through I can only apologise to him ! The good times will return won't they???
It's a strange one for me. A number of factors at play. In no particular order they include:
1. I've reached the stage in life, like many on here, where real life illnesses, tragedies, bereavements etc have given me a bit of perspective about what really matters and what is just a pain in the bum;
2. I really don't like what football has become anymore. It's an obscenity. I barely watch it anymore. I've been clinging to the fact that we are different - a bit old fashioned and all the better for it. But with the dilema of what I'd actually do if we got back to the premier league that I've now grown to despise. I'm perversely enjoying wallowing in our own mire. Until now that is.
3. As a reaction to point 2 above, I've actually been intrigued by the whole Roland thing. Anyone who takes on the footy status quo and tries do something different gets my interest.
4. Two problems with point 3 above: first, he's been revealed to be barking. Second, I don't like being taken for a mug and it feels like it now.
5. My kids are not remotely interested. I've tried. They hate it and they love me enough to be able to give it to me straight.
6. I'm one of those people who just can't resist watching coverage of disasters. There is a soap opera element to all this that I find compelling. If we were a reasonably "normal" club who just aren't very good and are slowly but inexorably heading for the drop (perm any two of the current bottom six) I'd be bored. There is a bit of me thats looking forward to berating the lamentable Fraeye and the despicable Pinocchio on Saturday. I'm odd.
7. I'm still buying season tickets because it keeps me honest. Without it I wouldn't go. I enjoy the day out with my best mate and we have a good chinwag in the car. He's more disillusioned than me. There are other things we could do that would cost less and be more enjoyable (no DaveMehmet, just no!).
So what has it all made me feel like? Sad, reflective and a little angry. But, if I'm honest, I'm not going to give myself another heart attack over it. It's not apathy because I really do care. More a benign resignation. I won't put up with this much longer but I'm not getting my pitchfork out. I'll just make some noise, retreat until the bogeyman has gone and come back and support what's left. Sorry if that's not radical enough but I'm getting so detached from the whole football thing that it's the best I can do.
It's a strange one for me. A number of factors at play. In no particular order they include:
1. I've reached the stage in life, like many on here, where real life illnesses, tragedies, bereavements etc have given me a bit of perspective about what really matters and what is just a pain in the bum;
2. I really don't like what football has become anymore. It's an obscenity. I barely watch it anymore. I've been clinging to the fact that we are different - a bit old fashioned and all the better for it. But with the dilema of what I'd actually do if we got back to the premier league that I've now grown to despise. I'm perversely enjoying wallowing in our own mire. Until now that is.
3. As a reaction to point 2 above, I've actually been intrigued by the whole Roland thing. Anyone who takes on the footy status quo and tries do something different gets my interest.
4. Two problems with point 3 above: first, he's been revealed to be barking. Second, I don't like being taken for a mug and it feels like it now.
Perhaps the club could start up a self help group. It could be part of your season ticket package. My wife has even stopped asking how me did you get on. I am getting a T Shirt that says " We lost"
I too, have stood on the East terrace in a crowd of little more than 3000 watching third division football, but it never seemed as bad as this. Might be because I had my Dad with me for company, but think its more that I always felt the players were trying. They did not always succeed, lost games they should have won, but also won games they really should have lost! So there was always hope, whoever you were playing. Now much older, I too have suffered bereavements and my own battle with bad health, and getting back to watching football was important to me. For a while it was good, but now I just feel why should I make the effort to do a two and half hour journey each way for an owner who clearly had no respect for me or the club I love, and a team that really don't seem to care either. If they don't make an effort, why should I?
As per I watched Sky sports news knowing they might talk about charlton here and there and for other results.
My thoughts are with the travelling fans so wanted us to bring something home for them but the strange self destructive side of me that also like other supporters, wants a revolution at charlton....wanted church to score for added drama so I was ironically disappointed he once again missed a couple of sitters. Although the fact that he did that and this time was against us...is something that's continuously amusing.
When they announced we had 8mins stoppage time with only a goal in it I would usually be feeling on the edge of my seat (well the reduced things you when not at the game like constantly checking the twitter page for updates)
I couldn't have given a shit whether we equalised or not. That is the 1st time I've ever rawly felt not bothered about Charltons success in a match.
I would say what has happened hasn't necessarily affected me in a way that makes me feel particularly down or depressed. Life's bigger then football.
I just feel that I've lost a sense of belonging to a f*cking great football club that I once loved and adored.
Itching to get that feeling back but now I've given up.
I'm fobbing off to Canada for 2 years later this month. Good timing.
Charlton could be in league ,1 league 2, conference they would always be my team, admittedly this season I haven't been to many home games as I don't want to give the current owner any money, but we were there before him and we will be here a long time after him, currently don't have the passion I used to, but I know it will come back
Charlton is part of the car crash of the past month or so for me. All this "life takes over and is more important" is partly true, the early sudden death of a mate, another one nearly popping his clogs, a third probably on his way out. Natural disaster in my home town, and someone I thought was a close pal stitching me up for €100, all in the past 33 days.
BUT - it does not stop what is happening at Charlton hurting too.
The idea that the biggest thing that concerns you is your bet is sad.
The idea that trolling someone is more important than the club you are supposed to support is double sad - you really need help PL54.
And as for your kid Damo, if you want him to take the path of least resistance, then so be it. I have always wanted to kick against the pricks, firstly following Luton from the age of eight and then as an adult, Charlton. I think it makes you a better person to follow the underdog and to stand up to the sheep, but then I know plenty of people from towns like Eastbourne who "support" Liverpool or Manchester Utd, and they are decent enough.
But whatever you do, don't do a "Taxi lad" and encourage the little f**ker to follow someone else...
The thing that has shocked me is the complete loss of passion and caring that I have around football. But then every now and then something happens that makes me seriously angry at what is happening.
My oldest son is 7. When he was born one of the first things I dreamed of was having father and son days at Charlton.
I have taken him so far to 4 games. 0-3, 1-3, 1-2 and 0-0. Living in Surrey in Chelsea heartland I was always up against it but I actually don't want to put him through it. The other kids at school laugh at him when he turns up in a Charlton shirt and he is desperate for me to take him to a proper game of football (in his words).
So the other kids at school don't laugh at him.
Broke my heart seeing my boy say that.
Trying to think what I can write that won't be flagged for being OTT.
Katrien, Roland.
JUST
F
OFF
Mate, My boys have had a life time of supporting a shit team. When they get stick from so called 'chelsea' or 'man u' fans I tell them to come out with one question, "oh yeah, how many Chelsea/Man U games have you been to this season/ in your lifetime?"
Perhaps the club could start up a self help group. It could be part of your season ticket package. My wife has even stopped asking how me did you get on. I am getting a T Shirt that says " We lost"
Don't understand what RD is doing - the appointment of KF is beyond ludicrous. Dread going to watch us now - fully expect us to lose and not even put up a fight. Starting to understand what Luton and Blackpool fans have been through.
To be honest we have had the same season cycle for the past three seasons. I don't think we will escape this time out though.
I love the club to bits and do enjoy going with my Dad, that's it. I am actually worried that we will still have a club in 10 years time.
I am now at the point that I am past caring. Not even fussed about this saturday! We are playing youth players that would not even get into a league 2 team.
Comments
I said it at the time, I stuck up for Poyet when he left because of RD's intentions, people just slated him for leaving; more to that than meets the eye. Similar with the Kermorgant story, he was pushed out the door. When a few people first called KM and the coaches a puppet we got pelters, oh how very true it was. The writing was on the wall for all to see but the majority ignored it.
Feel so sorry for those wanting their young children to support and attend Charlton; my advice... do whatever you feel is best for them, if they are getting bullied - let them wear a different football shirt, there's more to life than Football.
When Kermo was allowed to leave and then SCP was told to leave I knew whoever allowed that to happen was a clueless twunt
What's followed hasn't been a surprise , what has been a surprise is my apathy
It's 4am my little one has thrown up 4 times throughout the night , the ibs has kicked in and I'm emptying the comfort eating Cadburys( cheers Charlton) down the pan .....
Our recent demise has made things easier with the Mrs because I no longer put up a fight to go to football , eldest has a tourney this Saturday and will be at that
3 of the 4 do footy training Saturday 9 till midday so won't make the Ipswich game
In years gone by we'd have agro trying to sort things out for me to go to football on my own or with one or two of the kids
Thanks Roland
For me football at the weekend is a release from a hard week at work , a time to see family, spend time with my lad and have a sing song, give the ref abuse and enjoy myself watching the team I love
But apathy has set in, not been since Palace mainly because of being busy at work but in the past I might have found a way to get to MK last night
I'm looking at the fixtures and aside from the fact I think The Massives and Ipswich will probably turn us over its never been a factor in the past, now with an owner who cares so little and players that are either not up to it or not caring I kind of can't be arsed
Coming from someone who missed about 5 games home and away over a 15 year period I feel quite sad saying that...
It's almost a blessing in disguise then that one of the pre requisites for taking my son to Charlton, finding someone daft enough to sleep with me, is also lacking. So in a way, I win.
I took a knee, put a hand on his shoulder and said,
'I don't give a fuck about what you want, you're going whether you like it or not. Now go to your room.'
Tough love.
Yeah.
The football was different too. We had to score five away from home just to be sure of a point. It wasn't like the modern game where everything is played as if it's a game of chess and where wide players are judged by their ability to assist their full back.
This is meant to be an entertainment industry. Where is the "entertainment" in paying over £100 for a family of four to watch a side who find it an issue to muster three shots on target in 90 minutes? A side full of players with no allegiance whatsoever to the Club either because they are journeymen or because they know, as exceptional young players do nowadays, that we are just a stepping stone. How easy is it to support a manager who barely has time to learn the names of his players before his God decides that it is time for him to move on?
Or, dare I say, to endorse an owner and his representative who talk with "forked tongue".
It does need sorting though and this group of players are looking really poor at the moment .
leaves the week a bit flat I have to say.
He grew up in Cambridgeshire but like me is Charlton through and through I can only apologise to him !
The good times will return won't they???
1. I've reached the stage in life, like many on here, where real life illnesses, tragedies, bereavements etc have given me a bit of perspective about what really matters and what is just a pain in the bum;
2. I really don't like what football has become anymore. It's an obscenity. I barely watch it anymore. I've been clinging to the fact that we are different - a bit old fashioned and all the better for it. But with the dilema of what I'd actually do if we got back to the premier league that I've now grown to despise. I'm perversely enjoying wallowing in our own mire. Until now that is.
3. As a reaction to point 2 above, I've actually been intrigued by the whole Roland thing. Anyone who takes on the footy status quo and tries do something different gets my interest.
4. Two problems with point 3 above: first, he's been revealed to be barking. Second, I don't like being taken for a mug and it feels like it now.
5. My kids are not remotely interested. I've tried. They hate it and they love me enough to be able to give it to me straight.
6. I'm one of those people who just can't resist watching coverage of disasters. There is a soap opera element to all this that I find compelling. If we were a reasonably "normal" club who just aren't very good and are slowly but inexorably heading for the drop (perm any two of the current bottom six) I'd be bored. There is a bit of me thats looking forward to berating the lamentable Fraeye and the despicable Pinocchio on Saturday. I'm odd.
7. I'm still buying season tickets because it keeps me honest. Without it I wouldn't go. I enjoy the day out with my best mate and we have a good chinwag in the car. He's more disillusioned than me. There are other things we could do that would cost less and be more enjoyable (no DaveMehmet, just no!).
So what has it all made me feel like? Sad, reflective and a little angry. But, if I'm honest, I'm not going to give myself another heart attack over it. It's not apathy because I really do care. More a benign resignation. I won't put up with this much longer but I'm not getting my pitchfork out. I'll just make some noise, retreat until the bogeyman has gone and come back and support what's left. Sorry if that's not radical enough but I'm getting so detached from the whole football thing that it's the best I can do.
My wife has even stopped asking how me did you get on. I am getting a T Shirt that says " We lost"
The problem is far more deep rooted than that.
My thoughts are with the travelling fans so wanted us to bring something home for them but the strange self destructive side of me that also like other supporters, wants a revolution at charlton....wanted church to score for added drama so I was ironically disappointed he once again missed a couple of sitters. Although the fact that he did that and this time was against us...is something that's continuously amusing.
When they announced we had 8mins stoppage time with only a goal in it I would usually be feeling on the edge of my seat (well the reduced things you when not at the game like constantly checking the twitter page for updates)
I couldn't have given a shit whether we equalised or not. That is the 1st time I've ever rawly felt not bothered about Charltons success in a match.
I would say what has happened hasn't necessarily affected me in a way that makes me feel particularly down or depressed. Life's bigger then football.
I just feel that I've lost a sense of belonging to a f*cking great football club that I once loved and adored.
Itching to get that feeling back but now I've given up.
I'm fobbing off to Canada for 2 years later this month. Good timing.
BUT - it does not stop what is happening at Charlton hurting too.
The idea that the biggest thing that concerns you is your bet is sad.
The idea that trolling someone is more important than the club you are supposed to support is double sad - you really need help PL54.
And as for your kid Damo, if you want him to take the path of least resistance, then so be it. I have always wanted to kick against the pricks, firstly following Luton from the age of eight and then as an adult, Charlton. I think it makes you a better person to follow the underdog and to stand up to the sheep, but then I know plenty of people from towns like Eastbourne who "support" Liverpool or Manchester Utd, and they are decent enough.
But whatever you do, don't do a "Taxi lad" and encourage the little f**ker to follow someone else...
Normally shuts them up.
Starting to understand what Luton and Blackpool fans have been through.
I love the club to bits and do enjoy going with my Dad, that's it. I am actually worried that we will still have a club in 10 years time.
I am now at the point that I am past caring. Not even fussed about this saturday! We are playing youth players that would not even get into a league 2 team.